Bought a few new discs lately, so here's what's in my bag:
Distance Drivers, most overstable to most understable:
Discraft Force (ESP) (174g) - Just bought it, just thrown it a couple of times in a field. Feels pretty good, probably about the same feel as a Destroyer, which I also liked (and lost). This is a very overstable disc, and I think that will help me torque it into the wind. If not, I'm going to find a Flick, which is even more overstable than the Force. I'm hoping this will be my into-a-headwind distance driver and spike hyzer driver.
I've been wanting to play some Discraft discs, but I've had trouble finding them locally. I got this with my "winnings" in the plastic division of the mini-tournaments I've been playing in. Most of the forehanders I look up to play for Discraft so there is a feeling I'm missing out a little.
Innova Star Monster (175g) - I didn't like this disc at first, but I really do now. I think it's just a matter of time before you learn to throw any disc correctly. This disc works great into the wind if I don't try to throw it too hard. I can turn it over into the wind. In calm weather, which is not common in Corpus Christi, I can throw it really hard and it goes straight. I still am inconsistent, but when I hit it hard and right, it feels great.
Innova Pro Wraith (175g) x2 - bought a spare; I've lost 5 or 6 of these this year. I like this disc, for me it's a great tailwind driver but I can't thrown it hard into a headwind anymore. It used to be this big-impossible-to-turnover disc but now I can't throw it straight on a long drive. Into the wind it throws pretty flat but loops on an annhyzer (like the Roadrunner should, I think). It actually works pretty well as just a stand-there-and-whip-it disc; stand-there-and-whip-it is currently served by my Star Teebird, though. Eventually I might be able to do without the Wraiths or the Teebird.
Innova Star Roadrunner (175g) - right after I bought this, with the intention of using it as my left-turning forehand disc, I read a post by someone who said "there is no reason for any forehander to ever have a Roadrunner, period." I thought that was ridiculous, but I guess I'm getting more snap on my drives because I really struggle to not turn this thing almost on it's lid when I'm simply trying for a little anhyzer. My "little anhyzer" shots are now with Wraiths. The Roadrunner is a decent top-turning roller, but that's all it's doing for me right now. I don't trust it at all. Yeah, yeah, it's the bow not the arrow, but if the bow can't figure out the arrow... I have realized lately that this is a lower speed disc than the Monster, Wraith, TeeRex, Destroyer, etc, and so I've probably just been pushing it too hard, but I'm not finding a place for this except for long trouble shots where a roller is a the best option (and these are rare cases). Guess that dude was right. It may have to go.
Fairway Drivers most overstable to most understable:
Innova Banshee DX (175g) - This is a beat in DX disc, but it's still SO overstable. Amazingly overstable. I love it. I can only get it to go straight in a headwind and pushing it HARD. It will be a great barometer of how much snap I'm getting if I can ever throw it straight for 300 feet with a tailwind. Right now I use it for "guaranteed hyzers" -- from 250 on in. I use it for approaches more than my mid-range discs because it's so reliable. I don't know if this is an one-run abberation -- the Innova site doesn't talk about this being hugely overstable, like I'd think -- but if it's not, I'm always, always, always going to have a Banshee, just for my security blanket.
Innova Star Teebird (175g) - Ooo, but if you throw this right, you can thrown it straight. Last mini, I had two great throws with it. On one, I was worried about overdriving a 200 foot approach, didn't trust either of my mids (Shark & Cobra) to not turn over and roll somewhere unwanted, and the wind was strong left-to-right with a big tree there, too, so no Banshee. I only had a straight shot and it was either the Wraith or Teebird. I went TB. Since I was worried about over-shooting the hole, I just relaxed and tried to keep it low and straight -- and did I, wow. I overshot of course, but it felt great. If I'd relax like that more, instead of trying to crush everything, I'd be in pretty good shape, probably.
I don't really have an understable fairway driver and can't think of when I'd really need one. I'd probably just throw RHBH, which I can't do for big distance, but I can toss the Teebird or Wraith 250 feet on a sweeping hyzer easily, so that works.
Mid-range most overstable to most understable:
Innova Star Gator (175g) - I wanted a Discraft Drone but since I couldn't find one locally, I went for the Gator when I had a chance. I need -- badly -- an overstable mid-range because I'm always turning over my mid-ranges. I can't throw them at all into a headwind or right-to-left crosswind. I haven't thrown the Gator much, but I just took it out a field on a windy day and compared the Shark, Cobra & Gator and, wow, this is precisely what I wanted. I hope I continue to find it as useful as today. It's a huge problem for me, the inconsistent mid-range game. I can lay up from about 100 feet in with my putter (though I frequently miss the 15-footer!), but if I'm around 200 feet I often don't trust my mids and go for a sweeping hyzer with a Wraith or Banshee (sometimes the Monster). With the Gator, I'm hoping I'll have no situations where I can't play a straight-shot if I want. The Cobra and Shark do pretty well with tailwinds or calm days but I just can't put as much oomph on them as I'd like with shanking them badly. Yeah, bow not arrow. I got it.
