The 13 Best Discs For Overhand Tomahawk Throws
Whether you need to get over a solid wall of trees or up and out of a tough position, the overhand throw is an essential weapon in any well-rounded player's arsenal.
In this review we'll explore some of the most popular discs for both the tomahawk and thumber throw. But first we need to take a moment to understand how the overhand throwing technique alters how we understand disc flight ratings.
Overstable = More distance?
With a backhand or forehand release, overstable discs have less glide and shorter flight. In contrast, tomahawks and thumbers require an overstable disc in order to achieve the wide-turning upside-down flexing flight path that carries long distances. This means overstable discs will get more glide on an overhand disc golf throw.
Because of their extra stability, overhand discs are often referred to as "utility" discs. That is, they come in handy in very specific situations, often when getting out of trouble off the fairway or fighting a particularly strong wind. But for disc golfers with baseball backgrounds, both the tomahawk and thumber shot can become a go-to shot in all situations.
Anyone who has every watched pro Matt Dollar throw an overhand bomb over 400ft understands that this is more than just a "utility" throw. If you're new to the overhand throw, check out his set of tips for the overhand shot:
The Best Overhand Tomahawk Discs
Now that we've gone over some fundamentals, let's dive into this collection of fast, flat, and overstable drivers to see which will be the best tomahawk disc for you.
Note that the majority of these have a rim width of about 2cm. Depending on the size of your hands, a very thick rim might make it difficult to get a good grip on an overhand shot. This is particularly important for thumbers.
Innova Firebird
Flight Numbers
- Speed: 9
- Glide: 3
- Turn: 0
- Fade: 4
Dimensions
- Height: 1.4cm
- Diameter: 21.1cm
- Rim Depth: 1.2cm
- Rim Width: 1.9cm
Popular Plastics
- Champion
- Star
- Halo Star
The Firebird has been Innova's quintessential utility disc for over two decades, and it remains a solid choice for a controlled tomahawk throw. Whether it's hacking through heavy rough or powering directly over a wall of trees, the Firebird offers predictable performance and consistent flight path in all conditions.
Sometimes the best ability is availability, and the Firebird is manufactured on such a large scale that you will always be able to find one. The Champion Glow model is made from extremely durable plastic that will absorb the kind of heavy beating that an overhand dominant player will dish out.
Infinite Discs Scepter
Flight Numbers
- Speed: 9
- Glide: 4
- Turn: 0
- Fade: 4
Dimensions
- Height: 1.4cm
- Diameter: 21.1cm
- Rim Depth: 1.1cm
- Rim Width: 1.9cm
Popular Plastics
- C-Blend
- Halo
The Scepter is a modified Firebird with the lower profile and a board-flat flight plate. Its combination of 1.1cm rim depth and 1.9cm rim width make it easy to grip and rip with confidence. It has a touch more glide than the Firebird, but with the same reliable fade.
At the end of the day, it will perform almost exactly like a Firebird, but with a different hand feel. Infinite utilizes the same plastic blends as Innova, with C-Blend being equivalent to Champion and Halo being Halo Star.
Millennium Draco
Flight Numbers
- Speed: 9
- Glide: 3
- Turn: 0
- Fade: 4
Dimensions
- Height: 1.4cm
- Diameter: 21.2cm
- Rim Depth: 1.2cm
- Rim Width: 1.9cm
Popular Plastics
- Quantum
The Draco is yet another Firebird clone, this time coming from Millennium Discs. As with Infinite's lineup, Innova manufactures Millennium's molds, and the stiff and opaque Quantum blend is virtually identical to Champion plastic. As for disc shape, the Draco has a slightly modified rim, but offers same flight characteristics as a Firebird.
We have top pro Calvin Heimburg's signature Draco available now. While he is not known for throwing overhands, he trusts the Draco to hold up to his elite power from both the backhand and forehand sides. If it has the stability to absorb Heimburg's speed and torque, it can pretty much handle anything the casual player can dish out.
