Tuna ITB Record

[muptonfish]

This is my opinion and in no way able to be backed up with empirical evidence.
Personal results may vary...

During this time of year, we tend to encounter windy conditions more regularly, which impacts flight. The colder my hands are, the harder it is to get a good grip and subsequent snap, so that also impacts flight characteristics. Lastly, the lower the temp, the stiffer the plastic and the more "stable" it flies (for me).

Sounds like I have an excuse for why I keep hitting trees this winter. I'll have time to work on an excuse for the warmer months

 

[Golden Tuna]

Sounds like I have an excuse for why I keep hitting trees this winter. I'll have time to work on an excuse for the warmer months

My warm weather excuse is lack of practice and overall lack of skill...:\

 

[Golden Tuna]

Sounds like I have an excuse for why I keep hitting trees this winter. I'll have time to work on an excuse for the warmer months

More information on the topic...

 

[Golden Tuna]

Destroyer
- Star: OS
- Star: US
Orc
- Star: OS
- Star: S
- Champ: US
Firebird
TeeBird
- Star: OS
- Star: S
- Star: US
Stalker
- Cryztal: OS
- Cryztal: S
Comet
- JB: US
- ESP: S
Emac Truth
Zone
- Glo/ESP: OS
- Glo/ ESP: S
Challenger
- RB X2: Putting
- Pro-D X2: OS & S Approach
- TI: Driving

 

[Golden Tuna]

Destroyer
- Champ: OS
- Star: US

TeeRex
- Star: OS
- Star: S/US

Orc
- Star: OS
- Star: S
- Champ: US

Firebird
- 12x Champ: OS
- G*: S/US

TeeBird
- MF: OS
- Star: S
- Star: US

Stalker
- Cryztal: OS
- Cryztal: S

Comet
- JB: US
- BigZ: S
- ESP: S/OS

Emac Truth

Zone
- Glo/ESP: OS
- Glo/ ESP: S

Challenger
- RB X2: Putting
- Pro-D: BH Approach & Driving

*Added the TeeRex's primarily for FH distance. In doing so, I've found I can use lighter Destroyers for added distance & TR covers any cases that require added stability

 

[Golden Tuna]

Interesting developments...

The TeeRex is awesome for FH/BH stable requirements, so, I did a couple searches to see if I could find used backups. Collector prices on these have been insane (to me - avg. price ~$65/ea). So, the search began for a suitable (stock) replacement.

I settled in on the Machette since I had one from a players pack I could field test. It's really stable, much like a new TeeRex, so I think I have a good replacement, but I need to get to work breaking these in so they're not soooo stable.

My home course have recently eaten a zone, my (old run) ESP comet, Beat star TeeBird, FH Orc, & 2 PFN Orcs - it's been a BAD month!... 3:5 are in water, so there is a chance they'll come back, but I think the other 2 "walked" off

So, here we are...

169 BigZ Machette (FH/OS BH)
170 Champ Destroyer (BH avg.)
160 Star Destroyer (BH bombs)
172 Star Orc (Main workhorse)
172 Champ Orc (FH/BH hyzer flip)
172 G* Firebird (main FH fairway)
175 Icon Phenom (BH Fairway (stable))
169 Pinnacle Phenom (BH fairway (understable))
177 BigZ Drone (OS BH, FH between FB & Zone)
178 Fuzion Emac Truth (BH stable Mid)
175 Fuzion Emac Truth (BH stable/US Mid)
177 MJ, TS, Z Comet (straight mid)
177 Jawbreaker Comet (US Mid)
175 CryztalZ Zone (OS, FH Approach)
172 ESP GLO Zone (FH approach - versitile)

175 CryztalZ Challenger: Driving
175 EliteX Challenger: BH Approach/anny putts
175 Rubber Blend Challengers: C1/C2 putts

The goal behind replacing the TeeRex w/ Machette is price driven, but won't last if I can't find a few used/seasoned ones that are more workable. I replaced the TeeBird with the Phenom because it is like an US teebird out of the box. I'm hoping the 175 PNs will be stable enough to handle fall winds.