Innova Star Shark (175g) - Man, this is my back-and-forth disc. I sometimes wonder why I have it. I love it some days, hate it others. Most rounds, I don't use it. It goes: Driver, maybe another Driver (if I shanked the first drive, or if I am spiking a 200 foot approach), then the putter, putter putter, however many times I need it (way, way too often!!). I bet most rounds the Shark doesn't see the light of day... but I still keep it in my bag. It's got this hold over me. Anyway, it flies a lot like my putters, though it seems a bit more stable and can be thrown a little harder & farther. I think it's a good wood-holes mid/short disc; you know, holes where you'd throw your DX putter but worry about tacoing on a tree. That's what the shark would work for.
Innova Star Cobra (CFR) (175g) - I don't use this one much in rounds, either, especially on roomy courses. I just don't trust it that much... don't feel like I can put it within 20 feet of the basket reliably. But, I really like the feel of the Cobra and it's flat inner lip. This is the most comfortable disc. I really want to get reliable with it, as I think it offers me the most versatility.
Putter:
Innova Aviar Putt 'n Approach, DX (175g) x4 - I have one I really like, but the other three are different molds or something. No two feel the same (some stiff on the rim, flopping in the middle, one rock hard throughout, one just right). I bought four to practice putting with, but after months of not getting any better, I've gone to a practice routine where I use only one putter. I think the putting routine is more important right now -- more important that making it, yes -- get in a game with some friends or a mini and I don't do my routine and I stink. I've spent a year trying to figure out what putting style is comfortable and I'm confident I've found it. Probably is, it often takes me three or four throws to remember exactly what to do to get the right "feel." And, of course, I get one chance.
When I'm practicing, I'm hitting everything 12 feet in, 9 of 10 from 15 and probably 6 or 7 of 10 from 20. I know that's not great, but wait for it... it's better than what I do in a round, where even a 12 footer seems like a football field away. By concentrating on my routine and reliably getting that "feel" the first time, I think I'll be good. When I settle down during a round and do my routine, I putt really well (this usually happens about hole 16 when I think, "crap, I'm sucking AGAIN... oh, yeah, I forgot about my putting routine!!"). So, for practicing, instead of have 2 or 4 discs and holding several in my hand while I do the routine half-assed or only sometimes, I just use one, putt, go get it, go back and do another. No bang, bang, bang. All routine.
The other three putters are all but useless unless I lose my Peach colored APnA and need to replace it.
Showing posts with label what's in my bag. Show all posts
Showing posts with label what's in my bag. Show all posts
Monday, October 13, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
What's in my Bag #3
Here's what is in my bag right now.
Distance Drivers
Star Destroyer (175g) - Gone. Lost in West Guth's pond. I tried to find it for 45 minutes. :-). Someday I might go back, but it's so much like the Wraith that I'm sticking with my Pro Wraiths right now because I like the Pro plastic.
Pro Wraith (174g, 175g) - Now my main driver, and bought a new Pro Wraith (with a great dye job, my first). The second one is 175g, which is my preferred throwing weight. Don't see ever getting out of this disc.
Star Monster (175g) - Getting happier with the Monster. The Firebird I had, I lost (threw it, threw my approach, walked away! Ugh!!!). I think I like the Pro plastic better -- the Star plastic is very grippy (at least this time of year, with high humidity). Unfortunately, I have mostly Star plastic. I'll probably get used to it, like I did this disc.
Champion Beast (172g) - Still in my bag, but I haven't used it during a round for a long time. Just use it when practicing in a field. I have decided that the plastic is okay during this time of year, when the Star stuff is too sticky. If Innova keeps making the Pro discs (heard a rumor the manufacturer no longer makes the plastic for "Pro"), then I'll keep buying them.
Star Roadrunner (175g). This is a good long range roller and specialty disc. I tend to turn it over too much. I just can't get out of the habit of putting a wing up for the sweeping annies and I end up rolling it a bunch. Once it stops raining here, I'm going to spend a lot of time learning to throw this one flat so it does it's proper job.
Pro Firebird (175g) Lost. R.I.P.
Fairway Drivers
DX Banshee (175g) - Still like this disc, the unlikeliest of discs. I don't know if it's just this one Banshee but I defy you to throw it straight. It's even well-beat. It's a good short-range hyzer disc and I have several holes it's perfect for.
DX Teebird (170g): Just bought it but haven't used it. Will buy a Star copy if I like it. Bought Star copy (not available in Pro). GREAT short-range driver. Bought a 175g. The DX is already pretty beat up, so I'll probably retire it to the "for newbie friends" pile. We'll see. Might keep it for a understable short-range driver.
