Vibram Disc Golf Released Their Newest Prototype – R448 or Valley

Over the last week or so, the online disc golf community has been talking about the newest prototype disc that was released by Vibram disc golf (this was mentioned in our last blog post). Internally, the disc is known as the R448, but this disc will become known as the Valley. As a member of the Vibram Tester Team, I was pretty excited to finally see the disc arrive in the mail. I received the disc on Tuesday of this week, and have been itching to give it a toss. So I brought the disc with me to Atlanta, and weaseled my way out of my conference in order to throw it around.

The letter from Vibram that accompanied the disc said the following:

Dear Vibram Tester,

Enclosed please find our newest prototype, the Valley fairway driver. Internally known as R448. Please throw this disc over multiple days. Share it with friends of varying skill levels. Give it some good, real world testing.

We know what we think of it. We want to know what you think.

When you are ready to review the disc: (website given)

As always, the only way you get to stay on the tester team is to let us know what you think of the disc. Be well, and enjoy the hucking.

Sincerely,

Steven Dodge
Vibram Disc Golf

The disc I received was a 153M. Generally speaking, I carry discs that are 172+, with the exception of a Millennium Scorpious that is 167g and a 150g Polaris LS that is used as a “disposable” disc for when I am playing a course out of town and have to throw over water. At first feel, it reminded me of the Polaris, so that is how I threw it. 75% power, and on a hyzer. It popped up nicely, but then turned over after about 250′, landing on edge and rolling around.

The next few times that I threw it, I had to slow down a little bit more, and throw it with less power to get it to go straight. I then tested some anhyzers, and as long as I threw it with out OAT and with finesse, it worked great, and I could get 320′ consistently. When I tried to make it go farther, I kept making it turn, and roll away. I liked the disc, and I could see myself using it for anhyzer shots, or tight tunnels that I would need to finesse my way though. I was not disappointed with the disc, though it did take some getting used to.

Oddly enough, fellow DGUndergrounders, Nathan H (from South Dakota, not Austin) and Reece H. also had a chance to test out the Valley in Houston today. Nathan H. from South Dakota is also on the Vibram test team, and recently relocated to Houston for his job, and his wife’s schooling. Below are some of their videos.

Nathan described the Valley as “essentially a speed 7 unLace. It’s absolutely amazing for people that can’t throw a mile.” The flight chart from Marshall Street Disc Golf lists the Polaris LS as a speed 7 understable fairway driver, once again providing for a comparison with another company’s disc. When I asked for Reece’s expert opinion, his responded with a resounding “Amen” to Nathan’s comments. (Enlightening, I know…)

Later this week I will take some of the family members out, and see how they like the Valley. My son is 8 and can crush an O-Lace. We will see what he can do with a light fairway driver. My wife, who normally throws an Ibex for everything is also looking forward to throwing a driver. Hopefully more videos to follow.