Category: disc golf gifts

Support Disc Golf Innovation: Preorder Idio’s V2 Footwear

by frisbeebrain, posted in DaLearning Curve, DeLaBlahg, disc golf, disc golf gifts, disc golf product reviews, frisbee golf, Jack Tupp, product reviews

What’s up, disc golf people! Today you have the opportunity to directly influence the future of our gear. I’m talking about shoes; about Idio Sports and their mission of pushing the boundaries of what disc golf footwear can be (thanks, Craig Kitchens!)

I’d like you to consider pre-ordering the next generation of their specialized footwear, the Syncrasy V2 and the Brawler V2 (Hi-Top) right now. Here’s why:

Idio is the only company making shoes truly from the ground up for our sport. And right now, they need the kind of community, grassroots support that the disc golf world has always been known for as they recently suffered factory theft and tariffs cut into their funding.

This isn’t an outside brand trying to buy your loyalty by paying Paul McBeth big bucks to endorse a generic “athletic shoe”. (By the way, don’t succumb to that age-old form of marketing favored by companies that can’t win on the merits of their products!)

Idio is a company that launched in 2020 and fought through the pandemic; a company that has listened to disc golfers and improved its products 3 times since then. I should know, as I’ve been reviewing them since the beginning.

By participating in Idio’s pre-order, you accomplish two crucial things: you lock in a pair of game-changing shoes, and you invest in a company that truly deserves our backing.

Ok, enough about the cause. Let’s talk about the shoes!

A person demonstrating a dynamic pose while playing disc golf, wearing colorful shoes designed for the sport, with an enthusiastic expression and surrounded by onlookers.
Ohn Scoggins. 2025 FPO World Champion and Idio Ambassador

Invest in the Bleeding Edge

I know firsthand the hurdles Idio faces as a “bleeding edge” innovator. Back in 2010, when School of Disc Golf was launching tailored, in-person instruction, we had no predecessors to imitate or follow in the niche field of disc golf instruction. Idio is doing the same thing with disc golf footwear.

Numerous companies have marketed shoes to disc golfers in the past. Idio designs and builds them.

They are tackling complex engineering problems that major outside brands would never touch. For instance, Idio figured out how to separate the mold—a technique usually used for cosmetic color changes (a “color dam”)—to implement a dual-hardness rubber compound in the outsole. This means the material in the front of the shoe (including the toe cap) is a harder compound than the back of the shoe. Why? Because while you pivot on the heel (the power plant zone), you use the front of the shoe to slow your speed, and all that spin and torque gets transferred into the front lugs. This targeted hardening ensures the shoe wears more evenly and gives you more lifespan. That is specialized performance functionality that only a company run from disc golf, for disc golf would implement.

Infographic detailing key features of shoes designed for disc golf performance, including waterproofing, drag-on toe design, power plant functionality, lightweight construction, X flex zone, and low drop.
The V2 Generation: Syncrasy V2 (EVO) and Brawler V2

Idio has taken their flagship product and the highly requested Hi-Top model and improved them across the board, focusing on durability, waterproofing, and style. By supporting this pre-order initiative (especially for the highly requested Brawler), you’re guaranteeing the success of these key product lines.

The Idio Syncrasy V2 (EVO)

The Syncrasy EVO is the newest model of Idio’s flagship product. They’ve really cleared the hurdle of making the shoe look fantastic, calling them “absolutely sweet” looking. But the performance is still king:

• Dig Toe Protection: The V2 features a completely overbuilt curl around the toe (the Dig Toe, or prominent Dragon toe cap). This feature means you won’t have to toss shoes just because the material wore through in one tiny place.

• Solid Foundation: The outsole is molded from one piece and cups upwards, creating a solid foundation.

• Proven Performance: Customers already rave about the traction and quality of waterproofing in the Syncrasy line.

Black disc golf shoe labeled Syncrasy V2 with waterproof feature and orange sole.
The Idio Brawler V2 (Syncrasy Hi-Top)

The Brawler V2 (code name “Syncrasy Hi-Top”) has been the most requested item of Idio since their start. It is designed to be the ultra-supportive, go anywhere, play any condition shoe. I was honestly surprised that I’d like high-tops disc golf, but after nearly a year and probably 100 rounds in mine, they are my disc golf shoe now!

• Adapt-A-Brace Compression Collar: This feature, which is patent pending, is a brace for the ankle that provides nice compression. It uses unique cutouts on the back to allow the ankle to flex naturally (fore and aft), while still providing very good support when flexing side-to-side.

• Ultimate Protection: The Brawler is made with the new, more breathable Sympatex waterproof liner. This membrane works using a physicochemical principle, utilizing water-attracting (hydrophilic) molecular chains to absorb moisture and emit it outward by evaporation. I tested them repeatedly—walking and standing in puddles—and they remained completely waterproof. The high-top collar also provides an unexpected benefit: keeping out dirt, rocks, little sticks, and thorns.

• Reinforced Construction: The Brawler is a duty-driven shoe featuring thicker, more reinforced TPU welding, which provides increased protection and waterproofing from the elements.

Black and gray disc golf shoe featuring a high-top design, labeled 'Brawler', with waterproof construction and a unique ankle support feature.
A Call to Action

Disc golfers, these V2 shoes represent huge value and specialized engineering built specifically for our athletic movements. Furthermore, Idio is a true disc golf pioneer that deserves our support. Being on the “bleeding edge” of innovation often refers to groundbreaking companies that pay a price for breaking new ground. Idio has put in the work. They’ve paid their dues. Let’s help them to keep pushing forward. After all, legitimate specialized footwear is a sign of a legitimate sport.

