MVP makes some interesting discs, don’t they?
I don’t know what it’s like where you live, but here in my neck of the woods, disc golfers tend to lean heavily one way or the other on the brand. On the positive side, guys (and gals) who throw MVP REALLY throw MVP – like, they jam-pack their bags with 100% “overmold” goodness.
All others fall in the “detractor” category via one of two ways: 1) They’re indifferent on the whole overmold thing, but have zero interest in trying out something new. 2) They wouldn’t be caught dead with MVP discs, as overmold “technology” is little more than a marketing ploy …
Clearly, at the center of all this is MVP’s GYRO Overmold Technology.
No matter the mold, weight or plastic, pick up an MVP disc, and you’ll notice the rim looks different from most other golf frisbees: There’s a ring of black plastic running along the entire outside of the disc – and it feels like it’s comprised of a different plastic of some sort, too …
That’s because it is: Therein lies MVP’s calling card.
* Note #1: Just so you’re aware, MVP Disc Sports owns Axiom Discs and Streamline Discs.
According to the manufacturer, MVP’s GYRO Overmold Technology takes into account the three physical factors that act upon each other simultaneously to determine a disc’s flight …
- Factor No. 1: Aerodynamics – The stuff that keeps a disc cutting through air.
- Factor No. 2: Linear Momentum – The stuff that keeps a disc moving forward.
- Factor No. 3: Angular Momentum – The stuff that keeps a disc spinning on its axis.
* Note #2: I’m deliberately keeping this simple – if you’re a hardcore science peep, I apologize.
So, how does the “black rim” fit into the picture, exactly?
The overmold – or “GYRO rim,” as it’s known – is made up of an ultra-dense, chemically bonded plastic. Different from the material used on the rest of the disc, allegedly, the uptick in outer-edge weight keeps MVP discs spinning faster and truer for a longer period of time …
There’s no wasted energy.
Void of “science speak,” here’s the SparkNotes version of what MVP discs do:
- There’s a heavier rim.
- The rest of the disc is lighter.
- As a result, the disc flies better.
All of this sounds sexy …
But will ANY of this actually result in you throwing farther?
Eh, it might – but not by much.
If you had perfect throwing mechanics, you might notice a difference. But think about James Conrad: The guy’s form isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty freaking close. Upon signing with MVP, if his distance increased by the buttload, not only would MVP advertise the heck out of it, but more “fringe-level” pros would flock to the manufacturer in droves – not to mention tons of amateurs.
The bottomline is this:
MVP isn’t doing ANYTHING other manufacturers don’t already know about.
That doesn’t mean their plastic isn’t awesome, though – if you’re curious, pick up a new disc or two to see if your game stands to benefit. The Envy is a great place to start – it’s arguably disc golf’s top throwing putter. I’m big on the Hex–Pyro pairing for most midrange duties. Also, it drives me bonkers that the Fireball and Tesla don’t get near the attention they deserve …
They’re all incredible options for your bag.
MVP’s GYRO Overmold Technology is the real deal – but so is the stuff most other household disc manufacturers produce. If it’s within your budget to try out some of their inventory, great.
Don’t feel like your play depends on it, though.
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