Mid-range
Star Cobra (180g) - Bought a CFR online ($23!!!). But, it's a great disc. Keeping the DX in my bag to try to learn a left-leaning roller (might find that the Roadrunner works better, though). Love this disc in both DX & Star.
Star Shark (175g) - Okay, figured it out. I've quickly added a very good short-range forehand game. I used to be backhand from about 200 ft in just because of control. But in one day I figured out the control forehand shot and can throw the Shark or Cobra very, very accurately. I also can throw my putters almost anywhere I want now too (okay, I still miff a lot, but when I get more consistent). Very happy with the Shark now.
DX Skeeter (174g): Read what I wrote in my WIMB #2 entry about the Skeeter. Turns out, I hate it. Flippy, flippy. Probably great for a beginner without power. I can't throw it at all. No longer in bag.
Putt & Approach
Aviar P&A (175g) - Used to have two in my bag, but the Shark/Cobra combo removes the need for the newer putter. Now I just have the beat up Peach putter.
Distance Drivers
Star Destroyer (175g) - Gone. Lost in West Guth's pond. I tried to find it for 45 minutes. :-). Someday I might go back, but it's so much like the Wraith that I'm sticking with my Pro Wraiths right now because I like the Pro plastic.
Pro Wraith (174g, 175g) - Now my main driver, and bought a new Pro Wraith (with a great dye job, my first). The second one is 175g, which is my preferred throwing weight. Don't see ever getting out of this disc.
Star Monster (175g) - Getting happier with the Monster. The Firebird I had, I lost (threw it, threw my approach, walked away! Ugh!!!). I think I like the Pro plastic better -- the Star plastic is very grippy (at least this time of year, with high humidity). Unfortunately, I have mostly Star plastic. I'll probably get used to it, like I did this disc.
Champion Beast (172g) - Still in my bag, but I haven't used it during a round for a long time. Just use it when practicing in a field. I have decided that the plastic is okay during this time of year, when the Star stuff is too sticky. If Innova keeps making the Pro discs (heard a rumor the manufacturer no longer makes the plastic for "Pro"), then I'll keep buying them.
Star Roadrunner (175g). This is a good long range roller and specialty disc. I tend to turn it over too much. I just can't get out of the habit of putting a wing up for the sweeping annies and I end up rolling it a bunch. Once it stops raining here, I'm going to spend a lot of time learning to throw this one flat so it does it's proper job.
Pro Firebird (175g) Lost. R.I.P.
Fairway Drivers
DX Banshee (175g) - Still like this disc, the unlikeliest of discs. I don't know if it's just this one Banshee but I defy you to throw it straight. It's even well-beat. It's a good short-range hyzer disc and I have several holes it's perfect for.
DX Teebird (170g): Just bought it but haven't used it. Will buy a Star copy if I like it. Bought Star copy (not available in Pro). GREAT short-range driver. Bought a 175g. The DX is already pretty beat up, so I'll probably retire it to the "for newbie friends" pile. We'll see. Might keep it for a understable short-range driver.
Mid-range
Star Cobra (180g) - Bought a CFR online ($23!!!). But, it's a great disc. Keeping the DX in my bag to try to learn a left-leaning roller (might find that the Roadrunner works better, though). Love this disc in both DX & Star.
Star Shark (175g) - Okay, figured it out. I've quickly added a very good short-range forehand game. I used to be backhand from about 200 ft in just because of control. But in one day I figured out the control forehand shot and can throw the Shark or Cobra very, very accurately. I also can throw my putters almost anywhere I want now too (okay, I still miff a lot, but when I get more consistent). Very happy with the Shark now.
DX Skeeter (174g): Read what I wrote in my WIMB #2 entry about the Skeeter. Turns out, I hate it. Flippy, flippy. Probably great for a beginner without power. I can't throw it at all. No longer in bag.
Putt & Approach
Aviar P&A (175g) - Used to have two in my bag, but the Shark/Cobra combo removes the need for the newer putter. Now I just have the beat up Peach putter.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
What's in my Bag #2
In my first "What's in my Bag" I wrote about every disc I have ever used. Now, to what is currently in my bag. I will update as needed, you might notice duplicate information but I'll try to highlight changes.
Distance Drivers
Star Destroyer (175g) - great general driver; for straight long shots to minor fades & hyzers. I really like how this feels.
Pro Wraith (174g) - Don't use it much, opting for the Destroyer instead, but still comparing it and don't want to give up on it yet. I might find I like it better than the Destroyer as I get better and longer with my drives.
Star Monster (175g) - I'm only keeping this until I figure out if the Firebird can replace it. If not, I'll probably pick up a Teerex and see if the Teerex can replace it. I need to play a few afternoons with a decent breeze to really know. I'm dying to find something as I don't really like the grip on the Monster.