The Brawler and Syncrasy are currently available for pre-order. When you pre-order, you’re not just buying a great pair of shoes; you are helping an independent, highly innovative company continue to thrive and push the envelope for disc golf footwear. Give them a try—support the shoe brand that is truly from disc golf, for disc golf.

harness neuroscience to improve disc golf performance.

Neuroscience-Backed Tips for Disc Golf, Part 2.5: More on Skill Learning and Efficient Practice

by frisbeebrain, posted in DaLearning Curve, disc golf, disc golf book, disc golf gifts, disc golf instruction, Disc Golf Lessons, frisbee golf, The Science of Disc Golf

This post is the 3rd in a 4.5-part series applying widely accepted principles of neuroscience to disc golf training and execution. We will present 18 separate suggestions in total spanning 3 categories, explain how each works, and specify the brain systems involved. The first post in the series covered Aiming, Focus, and Execution, and the second post was the first half of this one, on Skill Learning & Efficient Practice. Got it? Hahaha. OK, here we go!

To realize your own full potential in disc golf, intelligent practice is as crucial as natural talent. “Getting reps in” in the field or with your stack of putters can’t be the only goal. We need to be more purpose-driven, and work as smart as we do hard.

Neuroscience offers a range of techniques that can make your practice sessions more effective, leading to faster skill acquisition and better retention.

My suggestion is to first try the ones that call out to you, or address an issue that you know has proven particularly costly to your game. In other words don’t bother tackling them in order as they are not listed in any particular order.

Silent or No-Feedback Reps

What it is: Practice throwing without watching the results of your shot. Throwing into a net is a great way to put this tip into practice as the disc hits the net before before any results-oriented feedback can spring into your mind.

Even better is throwing into a net with a TECHDISC. By first judging the results of a throw based on how it felt you tap into the all important internal feedback system. TECHDISC will capture the data for each throw, so you can compare your “by feel” impressions to actual throw metrics within seconds, or after your session.

Why it works: This technique develops your internal feedback system and refines your “feel” for the throw, making you less reliant on external cues.

Brain system involved: This practice enhances the function of the somatosensory and kinesthetic areas of the brain, which are responsible for processing body sensations and movement awareness.

TECHDISC training, disc golf tips
Combining TECHDISC with a net lets players focus on form first, and review metrics later.

Spacing Effect (Short, Frequent Sessions)

What it is: Opt for shorter practice sessions (15–20 minutes) but engage in them more often.

I tell clients all the time that quality is much more important than quantity. This post about putting improvement mentions early on that “getting in reps” may be good for physical conditioning, but not so much for thoughtfully working on form and technique.

By employing the spacing technique each session is shorter, making it easier to stay focused on more than “How many putts can I make?”

Why it works: Research shows that spaced repetition significantly improves long-term memory consolidation of learned skills.

Brain system involved: This effect is strongly linked to the hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory formation, and its process of long-term potentiation, which strengthens synaptic connections.

Error Amplification Practice

What it is: Intentionally exaggerate your flaws during practice to better understand and learn how to correct them.

I use this technique sometimes during private lessons, but until now my employment of it has been limited to a lone scenario: A client is tasked with learning a specific new skill. For instance, backhand turnover/anyhyzer shots.

Causing a disc to turn against the direction of its natural spin requires a very specific combination of disc, hyzer/anhyzer angle, launch angle, and speed/spin ratio (TECHDISC calls the last one Advanced Ratio).

So they can discover the keys to understanding how the elements relate to each other, and which turnover shots are possible in a given situation and which are not, I may ask the client to exaggerate an element that is repeatedly an issue.

I will have them change the launch angle, for instance, to help them approach the equation from the other side. Too much launch angle and the disc will lose speed and spin too early in the flight and fade away from the target. Not enough will cause the disc to hit the ground way too early.

By exaggerating a change we accomplish two things: We prove that the necessary change is possible, and we present a different – and hopefully, for that client – more digestible challenge.

Two individuals practicing disc golf on a wooded course, with one preparing to throw a disc while the other observes.

Why it works: By deliberately overdoing a mistake, you build heightened awareness of subtle motor details associated with that flaw, making it easier to identify and fix in real-time.

Brain system involved: This technique directly engages your sensory-motor feedback loop, enhancing your brain’s ability to process and respond to movement errors.

After-Throw Reflection (One-Word Coaching)

What it is: Immediately after each throw, label the rep with a single keyword, such as “smooth,” “late,” or “off-balance.”

I could have sworn I published a post related to this tip in the past, but it seems not. Or I just couldn’t find it! Maybe you can by searching the blog as I did (unsuccessfully). In a nutshell:

A common tip I give competitive clients that serves to both keep a player in the moment during rounds and leverage current experiences for future growth is to create a POST-throw routine where you give yourself 5-10 seconds immediately after your throw to observe and assess the results in a neutral, detached way (not just how the disc flew, but how your body felt during and after release).

Good, or not good? Why or why not? What change would make a positive difference, or what aspect of the throw was the key to success?

Believe it or not, when limited to quick impressions this really can be done in 5-10 seconds, and the benefits are twofold:

  • It provides a process to properly compartmentalize thoughts and emotions. Once a throw is done, unless it’s a made putt on your last hole, your full focus should quickly shift to the next shot; Assessment, Decision, and Execution. This routine allows for a specific and short window to think about the last throw before focusing on the next one.
  • Taking 5-10 seconds to observe and evaluate a throw with a neutral, curious, but NOT a self-critical mindset (this part is very important) is like jotting down notes to be reviewed later. You’ll be amazed at how fully you are able to recall each decision and throw in detail, when you have the time and emotional distance to put new insights to good use.

In only 10 seconds or less you’ll be forced to limit reflections to first impressions, and when done without self-criticism (Thinking “I suck!” is not helpful in any way) the insights can be quite powerful.

