Vibram Arch and Vibram Notch Prototype Disc Review

The newest Vibram Disc Golf prototype discs arrived for testing on Thursday of last week. It was perfect timing, as this past Saturday I was able to bring the new discs to the Vibram Birdie Bash at 1776 Park Disc Golf Course in Friendswood, Texas. The new discs were a hit among those that tried them out, and a lot of positive feedback was given after they were tried.

Accompanying the discs was a letter from Steve Dodge that explained the new discs, their purpose, and their future. Spoiler alert… be on the lookout for 3 new awesome discs from Vibram!

The Vibram Arch

“The Arch is designed to be a stable fairway driver that fits nicely between the Ibex and Lace.”

A lot of players liked the Arch. It is a nice straight flyer. It was able to withstand off-axis torque (OAT) to avoid turning and burning, yet able also able to withstand the high speed turn required to throw it over 350′. Players of various skill levels were able to keep it straight, yet still count on the reliable finish as the disc slowed down at the end of the flight. The most common disc comparison from another company was that it flew like a stable Innova Teebird.

I think I would agree with the comparison. In my bag, I carry 2 different Ascents to try and compensate for the lack of a Teebird-like disc. The “large number Ascent” is generally considered to be the most overstable of the Ascent production runs. The “small number Ascent” is normally considered the “point and shoot” disc. The problem I had was that I was never able to get the straight one to do what I needed it to, and that I only every threw the beefy overstable Ascent when it was called for, or I would throw the Ibex and just accept the loss of distance since I could not get the “small number Ascent” to do what I thought it needed to do. The Arch immediately solves this problem. Tunnel shots through the wooded Texas courses are where I will probably use this disc the most. No more trying to crush an Ibex, or finesse a hyzerfliped beat in Trak down the fairway of 320’+ holes. I can throw the Arch as hard as I want and it stays on a line. I can throw it at 75%, and it still stays on the same line. I cannot wait for PDGA approval for this disc.

Vibram Arch Compared to Other Vibram Discs

The Vibram Notch

“The Notch is designed to be an overstable fairway that fits nicely between the Obex (if it was as overstable as we ha hoped) and the O-Lace.”

The Vibram Notch was the other prototype disc that was released for evaluation. Designed as an overstable fairway driver, I think Steve Dodge (or whoever works their magic to create discs at Vibram) hit the nail on the head. This disc has the potential to kick two non-Vibram discs from my bag. My current go to overstable mid/fairway discs are the Hyzerbomb Mortar (aka beadless Gator), and the Latitude 64 Trident. If I need a longer, very overstable shot, I will then bounce up to the Solace or O-Lace. The Notch flies like my Mortar, but instead of capping out around 270′, I am able to get the Notch in the 330’+ range. It is a much more controlled shot when I keep it under 280′, but if push came to shove, I could get it past 300′. I suspect that the closest comparison would be an Opto Trident, but I do not carry one, and the Gold Line Trident that is currently in my bag is beat in enough that when I throw it RHBH, I can get it to go straight. (I know, it sounds weird that a Trident would do that.)

I mentioned earlier that the Notch has the possibility of kicking both the Mortar and Trident from my bag, thought I am not sure if it will happen to the Trident or not. RHFH shots are not a strength in my game at this time. Therefore, I need something that I can throw 225-250′ forehand. This is currently where my Trident fits in my rotation. The shallow lip, and flat top of the Trident feels good in my hand, and helps with RHFH shots. The few shots I took with the Notch RHFH felt weird to me because the rim was a little deeper than I am used to, though it is not putter deep. Needless to say, it will take some time for me to figure out how to forehand it. Which means, the Trident will hang out for a while longer, while I bag the Notch and figure out my forehand opportunities with it. On the other hand, the RHBH with this disc is nice.

Many people have compared the Notch to the Innova Firebird, but in my opinion, the Firebird still seems more overstable than the Notch. I have not really thrown Firebirds though, and it is possible that the few I have dabbled with in my bag were FAF Firebirds rather than their less overstable cousins.

Vibram Notch Compared to Other Vibram Discs

More Vibram Notch and Vibram Arch Videos

Final Thoughts for the Arch and Notch

All in all, I am really excited about both discs. They fill slots that were not currently part of the Vibram lineup. These two discs, in addition to the modified Valley will further complement the array of options available in Vibram’s rubber molds. It appears I am not the only one looking forward to these discs coming out either. Everyone who had an opportunity to test the discs at the Birdie Bash spoke positively about them. Assuming their are no hiccups at the PDGA, Steve’s letter indicates that they “should be good for PDGA play by the end of April.” I am excited to be a member of Team Vibram Disc Golf, and to have two more discs, the Vibram Notch, and Vibram Arch, to be able to add to my bag.