Dynamic Discs Felon
Flight Numbers
- Speed: 9
- Glide: 3
- Turn: 0.5
- Fade: 4
Dimensions
- Height: 1.8cm
- Diameter: 21.2cm
- Rim Depth: 1.1cm
- Rim Width: 2.0cm
Popular Plastics
- Lucid
- Fuzion
The Felon is Dynamic's most popular overstable fairway driver. Two-time World Champion Ricky Wysocki leaned heavily on the Felon throughout the 2022 season. Both the Fuzion Orbit and Lucid Felons that are available in our store feature his "Sockibomb" logo.
Like all utility drivers, this disc brings consistent overstability without sacrificing control. It has a comfortably flat profile, however with a 1.8cm height, the Felon is by far the tallest disc on this list. As such, it has a tad more glide than some of the others. It's still one of the more overstable discs out there, but if you crave a super flat speed demon, then look elsewhere.
Axiom Fireball
Flight Numbers
- Speed: 9
- Glide: 3.5
- Turn: 0
- Fade: 3.5
Dimensions
- Height: 1.4cm
- Diameter: 21.0cm
- Rim Depth: 1.1cm
- Rim Width: 2.0cm
Popular Plastics
- Proton
- Neutron
Matt Dollar, one of the only overhand dominant pros, keeps the Fireball in his bag for thumbers. If it's good enough for him, it's definitely worth a look. Board flat with a shallow rim, the Fireball offers excellent control and sneaky distance.
When put on thumber line, the Fireball is overstable enough to glide on huge flex shots. This disc is best in Axiom's durable Proton blend. This sturdy plastic can take a beating and hold its intended flight for a long time.
Check out our big selection of Axiom discs here.
Thought Space Athletics Omen
Flight Numbers:
- Speed: 9
- Glide: 4
- Turn: 0
- Fade: 4
Dimensions
- Height: 1.7cm
- Diameter: 21.2cm
- Rim Depth: 1.2cm
- Rim Width: 2.0cm
Popular Plastics
- Ethos
- Ethereal
- Aura
The Omen is an overstable utility driver from up-and-coming company Thought Space Athletics. It has more dome than other discs on this list, allowing for a bit more glide. But it still has that reliable and aggressive fade that overhand throwers require.
MVP manufactures discs for Thought Space, so the plastics will be similar. The ultra-durable Ethos blend is the best choice for an overhand disc. Most similar to MVP Proton or Innova Champion, this blend flies very overstable. The grippier and more flexible Ethereal and Aura blends are closer to MVP Neutron or Innova Star.
Discmania Splice
Flight Numbers:
- Speed: 9
- Glide: 3
- Turn: 0
- Fade: 4
Dimensions
- Height: 1.5cm
- Diameter: 21.2cm
- Rim Depth: 1.1cm
- Rim Width: 1.9cm
Popular Plastics
- Neo
A very low profile and shallow rim make the Splice a perfect choice for overhand throws. Besides the freakishly overstable Tilt, the Splice has the most aggressive fade in the Discmania lineup. It will achieve maximum glide through the overhand flight pattern, and will always finish with a satisfying spike into the ground.
The Splice is part of Discmania's Evolution line, which uses plastics from partner company Latitude 64. The premium Neo blend is durable yet maintains a soft feel with a bit of flex. It is similar to Lat 64's Opto and Dynamic Disc's Lucid. We have plenty of Splices available now.
Latitude 64 XXX
Flight Numbers:
- Speed: 7
- Glide: 3
- Turn: 0
- Fade: 4
Dimensions
- Height: 1.5cm
- Diameter: 21.5cm
- Rim Depth: 1.1cm
- Rim Width: 2.0cm
Popular Plastics
- Opto Line
- Frost Line
The XXX is a great disc for maximum control on medium and long overhand shots. With a relatively low speed rating of 7, this fairway driver is the best disc for reliable accuracy on overhead throws. A lot of discs on this list will get more raw distance in an open field, but the XXX shines as a go-to workhorse for all situations.
Read Next: The 10 Best Forehand Midranges
With a very shallow 1.1cm rim and low 1.5cm height, the XXX fits comfortably in the hand. It does have a wide 2.0cm rim, but that thickness does not translate into extra speed. The XXX's blunt edge keeps it at a controllable velocity, making it an excellent for overhand approach shots. The only downside here is availability, as it is somewhat difficult to acquire.