Why it works: This simple act of labeling helps to build awareness of what occurred during the throw and fosters corrective instincts for future attempts.

Brain system involved: This practice utilizes your executive function (for critical thinking and self-assessment) and working memory (for temporary storage and manipulation of information).

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Occasional Distraction-Free Practice

What it is: Set aside practice time where you eliminate all distractions like music, chatter, or media.

This is good advice for me personally, and probably most others with ADHD. Unless I make a point to NOT do it, I’m usually juggling multiple sensory inputs like music, a screen or two, and my Kindle. It wouldn’t seem strange to me to try to listen to a podcast while practice putting, but doing so obviously limits the amount of attention and focus available for putting practice.

Why it works: Practicing in a quiet environment sharpens your attention and significantly improves your internal focus on the task at hand.

Brain system involved: This technique trains your reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem that plays a key role in regulating attention, arousal, and sleep-wake cycles.

Next up in this 4.5-part series will be a collection of 4 tips and drills to assist with emotional regulation and mental recovery. If you’ve experienced anything during a round of disc golf that you later thought of as melting down or freezing up, all of them are worth trying.

To read the first two posts in this series, go to the blog and search “neuroscience,” or just click these links for the first one and the second.

Please subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Instagram (@SchoolOfDiscGolf) to see accompanying videos, disc golf interviews, product reviews, and much more.

2025 Syncrasy Evo: The Best Shoe for Disc Golf Performance and Wear

by frisbeebrain, posted in disc golf, disc golf gifts, disc golf product reviews, Jack Tupp

What’s up, disc golf people! Read on for a comprehensive review of the 2025 Syncrasy Evo, the newest model of Idio Shoes’ flagship product designed for disc golf.

Coming from a tech background, I am all too familiar with the term “Bleeding Edge,” which refers to an innovation that is entirely legit but suffers initially from being a true first-of-its-kind.

There’s leading edge, and then there’s bleeding edge. Get it?

Close-up view of the Idio Syncrasy Evo disc golf shoe showcasing the sleek design and dragon toe cap against a natural outdoor background.

In Idio’s case, they are tasked not only with marketing a disc golf shoe but also marketing the logic of owning a new piece of specialized equipment for the sport.

History, of course, repeats itself, and it’s amusing to think that at one time in the past this very discussion took place when baseball players started wearing gloves!

In the case of disc golf, we know specialized footwear isn’t required to play, just as baseball players in 1860 figured they didn’t need gloves. In their case, though, a few innovative players who were tired of bruised and broken bones began wearing makeshift protection. That evolved over the next 100 years into gloves that also helped players catch the ball, with different design types for different positions.

But it started with a desire to protect hands from injury, a very compelling proposition to players at the time.

So, in the case of Idio Sports and disc golf, what is the compelling reason for players to adopt this totally new thing?

Actually, there are two: performance, and durability. No other shoes (yet) are specifically designed to withstand the unique repetitive actions in disc golf, and no other shoes include features that enhance the performance of those same actions. The history of sports – disc golf included – is filled with stories about the impact of equipment advances. In those stories, the early adopters enjoy a clear advantage- at least for awhile.

On the performance side the shoes include numerous design features that sensibly address a specific physical action unique to disc golf, like the pivoting of feet on the teepad. You can read all the details below.

Close-up view of the outsole of a disc golf shoe, featuring a unique tread pattern designed for traction and stability, with a prominent orange logo and a combination of soft and hard rubber sections.

On the durability side Idio also included features like an overbuilt toe cap and outsole that target disc golf-specific wear that leads to premature shoe demise.

That, I think, is the benefit that will eventually compel everyday disc golfers to wear specialized footwear. Shoes designed to withstand the griding and dragging of driving will hold up better AND they will preserve your other favorite shoes that would otherwise be torn up.

Then, once players try them, the performance features will be noticeable and switching back will be like going from HD back to standard definition. Or playing baseball without a glove!

NEWSFLASH: The Idio Hightop is 25 Percent Off!

Go To Sale

Aesthetics That Turn Heads

I personally think it’s silly to choose footwear for a competitive sport based on looks. Give me five pairs of shoes to choose from, and my decision will be based on a number of things: support, value, comfort, suitability for disc golf, and yes, appearance. But how the shoe looks is the last consideration. (And which professional player endorses each shoe has absolutely no bearing.)

Nevertheless, if how your feet look on the course matters more to you, the Evos really are pretty sharp.

• Sweet Looking Design: Idio managed to turn a functional feature – the toe cap over molding – into a big part of the shoe’s visual appeal.

• Gumsole and Black Combination: This combo reminded me of a very popular model of old school Adidas.

• Crisp White Option: The white version is super sharp, and they clean up pretty easily.

• Overmold: The shoe features a beefy overmold that combines form and function, contributing to its sleek appearance.

Idio has truly the visual appeal of their shoes, moving from eye-catching in a curious to now a covetous way.

A side view of the Idio Sports 2025 Syncrasy Evo disc golf shoe, featuring a sleek white design with a black toe cap and logo, set against a background of green grass and trees.

Engineered for the Course: Disc Golf Specific Features

Beyond their upgraded appearance, Syncrasy Evos are packed with thoughtful engineering tailored specifically for disc golf. It’s like, “Idio 15, All Other Shoe Brands Zero.”

• Dual-Zone Hardness: This is a groundbreaking feature! The shoe incorporates a dual-zone hardness in its sole.

    ◦ The front of the shoe (from the flex point forward, including the toe cap) uses a harder compound.

    ◦ The back of the shoe uses a softer compound.