Champion Beast (172g) - The Destroyer and the Roadrunner are beginning to see more playing time but I'm not cutting the Beast yet. I'm finding that Champion plastic isn't for me, though. I'm not 100% sure about that, because this is my only Champion disc. Might be the narrow rim. Either way, you might be reading about this one on the waiver wire soon.
Star Roadrunner (175g). I really like this disc. I bought it for two holes with sweeping lefts that I have trouble with and it works great. It also works great as a tailwind driver and for tunnel shots. It's very versatile and I could see the day where I might have something like a Firebird/Teerex, Destroyer and a Roadrunner and that's it... all strong Star plastic so I wouldn't have to deal with changing characteristics but would have essentially an overstable, stable and understable in grips I like.
Pro Firebird (175g) Not yet used, just bought it today.
Fairway Drivers
DX Banshee (175g) - Until I can figure out a short-range hyzer, this one isn't leaving my bag. I don't like it for it's "real" use, but when I need a dead low speed sweeping hyzer (just think of how you threw when you first started), this is a perfect disc. Hole #6 at Live Oak Park is about 200' straight, then a hard right turn. I always overthrow the Wraith & Destroyer even if I put nothing on them, but the Banshee goes about 200 and dies right hard to the right (I throw RHFH).
DX Teebird (170g): Just bought it but haven't used it. Will buy a Star copy if I like it.
Mid-range
DX Cobra (177g) - I love this disc. For a RHFH thrower and my grip, it's a great. I can toss it 250 easily but it's quickly beating in and I keep ending up way left. I am trying to locate a Pro version of it for durability, but still... it's starts understable and any beat-in makes it moreso, so I still need a stable to overstable mid-range.
DX Skeeter (174g): This is the stable mid-range. I haven't used it yet, but I have high hopes for it. I'm finally good enough that I can throw a mid-range farther than I could a driver 8 months ago and my drives are hard to control if I try to finesse them with 50% power. I don't like the deeper rims of the Shark & Roc, but the Cobra and Skeeter have shallow rims and are really comfortable. Crossing my fingers. If I end up liking it, I'll buy it in Star for durability because at this point I don't want to deal with changing characteristics on my discs (maybe someday I'll be that good...). If it works out, this will be my primary short-tunnel disc and I'll need the durability.
Putt & Approach
Aviar P&A (2 x 175g) - the aged one for putting, the newer one for longer approaches (anything within 150'), especially into the wind. I'm learning a decent forehand annhyzer on this one, too.
Distance Drivers
Star Destroyer (175g) - great general driver; for straight long shots to minor fades & hyzers. I really like how this feels.
Pro Wraith (174g) - Don't use it much, opting for the Destroyer instead, but still comparing it and don't want to give up on it yet. I might find I like it better than the Destroyer as I get better and longer with my drives.
Star Monster (175g) - I'm only keeping this until I figure out if the Firebird can replace it. If not, I'll probably pick up a Teerex and see if the Teerex can replace it. I need to play a few afternoons with a decent breeze to really know. I'm dying to find something as I don't really like the grip on the Monster.
Champion Beast (172g) - The Destroyer and the Roadrunner are beginning to see more playing time but I'm not cutting the Beast yet. I'm finding that Champion plastic isn't for me, though. I'm not 100% sure about that, because this is my only Champion disc. Might be the narrow rim. Either way, you might be reading about this one on the waiver wire soon.
Star Roadrunner (175g). I really like this disc. I bought it for two holes with sweeping lefts that I have trouble with and it works great. It also works great as a tailwind driver and for tunnel shots. It's very versatile and I could see the day where I might have something like a Firebird/Teerex, Destroyer and a Roadrunner and that's it... all strong Star plastic so I wouldn't have to deal with changing characteristics but would have essentially an overstable, stable and understable in grips I like.
Pro Firebird (175g) Not yet used, just bought it today.
Fairway Drivers
DX Banshee (175g) - Until I can figure out a short-range hyzer, this one isn't leaving my bag. I don't like it for it's "real" use, but when I need a dead low speed sweeping hyzer (just think of how you threw when you first started), this is a perfect disc. Hole #6 at Live Oak Park is about 200' straight, then a hard right turn. I always overthrow the Wraith & Destroyer even if I put nothing on them, but the Banshee goes about 200 and dies right hard to the right (I throw RHFH).
DX Teebird (170g): Just bought it but haven't used it. Will buy a Star copy if I like it.
Mid-range
DX Cobra (177g) - I love this disc. For a RHFH thrower and my grip, it's a great. I can toss it 250 easily but it's quickly beating in and I keep ending up way left. I am trying to locate a Pro version of it for durability, but still... it's starts understable and any beat-in makes it moreso, so I still need a stable to overstable mid-range.
