Category: disc golf product reviews

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.

beacon disc golf

Lost Disc Anxiety No More: A Review of the Beacon Disc Golf Tracker

by frisbeebrain, posted in disc golf, disc golf product reviews, product review

Every disc golfer knows the frustration: You throw a perfect shot only to watch your favorite driver disappear into the woods or tall grass. Fifteen minutes later, you give up the search, your great round disrupted, and your bank account slightly lighter. Fortunately, The Beacon Disc Golf Tracker is here to solve that problem, as long as your round isn’t in a PDGA-sanctioned event. But don’t let that major caveat immediately write of the Beacon.

Based on my testing, I can confirm that the Beacon Disc Golf Tracker works exactly as its creator 2014 – a seasoned product designer, engineer, and avid disc golfer – claims. It has two essential functions that it performs well.

A close-up view of the Beacon Disc Golf Tracker, featuring a black circular body with a red button and the word 'BEACON' embossed on the top.

Once the button is pressed, it emits a clear beep every 10 seconds until it is pressed and silenced again. Furthermore, the attachment process is secure; once affixed to a disc using the supplied adhesive ring, no impact or scrape is going to knock or pry it off. And the device won’t turn on if the battery is too low, so assuming you remembered to turn it on before throwing, you’ll find that disc.

This product very effectively solves a universal disc golf problem: the inability to retrieve a disc you can’t see. If that disc has a Beacon tracker attached, simply walking within the vicinity should allow you to hear it.

Key Features and Functionality

  • A Clear Signal: The tracker emits a clear beep every 10 seconds.
  • Range: You can easily hear your Beacon up to approximately 100 feet away.
  • Universal Fit: It attaches to any disc or plastic type.
  • Durability: The device is Water-Resistant, capable of handling rain, wet grass, and brief dunks in water.
  • Customization: It features four unique sound settings to match your preference.
  • Battery Life: The easily replaceable CR2016 battery lasts up to 100 rounds.

Technical Specifications

  • Weight: Approximately 7 grams (~7g).
  • Size: 1.41 inches (36mm) diameter and 0.28 inches (7mm) height.
  • Attachment: The Beacon uses 3M VHB double-sided tape specifically designed to attach to disc plastics.
An exploded view of the Beacon Disc Golf Tracker, detailing its components including the intuitive UI, replaceable CR2016 battery, two screws for battery access, and ultra high bond 3M VHB tape.

Who Needs Beacon? My Verdict on Utility

I believe the Beacon tracker will be a huge addition for casual disc golfers. For recreational players who hit the course regularly, the $15 price point (or less when bought in packages of 3 or 6) makes a lot of sense. These players might consider attaching trackers to most of their discs, reasoning that this will dramatically reduce their lost disc rate. This results in savings of time spent searching, money spent replacing discs, and a reduction in FDSA (favorite disc separation anxiety).

During testing, I quickly discovered a new experience while watching a disc I just launched soar into thick, overgrown brush and trees: Calm. I knew I wouldn’t be losing a disc, taking a lost disc penalty stroke, or spending time fruitlessly peering into dark spaces, armed with nothing but hope. This elimination of anxiety, even if it is only mild anxiety, kind of defines the word priceless. Recreational players (who, by the way account for the majority of all players) are out there to relax and have fun, after all!

A hand holding an orange disc golf disc with a small black tracker attached to its base, in front of a backdrop featuring a disc golf poster.
A person holding an orange disc golf disc with the name 'JACKT' written on it and a sticker on the top, in front of a promotional poster for disc golf.

(Top and bottom pics of my tester disc)

I can see some rec players sticking Beacons to all or most of their discs and eliminating one of the only detractions of this glorious, accessible sport. But for players who like to compete in PDGA events it’s a little more complicated, as PDGA rules prohibit anything being attached to a disc.

Also, while I believe the creator’s claim that the small device doesn’t noticeably alter a disc’s flight for most, it seems mostly directed at concerns about the device messing with the balance of the disc. In that he’s correct; I didn’t notice anything that looked weird or off axis about the disc’s flight. If a sophisticated player is used to throwing a technical shot with a 173 gram disc, though, and now that disc weighs 180, the formula for that technical shot is going to change. That hyzer flip will require a bit more speed or a slight angle or release point change, for instance.

The large majority of regular players don’t execute on that level and won’t notice the weight difference much, and this product is still quite useful in certain circumstances for all disc golfers (Golfers who DO notice a difference should be able to adjust):

  1. Exploring New Courses: They are ideal for road trips where you are playing courses for the first time and won’t be able to return later to possibly retrieve lost discs.
  2. Practice Rounds: They are paramount during practice rounds before a tournament, allowing players to efficiently learn the holes without losing key discs.
  3. Local Trouble Spots: They can be used on those holes on your local course that always pose a high risk for losing a disc.
  4. Snow rounds and glow rounds: Get rid of the ribbons and experience night rounds in a whole new way!