    ◦ This is achieved using a technology called a “color dam,” typically used for cosmetic separation of colors in molds. Idio ingeniously repurposed this to blend two different compounds, creating a functional advantage unique to disc golf. Specialized footwear for disc golf!

• Prominent Drag-on Toe Cap: The material, shape, and thickness combine to strongly resist wear from gaining a foothold, so to speak.

• Robust Outsole and Tread: The outsole is impressively molded from one piece and cups upwards. The tread pattern is designed to hold up to the specific demands of pivoting on both the toe and heel during throws.

• X-Flex Zone & Power Plant Features: The design includes an “X-Flex Zone” and a “power plant feature in the heel area,” further showcasing the specific thought put into disc golf movements.

Close-up view of a person's feet wearing the 2025 Syncrasy Evo disc golf shoes alongside another person's footwear.
Sharpest shoe under the table!

• Waterproof Ripstop Material: The shoe features a ripstop waterproof material branded SympaTex. In testing, no moisture got into the shoe even walking through deep puddles, a requirement in many parts of the world.

• Comfort and Fit: These shoes are noted to fit true to size and feel nice and snug when laced and tied properly. The toe area is roomy. They feel light yet rugged with no break-in time required. The-low-to-the-ground feeling may take some getting used to, but I learned that that is by design as well. The minimal-drop heel keeps players lower and in better contact with the teepad.

At $135, the 2025 Syncrasy Evo cost about $25 less than the waterproof Sauconys and Solomons I had been buying. Whether you play on concrete or rubber tee pads, this shoe is built to perform. Be an early adopter!

Ultimately, the decision to support Idio Sports rests with the disc golf community. But I want to do my part to make sure the community knows about them, so spread the word!

Close-up view of the 2025 Idio Syncrasy Evo shoe showcasing its waterproof feature and sleek design.

Just as there was a time that athletes played professional baseball without gloves, there was a time when track athletes didn’t run in spikes, and tennis players wore loafers, and . . . you get the point. Disc golf is a real sport, right? So try on a real disc golf shoe.

Please subscribe to our channel, @schoolofdiscgolf, on YouTube. Thanks!

The Ultimate Hi-Top Disc Golf Shoes: Idio Brawlers Explained

by frisbeebrain, posted in disc golf, disc golf gifts, disc golf product reviews, Jack Tupp, product review, product reviews

After testing Idio’s new hi-top disc golf shoes for nearly a year, I can say I love them and recommend them. The video below explains exactly why.

As noted in the video below, I was pleasantly surprised by the Idio Syncrasy Brawler. Not because of the quality or waterproofness, as I expected as much based on my experience testing previous models, and I was right. The Brawlers remained completely waterproof even after exposure to rain and deep puddles. Nothing is wearing quickly or coming apart in the least.

The surprises I am referring to both stem from my preconceived notion that hi-top disc golf shoes would be heavier, and stiff, like hiking boots. I found them to be lighter than expected and responsive on both tee pads and uneven terrain.

The other surprise is more like a bonus, as it is the one benefit missing from the hi-top’s marketing material. But I noticed it and don’t mind sharing.

The high-top collar is comfortable but still very form-fitting, so it effectively keeps out not only water, but also dirt, rocks, sticks, and thorns that can get into low-top shoes and cause distractions and delays.

Please check out our review on YouTube and subscribe to the channel, @schoolofdiscgolf

Durability is another key thing to report as the shoes held up well after nearly a year due to harder composite materials.

Listed below are some key technical details:

Key Features and Technologies

Adapt-A-Brace: The Adapt-A-Brace compression collar provides ankle support without restricting movement. It features special cutouts in the back for flexibility. The laces go all the way to the top for a secure fit.

Waterproof Sympatex Liner: The Brawler utilizes a Sympatex waterproof liner, offering breathability and sustainability. This liner works through a physicochemical principle, transporting water vapor molecules to the outside via hydrophilic molecular chains. The membrane’s molecular structure swells with increasing humidity, dynamically adjusting the space for water vapor transport.

Improved Durability: Idio Sports has addressed wear issues in the front of the shoe by hardening the material and re-engineering the lugs. This enhancement ensures the shoe remains effective for disc golf.

Dig Toe: An overbuilt curl around the toe protects against wear and tear, eliminating the need for frequent repairs.

Lace Pocket: The shoe includes a stash pocket for the laces, keeping them out of the way.

Image captured from Idio’s website.

Sustainability

The Sympatex membrane is recyclable, contributing to sustainable outdoor clothing production. Sympatex aims to close the loop by producing recyclable membranes.

Final Thoughts

The Idio Syncrasy Brawler is a top-tier disc golf shoe that should develop a loyal following. A reasonable portion of disc golfers would prefer a hi-top design for various sensible reasons: The terrain where they play, the extra ankle support they provide, and wet and cold conditions. With their comfort, durability, and waterproofing on top of a handful of very real disc golf-specific design elements, the Idio Brawler should be a hit with competitive and recreational players alike.

TechDisc Talk, Episode 1: Unlocking Disc Golf Performance Metrics

by frisbeebrain, posted in DaLearning Curve, disc golf, disc golf driving, disc golf form, disc golf gifts, disc golf instruction, Disc Golf Lessons, disc golf product reviews, Disc Golf Technique, frisbee golf, techdisc

Are you ready to take your pursuit of better disc golf to the next level? Yeah?

Keep reading!

This post provides additional information to pair with TechDisc Talk Episode #1, the 8-minute video below in which we explain how the mindblowing TechDisc platform changes your game by revolutionizing your understanding of your throws.

