Review: The Discraft Zone OS

I’m not a Zone guy.

There are other overstable putters and midranges to which I’ve grown attached over the years. But I’ve played with ‘em plenty. Nearly ALL the dudes within my disc golf group bag them, swear by them and throw them as often as possible. I’ve borrowed theirs and tossed ‘em …

I get it.

The Zone is an all-time great frisbee.

But what about the Zone OS? Is it a disc actually worth bagging? Or, similar to what many manufacturers have done recently, is it little more than a novelty mold to nab a quick buck?

Here’s my experience …

The feel of the Zone OS

Mine’s a first-run Zone OS.

Because of it, the one Great Lakes Disc (shameless plug) sent me is of the Z-Line variety. If you know anything about Discraft, you know this is a firm, smooth and durable polymer. Plastics differ from run to run, but mine’s got some mild give to it. It’s not gummy, but it’ll bend.

I like it.

Next, it’s impossible to talk about the Zone OS without addressing the depth of the disc. If the regular Zone is a pillar of your approach game, you’ll notice the Zone OS is WAY deeper.

No, it’s not Aviar-deep or anything, but it’s not driver-like narrow, either. This is a deeper putter. If you’ve held a Jokeri before and liked it, you’ll appreciate the feel of the Zone OS.

Whenever I have the option, I approach the basket with a flick. Whenever I approach the basket with a flick putter or midrange, I’m using a fork grip to get the job done. With deeper discs, the fork grip allows me to better control the angle of the disc, as well as the plane of the flight plate. Using my preferred forehand grip, the Zone OS felt just fine and approached the pin well.

* Note #1: For those interested, it felt just fine with a power-grip sidearm, too.

I can’t say I loved the feel of things on a backhand, however. I backhand putters and midranges using a fan grip. As such, for the slower stuff, I seek out beaded discs, as I feel I’m able to better hang onto the disc with my fan grip. Like a normal Zone, the Zone OS doesn’t have one. I tried to counter this with a power grip, but the depth of the disc made it awkward …

It felt icky.

Over the course of the two-ish weeks I spent with this disc, it got to the point where I used it ONLY for sidearm approaches. Again, my game prefers this, so it wasn’t a bad thing. But if you’re a backhand-dominant player or power-grip everything, it’s something to consider.

Also, this thing is board-freaking-flat.

So flat, in fact, there’s a slight puddle-top to it, too.

Color me content.

The flight of the Zone OS

Beef.

And lots of it: 4 (Speed) 2 (Glide) 1 (Turn) 5 (Fade)

Before reading this article, you knew that, though. Merely restating what everybody already knows to be the case doesn’t accomplish much. I’ve hardly thrown every mega-overstable disc on Earth, but if I had to compare it to a mold, I’d say the Zone OS is a slower, shorter Mutant.

Here are a few OTHER comps that might resonate with you:

• The Zone OS is less overstable than the Tilt.
• The Zone OS is more overstable than the A2.
• The Zone OS is equally as overstable as the Stego.
• The Zone OS is equally as overstable as the Baobab.

* Note #2: Keep in mind the above is my opinion – there’s no need to threaten my family.

Allow me to make myself clear on one thing, though …

Unlike the Tilt, the Zone OS is NOT a gimmick disc.

This is a usable frisbee.

For the right golfer, forehand or backhand, it’ll work wonders in the woods. Or even out in the open, if you really enjoy coming over the top of discs – especially on a sidearm. I’ve written about the “chop” flick before. This disc is $$$ for somebody who leans heavily on that shot.

Here’s Brodie Smith putting it on full display:

Forehand flex lines with the ZoneOS hit different pic.twitter.com/ajVM6SWG8b

— Brodie Smith (@Brodiesmith21) April 25, 2023

If you’re a true disciple of the Discraft Zone, it’ll pair well with the Zone (or Zones) you already bag. Honestly, it’s not all that hard to imagine somebody rocking a Jawbreaker Zone, ESP Zone and Z-Line Zone OS to handle virtually EVERY approach shot that’s ever existed …

It makes sense.

The aesthetic of the Zone OS

This is usually a blow-off section for me …

Some golfers care about looks; I’m not one of them.

Stock Z-Line discs are nifty and all, but by no means are they head-turners. However, what makes this first-run Zone OS of mine cool are the letters “B-E-E-F” where the flight numbers normally go. This (likely) won’t be how things look on future runs, but still – it’s a clever touch.

Also, it’s worth mentioning the foil on mine features Paul McBeth’s logo. I’m certain this wasn’t an intentional move by Discraft, but it’s funny, as McBeast is publicly NOT big on the Zone OS.

Finally, the Brodie Smith Tour Series Zone OS is an ultra-sexy disc – click here.

Did the Discraft Zone OS make my bag?

It didn’t.

And I needed about five seconds with the disc to know it wouldn’t …

That’s not to say it’s not a good disc, because it is. Out on the course, I’ll openly make fun of people who bag a Tilt – I’m that guy. The Zone OS, however, is serious business. It’s not for all arms, but for the right ones, it can serve as MORE than a mere utility disc …

It’ll see some regular action.

My forehand isn’t Brodie Smith’s forehand. Or Ezra Aderhold’s forehand. Or Anthony Barela’s forehand. For me, even when a shot calls for a comically overstable line, the Zone OS is just a bit too much for me. My Gator works just fine. And when needed, I’ll opt for a flat-top Firebird.

I know them. I’m used to them. I’ll stick with them.

But who knows?

The Zone OS might be just what your bag is missing.

The Final Green Splatter Grade: B+

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