Get Yours Early: Kickstarter Campaign Details

The company website is http://beacondiscgolf.com/, but Beacons won’t be for sale anywhere except Kickstarter, and only until November 22nd. After that you’ll have to wait until early next year to get one. Don’t wait! $15 isn’t much to support a disc golf entrepreneur and check out a potentially (disc golf) life-changing product.

If you’re still on the fence, the Beacon Disc Golf Tracker was engineered by Kevin Glennon, a product designer, engineer, and avid disc golfer who previously spent eight years developing outdoor grills and electronics at Weber. And I noticed Kickstarter gave the campaign a “Project We Love” endorsement seal. So I think your investment is safe!

If you want to be among the first to feel that new, wonderful sense of calm when a drive goes rogue, the Kickstarter Campaign is open now.

Please come back and comment if you give it a try. Let us know what you think!

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!

disc golf shoes made by idio sports

Discover Idio Sport’s Unique Specialized Features for Disc Golf

by frisbeebrain, posted in disc golf, Disc Golf Pro Tour, disc golf product reviews, product reviews

As disc golfer diehards, you and I have a pretty good idea of what makes a good disc golf shoe: For some durability in one particular place is essential. Others insist on good waterproofing, or all-day comfort, or good tread.

Idio Sports founder Craig Kitchens is a diehard disc golfer, too, but his background in design and time spent in Portland, Oregon (aka Shoe City) enabled his thoughts and eventually actions to go to an entirely different level.

For Kitchens, it wasn’t about determining which existing shoe type or brand was ideally suited to the sport of disc golf. In addition to the common “must-haves” that include those listed above, he began creating a list of disc golf-specific features that a shoe designed and built for disc golf should include— and it wasn’t a short list!

Image showcasing a stylish shoe designed specifically for disc golf, highlighting features such as waterproofing, lightweight design, drag-on toe, power-plant pivot zone, low profile, and x-flex outsole.

The Drag-On Toe, X-Flex Outsole, and Power-plant Pivot Zone are the three most obvious examples, but there are more with the 2024 model of Idio Syncrasy, and the just-released Syncrasy EVO advances the reality of a disc golf shoe even further.

Note: The remaining stock of 2024 Syncrasys are 50 percent off right now and the new model is in, making this an excellent time to try a pair yourself

I connected with Kitchens at the Champions Cup in Stockton for a great discussion about his journey designing and marketing the world’s only disc golf shoe from scratch. I encourage you to watch the video below so you get a feel for his passion and dedication. I think it’s clear that he is the right person to be taking on a task that will benefit all of us.

In addition to sharing Idio’s origin story, Kitchens went a bit deeper in explaining the unique challenge of being the first to create a type of specialized footwear.

“There was really no shoe or ideology around what made a good disc golf shoe,” said Kitchens in explaining the challenge of designing a purpose-built shoe from scratch.

After a couple of years of seeing his creation perform in the wild and listening to feedback from other disc golfers, he learned that while the disc golf-specific features were well-received, parts of the outsole wore too quickly for some players.

The reason for that quick wear was the use of a softer compound to achieve a grippy-ness valued by disc golfers, and Kitchens didn’t want to sacrifice that entirely. His solution? Creatively co-opt a manufacturing process that is normally used for cosmetic purposes to create an outsole with zones of harder (for durability) and softer (for grip) material. Brilliant! Watch the video for details— and please subscribe to the channel while you’re there. I’m trying to create meaningful content and new subscribers are the best encouragement.

great shoes, big challenges

I see two primary challenges Idio Sports faces on its road to making disc golf shoes a regular part of every competitive player’s equipment, and I personally find them both plain silly. They are the idea that to some, even with athletic shoes, the fashion/status statement made is as important as their function; and the enduring power of celebrity endorsement.

I initially tried out Idios because I was excited about the potential of a shoe designed for disc golf. I wasn’t crazy about how the very first model looked but that would never factor much into a buying decision for me, anyway. With the new model of Syncrasy EVO, looks should help the shoe sell, if anything. But for some, even good looks ain’t enough. It’s all about the brand or logo.

A side view of the Syncrasy EVO disc golf shoe, featuring a black upper, a white logo, and an orange outsole designed for traction and grip.
The new Syncrasy EVO by Idio Sports.

