There’s a common myth that beginners should stick solely to putters and midranges. Some so-called disc golf “gurus” claim you shouldn’t throw discs faster than your arm speed and that most players should cap it at speed 9. While this approach can help develop good form, if your main goal is fun, let’s be real: drivers go farther! The trick is finding the right disc golf driver for your arm speed. Speaking from experience (and as someone who’s thrown hundreds of different molds and introduced plenty of newbies to the game), I can recommend some top drivers to help boost your distance.

To get maximum distance from a driver, you want to achieve its full flight path. Maximum distance happens when a driver flips over, turns right (increasing forward penetration), and then fades back left, creating an S-curve (for a right-handed backhand throw). In disc golf, distance adds excitement and helps you lower scores, putting you in a winning position.

Understanding Disc Golf Speed Ratings

Years ago, Innova Champion Discs introduced the universal flight ratings system, including four metrics: speed, glide, turn, and fade. Nearly every major disc golf brand now uses this system to help players understand how discs should fly. Though helpful, the system has its flaws. Variations in disc weight, plastic, and even mold runs (like one run being domey and the next flatter) can alter a disc’s flight despite identical ratings.

The first number in the four-digit flight rating—the speed rating—is the most consistent. Oddly, it doesn’t directly measure speed; no speed is clocked, and aerodynamics are rarely considered. Instead, speed is determined by rim width: a 2.0 cm rim is a speed 10, 2.1 cm is speed 11, 2.2 cm is speed 12, 2.3 cm is speed 13, and 2.4 cm is speed 15. The PDGA allows a maximum rim width of 2.5 cm for a standard disc diameter. Most players find rims that wide hard to handle, so a 2.3 cm rim (speed 13) is typically the largest thrown.

Several factors influence a disc’s stability and ability to achieve that full S-curve, including elevation, humidity, temperature, and, most importantly, wind (which can essentially increase or decrease a disc’s effective speed depending on your throwing direction).

Best Speed 13 Disc Golf Drivers for Various Throwing Distances

Less than 200 Feet

Dino Discs Tyrannosaurus
If you can’t throw 200 feet yet, you likely have a slow arm speed. To get a full S-curve flight at this distance, choose an ultra-light driver like Dino Discs, which offers weights as low as 130 grams. The Tyrannosaurus Rex driver, for example, helped my 11-year-old son get his first birdie on a 150-foot hole.

Less than 250 Feet

Divergent Discs Basilisk
The Basilisk is an understable Speed 13 disc designed for players with low arm speed. It’s easy to achieve an S-curve with, but as with most understable drivers, it can turn over if not thrown just right. Though it may lack consistency, it’s a solid choice for players throwing under 250 feet looking for extra distance.

Less than 300 Feet

Divergent Discs Lawin
The Lawin is a more stable version of the Basilisk with great glide and less unpredictability. Low-arm-speed players can get impressive distance with this disc, especially if they throw with a hyzer release. Divergent Discs focuses on beginners and recreational players, so it’s no surprise their high-speed drivers work well for low-arm-speed throwers.

Less than 350 Feet

Infinite Discs Pharaoh
The Pharaoh is my personal favorite—my go-to disc. In lighter weights (160 grams) and I-Blend plastic, I can stretch it close to 400 feet. In heavier weights, it consistently flies 320-350 feet with a slight flip-up turn. Other great options in this range include the Westside King and Destiny.

If you’re already throwing 350 feet or more, there are hundreds of Speed 13 discs that could suit you. At this range, you’ll have the arm speed to handle stable and even overstable distance drivers.

Conclusion

In the end, choosing the right distance driver comes down to matching the disc’s characteristics with your arm speed and throwing style. Speed 13 drivers offer a thrilling combination of distance and control, but the key is to find one that complements your current throwing distance. Whether you’re just breaking 200 feet or reaching out past 350, there’s a disc out there that can add more distance, consistency, and fun to your game. Remember, disc golf is all about enjoying the process, so experiment with different drivers, get a feel for what works best, and keep pushing your limits on the course. After all, nothing beats the satisfaction of watching your disc fly farther than ever before!

For the lowest prices on Speed 13 disc golf drivers, check out the selection at Discount Disc Golf.