{"id":283,"date":"2023-01-12T10:46:16","date_gmt":"2023-01-12T10:46:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplydiscgolf.com\/?p=283"},"modified":"2023-11-07T01:10:53","modified_gmt":"2023-11-07T01:10:53","slug":"discraft-predator-vs-raptor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplydiscgolf.com\/discraft-predator-vs-raptor\/","title":{"rendered":"Discraft Predator Vs. Raptor: Which Driver For You?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you were to ask a disc golfer what disc they throw the most, many would tell you it is their overstable fairway driver<\/a>. This is because they are predictable and versatile, making them ideal for distinctive styles of shots to help round out your game.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discraft is one of the biggest disc companies in the world. Today, we’ll look at the Predator and the Raptor, two of their most popular control drivers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before we get into this article, let’s define what a control driver is. A control driver is a 6 to 9-speed disc that offers ultimate control while netting a similar amount of distance to a distance driver. These drivers are so deeply loved by the disc golf community for their dependability and accuracy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overstable control drivers<\/a> are even more popular because they can be well-equipped for all types of shots. These discs make great utility and approach discs for all levels of players. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s break down the flight numbers and characteristics of both discs!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flight Numbers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Discraft classifies the Predator as a Speed: 9.0, Glide: 4.0., Turn: 1, and Fade: 4.0, making it quite an overstable driver for all levels of players. This disc would be most helpful in extremely windy conditions where flight predictability is difficult to determine or during scramble opportunities where creativity is needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Raptor’s flight numbers are Speed: 9.0, Glide 4.0, Turn: 0, and Fade: 3.0, marginally decreasing its overstability. Again, this makes it well-equipped to fight through windy conditions and reliably produce fade at the end of your shots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Raptor has a more traditional overstable finish that likes to finish on a skipping hyzer angle, while the Predator will push further than its competitor before dumping on hyzer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read Next:<\/strong> How Do Disc Golf Ratings Work?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both discs were made with similar intent, meaning they will fly very similarly. For an advanced-level player, if thrown with power on a flat flight path, the discs will fly straight for a few hundred feet before fading hard with a reliable skip. However, for players just beginning, these over-stable drivers will require lots of torque and anhyzer to angle to get a significant amount distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main difference between these two is the amount of fade and distance present. The Raptor was made as a zero-turn, windy condition disc and will fly shorter distances than its competitor. On the other hand, the Predator has a turn rating of one, meaning it will turn slightly before finishing on a strong hyzer angle. This will allow you to get more distance and shape more advanced shots like hyzer flips and slow panning turnovers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that we’ve discussed how these discs fly, let’s get into their dimensions and hand feel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dimensions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Predator vs Raptor<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Diameter: 21.2 cm Diameter: 21.3 cm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Height: 1.9 cm Height: 1.9 cm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rim Depth: 1.1 cm Rim Depth: 1.1 cm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rim Width: 1.9 cm Rim Width: 1.9 cm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Max Weight: 177.00 g Max Weight: 180.00 g<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since these drivers are almost identical, much of their difference will come down to personal rim preference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rim:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After getting my hands on a Predator for the first time, I noticed that it has incredibly sharp edges that feel like a microbead. This could cause some severe problems for forehand or overhand shots that require a smooth release. This disc is surprisingly deep for a fairway driver, which may turn away some players. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other side of the millimeter-tall fence, the Raptor is the complete opposite regarding hand feel. It has a clean, comfortable rim that golfers describe as lip-like and moderate. Unlike the Predator, this would make it ideal for forehand and overhand shots because the disc would release cleanly out of your hand. Additionally, the Raptor feels fantastic for backhand shots but may tend to slip out early due to its sleeker design. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t just take my word for it; check out these videos by one of the best disc golf pros<\/a> Drew Gibson and Trevor from Foundation Disc Golf breaking down the discs’ hand feel and flight characteristics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n