I haven't thrown the Stalker in a long time. In fact, most of those shots have been consumed by one of the Emac Truth. They aren't quite as long, but I rarely stretched the Stalker past 275-300.

It's been super hot & humid here, so I switched back to the ZUCA mini to carry more water. I like it more than I originally thought...

 

[Golden Tuna]

Forehand
169 BigZ Machette
172 G* Firebird
177 BigZ Drone
177 Jawbreaker Comet
175 CryztalZ Zone
172 ESP GLO Zone

Backhand
170 Champ Destroyer
160 Star Destroyer
172 Star Orc
172 Champ Orc
175 Icon Phenom
169 Pinnacle Phenom
178 Fuzion Emac Truth
175 Fuzion Emac Truth
177 MJ, TS, Z Comet
175 CryztalZ Challenger
175 EliteX Challenger

 

[Golden Tuna]

Haven't updated in a while. I've been in a continuous flux of carrying vs. cart, and which discs are truly suited to my game and ability.

Most recently, I tried to focus on the Destroyers for 1 mold to cover FH distance, FH OS, and BH distance drives. My FH (admittedly) needs work, but I didn't find the mold to be as workable (for me) as I had hoped. So, I took Destroyer out all together.

I felt like I wasn't gaining a distinct (distance) advantage over something like a Wraith. Ultimately, that experiment failed, and the Destroyer returned. But, in the meantime, I started leaning on the Wraith for FH distance, which is a good fit. The Machette was too OS out of the box, and not popular enough to be able to find used ones easily.

I abandoned the mental restriction that I have to fit within a certain mold count, which added a few arrows to the quiver. Since then, I've been executing on more shots without feeling like I'm "forcing" it.

172 Z Machette (Utility/OS)
170 Star Destroyer (OS)
160 Star Destroyer (workable)
170 (flat) Star Wraith (FH Distance)
170 (pop top) Star Wraith (BH substitute when needed - between Orc & Destroyer)
172 Star Orc (main fairway/control driver)
165 Champ Orc (US - flip to flat, FH anny, stand still)

175 Champ Firebird (slower FH)
172 Star TeeBird (OS)
170 Star TeeBird (S)
170 PN Phenom (US)

173 Cryztal Stalker (long mid)
177 Lucid Emac Truth (straight)*
177 MJ Comet (straight - US)
175 ESP Comet (US)
* The Emacs are going from stable to straight to a little bit of turn a little quick for me. I may look at the Buzz again if the (forthcoming) fall starts to flip them...

174 ESP Zone (FH Approach)
174 BigZ Zone (Backup/danger)
175 EliteX Challenger (approach disc, spin putt, US putt, get out of trouble)
175 RB Challenger X 2 (main putting putter)

In the last couple months, I've run the Zuca mini, Zuca Trekker, Grip BX, and Revo Light. I think my favorite setup right now is the Zuca mini. Enough space to bring what I need, but not so much space I pack a bunch of crap I won't really use.

 

[Golden Tuna]

Continuous evolution. The Machette is just too much. I (briefly) tried a Force as well, but it seems like the Wraith is the right speed/stability for my FH.

160 Star Destroyer (wide open bombs)
170 (flat) Star Wraith (FH Distance)
170 (beat) Star Wraith (BH Stable - Slightly longer than Star Orc)
170 (flat) Pro Wraith (BH Distance)
175 (pop top) Star Wraith (Kicked OS Destroyer out)
172 Star Orc (main fairway/control driver)
165 Champ Orc (US - flip to flat, FH anny, stand still)

175 Champ Firebird (slower FH)
172 Star TeeBird (OS)
170 Star TeeBird (S)
170 PN Phenom (US)

173 Glow Stalker (more stable than my regular Stalker, but its glow season)
177 Glo Z Buzzz (kicked Emacs out)
177 ESP Buzzz (less stable than Glo)
177 Glo Comet (straight - US)

174 ESP Zone (FH Approach)
174 Cryztal Zone (Stable/danger)
175 EliteX Challenger (approach disc, spin putt, US putt, get out of trouble)
175 RB Challenger X 2 (main putting putter)

ZUCA mini still the preferred gearbox...

