Sofia Martinez
The Wizard is a popular disc in the sport of disc golf. It is manufactured by Gateway and comes in a variety of plastic blends, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the blends include SSS, SS, Soft, Medium, Firm, Organic, Evo HPP, and Special Blend. The choice of blend depends on the player's preference for stiffness, grip, flexibility, and durability. While some players prefer softer blends for putting, others opt for firmer blends for driving. The G9i blend, for example, is considered too firm and is no longer produced, while the SSS and SS blends offer a range of flexibility. Ultimately, the best Wizard plastic is subjective and players are advised to test different blends to determine their preferred choice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hardest Wizard Plastic | G9i, Medium, Super Soft (SS), SSS, Firm, Eraser, Suregrip Polymer, Special Blend, Hemp |
| Softness | Varies from slightly soft and flexible to very stiff |
| Grip | Good grip when wet; becomes softer and grippier with use |
| Durability | Less durable plastics can get chewed up by the chains; harder plastics are more durable |
| Use Case | Softer plastics are preferred in colder months; medium recommended for driving, SS for putting |
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What You'll Learn
Firmness and flexibility
The firmness and flexibility of wizard plastic vary across different blends. Some users prefer softer wizard plastics, such as the SSS, which is described as "floppy" and perfect for putting. The SS variety is also popular for its grip and flexibility. Some users even recommend the Super Stupid Soft (SSS) blend for its softness. These softer plastics are preferred during colder months.
On the other hand, some users seek firmer wizard plastics. The Medium blend is considered very firm and suitable for driving. The Soft blend is also firmer than the SSS and SS varieties. The G9i blend is described as "the hardest plastic ever made for any disc", but it is no longer produced as it was deemed too stiff.
The firmness and flexibility preferences depend on individual preferences and the specific use case. Some users prefer stiffer plastics for putting, while others opt for softer options. It is worth noting that Gateway, the manufacturer of Wizard discs, is known for inconsistent plastic blends, with some users reporting significant variations in firmness even within the same labelled run. Therefore, it is recommended to feel the plastic in person before purchasing to ensure it aligns with your desired level of firmness and flexibility.
Some users have also noted that wizard plastics tend to soften over time as they break in. This can be a factor to consider when choosing the firmness level, as a wizard plastic that feels too firm when new may soften to the desired level with use. Additionally, certain blends like the Organic and Eraser wizards are praised for their grip, while others like the Pure White and Suregrip Polymer blends are described as "tacky."
Ultimately, the choice of wizard plastic firmness and flexibility depends on personal preference, the intended use, and the specific characteristics of each blend.
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Grip
When it comes to grip, the type of plastic used for a wizard can make a significant difference. Some users prefer a softer plastic that provides a better grip, while others opt for a firmer plastic that offers more resistance. It's important to note that the term "soft" in the context of wizard plastics can be misleading, as some varieties labelled as "soft" or "super soft" can still feel relatively firm.
For those seeking a softer option with excellent grip, the SSS Hemp blend Wizards are a popular choice. The SSS plastic is known for its floppiness and flexibility, making it ideal for putting. The hemp blend adds a slight firmness to the plastic while maintaining its grippy texture. Similarly, the Suregrip Polymer plastic is favoured by those who appreciate its tacky and grippy feel. It is softer than standard plastic, so it may not be ideal for approach discs as it could get chewed up quickly.
On the firmer side, the G9i plastic is renowned for being one of the firmest wizard plastics available. However, due to its extreme firmness, it is no longer legal for tournament use. For those seeking a firm option that is still suitable for competitions, the Medium plastic is a good choice. It is described as being harder than the Special Blend (SB) plastic and is favoured by those who prefer a stiffer wizard.
The Special Blend plastic itself occupies a middle ground, offering a soft but tacky feel with a stiffer backbone. It is well-liked by those who appreciate a balance between softness and firmness. Another option that provides a good grip is the Organic plastic, which is available in both firm and soft varieties. The soft Organic plastic is particularly popular for putting, as it offers a nice grip when wet.
Ultimately, the choice of plastic comes down to personal preference. Some users recommend trying out different varieties to determine which one feels the best in hand. The SS Wizards are a good starting point, as they offer a range of firmness levels and can help beginners learn how to putt correctly.
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Durability
The durability of a Wizard plastic disc depends on its hardness, which varies across different blends. Some of the harder Wizard plastic blends include the G9i, Medium, Soft, and Special Blend. Softer blends include the SSS, SSSS, 5S, and Suregrip Polymer. The durability of a Wizard plastic disc also depends on how it is used. For example, some users have reported that their SSS Wizards cracked after being thrown at a tree, while others have found that their SSS Wizards lasted for years when only used for putting.
The G9i blend is considered the firmest and hardest plastic ever made for any disc. However, due to its extreme stiffness, it is no longer legal for tournament use. The Medium blend is also quite firm and hard, but it is still legal for tournament play. The Soft blend is described as very stiff and harder than the Special Blend. The Special Blend, also known as the "SB," is considered hard by some users but soft and tacky by others.