After working directly with dozens of clients using a TECHDISC, I don’t hesitate to recommend the product and platform to everyone, with one caveat: It isn’t like Invisalign, magically correcting your over-right (Get it? Over-right/overbite?) by being under your pillow while you sleep. The disc itself can’t help you at all, in fact. But you can’t use The Platform without it.

techdisc, smart disc golf disc, disc golf training
The TECHDISC Launch Monitor Pro measures speed, spin rate, angles, and much more!

If you’re not yet familiar, TechDisc is a hardware/software platform that includes a disc with sensors in the center of a disc that measure the forces and angles during a throw. The data is transmitted to a web app that determines the throw type and calculates six throw metrics and a simulated flight.

The Six Key Metrics: Unlocking the Secrets of Disc Flight

TechDisc tracks six crucial metrics that together with the simulated disc flight numbers mathematically describe a throw: Speed, Spin, Nose Angle, Hyzer Angle, Launch Angle, and Wobble. Understanding these metrics is essential for training and improving your disc golf game. Let’s take a closer look at each one:

Speed: Measured in MPH or KMH, speed indicates how fast the disc moves through the air. Generally, more speed equates to more distance, assuming identical throws. However, higher speed can also make a disc fly more understable.

Spin: Tracked in TechDisc as rotations-per-minute, spin helps the disc remain straighter by resisting turn and fade, potentially increasing distance. Higher spin stabilization creates a more stable flight.

Nose Angle: Also known as “Angle of Attack,” nose angle measures the back-to-front pitch of the disc relative to the oncoming air. A positive nose angle (nose-up) increases lift and drag, causing the disc to travel high and drop quickly. An ideal nose angle for flat distance throws is around -2° to -3°8.

Launch Angle: Launch angle is the angle of the disc’s flight compared to the ground. Ideal launch angles depend on the nose angle and speed of the disc. For instance, for a 60 MPH throw, an 8° to 10° launch angle combined with a -3° to -5° nose angle is optimal for distance. I’ll keep that in mind the next time I throw 60!

Hyzer Angle: Hyzer angle refers to the side-to-side angle of the disc from the thrower’s perspective. It’s the main metric that controls the right and left movement of the disc in flight. Maximum distance throws usually have a slight Anhyzer angle for most of the flight, fading to Hyzer towards the end.

Wobble: Wobble refers to the Off-Axis Torque applied to a disc during a throw. It introduces turbulence, inducing drag and creating a more chaotic, unpredictable flight. Wobble often correlates with low spin rate or low Advance Ratio. Consider how a spinning top’s wobble increases as its spin rate decreases.

The Advance Ratio

Advance Ratio is a calculated (spin times disc radius over speed) TechDisc metric that shows the relationship between spin and speed for a given throw and is a good measure of optimal spin rate. An Advance Ratio of 50% is a good target for a backhand throw, and 30% is a good target for a forehand throw. The body mechanics involved in proper backhand form create more spin than forehand throws, on average.

Utilizing TechDisc for Improvement

Understanding these metrics on a basic level is all that’s required at first. After that, TechDisc will deepen that understanding so you can ask and answer the right questions about your own game. The real power of TechDisc lies in its ability to help you translate this knowledge into tangible improvements on the course. Here’s how:

Identify areas for improvement: By analyzing your TechDisc data, you can pinpoint specific areas where your technique is lacking. For example, if you consistently have low spin rates, you can focus on drills to emphasize snap, like our Asynchronous Drill.

Experiment with different techniques: The TechDisc platform allows you to experiment with different throwing techniques and see how they affect your metrics. This can help you optimize your form for maximum distance and accuracy, and test new theories on how to throw flatter/faster/further.

Track your progress: Since the platform stores all your data, it also allows you to track your progress over time. This provides valuable feedback and motivation to keep you on track.

use both the Techdisc App and Website

The smart disc can connect via Bluetooth to the TechDisc app and an account logged into techdisc.com on a web browser, with captured data stored on the same servers. Both ways of capturing throws and accessing the data have their uses. The app offers portability and several bells and whistles, while the browser interface is device-neutral and houses the Flight Simulator.

The Flight Simulator

TechDisc offers a free Flight Simulator for anyone to use. With it, users can:

  • Create virtual disc profiles with flight numbers and weight, then simulate throws to see how they behave
  • Modify metrics (speed, spin, hyzer angle, etc.) to understand their impact on flight
  • Get concrete, actionable answers to questions like “How close am I to throwing 300 feet?” and “What changes are easiest to make or most impactful?”

As a disc golf instructor and writer, I’m probably more excited about TechDisc than most because it opens up an entirely new avenue for explaining and understanding disc flight.

Understanding disc flight, in and of itself, is half of the equation to achieving longer, straighter throws. Throwing mechanics account for the other half. This means that potentially half of your possible improvement right now can be achieved without getting any better. Only smarter!

Expect more posts that get into specific TechDisc features and uses, and please subscribe to our fledgling YouTube channel to see more of our rough and ready content!

If you’re ready to experience the difference that having a private disc golf coach can make, book your first lesson or sign up for remote coaching today!

DISCERE LUDERE MELIUS

Best Disc Golf Gifts for Everyone on Your List

by frisbeebrain, posted in disc golf, disc golf book, disc golf gifts, disc golf instruction, disc golf product reviews, frisbee golf

The holiday season is here, with it our curated gift guide. Find the perfect gift for the disc golfer in your life—or introduce someone new to the sport! From BIG gifts to stocking stuffers, we’ve got you covered with options for every skill level and budget.

techdisc, smart disc golf disc, disc golf training
TECHDISC measures speed, spin rate, angles, and much more!

Most products and experiences come with first-hand reviews, and our breakdown addresses a number of gift recipient categories. Plus, when you shop here you’re supporting our goal to help as many people as possible discover disc golf. So thanks from us, and them!