When it comes to shoes I’m afraid most of us are extremely brand-conscious, or, brand-self-conscious, I should say. Maybe we’re worried about dropping money on something new and unknown, or maybe we’re more concerned about someone thinking “What’s he wearing on his feet? ‘Off-brand’ shoes?!”

Either way, I’d like to think disc golfers as a group are at least a little stronger than the norm when it comes to independent thinking, and I KNOW we are serious enough about our sport to want every advantage and comfort technology can provide.

As for celebrity endorsements, what can I say? It has been one of the most reliable marketing tools for centuries now. People buy stuff that other people who they admire tell them to buy. In disc golf, this method accounts for the lion’s share of nearly every disc and bag manufacturer’s marketing budget. These are all products designed for disc golf, though.

Don’t buy a shoe just because a top disc golf pro endorses it and tells you it is a disc golf shoe (it isn’t). Do a little digging and see if the brand is associated with disc golf in any way outside of an Instagram or DGN ad.

The sport of disc golf has specialized footwear now, thanks to Craig Kitchens. Try a pair. You might really, really like them.

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 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.

techdisc disc golf measure your throw

Unlocking Your TECHDISC, Part 1

by frisbeebrain, posted in disc golf, disc golf product reviews, product review, product reviews, techdisc

As a coach, I am always on the lookout for better ways — sometimes just additional ways — to help clients understand key points. Being able to reliably measure the forces applied to a thrown disc is a seismic shift in this regard.

After working directly with dozens of clients using a TECHDISC—some in-person at our facility, others remotely, using a TECHDISC they purchased—I don’t hesitate to recommend the product and platform to everyone. I’ve witnessed the impact it can have within a single 2-hour introductory lesson. Remote coaching (video conferencing, chatting) instantly becomes 50 percent more effective when the client has a TECHDISC in their hands that produces data on my screen.

I have a disclaimer, though. My perspective is undoubtedly skewed. My experience with TECHDISC has thus far been through personal use, and as an instructor. As a user, I began with an advanced understanding of disc characteristics and throwing mechanics, and my clients, through working with me, have access to that “interpretative” knowledge as well. For others, unlocking the true benefits of TECHDISC might not be so automatic.

It reminds me of when I discovered creative apps like Photoshop or Garageband. In both cases I was excited at the potential to create art and music, only to discover that there would still be tons to learn about the products and the media upon which they were designed. I was daunted by the learning curve required just to get started.

Using a TECHDISC is simple. Download the app, connect via Bluetooth, throw the disc, and flight numbers appear. Using a TECHDISC to get better at disc golf, however, is not so different than an artist or musician learning to use the aforementioned apps from scratch.

This is the first of what will likely be a series of posts intended to help fellow disc golfers unlock TECHDISC. The plan, to avoid bogging down with lengthy technical discussions, is to touch on several different areas in each post, including:

  • Exploring the platform— Capturing and viewing throw data is only the tip of the iceberg
  • Understanding the numbers as interlocking components of disc flight
  • Applying that understanding to the confident creation of the ideal combination of disc, throw type, and throw-type details (the stuff measured by TECHDISC) —something that must be done in less than 30 seconds, again and again.
  • Going from “knowing what to do” to “How to do it” to “I’m doing it!”

If readers ask specific questions in the comments or by contacting me directly, I’ll do my best to address them in the next post.

Before starting, I want to draw special attention to the last bullet on that list. If you buy a TECHDISC, read the rest of this post and the others in the series, feel you’ve gotten a good handle on the first two bullet points, but still struggle with the 4th and maybe also the 3rd and therefore see no measurable difference on the course . . . don’t be discouraged.

Read our reviews on the site or Google Maps and you’ll see a repeating theme beyond the generous compliments; people of widely varying skill levels and experience who only needed to work 1-on-1 with an expert who can tailor the lesson to their needs. If that is the last piece of the puzzle left to be able to throw to your potential, why not? Think about it, and in the meantime let’s begin our deep dive into TECHDISC.

when to use The App and when to use techdisc.com

A disc golf disc with a TD (short for TECHDISC) puck attached to it can interact with the TD platform in two different ways; by connecting it via Bluetooth to techdisc.com on a web browser, or to the iOS or Android apps. Don’t think of it as either/or; both methods have their uses.

Connecting your TECHDISC through a browser has the benefit of universality. Pretty much anything that can get an internet connection, has Bluetooth, and isn’t ancient can connect to your TECHDISC, if needed. But that’s not where the web interface shines, just a nice backup plan in case the app isn’t available.

One person throws the TECHDISC while the other holds a smartphone with the app open.

