The Quest AT Turbo-Putt is one of the most unique and controversial discs in disc golf. This is one strange putter. A while back I described it as the Jar Jar Binks of disc golf; no one really knows why it’s a thing, but there it is and you really want to like it but you just can’t. Like Jar Jar, of course, there will always be a few super fans who love it.
Manufacturer’s Notes
There are none, because Quest AT stopped producing the Turbo-Putt many years ago. Does Quest AT even exist any more?
Available plastics: Garbage
Flight Rating: Roughly 2, 3, -2.5, 1.5
Initial Reactions
Teeth, this disc has teeth. You see the Turbo-Putt pictures online and think you’re ready for it, but then you hold it in your hand and you realize that you weren’t prepared. Then there’s the thumbtrack on the underside of the flight plate which looks like it’s going to be great, but doesn’t deliver. I had expected a very stiff plastic, but the plastic is rather flexible and is only made stiff by the thick thumbtrack spiraling around the underside.
By the Numbers
Quest Turbo Putt
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Putting Notes
I’ve come across people who feel that the Quest AT Turbo-Putt is good for it’s intended use of turbo-putting. I am not one of these people. I couldn’t prevent severe wobbling without holding the thumbtrack tight and rotating my wrist much more than normal. Although it is overstable and has low glide, I couldn’t generate any significant power with my usual turbo-putt style. It’s possible that my turbo-putt form is inefficient or perhaps this is the intended form for this putter, but it wasn’t comfortable and I still prefer my Gateway Hard Wizard for turbo-putts.
The teeth did grab the chains quite well, so I suppose every disc has some upside. Due to the low glide, high turn, and hard fade I was not at all comfortable spin putting with the Turbo-Putt.
Upshots
Nope. Just don’t.
You may be able to pull off something of a long hybrid turbo-putt/overhand-sidearm by grabbing the thumbtrack and throwing almost like a football. Even then, the form is so different that we couldn’t find any consistency and it sure wasn’t efficient, you’re better off using a flick putt. The main problem is that the weight distribution if off because the thumbrack is thick and adds weight to the middle.
Once again, there are slight upsides. In this case it’s the excessive turn which causes the Turbo-Putt to turn and burn, but it bounces off of the teeth fairly well and will roll for a good distance. But when was the last time you purchased a crappy putter just to get a roll?
Final Verdict
The Quest AT Turbo-Putt putter is one of the worst discs I’ve ever thrown. It is, however, a piece of disc golf history as it was originally approved by the PDGA only to have the approval rescinded a few months later. The PDGA also adjusted the way they define a disc because of the Turbo-Putt, you can now find statements as to what a disc is not.
Do you know anyone who is considering purchasing a Quest AT Turbo-Putt? Please share this article so you’re not ridden with guilt while watching their horrid disappointment as the putter wobbles away from the basket.
5 Comments
OnederWomanSharon
YES IT IS!!! QuestAT Discs are back as well as the our controversial Turbo Putter. Steve has designed and molded a PDGA approvable version.
Rodney Lane
We’ll be interested to review the new version!
Valiant Woodward
I just bought a quest T-bone. It has the craziest flight numbers and weirdest flight. It has dimples under the lip. I am still trying to figure out if I want to throw it in a round.
Chris Bawden
The T-bone is one of Quest’s few legitimate molds, fairly consistent straight flight and controllable with the moderate glide. It’s a shame it has the dimples, those things can be tough to scrub mud out of!
Larry burchett
I had one of the new prototype turbo putt II. Until it was stolen! I LOVED IT!!
IT THREW INCREDIBLY WELL EVEN AT MIDRANGE. I MADE ALOT OF BIRDIES WITH IT.I wish i still had it because i cant find any online anywhere!! Please help if you know where to get another one!