Current World Record Holding Disc Golf Discs 2022-2023
Disc golf discs used to set world records are clearly discs that are capable of delivering the highest levels of performance.
But what makes the world record holding discs so special, and can they help you improve YOUR game?
In this analysis we’ll detail each of the current world record holding discs, explain what features allow them to perform at such a high level, and help define whether or not they may be right for you!
Longest Backhand Flight Distance (Men’s)
Record: 1,108.9 Feet
Year: 2016
Player: David Wiggins Jr.
Disc Mold: Boss
- The Blizzard Boss holds the world record for farthest flight of a disc ever, thrown over 1100 feet by Innova’s own David Wiggins Jr. It has the stability for massive S-curves that don’t hyzer out early and don’t burn into the ground if overturned.
- Blizzard Champion discs are distinguished by their top-of-the-line durability and their distinct appearance. Unlike traditional Champion, Blizzard discs make a great choice for beginners due to their lighter weight. Blizzard discs are recommended for players looking for more distance with less effort.
- Speed 13, Glide 5, Turn -1, and Fade 3
- Colors May Vary
- Manufacturer: Innova Discs
- Plastic: RPro
- Weight Class: 156g
Analysis
Studies have proven that the most important factor in Backhand driving distance is release velocity, and the most important variable impacting release velocity is disc weight. Lighter = Faster = Farther
Because of this, it is no surprise to find that the five farthest throws of all time were made with discs under 157 grams, with the top three spots all held by the Boss.
The Boss has the proven -1 Turn, +3 Fade, +5 Glide profile many top pros prefer for maximum distance. Selecting a light gram weight and combining it with one of Innova’s most understable plastics (Watch our full video on Plastic Selection) helps players generate the release velocity and turnover needed to realize maximum distance with an overstable, ultra wide-rim driver.
Get A World Record Specification Boss HERE
Longest Backhand Flight Distance (Women’s)
Record: 569 Feet
Year: 2016
Player: Jennifer Allen
Disc Mold: Wraith
- The Wraith is a versatile max-distance driver for players with moderate arm speed. It was a game changer when first introduced and has remained a staple in players’ bags for nearly 20 years.
- Our Star line is created with a special blend of grippy, resilient polymers. Star plastic offers the same outstanding durability of Champion plastic with improved grip and a bit more flexibility. High performance, longevity, and superior grip – that’s why you choose Star.
- Colors may vary
- Speed 11, Glide 5, Turn -1 and Fade 3
- Manufacturer: Innova Discs
- Plastic: StarLite
- Weight Class: 151g
Analysis
To set the Women’s Record, Jennifer used the exact same technology path as her male counterpart above, David.
The Wraith is also a -1 Turn, 3 Fade, 5 Glide disc (like the Boss), but because Jennifer has a lower release velocity than David she chose a slightly lighter disc (5g lighter) with a slightly narrower rim to compensate.
Get a World Record Specification Wraith HERE
Longest Forehand/Sidearm Flight Distance
Record: 624 Feet
Year: 2014
Player: Jason Cortella
Disc Mold: Cannon
- Flight Ratings - Speed: 14, Glide: 5, Turn: -3, Fade: 3
- Plastic: Icon Edition Edition
- Weight Range: 165-176g
- Colors May Vary
- Manufacturer: Legacy Discs
- Plastic: Icon
- Weight Class: 168g
Analysis
Because Forehand throws are much more commonly affected by off-axis torque (OAT), for maximum Forehand distance, players need discs that provide superior torque resistance, and the Cannon does this in two ways:
Firstly, the Cannon has the maximum allowable 2.5cm rim width, increasing its rotational inertia (and thereby increasing its torque-resistance) by putting a very high percentage of total mass around the perimeter (watch our video guide on Rim Width and Speed).
Secondly, at 168g the world record Cannon is notably heavier than the record-holding Backhand discs, thereby creating even more rotational inertia and resistance to off-axis torque.