Whatever you do, don’t buy discs as a gift for disc golfers. We are very particular about our discs! Opening up our guide are some big ticket items and extravagant gestures.

BIG Gifts for Disc Golf Enthusiasts

Fully Immersive Disc Golf Simulator

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Let them experience disc golf like never before with a fully immersive simulator. Perfect for practicing during the off-season or hosting indoor competitions, this top-tier gift is a dream come true for any serious disc golfer.

X-Step Pro Turf Teepad

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Bring the feel of a professional course to your backyard or local practice area. This durable, high-quality turf teepad makes a great upgrade for any player serious about refining their form. When we built our course at Chaminade, we wanted the best teepad material for safety and durability. Turf is it, baby!

Disc Golf Group Event

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Imagine including a private disc golf event on a private course as part of a special birthday or engagement/wedding gathering. You can even include custom discs printed with your choice of image to use and keep.

Family Disc Golf Lesson

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Share the joy of learning and playing disc golf as a family! Tailored to all ages and skill levels, this private lesson offers a unique and memorable experience for everyone.

Gifts for Disc Golf Beginners

Disc Golf Gift Bundles

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Everything a beginner needs to get started! These curated bundles include essential discs and accessories to jumpstart their disc golf journey. A perfect introduction to the sport.

Private Disc Golf Lessons

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Give the gift of personalized coaching! Private lessons tailored to skill level and goals make an excellent introduction to disc golf for newcomers.

Author-Signed Disc Golf Books

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A thoughtful gift for both players and book lovers, these signed copies add a personal touch to any holiday gift exchange.

Gifts for Die Hard Disc Golfers

TECHDISC Smart Disc Golf Disc

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Upgrade their game with the TECHDISC smart disc, offering real-time data tracking to help players improve their form and performance. I use this personally as well as with clients on a nearly daily basis, and it can be a game changer. For two years now it has been the hands-down coolest disc golf gadget.

16×10 Visionary x DGPT Pro Disc Golf Net

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Perfect for at-home practice, this robust net is ideal for honing skills during the off-season or perfecting accuracy year-round. It’s also a great warm-up net for tourneys with tee times.

10×10 Visionary x DGPT Pro Disc Golf Net

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Compact and durable, this 10×10 practice net is still plenty big; a versatile addition to any die-hard disc golfer’s toolkit. I have an 8X8 from Visionary and it is lightweight, stable, and breaks down and goes up fast. Even better, the catching hole is placed for disc golf, not golf or baseball.

Hi-Top Disc Golf Shoes

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Engineered for maximum support and traction, these hi-top shoes are perfect for navigating even the toughest disc golf courses. As one of the advance testers I’ve been playing with these for six months now and I can attest to their comfort and support. Plus the lace stash is cool!

Disc Golf Shoes

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Designed with disc golfers in mind, these shoes combine durability, comfort, and grip to help players perform at their best. I’ve used these off and on since the first version came out several years ago, and they deliver on promises both general (water resistance and lightness) and disc golf specific.

bushnell Disc Golf Rangefinder

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Help them dial in their distance with pinpoint accuracy. This rangefinder is a must-have for players looking to improve their strategy and performance in all ways possible.

I play mostly on wooded courses, and when I visit a wide open course distances can be tough to judge. The Bushnell disc golf rangefinder solves that problem whether I’m in the U.S.(feet) or the rest of the disc golfing world (meters).

Author-Signed Disc Golf Books

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A thoughtful gift for both players and book lovers, these signed copies add a personal touch to any holiday gift exchange. I signed these as they are ordered, and am happy to include a custom inscription. Just ask!

disc golf gifts, disc golf books
School of Disc Golf owner Jack Tupp has written two acclaimed books on disc golf.

Stocking Stuffers for Disc Golfers

Idio Disc Golf Apparel and Accessories

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From hats to socks and 9 different t-shirt designs, Idio’s range of accessories offers something for every player. Perfect for adding a little flair to their gear collection.

disc golf in comfort and style

icemule coolers

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IceMule offers a wide range of styles, all built to handle the rigors that typical disc golf courses routinely dish out.

CEP Compression sportswear

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If you know a disc golfer who loves to play but is limited by a nagging injury, the right piece of compression wear may make a big difference. So, if you want ’em out of the house a little more often, this could be just the ticket!

ace pickleball

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If you ARE a disc golfer whose partner wants you to join them in exploring pickleball, resist the urge to get them discs! Instead, play the long game and get ’em some paddles and balls or whatever. They’ll be grateful, finally try disc golf, and Bam! They’re hooked.

Wrap It Up with a Gift Card!

Need one last thing, or something in e-gift format? A gift card to our shop or any of our partners above will show you cared enough to seek out and find a very special gift related to their number one passion (besides you).

disc golf newsletter

Jack Tupp’s disc golf takes for the week of May 5th, 2024

by frisbeebrain, posted in disc golf, disc golf book, disc golf gifts, Disc Golf Lessons, FrisbeeGolf Friday

Happy FrisbeeGolf Friday to ya! Here in Santa Cruz, today kicks off the Amateur version of the Masters Cup, one of the longest-running tournaments in disc golf on one of the sport’s most storied courses.

Paul McBeth at the 2016 Masters Cup. Photo courtesy of Innova.

This event (the professional version, taking place next weekend) was part of every iteration of disc golf’s professional tour— PDGA Supertour, PDGA National Tour, and then the Disc Golf Pro Tour. After 2022, when tickets sold for $20+ and media passes were required, the DGPT eliminated the Masters Cup from its schedule, opting for venues better suited for spectator attendance and strong cell signals to accommodate a smooth live broadcast.

