The Best Forehand (Sidearm) Disc Golf Discs
While Right-Hand Forehand (RHFH) and Left-Hand backhand (LFBH) are closely associated due to their similar flight patterns, they are not the same throw and require completely different discs for optimal performance.
So which discs are the best for forehand/sidearm throwers?
In this guide, we will explain specifically how the differences affect disc flight, and how to use that knowledge to choose the best discs for maximum distance.
The Key Difference Between Forehand and Backhand
Maximizing distance in disc golf requires high release velocity to generate both forward motion and lift, as well as high rotational inertia to maintain stable flight for as long as possible.
While many players find they generate more release velocity when throwing forehand, testing has demonstrated that a forehand release produces (on average) 25% less spin than a backhand motion with similar release velocity.
This relative lack of spin causes two problems:
- Reduced total flight time due to loss of stable flight
- Off-axis torque, or “wobble,” which reduces flight distance through both wasted motion and reduced aerodynamic performance.
“Wait, I throw a forehand drive farther than a backhand drive. How does that work?”
Simple — if a player can generate enough additional release velocity using a forehand motion (compared to their backhand throw), the disc will still fly father, even if the total time in flight is less.
Lets pretend you can throw a 70mph forehand drive vs. a 65mph backhand drive. Even though the backhand’s stability kept it airborne for a full second longer, the forehand drive still traveled 12.6 feet farther due to its higher flight velocity. Now….what if we could keep the forehand drive in flight for the full 8 seconds?
Increasing Flight Time to Increase Distance
To maximize forehand flight distance, we must extend the duration of its stable flight time, and to extend its stable flight time we must increase its rotational inertia. Here’s where science lends a hand.
Rotational inertia can be increased three ways:
- Increase the rate of spin (rotations per minute)
- Increase the diameter of the disc
- Increase the percentage of total weight located near the disc’s perimeter
Because #1 is limited by the forehand throwing motion, and almost all drivers fall within a very slim diameter range (#2), the solution to increasing rotational inertia is #3, using a disc with most of the weight concentrated around the perimeter, i.e., high Speed, wide-rim drivers.
The perimeter weighting of high-Speed drivers will also serve to reduce or even eliminate flutter from off-axis torque.
Increasing Torque Resistance to Reduce Flutter
Overstable discs are aerodynamically designed to resist the torque that creates understable flight. This torque resistance also serves to quickly stabilize in-flight flutter caused by off-axis torque.
If the flutter a player is experiencing is moderate to severe, using a heavier gram-weight disc will also help reduce flutter. While we typically recommend lighter discs for maximum distance, the benefits of reducing/eliminating flutter should exceed any potential distance decreases from the additional weight.
Specific Recommendations
Putting it all together, here are two specific recommendations, based on your level of play:
Top 3 Best Forehand Discs For Each Level Of Player
Best For Beginner / Intermediate Players
Firebird
- Big hyzers
- Headwind drives
- Flex shots
- Colors May Vary
Manufacturer: Innova
Optimal Weight: 170-175g
Optimal Plastic: Champion
The Firebird’s low profile (1.4cm high) and high mold parting line combine to create highly torque-resistant, overstable flight. The 1.9cm rim will provide good rotational inertia without being so wide that it is difficult for Intermediate players to use.
Champion plastic is very torque resistant and also produces additional high-speed stability. The 165-175g weighting provides excellent torque resistance, perfect for beginners and intermediates.
See the Firebird’s full Flight Ratings Analysis and Reviews
Best for Intermediate / Advanced Players
Flick
- Extra long range golf driver
- Recommended for advanced to expert players
- Best for forehand drives
- Discraft stability rating for this disc is 2.5
- Disc colors will vary
Manufacturer: Discraft
Optimal Weight: 167-172g
Optimal Plastic: Z-Line
Maximum stability and a wider rim (2.1cm) produce optimal torque resistance for forehand throws, but with the aerodynamics and carry to also provide superior flight distance when thrown with power.
Performance is further enhanced when paired with Z-Line plastic (Discraft’s most rigid plastic), giving the Flick superior torque resistance for maximum flight consistency.
See the Flick’s full Flight Ratings Analysis and Reviews
Best for Advanced / Professional Players
Nitro
- MVP NITRO - The Nitro is a high speed stable-overstable distance driver
- STABLE-OVERSTABLE DISTANCE DRIVER - Average throwers may need lighter weights or headwinds to achieve what little turn is offered by Nitro, while power throwers will find a workable and responsive shallow turn
- 23 MM CLASS - Nitro falls in the general stability lineage of Servo, Volt, Tesla, and Photon, with a turn-resistant profile that covers ground and guarantees a fade finish. Speed 13 | Glide 4 | Turn -0.5 | Fade 3
- NEUTRON PLASTIC - MVP’s most premium material for exceptional look and feel. Shares great durability characteristics of Proton with a wider selection of bright opaque colors.
- PDGA APPROVED - For all professional disc golf play
Manufacturer: MVP Disc Sports
Optimal Plastic:Neutron
Recommended Weight Class: 160-175g
MVP’s “Gyro” overmold technology takes gyroscopic stabilization and off-axis torque prevention to a level that’s simply not achievable with standard disc technology.
By using a high molecular weight material in the overmolded rim, MVP is able to shift a significant percentage of the disc’s total weight to the rim for maximum stabilization.
Additionally, MVP’s gyro effect delays Fade, resulting in longer, straighter finishes for even more distance. You can check out our other top recommendations for the best mvp disc golf discs here.
If you still haven’t tried an overmold disc, it’s time to start.
See the Nitro’s Full Flight Ratings Analysis and Reviews
