Discraft Predator

Discraft Predator Review

The Predator is a very overstable utility driver that has been a mainstay in Discraft throwers' bags for over 20 years. It is the ultra-reliable hyzer machine that every player needs. In this Discraft Predator review, we'll help you decide if any Predators we have in stock and on sale are right for you. 

Discraft Predator Plastics

At one time or another, the Predator has been produced in every blend Discraft has cooked up over the past 20 years. But new production runs of this classic mold are only readily available in these plastics:

• Z Line: A stiff, slick, translucent, and very durable blend. Discs have a bit less turn and a stronger fade in this plastic. 
• Big Z: Virtually identical to Z Line, the Big Z has a slightly gummier hand feel and a more opaque look.
• Titanium: A very stiff blend that has maximum durability. Discs generally fly more overstable in this plastic.
• ESP: Solid durability but with a more flexible and softer hand feel. Discs generally fly close to their posted fight numbers in ESP. 
• FLX: The Predator is produced in Z FLX, ESP FLX, and Titanium FLX. All are very flexible and gummy versions of the regular blends. Discs have better grip and fly more understable in FLX.

Discraft Predator Flight Numbers

• Speed: 9
• Glide: 4
• Turn: 1
• Fade: 4

Discraft gives the Predator an overall stability rating of 2.5, which ties the Flick for the highest on their chart. However, the Predator has some glide potential in the mid-flight, and is more workable than these numbers indicate. It is still very overstable, just not ridiculously overstable. Power players will get excellent distance before the hard fade takes over.

Dimensions

• Diameter: 21.2cm
• Height: 1.9cm
• Rim Depth: 1.1cm
• Rim Width: 1.9cm

The Predator's 1.1cm rim depth is shallow for an overstable utility disc. It has dome on top and overall high profile. The rim shape is also unique, with a severe concave arc on the underside. This all adds up to the Predator being very comfortable in the backhand grip, but quite uncomfortable in the forehand grip for some players. 

The Predator also has some textured crosshatching on the inside of the rim. It's only on part of the rim, and can be used or ignored, depending on your preference. 

History

The Predator is an "old school" disc. It debuted in 2002 as the most overstable option in the Discraft lineup. It was one of the signature discs most of their sponsored pros used. The similarly overstable Raptor is more popular today, but the Predator remains a solid utility disc in the fairway driver category. 

Skill Level Recommendations

The Predator is great for most skill levels, but only as long as you know how to use it. It is a niche disc for specific scenarios, not an every-hole workhorse.

• Novice: Beginners might develop bad habits trying to control this disc.  
• Intermediate: Pure utility driver for short spike hyzers, skip shots, severe flexes, and extreme headwinds.
• Advanced: The predictable fairway driver that every competitive player needs. Excellent for scramble shots and unique lines that require hard fade, but it also has some sneaky glide and distance potential for those with more speed and snap. 
• Pro: Solid option, particularly for backhand-dominant players. It was a staple in the bag for 3-time World Champion Nate Doss in the '00s and '10s.