Dynamic Discs Criminal
Flight Numbers
- Speed: 10
- Glide: 3
- Turn: 1
- Fade: 4
Dimensions
- Height: 1.5cm
- Diameter: 21.2cm
- Rim Depth: 1.2cm
- Rim Width: 2.1cm
Popular Plastics
- Lucid
- Lucid Ice
- Lucid X
The Criminal is a faster and more overstable Felon. With a rare +1 turn, it should hang in the air a tick longer than normal on towering overhand shots. This gives it fantastic distance potential on tomahawks and thumbers. It is great in Lucid plastic, but for overhands it is even better in the more overstable Lucid Ice or Lucid X varieties.
As mentioned above, Ricky Wysocki keeps a Felon in the bag, but as the 2022 season went on he was increasingly reaching for his Criminal for lines where he needed an overstable finish. We have the Wysocki signature Lucid Criminal in stock, as well as the Kona Panis and Matt Orum varieties. The Matty-O stamp is a must-have for fans of the pro from Alabama.
Innova Max
Flight Numbers
- Speed: 11
- Glide: 3
- Turn: 0
- Fade: 5
Dimensions
- Height: 1.9cm
- Diameter: 21.2cm
- Rim Depth: 1.2cm
- Rim Width: 2.2cm
Popular Plastics
- Champion
With a whopping 5 rating, the Max has "Max"-imum fade in the Innova lineup. This disc has a lot of the same flight characteristics as the Firebird, but with a lot more speed. You'll need a strong arm to get the Max to fly well.
As this list enters the double digits for speed ratings, we are getting into more advanced discs that require a lot more power to throw well. The rim width is also becoming to be a factor for thumber grips, as the Max's 2.2cm is relatively wide. But for those who can get ahold of it, the Max will get great overhand distance.
Try the Metal Flake Champion Max available in our store for great durability.
Discraft Machete
Flight Numbers
- Speed: 11
- Glide: 4
- Turn: 0
- Fade: 4
Dimensions
- Height: 1.6cm
- Diameter: 21.1cm
- Rim Depth: 1.1cm
- Rim Width: 2.1cm
Popular Plastics
- Z Line
- ESP
Imagine hacking though heavy jungle with a machete blade. Well, that's the same arm motion Discraft's Machete is built to be thrown with. Whether slicing through wind or powering through wispy tree branches, the Machete is a hyper-aggressive disc that has been beloved by overhand throwers for years.
Give it a lot of height and watch it pan out for huge upside-down flex shots. It will need a lot of horizontal space to achieve its full flight pattern, but its speed and sharp edge will also be very useful in tight spaces where you just need to close your eyes and rip it hard. The definition of a "utility" disc, the Machete has a very specific set of skills, but does them all extremely well.
We have a handful of super durable Z Line Machetes availabe now.
MVP Phase
Flight Numbers
- Speed: 11
- Glide: 4
- Turn: 0
- Fade: 4
Dimensions
- Height: 1.4cm
- Diameter: 21.1cm
- Rim Depth: 1.1cm
- Rim Width: 2.2cm
Popular Plastics
- Proton
- Neutron
The Phase is a great disc for maximum distance on overhand throws. With extremely low height and very shallow rim depth, this overstable distance driver is board flat and fits comfortably in both thumber and tomahawk grips. Its extreme speed and heavy fade combine to fight strong winds and fly on reliable lines.
While it will fly very far, it's important to note that in order to complete its flight path, the Phase will need a lot of horizontal space. While it may be the best tomahawk disc in a wide open field, it will be difficult to carve up a tight wooded fairway with this disc. It is best for experienced players who need a maximum distance driver on open holes.
Check out our huge selection of MVP disc golf discs for sale.
Discraft Flick
Flight Numbers
- Speed: 12
- Glide: 3
- Turn: 1
- Fade: 5
Dimensions
- Height: 1.3cm
- Diameter: 21.1cm
- Rim Depth: 1.1cm
- Rim Width: 2.1cm
Popular Plastics
- Z Line
If you're looking for the flattest and fastest disc for tomahawks, look no further than the Flick. With an insane 1.3cm height combined with a thick 2.1cm rim depth, this disc has a dangerously sharp rim.
