Discraft Scorch

Discraft Scorch Review

The Scorch is a versatile high-speed driver designed for intermediate-level players. Discraft combined a high-dome flight plate with a wide yet shallow rim to promote maximum distance lines without sacrificing control and accuracy. We have plenty of them in stock now, and this brief Discraft Scorch review will help determine which Scorch on sale is right for you.

Discraft Scorch Plastics

• Z Line: A stiff, slick, translucent, and very durable blend. Runs of the Scorch in this plastic have a bit less turn and a more reliable fade.  
• Big Z: Virtually identical to Z Line, the Big Z has a slightly gummier hand feel and a more opaque look.
• Z Metallic: A stiffer version of Z Line with maximum durability and a metallic sheen. The Scorch will have less turn and more fade in this blend. 
• ESP: Solid durability but with a more flexible and softer hand feel. The Scorch flies true to the flight numbers in ESP. 
• ESP FLX: A more flexible ESP with an extremely grippy/gummy hand feel. Discraft promotes ESP FLX as an "all-weather" option that thrives in wet or cold conditions. The Scorch will fly more understable in ESP FLX.

Discraft Scorch Flight Numbers

• Speed: 11
• Glide: 6
• Turn: -2
• Fade: 2

The speedy Scorch has enough turn to allow medium-speed arms to access its massive glide. Once it gets up to speed, the Scorch hangs in the air longer than other distance drivers. When it slows down, a reliable yet gentle fade takes over. These flight characteristics are conducive to various shot shapes, making it an excellent workhorse driver in the maximum distance slot.

When released with a bit of hyzer, it will rotate to flat and fly straight before the hyzer fade takes over. Throw the Scorch flat to achieve some anhyzer drift before it finishes back to center, and rip it on anhyzer to perform wide swinging flex shots. Its wide rim and extra speed will generate some skipping action on the landing. 

Dimensions

• Diameter: 21.1cm
• Height: 1.8cm
• Rim Depth: 1.1cm
• Rim Width: 2.2cm

The Scorch has a very wide and shallow rim that is common amongst understable drivers. What differentiates the Scorch is the combination of this rim with a dome top. This extra height contributes to the massive glide rating, but the rim shape keeps it from feeling tall in hand. It also has a micro-bead on the rim, but it's hardly noticeable.

History

Discraft did a test run of the Scorch in 2021, and released it into full production in 2022. It filled a hole in their distance driver lineup, providing a balance of speed and control for intermediate-level players. It has been produced exclusively in premium plastic blends.

Skill Level Recommendations

The Scorch is an excellent introduction to the high-speed driver category. It grants developing players instant access to extra speed and distance but maintains a workable glide. Players who throw fairway drivers in the 275-325 foot range are ready to step up to the Scorch. 

• Novice: High speed and wide rim make the Scorch difficult to control for beginners. Will be overstable for players with low arm speed, particularly in premium plastics.
• Intermediate: Ideal maximum distance driver that is workable on a variety of lines. Excellent combination of big glide and reliable fade. An everyday workhorse for players at this skill level. 
• Advanced: Extreme glide for maximum distance flex lines, hyzer flips, and straight shots. A complimentary disc that rounds out the distance driver category.  
• Pro: Very understable flight that works for big turnovers, rollers, and tailwind shots.

Performance in Conditions

Woods

You could do worse than the Scorch for a high-speed option in the woods. The reliable turn and extended glide allow players to hit a gap and let the disc carry down the fairway. The fade isn't hyper-aggressive, but there is a definite risk of skipping into the rough on the landing. The Scorch is generally better suited to more open fairways, but is okay in the woods.

Wind

The Scorch likes to ride the wind, and its extra turn and glide make it particularly good in tailwinds and light crosswinds. Though it has a sharp rim and aerodynamic profile, it's not a good wind fighter. Lower power players can keep it under the wind and retain a straight flight, but those with more snap and speed will want a more overstable option. 

Elevation

The Scorch is an excellent option for extreme uphill and downhill shots. When faced with a steep hill, it has the speed and turn necessary to make upward progress without fading into a hillside early. On downhill shots, the massive glide will work with gravity to generate maximum distance.

Disc Comparisons

Discraft Thrasher

The Thrasher is the Scorch's immediate ancestor. Released five years earlier, this is another high-speed driver that is great for intermediate players. The Thrasher has more high-speed turn and is more beginner-friendly. But if you have the arm speed, the Scorch is more versatile and offers greater control. 

Discraft Heat

The Heat is a true beginner option that is best described as the Scorch's little cousin. It has a similar dome top and even more turn and glide. Novice players would benefit from starting with the Heat and then stepping up to the Scorch. 

Discraft Avenger SS

Similar in speed and glide, but with noticeably more turn than the Scorch. The Avenger SS will fly more understable and with less fade. It is a better option for carving up the woods and powering down for accuracy, but the Scorch has more raw distance potential and can achieve more shot shapes. 

Discraft Hades

It has a similar shallow-rim hand feel to the Scorch, but with a tad more speed and turn. There is a lot of overlap between these two, but the Hades has greater distance potential for advanced arms. 

Discraft Nuke SS

With a wider rim and maximum speed, the Nuke SS is a supercharged Scorch. It will get some extra pop out of the hand and generate massive skips on the landing. However, the super speed will come with a proportionate loss of control and accuracy. 

Discraft Crank

The Crank is noticeably more stable than the Scorch, and can better fight winds and absorb power throws. It brings greater stability and control. The Crank will perform forced flexes and pure hyzers, and is a good option for players who find the Scorch too understable.

Discraft Force

The Force is Discraft's pro-level overstable distance driver. I will fight any headwind and always have a hyzer finish. Those that use the Scorch as a workhorse driver can also bag the Force as an ultra-reliable utility disc. It does all the things the Scorch cannot do.