Discraft Zone Review | Putt And Approach Disc

In need of a world-class forehand approach disc? The Zone is what you're looking for. With the perfect amount of stability, a flat top, and a comfortable feel there are not many discs that can match it!

Since 2008 the Discraft Zone has wiggled its way into almost every player's bag at one time or another. It's not just recreational players either! Just about every pro who plays for Discraft bags a Zone!

Zone Flight Review

Like many others, we've been throwing Zones for years, and we're still impressed! The best thing about the Zone is the consistency of its flight! You can always count on a strong, yet not too strong, fade back to the basket!

The Zone has the ideal feel for a forehand approach disc. Its flat top is easy to grip tightly, and helps resist the wind as well! The actual rim is very comfortable in the hand, with no sharp edges or oddities.

Did we forget to mention that the Zone is also a great backhand driver? The feel is just as comfortable as it is for forehands! You can throw flex shots and small meathooks easily with the Zone! You can trust it for your backhand approaches thanks to its consistent fade and wind resistance.

If we got to rename the Discraft Zone we'd call it the Confidence! Developing consistent forehand and backhand approaches with this disc will make you feel "in the zone" every round!

Discraft Zone Flight Numbers

The Zone's flight numbers are: 4 | 3 | 0 | 3

Discraft was on target with their flight ratings for the Zone. That 4 speed, low glide, and reliable moderate fade are the reasons this disc is so perfect for forehands!

Note: If the Zone is more overstable than what you want please consider bagging one in Jawbreaker plastic. Jawbreaker Zones beat in quickly and become straight fliers. Jawbreaker and premium plastic Zones complement each other beautifully so consider bagging both!

Flight Path Chart

Here's a chart to give you an idea of the Zone's flight path.

chart of the flight path of a discraft zone

Notable Editions

Over the years the Discraft Zone's popularity has spawned myriads of special edition runs and even a few new discs. Here are a few words on some of the most popular Zones for sale.

Discraft Jawbreaker Zone

If you're new to disc golf do not be scared off by the Zone's stability! Get on in Jawbreaker and you'll never look back! These will beat in quickly to a straighter more manageable flight without losing the reliable fade.

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As you advance in skill having a Jawbreaker Zone and a more overstable version is powerful! It allows you to make those small adjustments that are so neccessary on technical courses!

Jawbreaker plastic also has awesome grip! You can expect it to stick to your hand, where it lands, and to the chains!

Discraft Get Freaky Cryztal FLX Zone

Get Freaky Zones have surely been best sellers for Discraft. They're not just endorsed by Brodie Smith, they also come in the legendary CryZtal FLX plastic! The plastic has a slightly gummy feel to it, and a gorgeous amount of flex.

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Interestingly Brodie recently worked with Discraft to create the Zone OS. This is an utter monster of a disc and if you're looking for a crazily overstable forehand approach disc you should check those out.

Discraft Z Zone

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The Discraft Z Zone is one of the stiffest on this list and has been the go-to for many a pro. Z Zones are a Paul McBeth signature disc and bear a 5X world champion stamp! These are a little more overstable, making them a great choice for advanced players.

History 

The Zone was PDGA approved all the way back on the 28 of May 2008.

See the PDGA-approved Zone here.

The Zone's consistent flight is only matched by its consistent popularity! It's been 16 years now and a Zone is probably in mid-air as I write this! It's Discraft's second most popular disc, falling only behind the Buzzz.

Manufacturer - Discraft

Discraft has been pumping out plastic for decades and the Zone has been one of the reasons! They've dedicated themselves to consistency, and you can see the payoff in the Zone! When Paul McBeth moved to Discraft back in 2018 the brand's popularity exploded! Since then they've been a top 3 disc manufacturer!

Read our Discraft Overview to learn all there is to know about the company.

Here's what Discraft has to say about the all-time favorite Zone:

"Advanced players love the overstable, low-profiled Zone putter. Will hold the line without flipping on long approaches, and delivers predictable putts even in windy conditions."

 

Here are some of Discrafts videos on the Zone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skill Level Recommendations

Beginners - While maybe not the best disc to start learning how to forehand, the Zone certainly is not out of reach. If you do want a Zone start with one in Jawbreaker. It'll be easier to handle!

Intermediate - Yes, you need a Zone, or something similar from another brand. At this stage of your game you must be comfortable throwing forehand approach shots. Try out Zones in different plastics to find your favorite.

Advanced - This is almost too obvious to say. Any advanced player needs a Zone-type disc. Even James Conrad bags an Entropy and he doesn't even throw forehands! Mastering the forehand approach game is what will set you apart. Consider using Jawbreaker and ESP/Z Zones for different flight paths.

Pro - Based on the fact that almost every Discraft pro has bagged a Zone we'll say yes, these are great for pro players!

Pros Who Throw The Discraft Zone

The Zone has spent many years in the hands and bags of Discraft's top athletes. 6 times world champion Paul McBeth has been using them since 2018. Brodie Smith used them until he progressed onto the Zone OS. The recently on-fire Anthony Barela is also a fan of the Discraft Zone.

Notable Pros:

  • Paul McBeth
  • Adam Hammes
  • Brian Earhart
  • Paul Ulibarri
  • Chris Dickerson
  • Anthony Barela
  • Holyn Handley
  • Paige Pierce
  • Brodie Smith

Dimensions

Here are the dimensions the Zone was registered with at the PDGA.

Max Weight: 175.1gr

Diameter: 21.1cm

Height: 2.0cm

Rim Depth: 1.3cm

Rim Thickness: 1.2cm

Inside Rim Diameter: 18.8cm

Rim Depth / Diameter Ratio: 6.2%

Rim Configuration: 46.00

Flexibility: 10.55kg

Backhands

From personal experience, we can vouch for the Zone as an excellent backhand disc. Reliable tee shots, short approaches, you name it. Mastering your Zone backhand and forehand will give you confidence that only comes with truly knowing your disc inside and out!

Forehands

The Zone is the most popular forehand approach disc in the sport! Its characteristics are perfectly suited to the forehand throw! Before other brands began creating their alternatives it was the biggest gap in their disc lineups!

Pros

  • Moderate fade
  • Wind fighter
  • Flat top
  • Comfortable rim
  • Used by the pros
  • long time favorite

Cons

  • Might be too overstable for a true beginner. Start out with a Jawbreaker Zone.

Conclusion

We can't stress enough the importance of the forehand approach shot. Every round you play without one is wasting you strokes. If you lack the confidence in your forehand short game try out a Zone. Toss it around in your garden and very soon you'll start to get the hang of it! It won't be long before you see this translating to your scores on the course!

You may be interested in our article on the Top 10 Forehand Approach Discs. It should help you find the exact forehand approach disc you're looking for!

Characteristics

Ratings are on a scale of 1-10.

Stability: 7

Consistency of Flight: 9

Consistency in Wind: 9

Beginner Friendliness: 5

Distance Potential: 5

Control: 9

Utility: 8

Fun Factor: 7

Comparable Discs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Zone good in the wind?

Yes, the Zone is a top performer in the wind. It's flat top and low glide makes it very resistant! Its overstability will see you through the worst headwinds!

Is the Zone good for backhand?

Although most players use the Zone for forehand it's also a great backhand disc! Its consistency will shave strokes off your approach and short driving game!

Is the Zone good for the forehand?

Yes, the Zone is the perfect forehand disc! Its shallow rim, flat top, low glide, and overstability are the reasons it's the number one choice for a forehand approach disc.

What are the Zone's flight numbers?

The Discraft Zone's flight numbers are as follows: Speed 4, Glide 3, Turn 0 and Fade 3.