Discmania: Deep in the Game – Episode 1 – Putting
Great putting tutorial.
Disc Review: ESP Nuke
In the Interest of Being Honest
In the interest of being fully transparent, you should know that Clint over at discgolfstation.com (great guys over there, and good prices!) recently contacted me about reviewing a disc on my blog in exchange for the disc itself. I happily agreed since I’m an avid disc golf fan who would likely do a lot of things to get free, new plastic. The disc that they sent was a yellow and green, Discraft ESP Nuke, weighing in at 168 grams.
My Primary Driver
I’m already a pretty avid Discraft Nuke user, but I’ve never owned one in ESP plastic, so I was anxious to compare the ESP version to the other Nukes I already owned. Up until this Summer, my primary driver was the Innova Katana, but a couple of months ago I switched to Discraft’s Elite Z Nuke SS for most drives. The reason for the switch was that the Nuke SS allowed me to throw just as far (if not farther) with much less strain on my body. I am far from having the biggest arm or the best release in disc golf, so to get the Katana to fly straight and far, I usually had to release it with a bit of anhyzer. When I do, the Katana tends to s-curve really nicely and finish with dependable fade, but if I release it flat or hyzer, it tends to hyzer out strongly to the left. The issue with all of this anhyzer versus hyzer stuff is that anhyzer wears on your body, hyzer doesn’t near as much (at least that was my experience). I can play stronger and longer if my primary release is flat or hyzer. While the Nuke SS has been touted by some as Discraft’s version of the Katana, really it’s much less stable, and much easier to throw. I can throw a Nuke SS on a slight hyzer line and watch it flip up flat and still finish with dependable fade. If I release it ever-so-slightly anhyzer, it will s-curve beautifully and go for days. So, I mainly use the Nuke SS for drives, but I will also occasionally use my Elite Z Nuke for shots where I need a really strong left fade.
So What Do You Think of the ESP Nuke?
I really like it. The Nuke has made a name for itself as a disc that can go maximum distances with dependable fade every time. A lot of my friends also love how good this disc skips on harder surfaces, thus increasing the distance. Upon receiving my new disc, I did two things: 1) played a round using it as my primary driver, 2) I took it out to a park and threw it multiple times side by side with an Elite Z Nuke SS, an Elite Z Nuke, and a Pro-D Nuke. Here’s what I think:
- I can’t tell a big difference in the flight pattern between the Elite Z and the ESP. For me, the Elite Z seemed to edge out the ESP in distance by a couple of feet, but that was it. However, I love the grip on ESP plastic; it just feels better in your hand. It wouldn’t surprise me if I started reaching for the ESP version of the disc over the Elite Z version.
- Both the Elite Z and ESP are more dependable (and obviously more durable) than the Pro D Nuke. If you release the Pro D Nuke with too much anhyzer, it will die and not come back. Conversely, the ESP and Elite Z Nukes have dependable fade every time. If you’re wondering why I have a Pro D Nuke to begin with, I’ve recently been very interested in how D plastic breaks-in and and changes over time. I bought it in hopes that as it breaks in, it will fall somewhere between the stability of my Elite Z Nuke and my Elite Z Nuke SS.
- The Nuke SS is easier to throw, and I think slightly easier to throw straight, than the regular Nuke, but I was getting better distance out of the Nuke. This is really all a matter of arm speed, if you can throw a more stable disc hard enough, you will likely prefer it for dependability and distance. However, a less stable disc is easier to throw straight (especially for beginners) and gains more distance for less arm speed. Personally speaking, I can release the Nuke SS on a hyzer line, watch it flip up, and then fade dependably. For the Nuke, if I want to throw it straight, I still throw it best with a little anhyzer, and watch it s-curve and come back every time.
The ESP Nuke is a great addition to my bag, and a favorite of quite a few of my friends. Having thrown both, I think I now prefer the ESP Nuke over the Elite Z Nuke, simply because of the grip. If you need a good driver, you should definitely consider the Nuke.
Learn More About the Nuke
Purchase a Nuke from DiscGolfStation
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Two New Discs from Vibram: Ibex & Sole
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I must admit, I love the way Vibram discs look! I have a couple in my bag, but neither have become go to’s yet. For putting I prefer my Yeti Pro over the Vibram models, and for a fairway driver, I find the Orc & the Viking more consistent than the Ascent. I haven’t tried a Trak yet, so no opinion there. (This might just sound like I’m an Innova apologist, I’m not, I’ll use whatever works.) One of the things I do love about Vibram though is their desire to innovate. I really appreciate this about the company. (The same reason I’m pretty pumped about MVP dics too).
Both the Ibex and Sole look pretty intriguing. Can’t wait to try them out. The Ibex especially, if the whole “holds a right line with minimal fade” thing is true.
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New Disc: Millennium Quasar
Rated 13, 5, -1, 3
Not sure that there is anything special or new here, but this first run version is pretty awesome looking with the sparkles.
Grab one here:
http://www.discnation.com/Millennium-Quasar-Quantum-1st-Run-Disc-Golf-Drivers.html
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New Disc Company: Legacy Discs
From their website:
“In the not too distant past, at the Annual Southwestern Team Disc Golf Invitational, held in San Diego, CA, we found ourselves discussing plastic with several of the top players in the world. Those discussions centered around one idea: players wanted discs that current manufacturers were unwilling to provide. At that moment, Legacy’s seed was born. Historically, disc manufacturers have not allowed players to design what they want, they have been unwilling to work collaboratively with respect to player sponsorship, and ultimately, they have left most professional athletes in this sport feeling as if they wanted something more.
Legacy Discs is that something more. We founded this company with goal of obtaining player input on exactly what they want to throw and utilizing that input to create a player designed and researched line of plastic that answers the call of THE PLAYER. Over the last several months, Steve has been beating the input out of many touring professionals, with the ultimate goal of creating player designed discs that will elevate the games of the best in the world to even newer heights. It seems logical to us that the best players in the world would be the first place to start when attempting to create the best plastic in the sport.”
Honestly, it sounds exciting.
Their first disc is the Rampage
Rated: 14, 5, -1, 4
Apparently these are real deal speed 14 discs. They’re not for sale yet except if you happen to run into the right person. I found this comment online from a guy who bought a lot of and was reselling them online – already sold out 
.
“Have you done your research. It is a speed 14, it has the 2.5 cm rim, what other disc does and the rim sharpness is the legal limit. A 100 pro’s threww it at worlds and it has been a hit so far. I have sold over 130 of them and there are entire threads on disc golf course review about peoples opinions and insight. Please read these, the only speed 14 I know thats a fake is the westside King. That was a marketing gimmick. this disc bombs if you can throw this type of disc.”
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