For non-sponsored disc golfers, brand loyalty is a funny topic. Some “brand fans” insist that throwing a single manufacturer’s plastic is the way to go. Others are convinced that, without any kind of contract in place, it’s smart to open up your bag to more options – the mixed bag is best.
But what about touring professionals?
You know, the guys (and gals) who actually know what they’re doing out on the course …
In short, yes, it’s an advantage. But no, it’s not a sizable one.
All of disc golf’s major manufacturers create putters, midranges, fairway drivers and distance drivers that produce each of the three desired flight paths: understandable, stable and overstable.
Whether you’re an amateur or competing for World Championships, the single-most important factor for choosing the right disc for you and your game is how the disc “feels” in your hand.
Comfort.
If Ricky Wysocki throws a BT Hard Harp, it’ll do what it’s intended – forehand or backhand, fly straight, bite right or left and land softly with little movement. If he tosses a Pro Pig instead, it’ll basically do the same thing. For Ricky, though, the flight’s not the biggest issue …
Yet again, comfort – it’s always comfort.
The differences in design might seem subtle, but for a professional, they’re key:
- The Harp has a bead. The Pig does not.
- The Harp has a thinner-feeling rim. The Pig’s is beefy.
- The stock Harp has a flat flight plate. The stock Pig is often a bit domey.
- The Harp comes in a variety of plastics. The Pig comes only in R-Pro plastic.
- The Harp has a smooth top. The Pig offers a thumbtack around the outer edge.
With Latitude 64, Wysocki was famous for throwing the Harp.
With Innova, he was known for throwing the Pig whenever possible.
This season, the newest member of Team Dynamic Discs, rumor has it Rick’s working with his current employer to design a disc similar to Innova’s Pig – thumbtack and all. Furthermore, he has plans to bag both the Harp and “Pig 2.0” as soon as it’s ready to hit the production line.
If you’re Ricky Wysocki or Paul McBeth, you show up, tell the boss what you need that’s not in their current disc lineup and it’ll get done. For everybody else, however, this isn’t happening …
The discs are there. The flights are covered. You’ll make do with what your sponsor’s got.
If you’re Drew Gibson or Eric Oakley and throw a mixed bag for Team Infinite, you don’t concern yourself with merely “making due.” You’re in control. You throw what you want.
So yes, it’s a competitive advantage. Remember, though: These guys spend hours on the course preparing for events. They put in the labor. They know their discs. As such, comfort’s not hard to find. If they need to make something new work, it’s simply a matter of time before it does.
Disc comfort is king.
Mixed bags make it happen faster.
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Make do*
Consider it fixed – good eye!