Logging in to your account at techdisc.com is where the research takes place, compared to the app and disc, which are used to collect specimens (throw data) out in the field. Whereas the app easily connects to the disc and clearly displays basic information (along with another killer feature), the ability to dig deeper, experiment, and search for patterns exists only on the web platform.

Digging Deeper

View the list of your throws at techdisc.com, then click on one of them. You’ll see one important stat (Advanced Ratio) that doesn’t appear on the app display. This number is a calculation of spin rate and speed, and a good indicator if you are achieving enough spin for your armspeed and disc choices. You’ll also see 3D mapping based on their computer model’s projection of the throw’s flight path. (Since there are numerous external factors their model can’t take into account, don’t get too hung up on what it looks like.)

Experiment

Regardless of whether you think the 3D graphic looked like your real throw or not, clicking on it opens the secret passageway to a virtual laboratory where you can play the What-If game two different ways: Change around the flight numbers of the disc to see how the flight of your disc changes when you use a slower, lighter, or less stable disc, for instance.

Change the actual measured Throw Details of the throw being displayed to see the various ways—and what would be required, effort-wise—to get the disc to move in the direction you desire. If a throw with your current driver’s flight numbers dumps to the left, up the spin rate until it flattens out for longer, or lower the launch angle, or both.

Searching for Patterns

The longer you work with TECHDISC, the more useful the collected data becomes. This is especially true if you proactively use the platform’s ability to add tags and a note to each throw. TECHDISC automatically assigns backhand/forehand and hyzer/flat/anhyzer designations, but you can add more info. For instance, #afteraround to see how fatigue affects your form, or #cold, or #windy, or various specific discs.

More data points + more throws over time = more potential revelations about how score better through improved insights.

The App

The iOS app has been out for some, but the Android version was released more recently. I mentioned one big feature of the app aside from its simple function and optimized display, and here it is: If you want to work with your TECHDISC and know the results of each throw without having to look back to a screen, you can! Simply set the app up to audibly read out the measured stats of your choice. This works great when you’re working on something specific and use the stats as instant confirmation of whether you’re on the right track.

Spin vs. Speed

I have had similar experiences lately with three of my clients who own their own TECHDISCs. In each case, I have for some time been stressing the importance of imparting enough spin on a disc to enable it to fly as intended. I’ve done my best to explain why throwing shots with more spin and less speed allows a player to gain additional precision when needed and achieve steep turnover shots that cover short distances.

They all listened. Each of them embraced the mechanical changes we made, stressing a crisp halt of the body on drives to increase snap. Somehow, though, it became clearer—and therefore more of a priority—through the use of TECHDISC.

  • Seeing the RPM (spin) number increase when you work on a mechanical change specifically intended to increase spin is for some a more concrete form of evidence than seeing the difference in flight because memories fade but numbers are forever. Or something like that.
  • As noted above, the Customizer can be used to see how increasing spin changes flight “in the lab.”
  • TECHDISC provides a calculated metric called Advanced Ratio which describes the ratio of speed to spin rate for any given throw. It is Speed divided by RPM multiplied by the circumference of the disc. For a typical throw, an optimal ADV ratio is in the mid-40s, and this provides a simple benchmark, regardless of speed or distance.

I believe that as with many things in a sport as complex as disc golf (they say it’s easy to learn and hard to master) half of learning new skills and tricks is gaining a deep enough understanding of that element of the game. As I explain in Three Paths to Better Disc Golf (and touch on in this blog post) there are six ways to manipulate the flight of a disc. Six knobs to adjust, if you will, to get the exact flight you want. Spin is one of those knobs.

If I have a low ceiling on a 200-foot shot and need a throw that turns over at the finish, I’m probably better throwing an understable disc with a hyzer nose angle and use extra spin to create the turn, rather than releasing with anhyzer, due to the low ceiling.

My clients seem to be grasping these concepts more clearly thanks to TECHDISC, and that has given them more motivation to work on spin-inducing drills. Whether you own one or not, you can still use the Customizer to see why spin is such a crucial component to getting the flight paths you need and the distance you crave.

Hit me up with questions and I’ll do my best to answer them, and might include some in the next TECHDISC post.

techdisc disc golf measure your throw

School of Disc Golf: now featuring the power of TECHDISC

by frisbeebrain, posted in backhand, disc golf, disc golf driving, disc golf form, disc golf instruction, Disc Golf Lessons, disc golf product reviews, frisbee golf, Jack Tupp, product reviews

Hello there, this is Jack Tupp, Owner and lead instructor at School of Disc Golf.

Part of my 2023 disc golf summer was spent familiarizing myself with an amazing piece of technology called TECHDISC. I’ve already used it with several clients and have now fully incorporated it into both types of lessons we offer; in-person and virtual.