 

[Golden Tuna]

Been using the Zuca Trekker since the Midwest can have 30° swings between hole 1-18. the Trekker does provide all the space I need for Club stuff, league stuff, extra hydration (or beer), and various layers. The discs haven't changed much...

Z Machette: Meathook/utility
Star Destroyer: Stable Distance
Star Destroyer: US Distance
Champ Wraith: OS FH
Star Wraith: Main Distance Driver
Pro Wraith: US Distance
DX Wraith: Roller

Star Orc: Distance fairway
Champ Orc: US Distance fairway
CG Champ FB: US FH
CG Champ FB: Stable FH
Star Teebird3: Fairway control (OS/S)
Star Teebird: Fairway control
Star TL: US Fairway control

CryZtal Stalker: Longer Buzzz
Z Buzzz: Sacrificial Stalker
Z Drone: OS Mid
Glo Buzzz: OS/S
Glo Buzzz: Point & shoot mid
X Buxxx: US Buzz
BigZ Comet
JB Comet

CryZtal Zone: OS FH Approach
ESP Zone: Straight OS FH Approach

EliteX Challenger: Approach
RB Challenger X 2: All putting

 

[Golden Tuna]

Not a lot has changed. I am trying (lol) to keep a standard bag for the new year, but we'll see how long that lasts...

Daily Driver: Zuca Trekker

DISTANCE
175 Star Destroyer: OS FH/BH
173 Champ Destroyer: Stable BH
160 Star Destroyer: US

172 Star Wraith: OS, FH/BH
170 Champ Wraith: Stable
168 Pro Wraith: Stable/US/Roll

CONTROL
172 Star Orc: Stable-OS distance/fairway driver
166 Star Orc: Stable-US distance/fairway driver

175 Champ Firebird: OS FH
170 CG Firebird: Main FH
172 Star Firebird: too domey/US to flick. Used only for OS backhand (basically OS Teebird)

175 Champ Teebird: OS control/fairway driver
170 Star Teebird: Extra thrower for water situations
172 Champ Teebird: Main control/fairway driver
155 Champ Teebird: US control/fairway driver

172 CryztalZ Stalker: straight to US. Basically a longer Buzzz

MIDS - P&A
BigZ Drone: OS
CryztalZ Buzzz: Straight-stable/US
MJ-Z Comet: Straight-US
Z Comet: Extra thrower for water situations
CryztalZ Zone: OS, FH approach
ESP Glo Zone: S-US, FH Approach

BigZ Challenger: Throwing putter
ESP FLX Challenger: US P&A
RB ChallengerX2: C1-C2 putting

* Pretty excited about re-aligning with a Teebird cycle, throwing the BigZ Challenger off the tee, and the ESP FLX Chally under the basket.
* Been working a lot on course development lately, so my game has suffered more that it typically does over the winter, but we get new courses, so I guess its a long-term gain...

 

[Golden Tuna]

Looking for recommendations: I'd like to replace Destroyers.

GOAL: This disc is for all out, wide open distance. I have a light Destroyer that I use is this slot now. It is more or less straight at this point, but has no integrity in wind due to its weight. I have tried Destroyers that were heavier and in different plastic, but have yet to find the right balance.

Speed: 12-13
Glide: 5+
Turn: -1 to -2
Fade: <2

STIPULATIONS: I don't want to get into a position where I'm hunting unicorns. So, the solutions should be readily available and consistent from run to run - well, as consistent as a 12-13 speed disc can be. I wouldn't say I have a brand preference, but I am more likely to look at Innova, Discraft, Discmania, DGA, Millenium, and Prodigy before other brands. It would be nice if the mold were available in multiple plastics, but that is not a deal breaker.

Molds already in consideration: Innova Shryke, Discraft Nuke, Discmania DD2, Prodigy D3/D3Max or X4, Discraft Crank

 

[Moose33]

Have you thought about an Infinite Emperor? They are essentially Destroyers that are a bit more mellow. The the I blend and splatter S, I've had great luck with them being a less stable bookend for Destroyers.

