The reason why you see players with over 20 discs in their bag to play a round of disc golf is to have discs that can be thrown to any length and maneuver through various obstacles in different wind conditions. Thus, you need discs with different stability.
To understand stability, you need to have an overview of what the 4 numbers on the disc are. Briefly, it is:
1. Speed: How fast the disc can fly through the air.
2. Glide: How long the disc stays up through the flight.
3. Turn: How much the disc goes to the right at the start of the flight (for right-handed backhand)
4. Fade: How much the disc goes to the left at the end of the flight (for right-handed backhand)
Read more about the numbers on the disc.
Discs are usually divided into three main categories:
1. Overstable discs:
Overstable discs have a lot of fade, and little slip and spin. For beginners, overstable discs can be used if you want the disc to finish hard to the left. For advanced players with a lot of power, overstable discs are also used for long, controlled throws, as well as for throws against the wind. Headwinds cause the disc to spin more, so an overstable disc will neutralize that effect.
2. Stable discs:
Stable discs have less fade, and more glide and spin. These are used for straighter throws where you don't want the disc to finish as hard to the left. With more glide and spin, throws with less power can go further, but there is also a greater likelihood of the disc "turning over". That is, the disc goes to the right instead of straight ahead.
3. Understable discs
Understable discs have even less fade, and even more slip and spin. These are mainly used by beginners who want to gain more distance. But again it comes at the expense of control, as there is an even greater risk of the disc turning to the right. For advanced players, less stable discs are suitable for throwing into the wind. Downwind makes the disc spin less, so an understable disc will neutralize that effect.
If you master discs with different stability, you have greater flexibility to choose which line to throw. Remember that the flight numbers and degree of stability are only indicative, and that the only way to know your own disc is to go out and throw it.
If you want to learn more about the theory behind disc golf or different throwing techniques, you can check out our complete guide to frisbee golf for beginners .