DX Skeeter (174g): This is the stable mid-range. I haven't used it yet, but I have high hopes for it. I'm finally good enough that I can throw a mid-range farther than I could a driver 8 months ago and my drives are hard to control if I try to finesse them with 50% power. I don't like the deeper rims of the Shark & Roc, but the Cobra and Skeeter have shallow rims and are really comfortable. Crossing my fingers. If I end up liking it, I'll buy it in Star for durability because at this point I don't want to deal with changing characteristics on my discs (maybe someday I'll be that good...). If it works out, this will be my primary short-tunnel disc and I'll need the durability.
Putt & Approach
Aviar P&A (2 x 175g) - the aged one for putting, the newer one for longer approaches (anything within 150'), especially into the wind. I'm learning a decent forehand annhyzer on this one, too.
What's in my Bag #1
I love reading about what people, pros or joes, have in their bag. I'm going to make this a series give the current status and update with a copied post every time it changes. For this first post, I'm going to list everything I've ever used, even if I don't use it now.
(Note: I'm not crushing everything, but I'm 6'/210 and throw almost exclusively sidearm/forehand, even on huge left doglegs and tunnels. We're all different, it's just better for me. I can't throw a driver well at all backhand, though mid-range discs under 250' I'm okay.
Distance Drivers
Star Destroyer (175g) - oh, but this one feels right. The bevelled rim is wide, and it feels odd sometimes, but I really like it. I have plenty of power (I'm not great at utilizing it... matching power/arm speed to the snap) so this one is great. I can throw it arrow straight or put it a little higher and just bank it up a little for a left-to-right forehand hyzer that hits with a spike.
Star Teerex (175g) - great into the wind disc that I like as much as the Destroyer. I had & lost two of these, and miss them. I'm in a stage of trying out a lot of discs and have used a Banshee, Monster and (just bought but haven't yet used) a Firebird as my headwind distance drivers. Don't really like the Banshee, really don't like the Monster -- weird grip feel on the forehand, ugh. If the Firebird doesn't do it, then I'm buying another Star TeeRex for my headwind shots. You have to have a good headwind driver where I live (South Texas) as we get lots of wind year round (I moved here in 2001 for the windsurfing...).
Star Wraith (172, 174, 175g) - Good disc, but the Destroyer is pretty much doing the same thing. I've had several after finding one in a tree, using it for a week & loving it (pre-Destroyer days), then finding it's owner and returning it. I might go back if I ever decide it's better than the Destroyer but it's not looking good.
Pro Wraith (174, 175g) - I only have one left, one somebody gave my son (who has given up the sport for now). I don't use it much but have it for practice and for when I wonder if I really like the Destroyer better.
Star Monster (175g) - I don't like this disc at all. I've crushed it a couple of times on windward drives and it's done well, but don't like the feel of the grip. I don't know what to do with it. It's not for beginners (very unfriendly rim & dome and cranks hard hyzers with little glide potential) so maybe I'll just keep it for reference or find someone who loves Monsters and work out a trade.
Champion Beast (172g) - I bought this because I wanted something I could easily turn over, for high, over-the-trees shots that I needed to come left a lot. I end up flipping it too far 8-of-10 tries though, so that didn't work out. I have used it with great results as a tailwind distance driver. It's pretty sweet for that, but the Roadrunner is more fun. Part of it is the Champion plastic. This is my only Champion disc and me-no-likey. Star & Pro and better for me and how slippery it can be here, where it's either hot & humid, hot & raining, cool & humid or cool & raining, so anything that's slippery is out. Having said that, I haven't given this disc up yet, but I have a friend who I'm going to loan it to, to see if they like it.
Star Roadrunner (175g). I really like this disc. I bought it for two holes with sweeping lefts that I have trouble with and it works great. It also works great as a tailwind driver and for tunnel shots. It's very versatile and I could see the day where I might have something like a Firebird/Teerex, Destroyer and a Roadrunner and that's it... all strong Star plastic so I wouldn't have to deal with changing characteristics but would have essentially an overstable, stable and understable in grips I like.
Fairway Drivers
DX Eagle - First disc I ever lost, put it in a pond, couldn't find it. I've used a few of these, at the beginning of my playing days and never could throw it worth-a-darn. Probably could now, but there are other discs that are similar to it.
DX Banshee - Seem to be the most common "found" disc in the courses I play. Must be easy to lose or maybe just really popular because it's so windy here. I don't really like this disc very much as a fairway driver, but it's still in my bag because if I need a huge hyzer shot from about 150-200' feet, I can just flick this thing out there flat without the speed and snap it needs and that's that, hyzer city.
I can throw a great forehand annhyzer with a variety of discs, mid, fairway or distance. Close in I can float in an anny just right. Close in hyzers? Not at all. A finesse forehand hyzer eludes me, but the Banshee eliminates the need.
DX Gazelle - I've had a few of these, never figured them out. My current DX version is very beat up and somewhat light so I have it in my loaner bag. Since it's so beat, it plays pretty good for someone who's just getting the hang of drivers.