Another consideration could the the Kahu from RPM. They range from Boss overstable with the OS version all the way to Shryke understable with the XG and the regular one is like a general glidy stable disc. Very much worth the look.

 

[konza_kid]

Looking for recommendations: I'd like to replace Destroyers.

GOAL: This disc is for all out, wide open distance. I have a light Destroyer that I use is this slot now. It is more or less straight at this point, but has no integrity in wind due to its weight. I have tried Destroyers that were heavier and in different plastic, but have yet to find the right balance.

Speed: 12-13
Glide: 5+
Turn: -1 to -2
Fade: <2

STIPULATIONS: I don't want to get into a position where I'm hunting unicorns. So, the solutions should be readily available and consistent from run to run - well, as consistent as a 12-13 speed disc can be. I wouldn't say I have a brand preference, but I am more likely to look at Innova, Discraft, Discmania, DGA, Millenium, and Prodigy before other brands. It would be nice if the mold were available in multiple plastics, but that is not a deal breaker.

Molds already in consideration: Innova Shryke, Discraft Nuke, Discmania DD2, Prodigy D3/D3Max or X4, Discraft Crank

I just went through this, had an AJ and echo destroyers that flew perfectly but was afraid to throw them. Ended up with the z crank. In my experience, flat ones will flip up and go straight (I throw golf shots 380-420 depending on the day) domier ones are like straight destroyers. I'd rate them 13 5 -1 2 super happy with them so far

 

[Golden Tuna]

Have you thought about an Infinite Emperor? They are essentially Destroyers that are a bit more mellow. The the I blend and splatter S, I've had great luck with them being a less stable bookend for Destroyers.

Ended up with the z crank. In my experience, flat ones will flip up and go straight (I throw golf shots 380-420 depending on the day) domier ones are like straight destroyers. I'd rate them 13 5 -1 2 super happy with them so far

Good feedback!

I use the Marshall Street Flight Guide to help guide my purchases, which led me to both the Emperor & Crank.

I have looked at the Emperor, but was concerned about a newer run changing over time and a limited availability of a less popular manufacturer. Have you had trouble finding them?

The Crank was also on my list to try. I found a Tim Barham TS Crank and threw it for trial, but wasn't impressed. It was more stable than I was looking for. But, I could see stock run Z plastic being less stable. Any relative comparison there?

 

[Moose33]

Emperor is great as long as you don't mind buying from infinite. They almost always have them, and MST has had them but since it's Infinites disc they seem to try hard to keep stock. If you want a specific type it may be tricky but I've always been able to get one.

 

[konza_kid]

Good feedback!

I use the Marshall Street Flight Guide to help guide my purchases, which led me to both the Emperor & Crank.

I have looked at the Emperor, but was concerned about a newer run changing over time and a limited availability of a less popular manufacturer. Have you had trouble finding them?

The Crank was also on my list to try. I found a Tim Barham TS Crank and threw it for trial, but wasn't impressed. It was more stable than I was looking for. But, I could see stock run Z plastic being less stable. Any relative comparison there?

I don't know about the Barham ones in particular, but the domey one I have now definitely flies more overstable than the flat one. I have a tour series Gannon undertaker and Johansen comet, both fly more overstable than their stock counterparts, so may be something to that. The esp crank flies more understable than the z

 

[Golden Tuna]

Emperor is great as long as you don't mind buying from infinite. They almost always have them, and MST has had them but since it's Infinites disc they seem to try hard to keep stock. If you want a specific type it may be tricky but I've always been able to get one.

Emperor was really at the top of my list to try, slightly ahead of the Crank. So, I was kind of just looking for validation. As such, I now have a few (170g) on the way to try out.

I'm hoping for the stability of my slightly beat, straight Destroyer with the integrity to accept (my) full power in a bit of wind. For reference, at my age and girth, I'm probably maxing out at 400' in perfect conditions.

 

[Golden Tuna]

I liked the Emperors, but somehow kept Destroyers in the bag...

