Best Distance Drivers
Distance drivers are built for maximum distance, but the best distance driver is not always the fastest disc on the shelf. The right driver depends on your arm speed, release angle, throwing style, and the flight you want.
This guide will help you choose distance drivers with more confidence, whether you throw backhand, forehand, or are just starting to add faster discs to your bag.
Shop Distance Drivers
Coast Mountain Disc Depot carries distance drivers for Canadian disc golf players, including understable drivers for easier distance, stable drivers for controlled flights, and overstable drivers for wind, forehands, and reliable finishes.
What Is a Distance Driver?
A distance driver is a faster disc designed to cover more ground when thrown with enough speed and control. Distance drivers usually have wider rims than fairway drivers and are often used for open tee shots, long fairways, and maximum-distance throws.
The tradeoff is control. Faster discs require more arm speed and cleaner form to fly properly. If a driver is too fast or too overstable for your throw, it may fade early and travel shorter than a slower fairway driver.
Distance driver tip: Faster does not always mean farther. Many players throw farther with a controllable driver than with a high-speed disc they cannot fully get up to speed.
Best Distance Drivers by Player Type
Newer Players
Start with slower, understable drivers that are easier to turn and glide.
Developing Players
Look for controllable distance drivers that balance turn, glide, and reliable fade.
Power Throwers
Use stable and overstable drivers for wind, torque resistance, and dependable finishes.
Distance Driver Speed: What to Know
Distance drivers are often speed 10 and higher. The higher the speed number, the more power the disc usually needs to fly as intended.
If you do not throw a high-speed driver fast enough, it may act more overstable than expected. That usually means it will fade early, lose glide, and not give you the distance you hoped for.
| Speed Range | What It Usually Means | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Speed 9–10 | Control drivers and slower distance drivers | Developing players, controlled distance, easier distance |
| Speed 11–12 | Common distance driver range | Players with improving arm speed and cleaner form |
| Speed 13–14 | Very fast distance drivers | Power throwers, open fairways, maximum distance attempts |
Understable Distance Drivers
Understable distance drivers are often the easiest distance drivers for newer or developing players to use. They are more likely to turn, glide, and hold straighter flights for players who do not have elite arm speed.
They can be useful for hyzer flips, turnovers, tailwinds, and easy distance. For many players, an understable driver will fly farther than a faster overstable driver.
Stable Distance Drivers
Stable or neutral distance drivers are good all-purpose options for players who want distance without extreme turn or fade. These drivers can be useful when you want a straighter flight with a predictable finish.
A stable driver is often a good choice once you have enough arm speed to throw beyond fairway drivers but still want control.
Overstable Distance Drivers
Overstable distance drivers are built for reliability. They resist turning and finish with stronger fade, which makes them useful for wind, forehands, flex shots, and dependable finishing lines.
They are not always the best choice for newer players trying to maximize distance, but they are very useful once you need a disc that will fight wind or handle more power.
Best Distance Drivers for Backhand Throws
For backhand distance, many players benefit from a driver that has some turn and glide. If the disc is too overstable, it may fade before it has a chance to carry forward.
Backhand throwers often get good results from neutral or understable drivers that can flip up, glide, and finish with control.
Best Distance Drivers for Forehand Throws
Forehand throws often put more torque on the disc, so many forehand players prefer stable or overstable drivers that resist turning over too much.
That does not mean every forehand driver needs to be extremely overstable. The best choice depends on your release angle, power, and how much finish you want at the end of the flight.
For more detail, read our Backhand vs Forehand Distance Driver Guide.
Should Beginners Use Distance Drivers?
Most beginners should not build their game around high-speed distance drivers right away. Putters, midranges, and fairway drivers are usually easier to control and often produce better results while form is still developing.
That said, beginners can still experiment with easier-to-throw drivers. The key is choosing slower, more understable drivers rather than jumping straight to very fast, overstable molds.
If you are new to disc golf, start with our Best Disc Golf Discs for Beginners guide.
Distance Driver Selection Guide
| You Want | Look For | Avoid Starting With |
|---|---|---|
| Easier distance | Understable or neutral driver | Very overstable high-speed drivers |
| Controlled backhand distance | Driver with glide and moderate fade | Discs that fade too early |
| Forehand reliability | Stable or overstable driver | Discs that turn over too easily |
| Wind control | Overstable distance driver | Very understable lightweight drivers |
| Beginner driver | Slower, understable fairway or control driver | Speed 13–14 discs too early |
Popular Distance Driver Categories
Fairway Drivers
Better control for players who are not ready for high-speed drivers yet.
Beginner-Friendly Discs
Easy-to-throw options for new and developing players.
Distance Driver FAQ
What is the best distance driver for beginners?
The best beginner distance driver is usually slower and understable. Many beginners get better results from fairway drivers before moving into faster distance drivers.
Do faster distance drivers go farther?
Only if you have enough arm speed to throw them properly. If a disc is too fast for your throw, it may fade early and fly shorter than a slower disc.
What distance driver should I use for forehand?
Many forehand players prefer stable or overstable drivers because they resist turning over and give a reliable finish. The best choice depends on your power and release angle.
What distance driver should I use for backhand?
For backhand throws, many players benefit from a neutral or understable driver with good glide. This can help the disc carry farther before fading.
Should I throw a fairway driver instead of a distance driver?
Yes, in many cases. Fairway drivers are easier to control and can often go just as far for newer or developing players.
Shop Distance Drivers in Canada
Choose a driver that fits your arm speed, throwing style, and course conditions. The best distance driver should help you throw farther with more control.