The SSS blend is generally described as soft and floppy, but some users have found it to be firmer than expected. The SSSS and 5S blends are even softer than SSS, while the Suregrip Polymer blend is softer than typical plastic but harder than SSS. The Organic blend is described as firm, but one user reported that their Organic Wizard cracked after hitting a tree.
The durability of Wizard plastic discs can also be affected by the weather. Softer plastics are generally preferred in colder months, as they can become too soft and floppy in warmer temperatures. Harder plastics may be more durable in colder temperatures, but they may also become too stiff and difficult to grip. Ultimately, the durability of a Wizard plastic disc depends on a variety of factors, including its hardness, the user's throwing style, the conditions in which it is used, and individual preferences.
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Texture
When it comes to the texture of Wizard plastic discs, there are a variety of options available, each with its own unique feel and characteristics. The texture of a disc can affect its performance, grip, and flexibility, so choosing the right one can be important for players.
One of the most popular options is the Super Soft or SS variety, which is known for its grippy texture and flexibility. While it is not as floppy as some other options, it still offers a good amount of softness while retaining its shape. The Super Soft variety is a good choice for putting, as it can stick to the chains well. It is also suitable for upshots, as it can help players learn how to putt correctly with its consistent flight. Some players even prefer the slightly firmer Super Soft Wizards for driving, as they are less likely to get chewed up during play.
Another option is the SSS or Super Super Soft plastic, which is even softer and floppier than the SS. It is known for its ability to retain its shape despite being very floppy. The SSS is a popular choice for putting, but some players find it a bit too soft for driving. The SSS plastic can vary in firmness, and some discs can be quite slick and firm, while others are softer and tackier.
For those who prefer a firmer disc, the Medium blend is a good choice. It is described as very stiff and suitable for driving due to its ability to retain its shape. However, it may not be legal for tournament play, as it was considered too stiff by the PDGA.
Other Wizard plastic textures include the Soft blend, which is still quite firm and stiff, the $$$$ plastic, which is slightly soft and flexible, and the Organic blend, which has a chalky texture and is suitable for putting. The Evo Pro-Line plastic is also an option, known for its indestructibility and overstable tendencies, although it may have less glide.
The Special Blend is another firm option, with a soft but tacky feel and a stiffer backbone. The Hemp blend is also worth considering, as it is similar to most other "hard" plastics but with a unique texture that is hard to describe. It is slick yet softer overall.
Ultimately, the choice of Wizard plastic texture depends on personal preference, playing style, and the specific use case. Some players may prefer a softer, grippier disc for putting, while others might opt for a firmer, stiffer disc for driving to avoid damage. It is recommended to feel the plastic in person if possible to get a sense of its texture and firmness before purchasing.
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Plastic blends
There are a variety of plastic blends used for Wizards, which are discs used in disc golf. The hardness of the plastic varies, with some blends being described as firm, medium, soft, or super soft. Some specific types of blends include:
- SSS or Super Soft: This blend is described as having a huge range of flexibility. It is grippy and floppy, but still manages to retain its shape.
- SS or Super Stupid Soft: This blend is slightly firmer than SSS and is described as having a chalky texture. It is also grippy and can help players learn how to putt correctly.
- Soft: This blend is still quite firm and has amazing grip. It is also available in a "soft stiff" variety.
- Medium: This blend is harder than SS and is described as very stiff. It is good for driving.
- Firm: This blend is harder than medium and is also quite stiff.
- G9i: This blend is the firmest and was considered too stiff, resulting in its production being discontinued.
- Special Blend: This blend is soft but has a tacky feel and a stiffer backbone.
- Suregrip Polymer: This blend is softer than typical plastic and is described as nice and tacky/grippy.
- Organic: This blend is described as a favourite normal-run plastic. It is also available in a firm variety.
- Evo Pro-Line: This blend is nearly indestructible with more overstable tendencies.
- Pure White: This blend is good for putting.
- Eraser: This blend is one of the least stiff Gateway plastics. It is a little flexy brand new and gets bendy after some use. It is good for putting but gets chewed up when driving.
- Hemp: This blend is similar to most other "hard" plastics. It has a slick feel.
- Diamond: This blend is softer overall.
The best plastic blend for Wizards depends on personal preference and the intended use. Softer plastics are generally preferred in colder months. For putting, Super Soft and Soft blends are popular as they can stick to the chains well. For driving, firmer blends like Medium and Evolution are better as they can withstand more abuse.
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Frequently asked questions
The G9i wizard is considered the hardest plastic ever made for any disc. However, it is no longer in production as it was deemed too stiff.
Other wizard plastics that are considered firm include Soft, Medium, Super Soft (SS), and SSS.
Some recommended wizard plastics for putting include the SSS, SS, Firm, Eraser, and Pure White.