Mid-range
Pro Roc - I play mid-range discs mostly forehand, too. I can throw this a lot farther backhand (maybe 250') and it throws straight. Having said that, I'm not comfortable backhand, and the rim on the Roc is too deep for my forehand/sidearm grip, so I usually just loan this to people who are starting out and want something pretty easy to throw straightish. I was given my Roc by a guy who got it at a tourney but already had a dozen of them. I feel kind of stupid that I don't love this disc, because apparently everyone does.
Star Shark - I bought this before I was given the Roc. I can't really tell the difference between the two. Everyone loves the Roc and hardly mention the Shark, though, so there must be something there. This one has a similar interior rim (to the Roc), so it doesn't work that well for me. I can throw this one backhand pretty far, but see above about that. It's also in my loaner bag because it seems to be easy to throw flat for 150' if you are learning and haven't really figured out the power part. You can also putt with it, so it makes for a good one disc round.
DX Cobra - one of the first discs I owned. I LOVE this disc. Definitely my go-to mid-range. The rim is shallow and fits my forehand grip perfectly. I have a DX right now and can't find a Pro version to buy. The problem is... DX beats up so quickly and the Cobra is pretty understable to start, so now I have a very understable Cobra that's useless into the wind. When I finally decide to use a roller, I'll probably use this disc, though. In the meantime, I bought a DX Skeeter, which feels good. Hopefully I'll like it, as it starts out stable and might last longer. If I like the DX, I'll buy it in Star, too. I'm hoping the Skeeter replaces the Cobra, but if it doesn't, I'll probably use a Pro Cobra and a Star Skeeter as my only two mid-range discs to cover the types of shots I need from that distance.
Stingray - I bought this and put it in the jungle on it's 1st shot ever. Finally got it down 90 minutes later but that was the peak love for this disc. In it's defense, I didn't know how to finesse it. I bought it for the reason I now have a Roadrunner, and was putting way, way too much power-per-snap on it, so it never flew flat, just flipped wildly and started rolling off in whichever-ole-direction. I loaned it to a new player and he promptly moved (the next day, but I didn't find out for weeks). Haven't seen it since.
Putt & Approach
Aviar P&A (172, 174, 175g) - for a month I played all my rounds at Lamar Park with the 175g "Peach" (it's color). I learned so much then, and my scores were about the same as when I used a bunch of drivers I didn't know how to throw well and would scatter all over the place. Within a round, I could put this putter almost exactly where I wanted it up to about 200' (and then would start getting wild... if started with enough hyzer, it will flip flat and go 300', but what's the use of that when there are 1,000,000,000,000,000 different mid-range discs to choose from?).
As practice I highly recommend using your putter for EVERY shot for a month at your course. It forces you to learn that puppy, even if it takes you several shots to go where one used to take you. Thing is, short parks reward accuracy. I was throwing my driver all over the place and soon was able to go pretty much where I wanted with my putter. I could sometime park a drive right at the hole, but if I was more than 20 feet out then I was still two shots away. With the putter I'd go 200 then 80 then 20 instead of 270 then 30 (miss) and 20. Not much diff, especially if I was wild with the driver (common at the time, still happens sometimes). I might hit for 270 but still be 80 feet away, maybe risk OB... being able to drive the hole makes little difference if you have to two putt. Having said that, I'm no Ken Climo, but I'm better than I would have been. I also spend way too much time practicing drives because I'm a man, I have an ego and parking a drive at the basket is a great feeling.
I now use the P&A for anything within 150', nearly all backhand. I don't like to throw it forehand unless I'm ~75' away and can bring it in with a sweeping annhyzer flick. I can do that shot pretty well.
Other
The coolest disc I ever had I got for my birthday in the early 90's. I don't know what model it was or who made it, but it had dimples all over it just like a golf ball. I lost it in a pond and though it had my name on it and someone even called me about it, I never could connect. :-(
I know it's currently popular to have multiple versions of the exact same disc, and I understand why (if you don't, the reason is that once you get comfortable with a disc, having several "ages" allows you to use a disc you know well for various shots. The more nicks, scrapes and dents a disc gets, the more it tends to fly straight or start bending the opposite way (if you throw right-handed backhand, that would be right, for me (right hand forehand) it's left. This is good because with a familiar grip and disc you can have an array of shots without having to change your motion.). Perhaps one day I'll do that, but for now I'm hoping for a bag like this:
Distance:
Pro Teerex - headwind driver, right turning (RHFH) driver
Pro Destroyer - general distance
Pro Roadrunner - tailwinds and left-turning shots
Fairway:
Star Teebird - tons of people use this one and I bought a DX. We'll see if I end up liking it.
Mid-range:
Star Skeeter - Straight mid-range
Pro Cobra - if I need something to fade left once-in-awhile
Putt & Approach:
DX Aviar P&A (though I may upgrade to Star... I usually replace when I lose, but I've never lost a putter).