Destroyer X3
Star - Overstable: Headwind, OS Flick Distance
Champ - Stable: Main distance
Star - Understable: Tailwind distance, turn overs

Wraith X4
Star - Overstable: Spike hyzers & FH distance
Star - Stable/OS: Distance control
Star - Stable/US: Distance control
Pro - Understable: turn overs, rollers, low ceiling

Orc X3
Champ - Overstable: FH straight distance
Champ - Stable/OS: Fairway control
Star - Stable/US: Fairway control

Firebird X3
Champ - Overstable: Headwind, roller, 90° turns
CG - Stable: Main FH, some backhand with fade
Star - Mix*: Great OS fairway driver, like a super stable TeeBird but not stable enough to FH, turns & burns
* When I put this FB in the bag is was for a water disc, but it has become a really important BH disc for skip shots, etc.

TeeBird X3
12x Champ - Overstable: just a tick more straight distance and less fade than the star FB above
11x Champ - Stable: Point and shoot, workhorse
11x Champ - Understable: Turn overs, low ceiling, long midrange shots

Stalker X2
CryZtal - OS
CryZtal - US
These are basically a longer Buzzz for me

Drone X2
CryZtal - OS: OS backhand approach shots
ESP - Beat: A drone is never understable, but this is as close as it gets. Acts more like a really stable Buzzz

Buzzz X2
Glo - Stable: point and shoot
ESP - Stable: when there is potential to loose the Glo, I throw this one

Zone X2
CryZtal-Z - Overstable: Main FH approach disc, swooping hyzers, short FH drives
ESP Glo - Stable/US: straight shooter for FH approach

Putters
RB Challenger X2 - All C1 & C2 putting
Elite-X - US putts, approach disc

I'm pretty happy with this setup right now. I think there is overlap in the Orc-Wraith and TeeBird-Stalker slots, but sometimes I just want a touch more control with nearly the same distance, so the Stalker and Orc are a good fit.

 

[Golden Tuna]

Shifted back to the ZUCA compact - the Trekker, thought it offers space for everything, I tend to fill that cart up, and it ends up being so heavy that it feels like it defeats the purpose of a cart... The company cart is a fraction of the size and weight and I can feel the difference during long rounds. I did make a couple minor changes

Destroyer X2
Splatter Star - Overstable: Headwind, OS Flick Distance
Champ - Stable: Main distance

Wraith X4
Champ - Overstable: Spike hyzers & FH distance
Star - Stable/OS: Distance control
Star - Stable/US: Distance control
Pro - Understable: hyzerflip, turn overs, rollers, low ceiling

Orc X2
Champ - Overstable: FH straight distance
Champ - Stable: Fairway control

Firebird X3
Champ - Overstable: Headwind, roller, 90° turns
CG - Stable: Main FH, some backhand with fade
Star: Great OS fairway driver, like a super stable TeeBird but not stable enough to FH, turns & burns
* When I put this FB in the bag is was for a water disc, but it has become a really important for low, BH disc for skip shots, etc.

TeeBird X3
12x Champ - Overstable: just a tick more straight distance and less fade than the star FB above
11x Champ - Stable: Point and shoot, workhorse
11x Champ - Understable: Turn overs, low ceiling, s-curves, long midrange shots

Drone
ESP - Beat: A drone is never understable, but this is as close as it gets. Acts more like a really stable Buzzz

Buzzz X2
Glo - Stable: point and shoot
ESP - Stable: when there is potential to loose the Glo, I throw this one

Comet X2
MJ Tour Series Z: point and shoot
Jawbreaker: flip up & over, low ceilings, FH turnovers, etc.

Zone X2
CryZtal-Z - Overstable: Main FH approach disc, swooping hyzers, short FH drives
ESP Glo - Stable/US: straight shooter for FH approach

Putters
RB Challenger X2 - All C1 & C2 putting
ESP FLX Challenger - Beat: US putts, approach disc
ESP FLX Challenger - New: Driving putter

ESP FLX Challenger has been the best addition to the bag for BH approaches and US putting needs!