Discraft Zeus Distance Driver Disc Review

A surefire choice in discs is essential when stepping onto the disc golf course. One disc I’ve been reaching for time and time again is the Discraft Zeus. Having played and extensively tested disc golf discs for over 13 years, I’ve seen my fair share of distance drivers, but the Zeus packs a punch that sets it apart.

In this Discraft Zeus review, I aim to share my experiences and thoroughly analyze every attribute of this excellent disc. From its flight characteristics, ideal skill level, and comparable discs—I’ll leave no stone unturned.

So, buckle up, folks. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a disc golf beginner, the Zeus might just be the next game-changer to hit your bag.

Flight Numbers

Blue-ish Discraft Paul McBeth 6X Claw ESP Zeus with Party Time
  • Speed: 12
  • Glide: 5
  • Turn: -1
  • Fade: 3

The Discraft Zeus, with a speed rating of 12, undoubtedly falls into the category of high-speed distance drivers. This means the disc can achieve impressive distance, but only if thrown with the power and speed required to harness its potential.

The glide at 5 is substantial, giving the disc an impressive ability to stay aloft. As an experienced disc golf player, I enjoy this trait as the disc seems to float through the air, granting an extra distance boost.

As for the turn, at -1, the Discraft Zeus has a slight curve before stabilizing. This feature makes this disc a bit more forgiving on release errors. It then corrects itself in the flight, making it a choice disc for those developing their form.

Lastly, the fade at 3 indicates a steady, reliable pull to the left at the end of its flight (for a right-handed, backhand throw). It allows the Zeus to carve traditional flight paths while still getting a great distance on the throw. It helps manage corner shots where the disc needs to change direction towards the end.

A Closer Look

  • Diameter: 21.10 cm
  • Height: 1.60 cm
  • Rim Depth: 1.20 cm
  • Rim Width: 2.30 cm

The Discraft Zeus boasts a comfortable diameter of 21.10 cm, falling within the standard for most distance drivers. This disc fits easily in the hand and provides a comfortable grip for releasing and controlling throws.

Moving to the disc’s height of 1.60 cm means it’s thick enough to ensure you feel you’re holding something substantial. This measurement adds that robust feel to the hand and gives the disc a natural stability in flight.

The Zeus features a rim depth of 1.20 cm, which is shallow enough to allow players of almost any hand size to grip it comfortably.

Finally, the disc’s rim width comes in at 2.30 cm. This wider rim allows the disc to cut through the air for maximum speed and distance. But it’s worth noting that wider rims like this can be challenging to grip for players with smaller hands. While it’s manageable, it’s something to keep in mind.

Master The Wind

With its high-speed and overstable attributes, the Discraft Zeus pairs well with a strong arm. Built for power throwers, this disc driver delivers top-notch performance when handled with the proper technique and speed. Ideally, it’s an excellent addition to an intermediate to an advanced player’s arsenal. It acts as a high-speed chariot, allowing me to cover remarkable distances on wide-open courses.

Newbies might find the Zeus a bit overwhelming, though. Players exploring the field of disc golf may not yet have the arm speed to effectively manage and navigate this disc to its full potential. I came about a beginner who tried throwing a Zeus but ended up watching it dive out of bounds. However, it’s not an impossible feat for beginners, as another beginner described it as a confidence booster for their backhand.

Regarding versatility, the Discraft Zeus does not disappoint, fitting in snugly into both backhand and forehand grips. This quality empowers players to explore various throwing styles and offers an opportunity to experiment on the field. It’s a dependable disc as a distance driver for both forehand and backhand drives, and I’ve witnessed some fantastic hyzer flip shots with the Zeus.

Taking The Disc Golf Throne

The majestic Discraft Zeus, aptly named after the King of the Sky, is primarily used as a distance driver. Known for its soaring glide and predictable finish, it’s the reliable warrior you need on the field when aiming for those maximum-distance shots. The combination of a slight turn and dependable fade make it an ideal pick when you’re targeting those S-curve flights.

Here are a few shot types that the Zeus is well-suited for:

Distance Drives

Throw the Zeus with a powerful arm and watch it cover impressive distances. It’s my go-to for games that take place on wide-open courses.

Hyzer Flip Shots

Thanks to its slight turn and consistent fade, the Discraft Zeus shines when it comes to Hyzer flips. Thrown at a lower line and with a hyzer lean, you can expect a predictable outcome, often accompanied by a reliable skip to the left.

S-Curve Shots

Look no further if you need a disc to carve an ‘S’ in the sky. The Zeus, with its dependable flight path and significant distance, excels at this shot type. I remember an instance when I successfully navigated an obstacle-ridden course using the Zeus for an S-curve throw, gaining maximum distance without compromising on accuracy.

Comparable Distance Drivers

Discraft Punisher

The Discraft Punisher is similar to the Zeus in many ways. This disc is designed as a distance driver and offers excellent speed, making it another favorite among power throwers. However, it carries a slightly higher over-stability, which makes it less forgiving for newcomers.

Legacy Outlaw

The Outlaw by Legacy Discs is another disc often compared with the Discraft Zeus. It offers a similar flight pattern and also excels as a distance driver. It’s well-rounded in terms of speed, glide, turn, and fade. Given that I’ve had a few Outlaws in my bag, I can testify to their reliability on the course. However, the Outlaw has a slightly more pronounced turn, making it occasionally unpredictable in stronger winds.

Gateway Spell

Engineered for distance, the Gateway Spell stands strong against the wind with its high stability, preserving its trajectory regardless of the elements. Like the Discraft Zeus, it handles power flawlessly and is a trusty tool for long throws. Although unique in its virtues, it mirrors the Zeus’s knack for controlled, long-distance coverage, even in breezy conditions.

Discraft Zeus In Review

Yellow Discraft Big Z Zeus with Pink Sparkles Stamp

Much like its Greek namesake, the Discraft Zeus is a phenomenally commanding disc ideally suited for intermediate to advanced players with strong arm speed. This high-speed distance driver demonstrates consistency and substantial glide, making it a popular choice for impressive distance coverage.

Although this versatile disc fits both backhand and forehand grips, it might seem daunting for beginners. Power throwers, however, would find this disc a precious addition to their repertoire. It’s reliable, predictable, and undoubtedly praiseworthy in the distance it garners.

Pros:

  • High speed for impressive distance
  • Favorable turn and fade for versatile throws
  • Comfortable grip for both backhand and forehand
  • Eye-catching ESP plastic designs

Cons:

  • Might be overwhelming for beginners due to high speed and wide rim
  • ESP plastic can feel slick, impacting the grip for some players
  • The embossed words on the rim can potentially disturb a comfortable grip