If you’ve ever described a disc as “fading right” or “turning left” and gotten a confused look in return, you’re not alone. Turn and fade are two of the most misunderstood flight numbers in disc golf. Ironically, many players get them exactly backwards. Let’s clear the air and break down what these terms really mean, why they matter, and how to use them to your advantage.
Turn: The Disc’s Initial Drift
Turn refers to a disc’s tendency to veer to the right during the early part of its flight for a right-handed backhand throw (RHBH). This happens when the disc is flying at high speed and is often called high-speed turn.
- A disc with negative turn (e.g., -2 or -3) will drift right more easily.
- A disc with 0 turn resists turning and holds its line.
- A disc with positive turn (rare) is extremely overstable and resists any rightward movement.
Common misconception: Many players think “turn” means the disc finishes right. In reality, turn happens early. It’s the disc’s reaction to speed and torque. While a very understable disc might continue drifting right through its entire flight, most discs only turn right during the first part of their flight before slowing down.
Fade: The Disc’s Final Hook
Fade describes how a disc finishes its flight. This is the low-speed portion, when the disc slows down and begins to hook left for a RHBH throw.
- A disc with high fade (e.g., 3 or 4) will finish with a strong left hook. Examples: Latitude 64 Havoc, Innova Boss, Infinite Discs Czar.
- A disc with low fade (e.g., 0 or 1) will finish gently or even stay straight. Examples: Infinite Discs Anubis, Discmania TD, Innova Mako.
Common misconception: Some players describe a disc as “fading right” when it turns right early in flight. Fade is always about the finish, and it almost always means a leftward hook for RHBH throws.
Why People Mix Them Up
It’s easy to confuse turn and fade because they’re both directional and depend on the thrower’s speed, angle, and form. But here’s the key takeaway:
- Turn = early flight, rightward drift
- Fade = late flight, leftward hook
Once you internalize that difference, disc flight starts to make a lot more sense.
How to Use This Knowledge
- For beginners: Look for discs with more turn and less fade. They’ll fly straighter and flatter. Try the Discraft Meteor if you want a disc with high turn and low fade.
- For hyzer flips: Use a disc with high turn and low fade, thrown on a slight hyzer angle. The Innova Sidewinder is a great option for this shot.
- For reliable finishes: Choose discs with low turn and high fade for predictable left finishes. The Infinite Discs Emperor is a dependable choice.
Final Thought
Understanding turn and fade isn’t just about throwing better, it’s about communicating clearly. When you know the difference, you can describe flights accurately, make smarter bag choices, and avoid the classic “wait, I thought it turned left?” confusion. The more you understand the numbers, the more control you’ll have over your throws and your disc golf game.
