The world of disc golf might seem overwhelming at first. There are so many different discs varying in mold, speed, glide, turn and fade, but also in different blends of plastic. How do you navigate that landscape without getting lost in it? The good news is that once you understand plastics, everything starts to make more sense.
When you look at Latitude 64° plastics, they can roughly be divided into three groups: retro plastic, putter plastic and premium plastic. The main difference between them is durability, but you can also notice clear contrasts in flight, grip and stiffness. This means that even if you have the same mold in different plastic, it won’t fly exactly the same for the same armspeed throw, even though the flight numbers are identical. It is also important to note that I´m not going through all the plastics ever made and you can come across for example Moonshine or Air plastic. These are not separate categories, but rather variations of existing plastics, created for specific conditions or preferences, such as glow rounds or lighter-weight options.
Retro plastic is designed to welcome new players into the sport. It’s an excellent choice for someone who wants to try disc golf without overcomplicating things. This blend is affordable, beginner-friendly and breaks in relatively easily. It also carries a sense of nostalgia, because in the early days of disc golf plastics were much simpler and more understable by today’s standards and none of them had the translucent look we often see now.
Putter plastics can be divided into Zero Soft, Zero Medium and Zero Hard. These options mainly vary in stiffness, offering players the ability to choose what best fits their feel and preference. I personally love Zero Medium. I feel like I have the most control with this blend, which helps me stay confident in putting and approaching. But I also know players who prefer Zero Soft or even premium plastic for these shots. There is no right or wrong answer, only what works best for you. All in all, putter plastics are known for their grip, making them ideal for touch shots like putting and approaching, where accuracy is key. While they do beat in more easily, their grip makes them reliable even in cold or rainy conditions.
Premium plastic is designed to handle more power and offer greater durability. Latitude 64° has developed a variety of premium blends over the years, with the most well-known being Opto and Gold Line. Opto plastic is very durable and comes in translucent colors. Gold Line is similar in durability but includes added polymers to improve grip without sacrificing longevity.
Premium plastic is designed to handle more power and offer greater durability. Latitude 64° has developed a variety of premium blends over the years, with the most well-known being Opto and Gold Line. Opto plastic is very durable and comes in translucent colors. Gold Line is similar in durability but includes added polymers to improve grip without sacrificing longevity.
Just like players continue to improve each year, equipment must evolve as well and Latitude 64° has been committed to that progression. With the Royal lineup, they introduced NexEdge and NexFeel technologies, creating a smoother and more refined feel in the rim. Alongside these innovations came a new premium plastic blend called Grand and now the latest addition - Clear.
Clear plastic is designed to represent professional-level performance. It features a glass-like finish while still maintaining a confident grip. The slightly stiffer feel allows for more dependable stability. This also translates into increased durability, meaning the disc is able to preserve its original flight characteristics for longer.
I’ve had the privilege to test my signature Clear Grace and it is a trusty and stable version of this mold. What I love about this is that it allows me to use the same mold in different situations, whether it’s a headwind, tailwind or shaping different lines, by simply choosing a different plastic or wear level. That way I can keep a familiar feel in my hand without having to change molds, which ultimately helps me stay more consistent.
At the end of the day, plastics are about feel, trust and confidence. Understanding the differences helps guide your choices, but the real connection happens when a disc fits your hand and your game. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your bag at the highest level, finding the right plastic can make all the difference and Clear plastic is a step forward in that evolution.
Kristin
Kristin
Quick Links:
- Check out the Clear collection.
