Michael Johansen’s game is one of my favorites.
- It’s exact.
- It’s effective.
- It’s effortless.
My “poke-and-pray” approach to disc golf has long envied what he can do with a frisbee. Because of it, I’ve spent the past few seasons trying to emulate certain aspects of his stuff. Nowadays, I play at a slower pace, prioritize position off the tee and fan grip most discs.
I also bought a Discraft Scorch …
If it works for Johansen, why not me?
Here’s how I’ve taken to the thing:
The feel of the Scorch
To me, the Scorch feels solid.
That might not be the case for everybody, though …
An 11-speed, it’s a distance driver – so expect a wide rim. Smaller hands sometimes aren’t big on the wider-rimmed stuff, which is why I bring it up. The width of the rim is just barely wider than a Wraith, however. Many who don’t like the width (or beef) of a Destroyer opt for the Wraith.
So it’s wide, but it’s hardly Boss-level wide.
It’s also a BEADED distance driver …
Yes, you read that correctly.
I’m certain these exist outside of the Scorch – probably a bunch of ‘em. I’m just not familiar with anything else. Regardless, if you’re one of those people who can’t stand the thought of bagging beaded putters or midranges, no worries – this bead is the epitome of “micro.”
You can’t feel it.
Lastly, let it be known the Scorch is an intentionally domey disc. There’s no such thing as a “flat-top” Scorch. The Scorches I’ve acquired are all in Z-Line plastic. They’re firm, smooth and durable. I’ve thrown a friend’s ESP Scorch, as well. Again, more of the same: It’s a bit softer, but the feel is top-notch. It doesn’t matter what plastic you buy, though – you’ll get some dome.
Fan grip or power grip, the Scorch feels great.
As a result, the flight is great, too.
The flight of the Scorch
The Scorch is a distance driver that flies like a fairway driver.
See for yourself: 11 (Speed) 6 (Glide) -2 (Turn) 2 (Fade)
Located in Utah Valley, the 5,000-ish feet of elevation I play in has my Z-Line Scorch fading a touch more than the flight numbers indicate. For example, thrown on a backhand-flex line, though it takes some time to fight out of it, seven times out of 10, it will eventually fade.
* Note #1: If the unexpected overstability worries you, buy your Scorch in ESP plastic.
I tell you this, as Infinite Discs describes the Scorch as a “longer Avenger SS.” The Avenger SS is an incredible disc. With some seasoning, the Scorch will get there – and longer, of course. In my experience, however, fresh out of the box, it’s more a beat-in Wraith – NOT an Avenger SS.
Like an Avenger SS, though, the Scorch glides forever.
With zero second-guessing, hands down, I swear it’s the best thing the Scorch has going for it. Much like the Energizer Bunny, it seemingly never gets to the ground. It just keeps going and going and going and going – you get it. Anhyzers go. Straight shots punch. And hyzers push.
So, with THAT in mind …
Honest about your arm speed, here’s what you can expect:
- Slow – The Scorch might be the longest-flier in your bag.
- Medium – The Scorch will offer controlled distance.
- Professional – The Scorch will be a roller disc.
* Note #2: For what it’s worth, I’d label my distance output a strong “medium.”
Lastly, let’s (quickly) talk forehands …
My biggest knock on the disc is that it’s not a great forehand driver. Really, that’s more a knock on my forehand form than it is the disc. You can’t roll your wrist much with the Scorch, as it’s not super torque-resistant. Granted, I’ve had some GREAT hyzer-flip forehands with this thing, so if there’s some “Jeremy Koling” to your forehand game, this’ll be your bread and butter.
Please don’t forget, though …
GLIDE. FOR. DAYS.
The aesthetic of the Scorch
For a stock disc, I think the design is pretty cool.
Pegged as the “big brother” of the Discraft Heat, it’s easy to see where the “Scorch” name comes from. The stock-stamp design plays off of it, with visible flames consuming the underside of the “Scorch” lettering. The three stock Z-Line Scorches I have all look strong – no complaints.
With the arrival of autumn, days are getting shorter. To combat the setting sun, I picked a Scott Withers Z-Glo Scorch – the Scorch is THAT important to my game. Anyway, the artwork isn’t anything to write home about, but the watermelon color and pink floral stamp are awesome.
For what it’s worth, when the first of my Scorches arrived in the mail, my wife commented on the appeal of the stamp. She also thinks I “dress like a homeless person,” so that’s definitely something to keep in mind …
Can’t win ‘em all.
Did the Discraft Scorch make my bag?
Yes, and I don’t see it going anywhere anytime soon.
In fact, I’d go as far as saying that this disc has shaved more strokes off my game than any disc I’ve tested since I tried out a Champion Gator five or six years ago – that’s mega-high praise.
My hand likes wide-rimmed discs.
Because of it, the stable, shot-shaping fairway drivers so many love haven’t ever given me much confidence: FDs, Teebirds, Mavericks, etc. I’ve not given up hope in that slot, but the Scorch gives me the best of both worlds – the feel of a distance driver with the flight of a fairway.
And again …
GLIDE.
If you value it, pick one up.
The Final Green Splatter Grade: A+
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