As I note in my book (written when the DGPT and now-defunct Disc Golf World Tour were brand new), we have a catch-22 quandary with disc golf as a spectator sport. The most exciting and interesting disc golf happens when players are required to navigate objects a good part of the time. DGPT CEO Jeff Spring must consider two sides of the equation, though: the product itself, and the packaging and presentation of that product.

Jack Tupp’s media pass for the 2022 Masters Cup.

Last weekend, disc golf’s first Major (with a capital “M”) event of 2024 took place in Morton, IL, on a very wooded course. One major point of discussion after it concluded thrillingly was the venue’s role in producing exciting action. Another was the fact that newly employed technology makes broadcasting in wooded locations much more doable than even last year.

My hope (and belief) is that improved tech and a demand to see top players take on technical courses get the Masters Cup back in the DGPT shuffle. We want more of this!

Disc Golf Tech

Have you tried using a rangefinder in disc golf yet? Bushnell is a leading optics company that first embraced the sport of disc golf around 10 years ago. They designed a rangefinder specifically for disc golf and are one of the Disc Golf Pro Tour’s most recognizable sponsors from outside the disc golf world.

If you know all about rangefinders and are considering buying one, Bushnell is having a sale on their website for the next couple of weeks. $154.99 is a good price for what the Edge Disc Golf Rangefinder delivers, and as I like to mention often, we’re fortunate to play a very inexpensive sport, leaving funds available for cool gadgets and tools like rangefinders, disc golf shoes, and smart disc training devices.

If you’re not yet familiar with rangefinders, watch the video on the Edge product page. I love it because it’s accurate, super easy to use, and displays distance in feet or meters, user’s choice. I can’t say how many times I’ve assumed I had 160 feet to the hole and threw the exact shot I wanted only to see it come up 40 feet short because, in reality, the target was 200 feet away. Now I check the distance with my Edge rangefinder and trust it rather than my faulty eyes.

The newest model also includes “Z-Mode,” enabling disc golfers to know the exact elevation change between their lie and the target. This feature is possibly an even bigger game-changer than knowing accurate distance. How many times have you failed to notice a subtle uphill slope that sneakily requires a 200-foot effort to execute a 140-foot upshot?

The Bushnell Edge will feed you accurate and useful data about the shot you’re facing in the moment, which is great, but there’s more! Regular use will also help you better understand your own capabilities (and limits). Knowing how far it is between here and there isn’t very useful for decision-making until you’re also familiar with how far you can throw each disc, in each situation. Train and play with a rangefinder, and that will happen!

In the News

Stuff Made Here is a YouTube channel with more than 4 million subscribers. They created what the host referred to as “Basically a Disc Golf Bazooka.” Obviously this thing isn’t ready for production and, haha, not PDGA legal. But as one commenter points out, maybe it or something like it can be used to assign disc flight numbers based on actual science.

In Australia, a similar story of grassroots disc golf growth unfolds. Good on ya, Dean O’Loughlin and the Horsham Rural City Council! Thanks to Innova, another new course will be unveiled at the upcoming FLoydFest in Check, VA.

Tip of the Week

I was working with a client yesterday on driving, and for a break and change of pace, we played a few holes. On the green I noted the lack of spin on his putts made it hard for him to achieve much range. I showed him a simple way to generate spin while still maintaining straight line discipline. I wrote this post 11 years ago, but it still holds up and at least one guy is going to be hitting more putts now because of it.

If you have a question, or comment, or whatever, hit me up! Until next time, remember: “Aim with your Body, Throw with your Body.”

disc golf shoes Idio disc golf shoes

New disc golf shoes!

by frisbeebrain, posted in disc golf, disc golf gifts, disc golf product reviews, product reviews
  1. Intro- I needed new dg shoes!
  2. About Idio
  3. About the changes
  4. About my first trial (mention the difference, and what I learned about waiting too long)
  5. Update coming, not real soon.
  6. Links to past posts

A few days ago I received a package in the mail from Idio Sports. It contained a pair of shoes. Specifically, disc golf shoes.

My heart leaped! Both pairs of my current disc golf shoes have warranted replacing for two months, and it has rained nearly every time I tried to play in that period. I even strained a muscle slipping on the wet rocky slopes of DeLaveaga, not fully appreciating what the used-up soles of my old shoes would cost me.

Also, like any other disc golf junkie, the opportunity to use a new piece of equipment for the sport gets me excited. Especially when the products are breaking new ground, like TECHDISC, or in this case shoes designed from scratch for playing disc golf. We’re talking about specialized equipment, similar to soccer cleats or ballet slippers.

That is exactly what Idio is all about. They released their first such product, the Syncrasy, more than three years ago, and they are still blazing a lone trail to what should in time become a thriving sub-category of the athletic shoe market.

A pair of all-black 2024 IDIO Syncrasy disc golf shoes, posed to show disc golf-specific features on the toe cap, heel, and sole.

If you are not yet familiar with the numerous ways Syncrasy is designed differently than other shoes to specifically support disc golf play, here is a quick run-down. Go to the Idio website for more details.

  • A thick rubber toe cap to prevent disc golf-specific wear
  • A “Pivot Zone” built into the heel to assist plant foot pivoting on backhand drives
  • Strategically flexible soles tailored to disc golf situations and stances
  • Waterproof!
  • Lighter than hiking shoes or boots, tougher than trail runners
  • Minimal heel drop for optimal balance on all shots

I found that the first version of the Syncrasy delivered on all of those features, and just as importantly, mine held up great. I’ve posted some images below and will give a quick update to my original review at the end of this post. First, let’s see how the 2024 Syncrasy is different from the original version, and why IDIO says it is already a success.

The first version of Idio’s flagship shoe was a hit, especially when you consider it was conceived and executed from scratch. But I remember the CEO of Idio Sports, Craig Kitchens, telling me then that he expected the shoes would evolve based on customer feedback.

