Discraft Undertaker Distance Driver: Your Straight Shot to the Fairway
Discraft Undertaker Distance Driver: Your Straight Shot to the Fairway
For players looking to bridge the gap between their midranges and their max-distance bombers, the Discraft Undertaker is a quintessential workhorse. It's the kind of disc you reach for when the fairway demands a precise, controlled flight with enough distance to get you into putting range, without the dramatic fade of an overstable driver or the touchiness of an understable one. If you're chasing that elusive straight-to-mild-fade line, the Undertaker deserves a look.
At a glance
- Manufacturer: Discraft
- Mold Name: Undertaker
- Disc Category: Fairway Driver / Control Driver
- Flight Numbers: Speed 9, Glide 5, Turn -1, Fade 2
- Rim Width: 19mm
- Weight Range Tested: 167-175g
- Plastic(s) Reviewed: ESP, Z-Line, Big Z
- Approximate Retail Price: $12-$18 USD
:::flight-numbers-card manufacturer: Discraft mold: Undertaker category: fairway-driver speed: 9 glide: 5 turn: -1 fade: 2 stability: stable rim_width: 19mm weight_range: 167-175g :::
How it actually flies
Fresh out of the box, the Undertaker lives up to its flight numbers, providing a very straight flight with a dependable, forward-pushing fade at the end. For a player with 300-350 feet of power, released flat, it will track straight for about 70-80% of its flight before initiating a gentle, controlled fade. It's not a dumpy fade; it maintains its forward momentum.
As it beats in over 20+ rounds, particularly in ESP plastic, that initial -1 turn becomes more pronounced. It starts to show a subtle high-speed turn when thrown with power, making it an excellent candidate for hyzer-flip shots that stand up to flat and push straight for maximum distance on tight fairways. For players with 350-400 feet of arm speed, a beat-in ESP Undertaker can be a laser beam.
The Undertaker is quite forgiving of nose angle, especially compared to higher-speed drivers. It doesn't punish slight nose-up releases as severely, still finding decent glide. While it appreciates a clean release, it's moderately tolerant of off-axis torque (OAT) on backhand throws, resisting turning over completely unless truly forced. For forehand throws, fresh Z-Line or Titanium Undertakers offer excellent torque resistance, allowing for controlled, straight flicks with a reliable finish.
Real-world distance for an average player (275-325ft with a driver) will see the Undertaker reaching the upper end of their fairway driver distance, typically 280-330ft, with great control. Stronger arms (375ft+) can push this disc to 375-400ft on a full flight, leveraging its glide and predictable turn-to-fade.
:::flight-path stability: stable turn: -1 fade: 2 :::
Plastic, honestly
Discraft offers the Undertaker in several plastic blends, each influencing its flight and durability.
- ESP: This is the most popular choice for a reason. ESP offers excellent grip, even in slightly damp conditions, and a great balance of durability and flight consistency. New ESP Undertakers are reliably stable, and they beat in beautifully, slowly gaining a touch more turn and becoming fantastic hyzer-flip machines. If you want a workhorse Undertaker that will evolve with your game, start here.
- Z-Line: For maximum durability and a slightly more overstable flight out of the box, Z-Line is the way to go. It has a slicker feel than ESP, but its resistance to damage is top-tier. A Z-Line Undertaker will hold its original flight characteristics for a very long time, taking significantly more tree hits to beat in compared to ESP. This makes it a great choice for windy conditions or for forehand dominant players seeking reliable fade.
- Big Z: Often characterized by vibrant colors and unique stamps, Big Z plastic typically falls between ESP and Z in terms of stability and grip. It usually has a bit more dome than Z-Line, which can translate to slightly more glide. It's durable, but not quite as rigid as Z, offering a nice, comfortable hand feel.
- Titanium: Generally the most overstable and flat-topped of the production runs, Titanium Undertakers are exceptionally durable and provide the most torque resistance for power throwers or forehands. They take a long time to beat in.
For most players, an ESP Undertaker will be the most versatile and enjoyable out of the box. Consider a Z-Line for a more overstable slot or for longevity in rough terrain.
Where it sits
The Discraft Undertaker slots cleanly into the stable fairway driver category, making it a direct competitor to several other popular molds. Compared to an Innova Teebird3, the Undertaker often exhibits a touch more glide and a slightly less aggressive fade out of the box, making it feel a bit straighter for more of its flight. The Teebird3 can feel a bit quicker to fade. Against a Latitude 64 Explorer, the Undertaker usually has a touch more high-speed turn, meaning the Explorer will hold a dead straight line with less lateral movement before its fade. The Explorer tends to be a touch more stable overall. The Undertaker also separates itself from Discraft's own Stalker, which is a slower (Speed 7) and often straighter mold designed for ultimate control and less overall distance. The Undertaker is the logical step up in speed and distance from a Stalker, offering similar control but with more forward penetration.
Buying Advice
For most players, a max weight (170-175g) Undertaker in ESP plastic is the ideal starting point. This weight provides good wind resistance and maximum control. If your arm speed is below 300 feet, consider dropping down to 165-169g to help achieve that -1 turn and maximize glide.
If you're an experienced player looking for a more overstable slot or a reliable forehand disc, opt for a max weight Z-Line or Titanium Undertaker. These will resist turn longer and offer a more pronounced, consistent fade.
Due to the Undertaker's versatility and how well it beats in, buying multiples is a smart strategy. You can keep a fresh, stable one for straight shots with fade, and a beat-in one for controlled hyzer-flips or turnover lines. This disc is suitable for intermediate players looking to add a reliable control driver to their bag, and advanced players will find it an indispensable tool for shaping lines and executing controlled distance. Even beginners with developing form can use it as a first stable distance driver, though it might exhibit more fade initially until their arm speed increases.
FAQ
Is the Discraft Undertaker a good beginner disc?
The Undertaker can be a good "first distance driver" for a beginner who has developed decent form and can consistently throw a midrange 200-250 feet. Its speed 9 isn't overwhelming, and its stability will help teach proper release angles, though it might be a bit overstable initially for very new players.
What weight should I throw for the Undertaker?
For average arm speeds or those just stepping up to fairway drivers, 165-170g is a good range for easier turn and glide. Experienced players or those wanting maximum control and wind resistance should opt for 170-175g.
Does the Undertaker work for forehand throws?
Yes, the Undertaker is an excellent forehand disc. In Z-Line or Titanium plastic, it offers great torque resistance for controlled, straight flights with a reliable fade. Even ESP works well for forehands, especially as it beats in slightly, allowing for touchier flex lines.
How fast does the Undertaker beat in?
ESP plastic will begin to show noticeable beat-in characteristics (more turn, less fade) after about 20-30 rounds of regular use, especially with tree hits. Z-Line and Titanium plastics are far more durable and will take significantly longer, often hundreds of rounds, to beat into a noticeably different flight path.
Is the dome consistent run-to-run for the Undertaker?
Generally, the Undertaker has consistent dome profiles, often a medium dome for glide. However, like many molds, specific runs or plastic types can vary. Z-Line can sometimes be flatter, while Big Z often has a bit more dome. These minor variations typically don't drastically alter the intended flight path.
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This article contains affiliate links. BasketBound may earn a commission when you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. BasketBound is a Datafathom publication.
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