Seven discs that will cover me perfectly, if it works out. Initially, I wanted to get to know a putter, a mid-range and a driver and not get into a huge bag. For almost two years I did it, but then I started realizing how much wind affects the discs and how much the right disc and weight can change things. After I get familiar with these discs, if I find I have a hole in the quiver of discs, I'll test out trying to fill it with different disc weights.
Hans
(Note: I'm not crushing everything, but I'm 6'/210 and throw almost exclusively sidearm/forehand, even on huge left doglegs and tunnels. We're all different, it's just better for me. I can't throw a driver well at all backhand, though mid-range discs under 250' I'm okay.
Distance Drivers
Star Destroyer (175g) - oh, but this one feels right. The bevelled rim is wide, and it feels odd sometimes, but I really like it. I have plenty of power (I'm not great at utilizing it... matching power/arm speed to the snap) so this one is great. I can throw it arrow straight or put it a little higher and just bank it up a little for a left-to-right forehand hyzer that hits with a spike.
Star Teerex (175g) - great into the wind disc that I like as much as the Destroyer. I had & lost two of these, and miss them. I'm in a stage of trying out a lot of discs and have used a Banshee, Monster and (just bought but haven't yet used) a Firebird as my headwind distance drivers. Don't really like the Banshee, really don't like the Monster -- weird grip feel on the forehand, ugh. If the Firebird doesn't do it, then I'm buying another Star TeeRex for my headwind shots. You have to have a good headwind driver where I live (South Texas) as we get lots of wind year round (I moved here in 2001 for the windsurfing...).
Star Wraith (172, 174, 175g) - Good disc, but the Destroyer is pretty much doing the same thing. I've had several after finding one in a tree, using it for a week & loving it (pre-Destroyer days), then finding it's owner and returning it. I might go back if I ever decide it's better than the Destroyer but it's not looking good.
Pro Wraith (174, 175g) - I only have one left, one somebody gave my son (who has given up the sport for now). I don't use it much but have it for practice and for when I wonder if I really like the Destroyer better.
Star Monster (175g) - I don't like this disc at all. I've crushed it a couple of times on windward drives and it's done well, but don't like the feel of the grip. I don't know what to do with it. It's not for beginners (very unfriendly rim & dome and cranks hard hyzers with little glide potential) so maybe I'll just keep it for reference or find someone who loves Monsters and work out a trade.
Champion Beast (172g) - I bought this because I wanted something I could easily turn over, for high, over-the-trees shots that I needed to come left a lot. I end up flipping it too far 8-of-10 tries though, so that didn't work out. I have used it with great results as a tailwind distance driver. It's pretty sweet for that, but the Roadrunner is more fun. Part of it is the Champion plastic. This is my only Champion disc and me-no-likey. Star & Pro and better for me and how slippery it can be here, where it's either hot & humid, hot & raining, cool & humid or cool & raining, so anything that's slippery is out. Having said that, I haven't given this disc up yet, but I have a friend who I'm going to loan it to, to see if they like it.
Star Roadrunner (175g). I really like this disc. I bought it for two holes with sweeping lefts that I have trouble with and it works great. It also works great as a tailwind driver and for tunnel shots. It's very versatile and I could see the day where I might have something like a Firebird/Teerex, Destroyer and a Roadrunner and that's it... all strong Star plastic so I wouldn't have to deal with changing characteristics but would have essentially an overstable, stable and understable in grips I like.
Fairway Drivers
DX Eagle - First disc I ever lost, put it in a pond, couldn't find it. I've used a few of these, at the beginning of my playing days and never could throw it worth-a-darn. Probably could now, but there are other discs that are similar to it.
DX Banshee - Seem to be the most common "found" disc in the courses I play. Must be easy to lose or maybe just really popular because it's so windy here. I don't really like this disc very much as a fairway driver, but it's still in my bag because if I need a huge hyzer shot from about 150-200' feet, I can just flick this thing out there flat without the speed and snap it needs and that's that, hyzer city.
I can throw a great forehand annhyzer with a variety of discs, mid, fairway or distance. Close in I can float in an anny just right. Close in hyzers? Not at all. A finesse forehand hyzer eludes me, but the Banshee eliminates the need.
DX Gazelle - I've had a few of these, never figured them out. My current DX version is very beat up and somewhat light so I have it in my loaner bag. Since it's so beat, it plays pretty good for someone who's just getting the hang of drivers.
Mid-range
Pro Roc - I play mid-range discs mostly forehand, too. I can throw this a lot farther backhand (maybe 250') and it throws straight. Having said that, I'm not comfortable backhand, and the rim on the Roc is too deep for my forehand/sidearm grip, so I usually just loan this to people who are starting out and want something pretty easy to throw straightish. I was given my Roc by a guy who got it at a tourney but already had a dozen of them. I feel kind of stupid that I don't love this disc, because apparently everyone does.
