Discraft Hades Review: Paul McBeth’s Understable Distance Driver
The Discraft Hades (12/6/-3/2) is Paul McBeth's understable distance driver - the companion to the Zeus (overstable) and Undertaker (neutral) in his signature disc lineup. Its -3 Turn and high Glide (6) make it a powerful tool for big anhyzer lines, roller shots, turnover drives, and tailwind bombs. At advanced arm speeds, it is one of the longest-flying discs in disc golf. At beginner arm speeds, it turns over immediately and rolls away. Understanding which side of that line you're on is everything with the Hades.
Discraft Hades - Quick Specs
- Flight Numbers 12 / 6 / -3 / 2 (Speed / Glide / Turn / Fade)
- Disc Type Distance Driver (Understable)
- Stability Very understable at high speed
- Weight Range 155g-174g (most advanced players throw 167-174g)
- Plastics ESP, Big Z, Z Line, ESP FLX, CryZtal
- Approx. Price $18-25 depending on plastic
- Best For Advanced players; big turnover lines, tailwinds, rollers, maximum distance
Who Should Throw the Hades?
- Beginners: Do not throw the Hades. At low arm speeds, the -3 Turn will turn it over immediately and it will either roll or fly far offline. It is one of the least forgiving discs in the distance driver category for new players.
- Intermediate players: The Hades becomes interesting but requires controlled use. On a flat release, most intermediate players will see it turn right and not return. The Hades is best used intentionally: on anhyzer lines where you want it to turn right and stay right, or in strong tailwinds where the extra turn compensates for the wind's understabilizing effect.
- Advanced players (400+ feet): The Hades earns its full potential. At high arm speeds, the -3 Turn produces a dramatic right arc that covers enormous distance before the Fade 2 brings it back left. This is the "big S-curve" flight that produces maximum distance in calm conditions.
How the Discraft Hades Flies
The Hades's defining characteristic is Glide 6 - the highest glide rating among any widely-used distance driver. That glide, combined with -3 Turn, means the disc stays in the air for an exceptionally long time while turning right. At the speeds McBeth throws, the disc turns right for most of its flight, then the Fade 2 brings it back left at the end for a massive distance arc.
Thrown on an intentional anhyzer angle: the Hades turns right and stays right, making it a precision right-curving disc for shots that require the disc to curve around obstacles to the right and stay right on landing.
Roller shots: the Hades is an excellent roller disc for advanced players. Thrown at the right angle with enough speed, the understability causes it to turn onto its edge and roll, covering additional distance along the ground.
In a tailwind: the Hades becomes even more understable in a tailwind. Use it when you need to take advantage of the wind and maximize distance; switch to the Zeus or Undertaker in headwinds where the understability would cause it to flip.
For a full explanation of how understability works, see the overstable vs understable guide.
Hades vs Zeus: McBeth's Two Drivers
- Zeus (12/5/-1/3): Neutral to slightly understable, reliable fade. Use for straight drives with controlled distance and predictable left finish.
- Hades (12/6/-3/2): Very understable, long glide. Use for big turnover lines, tailwind bombs, and maximum distance when you can handle the turn.
Most players who own both reach for the Zeus on most holes and the Hades specifically when the shot calls for maximum understability.
Discraft Hades Plastics Compared
- ESP: Standard. Grippy, durable. Most players start here. Around $20-22.
- Big Z: More flexible, slightly more understable than ESP. Good for cold weather.
- Z Line: Stiffer, slightly more stable. Good for players who find standard ESP too flippy.
Pros
- Highest-glide distance driver in the Discraft lineup
- Maximum distance for players who can handle the turn
- Ideal for big anhyzer lines and tailwind conditions
- Paul McBeth signature - world-champion proven
- Excellent roller disc for advanced players
Cons
- Turns over immediately for lower arm speeds
- Requires very high speed to produce the intended S-curve
- Not a daily driver for most recreational players
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hades good for beginners?
No. The Hades is one of the worst disc golf discs for beginners. Its -3 Turn means it will turn over immediately at low arm speeds, producing unhelpful roller shots and wayward throws. Beginners should use understable discs in the -1 to -2 Turn range like the Innova Leopard3. The Hades is for experienced players who intentionally want extreme understability.
How does high glide help with distance?
Glide 6 means the disc maintains lift significantly longer than average. This extra time in the air translates directly to more distance - the disc travels further before the fade ends its flight. Combined with high speed, the Hades's glide makes it capable of covering very large distances when thrown correctly. See the flight numbers guide for a full explanation of how glide affects distance.
What is the best way to throw the Hades for maximum distance?
On a hyzer-flip line: release the Hades on a hyzer angle (disc tilted left) with maximum arm speed. The -3 Turn will fight the hyzer angle and flip the disc to flat, then the disc glides in a long right arc before the Fade 2 brings it back. This approach produces the maximum distance S-curve flight the Hades is designed for. Requires arm speed of 65+ mph to execute correctly.