Choosing the Right Distance Driver
Distance drivers are built for speed and maximum distance, but not every driver works the same for every player. Your throwing style — backhand or forehand — plays a big role in choosing the right disc.
Understanding how discs behave for each throw will help you get more distance and better control. If you want the broader buying guide, start with our full Best Distance Drivers page.
Backhand Distance Drivers
Backhand throws are the most common style in disc golf. For many players, especially beginners and developing throwers, understable to stable drivers will produce the best results.
Backhand distance often benefits from glide and controlled turn. If the disc is too overstable, it may fade before it has a chance to push forward.
Best characteristics:
- Understable to stable flight
- Good glide
- Easier turn for long, controlled flights
- Manageable fade at the end
Good options to search for:
Forehand Distance Drivers
Forehand, or sidearm, throws often put more torque on the disc. Because of that, many forehand players prefer stable or overstable drivers that resist turning too much during flight.
That does not mean every forehand driver needs to be extremely overstable. The right choice depends on your power, release angle, and how much fade you want at the end of the flight.
Best characteristics:
- Stable to overstable flight
- Reliable fade at the end of flight
- Good torque resistance
- Predictable finish in wind or on flex lines
Good options to search for:
What If You're a Beginner?
Most beginners will get better results with slower, more understable discs. High-speed overstable drivers can be difficult to control without enough arm speed.
If you're just starting out, focus on control first. Distance will come naturally as your technique improves. A fairway driver or easier control driver is usually a better first step than a very fast distance driver.
Read the Beginner Disc Guide
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Backhand vs Forehand: Quick Comparison
- Backhand: Often benefits from understable to stable drivers with good glide
- Forehand: Often benefits from stable to overstable drivers that handle torque
- Beginners: Usually get better results from slower, easier-to-control drivers
- Wind: More stable or overstable drivers are usually more predictable
If you are still learning what stable, understable, and overstable mean, read our Stable vs Understable Discs guide.
Flight Numbers Still Matter
Distance driver selection is not only about backhand or forehand. Speed, glide, turn, and fade all affect how the disc behaves.
A driver with more turn may be easier to use for backhand distance. A driver with more fade may be more reliable for forehands, wind, or finishing shots.
Build a Balanced Driver Setup
Most players benefit from carrying more than one type of driver. An understable driver can help with easy distance and turnovers, while a stable or overstable driver can help with wind, forehands, and dependable finishes.
A balanced setup might include:
- One understable driver for easier distance
- One stable driver for controlled backhand shots
- One overstable driver for forehands, wind, and reliable fade
If you are still building your full bag, read our Disc Selection Guide.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right distance driver is not just about speed. It is about matching the disc to your throwing style, arm speed, and the shot you actually need.
Backhand players often benefit from glide and controlled turn. Forehand players often benefit from stability and torque resistance. Start with discs that complement your current ability, then expand your driver lineup as your skills grow.
Read the full Best Distance Drivers guide
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