While its name implies the Flick is ideal for forehand shots, it is a favorite for the overhand disc golf throw precisely because its extremely low profile fits comfortably in the tomahawk and thumber grips.
Stiff Z-Line plastic is essential to keep this speed demon's rim from warping, as it will be hitting the ground hard and fast. While it holds more distance potential than Discraft's other super overstable driver the Machete, it comes with a bit less control and accuracy.
Shop and buy Discraft discs here.
Latitude 64 Stiletto
Flight Numbers
- Speed: 13
- Glide: 3
- Turn: 0.5
- Fade: 5
Dimensions
- Height: 1.5cm
- Diameter: 21.5cm
- Rim Depth: 1.1cm
- Rim Width: 2.3cm
Popular Plastics
- Opto Line
One of the most overstable discs in existence, the Stiletto will perform well on very specific flight patterns. On a typical backhand shot, it does what its name implies: comes straight down and tombstones into the ground.
The Stiletto thrives on a hard thumber or tomahawk throw, as its extreme overstability will keep it gliding out on the full helix flight path before reliably spiking.
Make no mistake, the Stiletto is for advanced players only, or perhaps for former major league pitchers used to throwing 90mph fastballs.
It really cannot be overstated how freakishly fast and overstable this disc flies, and overhand throwers would be wise to properly warm up before laying into a maximum distance shot with the Stiletto.
Aerobie Epic
Flight Numbers
- Speed: 11
- Glide: 3
- Turn: -2
- Fade: 4
Dimensions
- Height: 1.4cm
- Diameter: 21.1cm
- Rim Depth: 1.1cm
- Rim Width: 2.6cm - 4.1cm (variable)
Popular Plastics
- Aerobie (they only have one)
No list of tomahawk discs is complete without mentioning the Aerobie Epic. With an offset rim that is thick on one end and thin on the other, the Epic's unique weight distribution allows it to do wild and crazy things in the air.
This novelty disc is out of production, but if you get your hands on an Epic it will do some, well, epic things.
It is designed to be thrown on an upside-down overhand path and flip all the way over to flat. Put on the right angle, this disc will perform a full barrel roll and glide out on a standard backhand flight path.
It truly must be seen to be believed. While it is fun to throw, the Epic is very unpredictable and inconsistent. As such, it is for trick shots, not low scores.
Discmania Tilt
Flight Numbers
- Speed: 9
- Glide: 1
- Turn: 1
- Fade: 6
Dimensions
- Height: 1.6cm
- Diameter: 21.1cm
- Rim Depth: 1.2cm
- Rim Width: 2.0cm
Popular Plastics
- Meta
The Tilt is a freakishly overstable disc that only the most talented and powerful throwers will be able to master. This is a novelty disc for the average player, but that didn't stop it from selling like crazy. We do not recommend the Tilt as a staple in your bag, and not just because they are so hard to throw. Discmania isn't planning on producing more Tilts until 2024.
We're including it here because it holds the world record for distance with an overhand throw. Watch Seth Dey throw the Tilt a ridiculous 580ft on a thumber line in this video.
You can shop all of our Discmania disc golf discs here.
FAQ's
Q: What is the difference between a thumber and a tomahawk?
The two shots are gripped differently. A thumber, as its name implies, requires the thumb to be on the inside of the rim of the disc and provide the leverage that launches it into the sky. A tomahawk throw requires a traditional grip where the index and middle fingers dig into the inside rim. With opposite grips, these throws will have mirrored flight paths.
Q: When should you use a tomahawk throw?
To get over a tall obstacle. Tomhawks get very high very quickly, allowing for immediate steep elevation. A tomahawk is also useful in deep rough where branches or tree trunks will not allow for a backhand or forehand throwing motion.
For some entertaining examples of pros throwing thumbers and tomahawks in tournament play, check out this excellent compilation video.
Q: What are the best discs for thumber and tomahawk throws?
Overstable fairway drivers are the most versatile and controllable discs for these throws.
You can browse all of our in stock disc golf discs here.
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