Star Shark - I bought this before I was given the Roc. I can't really tell the difference between the two. Everyone loves the Roc and hardly mention the Shark, though, so there must be something there. This one has a similar interior rim (to the Roc), so it doesn't work that well for me. I can throw this one backhand pretty far, but see above about that. It's also in my loaner bag because it seems to be easy to throw flat for 150' if you are learning and haven't really figured out the power part. You can also putt with it, so it makes for a good one disc round.
DX Cobra - one of the first discs I owned. I LOVE this disc. Definitely my go-to mid-range. The rim is shallow and fits my forehand grip perfectly. I have a DX right now and can't find a Pro version to buy. The problem is... DX beats up so quickly and the Cobra is pretty understable to start, so now I have a very understable Cobra that's useless into the wind. When I finally decide to use a roller, I'll probably use this disc, though. In the meantime, I bought a DX Skeeter, which feels good. Hopefully I'll like it, as it starts out stable and might last longer. If I like the DX, I'll buy it in Star, too. I'm hoping the Skeeter replaces the Cobra, but if it doesn't, I'll probably use a Pro Cobra and a Star Skeeter as my only two mid-range discs to cover the types of shots I need from that distance.
Stingray - I bought this and put it in the jungle on it's 1st shot ever. Finally got it down 90 minutes later but that was the peak love for this disc. In it's defense, I didn't know how to finesse it. I bought it for the reason I now have a Roadrunner, and was putting way, way too much power-per-snap on it, so it never flew flat, just flipped wildly and started rolling off in whichever-ole-direction. I loaned it to a new player and he promptly moved (the next day, but I didn't find out for weeks). Haven't seen it since.
Putt & Approach
Aviar P&A (172, 174, 175g) - for a month I played all my rounds at Lamar Park with the 175g "Peach" (it's color). I learned so much then, and my scores were about the same as when I used a bunch of drivers I didn't know how to throw well and would scatter all over the place. Within a round, I could put this putter almost exactly where I wanted it up to about 200' (and then would start getting wild... if started with enough hyzer, it will flip flat and go 300', but what's the use of that when there are 1,000,000,000,000,000 different mid-range discs to choose from?).
As practice I highly recommend using your putter for EVERY shot for a month at your course. It forces you to learn that puppy, even if it takes you several shots to go where one used to take you. Thing is, short parks reward accuracy. I was throwing my driver all over the place and soon was able to go pretty much where I wanted with my putter. I could sometime park a drive right at the hole, but if I was more than 20 feet out then I was still two shots away. With the putter I'd go 200 then 80 then 20 instead of 270 then 30 (miss) and 20. Not much diff, especially if I was wild with the driver (common at the time, still happens sometimes). I might hit for 270 but still be 80 feet away, maybe risk OB... being able to drive the hole makes little difference if you have to two putt. Having said that, I'm no Ken Climo, but I'm better than I would have been. I also spend way too much time practicing drives because I'm a man, I have an ego and parking a drive at the basket is a great feeling.
I now use the P&A for anything within 150', nearly all backhand. I don't like to throw it forehand unless I'm ~75' away and can bring it in with a sweeping annhyzer flick. I can do that shot pretty well.
Other
The coolest disc I ever had I got for my birthday in the early 90's. I don't know what model it was or who made it, but it had dimples all over it just like a golf ball. I lost it in a pond and though it had my name on it and someone even called me about it, I never could connect. :-(
I know it's currently popular to have multiple versions of the exact same disc, and I understand why (if you don't, the reason is that once you get comfortable with a disc, having several "ages" allows you to use a disc you know well for various shots. The more nicks, scrapes and dents a disc gets, the more it tends to fly straight or start bending the opposite way (if you throw right-handed backhand, that would be right, for me (right hand forehand) it's left. This is good because with a familiar grip and disc you can have an array of shots without having to change your motion.). Perhaps one day I'll do that, but for now I'm hoping for a bag like this:
Distance:
Pro Teerex - headwind driver, right turning (RHFH) driver
Pro Destroyer - general distance
Pro Roadrunner - tailwinds and left-turning shots
Fairway:
Star Teebird - tons of people use this one and I bought a DX. We'll see if I end up liking it.
Mid-range:
Star Skeeter - Straight mid-range
Pro Cobra - if I need something to fade left once-in-awhile
Putt & Approach:
DX Aviar P&A (though I may upgrade to Star... I usually replace when I lose, but I've never lost a putter).
Seven discs that will cover me perfectly, if it works out. Initially, I wanted to get to know a putter, a mid-range and a driver and not get into a huge bag. For almost two years I did it, but then I started realizing how much wind affects the discs and how much the right disc and weight can change things. After I get familiar with these discs, if I find I have a hole in the quiver of discs, I'll test out trying to fill it with different disc weights.
Hans
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