If you’re a disc golf enthusiast or a beginner looking to explore the game, you’ve surely heard about the magic of the Discraft Zombee. But knowing about a disc and understanding its essence are two different things. Allow me to break it down for you in this Discraft Zombee review.
Just like any 13-year veteran disc golfer, I’ve had my hands on countless discs. None has quite mirrored the Zombee’s unique blend of versatility, stability, and predictability. Yes, you heard it right; this disc is something special.
Want to know why the Discraft Zombee holds such a revered place in disc golf folklore? Buckle up, and let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this remarkable disc.
Flight Numbers
- Speed: 6
- Glide: 4
- Turn: -1
- Fade: 1
The speed of 6 indicates that the Discraft Zombee is a medium-paced disc, not too slow or fast. This makes it a consistent performer and easier to control than many high-speed discs.
With a glide rating of 4, the Zombee ensures a stable and steady flight. It doesn’t glide for exceptionally long distances, but with proper technique and adequate power, it will travel a respectable distance before sinking.
The negative turn of -1 signifies that upon being released at high speed, the disc will curve slightly to the right (for right-handed, backhand throws). This subtle turnover can be manipulated to shape your shots strategically around the obstacles on the disc golf course.
Lastly, the Discraft Zombee’s fade of 1 is a measure of its predictable finish to the left (for right-handed, backhand throws) as it loses speed towards the end of the flight. This low fade rating makes Zombee a reliable disc that won’t surprise you by veering too heavily towards the end of its flight.
Fine-Tuned Disc Golf Disc Design
- Diameter: 21.60 cm
- Height: 2.10 cm
- Rim Depth: 1.20 cm
- Rim Width: 1.60 cm
At 21.60 cm in diameter, the Discraft Zombee sits comfortably in the average range of disc diameters, neither too massive to grip nor too petite to lose control. This typically enhances the disc’s overall balance in flight.
The height of 2.10 cm assures a slim profile, reducing air resistance and boosting the consistency of the flight path. It also gives the disc a pleasant feel in the hand, which can boost confidence during the throw.
The rim depth of 1.20 cm signals this disc is relatively shallow, making it easier to grip, particularly for players with smaller hands. This feature, combined with a rim width of 1.60 cm, adds to the control and stability of the Zombee, offering a solid grip that doesn’t compromise on comfort.
Is This Disc For You?
The Discraft Zombee is often described as a fairway driver that beautifully bridges the gap between a midrange and a driver. But don’t let its hybrid characteristics fool you. Its true magic lies in its accessibility.
Newer players exploring the game and getting a grip on fundamentals will find this disc a blessing due to the stability rating of 1.0. Zombee maintains balance throughout its flight and will help beginners understand the art of a straight throw with a predictable dash of fade at the end.
At the same time, advanced players can use this disc to beautifully carve their flight paths. For instance, the Zombee could be shaped into any line, be it a defining anhyzer curve or a smooth hyzer flip. I have spent countless windy afternoons manipulating the Zombee’s flight on various lines — always amazed to see how it obeys my throw.
However, as some experienced players have noted, the Zombee might see less action in your game once your arm speed increases. Depending on your requirement, the mid-range to fairway pocket it caters to can be filled by discs with more range or specific midrange discs.
The Discraft Zombee is a perfect all-rounder for beginners to intermediates and a potentially handy tool for advanced players looking for controlled, inventive shots. But hey, as my thirteen years of disc golf realities have taught me, it’s really about how you gel with your disc. So, try it out and let the Zombee show you its tricks!
Making Magic With The Zombee
The Discraft Zombee is a versatile and predictable disc you can count on in multiple scenarios. Now, let me break down some specific shot types and strategies where I’ve found the Zombee to particularly shine:
Controlled Distance Throws
Need to steadily advance up the fairway without risking veering too far off the path? Use a controlled distance throw with the Zombee, and watch as it maintains a straight line before slightly fading at the end. It’s an excellent choice for fairway drives where you want an extra distance beyond your mid-range but don’t want to sacrifice control.
Straight Tunnel Shots
This is where the Zombee comes into its own. The straight flight of the Zombee makes it ideal for those low-ceiling forested areas where you need precision, control, and a predictable flight. Just remember, it flies straight as an arrow if you aim it right!
Anhyzer and Hyzer Throws
The Discraft Zombee’s glide assists in holding anhyzer lines, and its low fade makes it well-suited for deliberate hyzer throws. With some practice on the angle of release and power behind the throw, the Zombee is a fantastic tool for shaping intricate lines on the course.
Alternative Fairway Drivers
Innova Leopard
The Innova Leopard is a comparable disc highly favored by beginners and pros alike. The Leopard’s similar speed and turn make it another fantastic option for players seeking control and predictability in their throws. However, in my experience, Leopards are slightly more susceptible to turning over, which could be a pro or con, depending on your style of play.
XCom Helios
The XCom Helios shares the Zombee’s steady flight pattern, making it another contender for the slot of a reliable fairway driver in your bag. While the Zombee is a dash more predictable, the difference is subtle. Helios may offer more glide and be a fun disc to explore.
Millennium Polaris LS
The Millennium Polaris LS has a more pronounced turn and less fade, making it a more understable disc than the Zombee. I found the Polaris LS to be longer in flight, willing to hold the anhyzer line longer before fading back. If you fancy a little more flip in your fairway drives, Polaris LS could be a fun fit.
Discraft Zombee In Review
The Discraft Zombee is an accommodating disc that offers reliable stability, a predictable flight, and a level of control that both beginners and seasoned players can appreciate. It maps a place for itself in the unique middle ground of midrange and driver territory, making it a valuable addition to any player’s bag.
Pros:
- Perfect for beginners to intermediate players
- Stable and reliable with a predictable end-of-flight fade
- Versatile disc that can be used as a midrange or a fairway driver
- Can be shaped into any line with the right amount of power and angle
Cons:
- More experienced players with faster arm speeds may find it less useful over time
- May not perform as well as specific fairway drivers or midrange discs in some scenarios