Longest Overhand / “Upside-Down” Flight Distance
Record: 483 Feet
Year: 2014
Player: Jason Cortella
Disc Mold: XXX
- Manufacturer: Latitude 64°
- Plastic: Opto
- Weight Class: 177g
Analysis
“Upside Down” is a term inherited from Ultimate Frisbee, describing both Thumber and Tomahawk overhand throws.
The three secrets to maximum distance: eliminating off-axis torque (flutter) to improve aerodynamics, reducing lateral motion to maximize forward motion, and maximizing the time the disc is upside down.
To do this, players need discs with:
- A wide rim (dampens flutter)
- Overstability (reduces both turbulence and lateral motion while prolonging the duration of upside-down flight)
- And low Glide (significantly reduces turbulence and lateral motion).
The record-setting XXX not only has a very wide rim for its Speed rating, it is also probably the most overstable driver ever produced by Latitude 64° and has incredibly low Glide for a driver (Glide 2!).
Highest Throw Speed (MPH)
Record: 89.5 MPH
Year: 2013
Player: Simon Lizotte
Disc Mold: Wraith
- Lighter weights = More distance with less effort and Blizzard Champion offers Superior durability in light weight plastic
- A long and fast distance driver; A stable flyer that performs predictably into the wind
- Colors may vary
- Blizzard technology incorporates thousands of microbubbles into our durable Champion plastic
- Speed 11, Glide 5, Turn -1 and Fade 3
- Manufacturer: Innova
- Plastic: Blizzard
- Weight Class: 130g
Analysis
One disc with two world records? Yes and no: different plastics, and different weights.
As stated above Lighter = Faster, so it’s no surprise that the fastest recorded throw was made with the lightest allowable disc: 130g.
While the top pros have too much power to use a disc this light in tournament play, the 130-149 disc class offers many players the opportunity to generate significantly more speed (and distance!) than they could with a moderately weighted disc.
Most Recorded “Aces”
Record: 7%
Year: Ongoing
Player: N/A
Disc Mold: Buzzz
- Mid-range golf driver
- Recommended for all skill levels
- Best for accuracy in all conditions
- Discraft stability rating for this disc is 0.5
- Disc colors will vary
- Manufacturer: Discraft
- Plastic: Z-Line (most common)
- Weight Class: 170-175g (most common)
Analysis
With literally hundreds of different discs on the market, to have one disc responsible for 1 in 14 of all recorded aces is simply stunning.
The Buzzz accomplishes this by combining overstable high-speed flight with very low fade. The result: predictable flight lines at high speeds, with a low-speed finish that is much longer and straighter than a traditional Midrange disc — perfect for hitting the chains.
Furthest Disc Golf Ace
The farthest disc golf ace is 186.23 metres (611 feet), thrown by Caleb Hall (USA) at the North Cove Leisure Club in North Carolina, USA, on 21 August 2022.
A member of the Professional Disc Golf Association, college student Caleb threw the “hole in one” on the 14th hole of the “Boulders” course at North Cove Leisure Club.
Highest Rated Disc Golf Round
The highest-rated round of disc golf by the Professional Disc Golf Association is 1,132, achieved by Paul McBeth (USA) on 2 March 2013 at the Memorial Championship in Fountain Hills, Arizona, USA.
The PDGA calculates round ratings for sanctioned singles and league rounds by comparing players’ scores to the course ratings, known as Scratch Scoring Averages (SSA). Players who match the SSA on a course receive a rating of 1000. Players who averages scores lower than the SSA will have a higher rating.
McBeth shot a final round 17-under-par 39 at Fountain Hills to shoot up the leaderboard, only to lose in the subsequent play-off.
Highest Earning Disc Golf Tour Player
The highest earnings on the Professional Disc Golf Association Tour are $672,124 (£579,450), achieved by Paul McBeth (USA) as of 12 September 2022.
McBeth has won 140 events and is a six-time disc golf world champion. His career prize money has been significantly enhanced by endorsement deals – in February 2021, Discraft announced a 10-year contract with McBeth worth $10 million dollars.
Most Wins Of The PDGA Championships (Men)
Most Wins Of The PDGA Championships (Women)
