Discraft Roach Review: Straight-Flying Putter with Great Glide
The Discraft Roach (2/4/0/1) is Discraft's answer to the beadless neutral putter category occupied by the Dynamic Discs Judge and Innova Aviar. With identical flight numbers to the Judge (2/4/0/1), the Roach goes straight and finishes with a very gentle left fade - exactly what most players want from a putting disc. It is beadless, comfortable in the hand, and described by Discraft as "crafty in avoiding danger while pursuing chains." It is a less-hyped alternative to the Judge and Aviar that many players discover and never look back.
Discraft Roach - Quick Specs
- Flight Numbers 2 / 4 / 0 / 1 (Speed / Glide / Turn / Fade)
- Disc Type Putter (Neutral)
- Stability Neutral
- Weight Range 145g-176g (most players putt 170-175g)
- Plastics Z, ESP, Jawbreaker, Big Z, Pro D, X Line
- Approx. Price $13-20 depending on plastic
- Best For All skill levels; primary putting putter, approach shots, short drives
Who Should Throw the Roach?
Any disc golfer looking for a neutral putter. The Roach's identical flight numbers to the Judge mean it works for exactly the same range of players:
- Beginners: An excellent first putter. Goes straight, gentle fade, beadless rim fits most hands. Very forgiving for new players still developing putting form.
- Intermediate players: Works as both a putting putter and approach disc inside 150 feet.
- Advanced players: Often carries multiple Roaches in different plastics - soft Jawbreaker for putting, stiffer ESP for approach shots.
How the Roach Flies
Same story as the Judge: Speed 2 (very slow), Glide 4 (above average for a putter), 0 Turn (no rightward drift), Fade 1 (gentle left finish). Thrown at the basket with a smooth putting stroke, it tracks straight to the chains and settles with a very gentle left drift.
The above-average Glide 4 gives the Roach good hang time on long putts - it floats to the basket rather than diving. On approach shots thrown harder, the extra glide extends distance. Players who putt with a "push" style rather than a "spin" style often find high-glide putters like the Roach forgive inconsistent releases.
Roach vs Judge vs Aviar
| Disc | Speed | Glide | Turn | Fade | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roach | 2 | 4 | 0 | 1 | Beadless, Discraft plastic |
| Judge | 2 | 4 | 0 | 1 | Beadless, DD plastic |
| Aviar | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 | Small bead, Innova plastic |
The Roach and Judge are functionally identical in flight. The choice between them comes down to feel: Discraft ESP vs Dynamic Discs Lucid/Fuzion plastic, and any subtle differences in rim profile that you notice only by throwing each. The Aviar has one less Glide (3), giving it slightly less hang time - some players prefer the more direct flight, others prefer the Roach/Judge's extra float.
Discraft Roach Plastics Compared
- Jawbreaker: Very soft, most popular Roach plastic. Excellent putting grip, especially in cold and wet conditions. Most understable Roach. Around $15-17.
- ESP: Grippy, durable. Slightly more stable than Jawbreaker. Good all-around. Around $16-18.
- Z: Stiffer, hardest Roach plastic. Most overstable of the lineup. Good for approach shots in varied weather.
- Big Z: Flexible, grippy. Between Jawbreaker softness and Z stiffness.
- Pro D: Entry-level base plastic. Affordable, soft. Beats in quickly.
Pros
- Neutral flight goes straight - exactly what a putter should do
- Glide 4 provides good hang time for long circle-2 putts
- Beadless rim comfortable for most putting grips
- Jawbreaker plastic is one of the best putting plastics available
- Less well-known than the Judge - often available at lower prices
Cons
- Functionally identical to the Judge - little reason to own both
- Less plastic variety than Innova Aviar
- Pro D plastic wears in fast
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Roach the same as the Judge?
Essentially, yes - they share identical flight numbers (2/4/0/1) and are both beadless neutral putters. The difference is brand, plastic options, and subtle rim feel. Players who have tried both and prefer Discraft ESP plastic over Dynamic Discs Lucid/Fuzion tend to gravitate toward the Roach. Try one of each and keep whichever feels better in your hand.
Is Jawbreaker plastic good for putting?
Yes - Jawbreaker is one of the most popular putting plastics in disc golf. The soft, slightly rubbery texture grips the fingers well without being sticky, and the material's flex absorbs vibration on catches. Many players who normally throw ESP or Z plastic keep a Jawbreaker Roach specifically as their putting disc.
Can I use the Roach for driving?
Yes, for short drives under 200 feet. The Roach's Speed 2 and Glide 4 make it accurate and forgiving for beginners using a putter to drive. As arm speed develops, a dedicated fairway driver produces more distance, but starting with the Roach for drives is completely valid while building form. Many coaches recommend this approach.