Here is a brief summary of what TECHDISC is and what it does:

  • TECHDISC is the name of the company, as well as the company’s flagship (and only) product
  • The product, which sells for $299, is a piece of hardware; a small rubberized puck that is precisely and permanently attached to a disc at their factory. Customers can choose the disc type and weight.
  • The puck contains sensors that track the disc’s speed, spin rate, launch rate, hyzer angle, and wobble rate upon release
  • The data collected by the puck is transmitted via Bluetooth to the user’s phone, tablet, or laptop, where it is displayed numerically and graphically and also stored securely in the user’s account on TECHDISC servers
  • The software platform also enables users to label and sort throws to gain additional insights
  • So far, TECHDISC has been so popular they’ve gone through several cycles of preorders. In other words, they can’t make ’em fast enough!

I’m working on a more comprehensive review of TECHDISC to be posted soon, but after extensive use of the tool and platform over the last few months these are my impressions of how TECHDISC can be used to improve one’s disc golf game— and how we’ll be using it at School of Disc Golf moving forward.

techdisc in school of disc golf private lessons

Using TECHDISC with clients hasn’t changed what I teach in lessons, nor has it altered how I teach. At least not very much. But it has supercharged both in two ways I noticed right away.

A big part of my private lessons — especially with newer players — is explaining how to generate arm speed and spin, and how to control the direction and trajectory of the disc. In other words, how to throw further and “straighter.” Before TECHDISC, my methods produced consistent results, but quite often success is delayed, at least for a time, by the fact that adopting proper technique can feel strange.

I would explain mechanical changes and drills to a client, and together we’d assess their throws using my eyes and experience and the client’s feel. But trusting that new feel can take time. Having the quantification and scientific measurement of TECHDISC, however, is powerfully different. It provides an irrefutable level of confirmation — positive or negative — to both student and teacher. Numbers don’t lie, as they say.

Speaking of numbers, the other instant win using TECHDISC with new disc golfers involves explaining the differences between discs, flight numbers, and how to select the correct disc for each circumstance— and why that answer changes depending on a wide range of factors. TECHDISC includes a flight simulator that allows us to see how tweaking throw characteristics (and also disc characteristics) changes the flight of a disc.

The Flight Simulator lets users adjust both disc and throw characteristics, then use the 3D Throw Viewer to see how each change affects the flight of the disc.

Having a hands-on tool that lets someone change disc and throw numbers to create hyzer flip and forced flex shot lines that end up in the same place communicates important info in a much more memorable way.

using techdisc IN virtual lessons

We have developed an excellent methodology over the years to serve those who can’t make it to Santa Cruz, but as with everything else, communicating via Zoom and email and texts is a little less effective than being in the same location.

The most important thing for me in using it as a training tool is that it accurately reflects adjustments a client makes over the course of our work together. It does.

The concrete metrics of TECHDISC permit no message distortion— they are what they are. Clients know exactly where they stand in terms of speed and spin, and they gain a proper understanding of less intuitive factors like nose angle, hyzer angle, and launch angle. As an instructor, knowing the exact numbers for each throw I see on a video call makes an even bigger difference than when using it with an in-person client. I may misinterpret something I see, especially when it’s on a screen and the angle is bad, but I can trust the numbers.

I’ll go into more detail soon in a full review, but I’ve used my TECHDISC enough by now to know it is consistent from throw to throw. The most important thing for me in using it as a training tool is that it accurately reflects adjustments a client makes over the course of our work together. It does. When my clients own their own TECHDISC, they can share their throw data between sessions, and I can trust that data. It provides scientific data that confirms when they do X, the results are Y. Over time, even more patterns and trends will emerge, especially if they take full advantage of the tagging feature.

TECHDISC automatically sorts throws by type and release angle, and lets you manually label and sort in numerous other ways.

using techdisc on your own

You can of course use a TECHDISC on your own. At the very least you’ll have the coolest disc golf gadget around, one-upping the rangefinder crowd. If you expect the ability to capture and slice and dice all that data to translate into lower scores, though, that will largely depend on your ability to figure things out on your own. If you’ve had success in the past watching YouTube videos and implementing changes, and you understand technical disc golf terminology, TECHDISC should provide you with all the benefits described above.

If, however, you’re on the other end of the spectrum (many of my current clients tell me they found my website after trying and failing to watch videos and develop on their own), please remember that TECHDISC is a measurement tool combined with good database tools. It won’t tell you how to change those numbers. But, hey, that’s what me and my fellow disc golf instructors are for, right?

Contact us if you’d like to schedule a TECHDISC-powered lesson or have a question, or book online directly to reserve a date and time right now.