With a new model available now, it was time to put his promise to the test. Mr. Kitchens was ready when I reached out with the following list, and all items were the result of direct or indirect customer feedback.

  • Updated heel counter material for better adhesion of the midsole to the upper
  • Improved buffing and texturing of all bonding surfaces.
  • Improved gluing pressure, heat, and time to ensure proper bonding of components
  • Hardened outsole rubber to improve lifespan while not sacrificing grip.
  • Improved tongue gusseting to keep water from slipping in around the tongue area. 
  • Improved bonding of all TPU printed surfaces such as logo and mudguard. 
  • “Revised tongue material for finer feel of quality. “Although nothing was wrong with it before”

Many of the details listed above have to do with parts of the shoe staying together, and I do remember hearing from some people that that was an issue with the first Syncrasy shoes. I asked Craig about this and his answer deserves to be quoted verbatim:

“We had a great start with our shoes and made improvements across the board in order to address some minor warranty issues that we saw the first year. We maintained a warranty return rate of 3% which is right in line with the major brands, but now with the updates we sit at below 1% for the year. Proving that we are listening to the community and growing as a brand to always provide the best possible product for disc golfers.”

Craig Kitchens, CEO Idio Sports

Kitchens said all of the shoe improvements listed in those bullets above were the result of warranty issues that didn’t even occur at a higher-than-normal rate. That tells me two things: Users clearly validated the design of the shoes — their utility for the sport of disc golf — so Idio focused their upgrades on increased durability, comfort, and quality. I like that.

As you can see in the pictures of my first Syncrasy’s alongside a pair of Saucony Peregrine GTX’s, the Idio shoes didn’t break down in the most common disc golf-related areas for me and most disc golfers. Both shoes’ kept my feet dry until the end, but the soles and sides of the Saucony’s ended up in tatters.

IDIO Syncrasy on the left, Saucony Peregrine GTX on the right. It’s hard to see, but the uppers on both Saucony’s developed holes.

The bottoms are even more telling. The lugs wore normally with use on both shoes, but the Saucony’s developed holes ultimately exposing the Goretex liner.

IDIO Syncrasy on the left, Saucony Peregrine GTX on the right.

Silver Lining to a Rainy Round

It didn’t take long for a chance to test my new black Syncrasy’s in the rain. This shot from the parking lot at DeLaveaga, past the Hole 27 basket to the Hole 1 teepad shows what most of the course looked like.

After that one round, here is what I can say for sure. They felt great, and despite the saturated ground with puddles everywhere and off and on rain and wind, no water got anywhere near my feet. I put it that way because on a day like that, even if the waterproof liner does its job moisture can get in from above. Not the case with these. The tongue looks like billboard vinyl! (I’m sure it’s not).

My other initial observation is, the difference in traction between that round, wet ground and all, and any round during the past two months, was shocking. The soles work great on and off the pad, but that’s not my point.

As mentioned at the start of this post, I recently sustained an injury that is going to sideline me for a while (playing, not coaching). It was an injury that didn’t have to happen!

I was waiting until my current disc golf shoes either fell apart or stopped being waterproof to replace them. I paid little heed to the worn-down lugs because, until the ground was wet enough to be dangerous, I didn’t feel the loss of traction. Even though it was there.

The author trusting his plant foot during the 2023 Enduro Bowl.

The moral of that little tangent is to check your disc golf shoes and make sure they are still adequate to safely play wherever and however you play. I play technical courses and tend to put myself in all kinds of weird throwing positions. The shoes make a huge difference.

Idio disc golf shoes seem made for every terrain except sand (and what shoe is?), and I suggest all disc golfers give them a try, but the main thing to remember is shoes are an important piece of disc golf equipment. Wear something that gives you good traction and support, and pay attention to signs that either is breaking down.

I’ll try to update this post down the road, but it’ll likely be awhile. We’re supposedly done with the rain for the most part here until after the summer. I’ll believe that when I see it!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.

Our Curated Guide to Unique Disc Golf Gifts— and the Gift OF Disc Golf!

by frisbeebrain, posted in disc golf, disc golf book, disc golf gifts, disc golf instruction, Disc Golf Lessons

If you’re reading this, chances are you know someone who is obsessed with disc golf or love to play and share the sport yourself. In both cases we have you covered for unique gifts, and this guide makes it easy to get it exactly right!

Scroll down to see our options, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or requests for personalized book inscriptions.

gifts for new and excited disc golfers

The sport of disc golf grew steadily somewhat underground from the mid-70s until 2020— then it roughly doubled during the pandemic. If you know an excited new disc golfer they are likely eager to learn more and get better.

disc golf gifts, disc golf books
School of Disc Golf owner Jack Tupp has written two acclaimed books on disc golf.

why and how to give the gift of disc golf

The most rewarding part of my job is introducing new people to disc golf, and knowing that for some it will become a regular and very positive part of their lives from that day forward. If you love the game as I do, you know exactly what I mean.

Gift-giving occasions can be a great opportunity to turn someone on to disc golf. My book The Disc Golf Revolution is packed with info about disc golf’s past, present, and future, and a private introductory lesson is a great way to learn the essentials quickly.

techdisc, smart disc golf disc, disc golf training
TECHDISC measures speed, spin rate, angles, and much more!

gifts for experienced disc golfers

For those who don’t know, we disc golfers are VERY particular about our equipment. Discs are so specialized these days, forget about trying to pick one your friend will actually throw.

You can go the gift card route — if you do, you can’t do better than one from us or our partner Infinite Discs — but lots of folks enjoy the challenge of selecting perfect and unique gifts. In the world of disc golf, that’s where we come in!

disc golf shoes, disc golf gear