Discraft Undertaker Review: Straight-Flying Distance Driver for Every Level
The Discraft Undertaker (9/5/-1/2) occupies a unique and useful position in disc golf: it is a fast-enough driver to produce real distance gains over fairway drivers, while remaining controllable enough to use on technical courses. Its neutral-to-stable profile means it doesn't flip over for intermediate players or fade out aggressively for developing players. Paul McBeth, who carries multiple Discraft drivers, has thrown the Undertaker at major events for its reliable straight-to-gentle-fade flight.
Discraft Undertaker - Quick Specs
- Flight Numbers 9 / 5 / -1 / 2 (Speed / Glide / Turn / Fade)
- Disc Type Distance Driver (Control)
- Stability Neutral to slightly overstable
- Weight Range 155g-174g (most players throw 167-174g)
- Plastics ESP, Big Z, Z Line, Titanium, ESP FLX, CryZtal
- Approx. Price $16-23 depending on plastic
- Best For Intermediate to advanced; versatile driver for both open and technical courses
Who Should Throw the Undertaker?
- Beginners: The Undertaker's Speed 9 is still too fast for players who haven't developed arm speed. It will fade out earlier than its neutral numbers suggest at slow arm speeds. Start with Speed 7 and below first.
- Intermediate players (250-380 feet): This is where the Undertaker shines. It produces more distance than fairway drivers while remaining more controllable than the high-speed Destroyer and Zeus class. Players often describe it as "what the Buzzz is to midranges - a reliable workhorse at its speed class."
- Advanced players: The Undertaker is a precision distance driver for controlled situations - technical holes where a Speed 12 would be difficult to place, but more distance than a Speed 7 is needed. Many experienced players use it as a forehand driver for its stability.
How the Discraft Undertaker Flies
The -1 Turn and Fade 2 describe a neutral driver that goes mostly straight with a gentle left finish. At intermediate arm speeds, it produces a predictable gentle S-curve. At higher arm speeds, it holds straighter before a moderate fade. This "Buzzz-like straight flight at driver distance" is why it's so popular - players who love the Buzzz's neutral behavior get the same character in a faster disc.
The Glide 5 is important here. Like the Buzzz's Glide 4 keeps it in the air at midrange, the Undertaker's Glide 5 extends its flight at driver speeds. Combined with the neutral stability, this produces real distance with reliable shot placement.
In the wind: the Undertaker handles mild headwinds reasonably well for a neutral disc. Its -1 Turn means it doesn't flip aggressively in headwinds the way more understable drivers do, but in strong headwinds a more overstable disc is preferable.
Undertaker vs Zeus vs Teebird
- Undertaker (9/5/-1/2): Fastest and most distance of the three; neutral flight; best for open holes where you want controlled driver distance.
- Teebird (7/5/0/2): Slower, more overstable feel; better for technical shots and players who want more fade reliability. The Undertaker is the "faster, neutral" version of the Teebird character.
- Zeus (12/5/-1/3): Much faster and more powerful; for maximum distance. The Undertaker is the "access point" to Zeus-style flight for players not yet at Speed 12 arm speeds.
Discraft Undertaker Plastics Compared
- ESP: Best all-around. Grippy, durable, consistent neutral flight. Around $18-22.
- Z Line: Stiffer, more overstable-feeling. Good for headwind shots.
- Big Z: Flexible, more understable in practice. Great grip. Good in cold weather.
- Titanium: Very durable premium plastic. Distinct feel, similar to ESP flight.
Pros
- Neutral flight accessible to intermediate arm speeds
- High glide (5) maximizes distance without needing high arm speed
- Versatile: works on open holes and technical fairways
- Works well for forehand throws - doesn't flip for intermediate players
- Wide plastic selection across all Discraft blends
Cons
- Still too fast for beginners to fly correctly
- Not as much distance as Speed 11-13 drivers at the same arm speed
- Neutral flight means less specialized utility than overstable or understable drivers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Undertaker a fairway driver or distance driver?
Discraft classifies it as a distance driver, but at Speed 9 it sits in a gap between traditional fairway drivers (Speed 6-8) and max-distance drivers (Speed 11-14). Most players treat it as a "control distance driver" - faster than a fairway driver but more controlled than the Destroyer class. The classification matters less than understanding its flight and where it fits your arm speed.
Is the Paul McBeth Signature Undertaker different from the standard?
The McBeth Signature Undertaker uses the same mold and flight numbers as the standard Undertaker - the flight numbers are identical. Signature versions typically feature McBeth's stamp artwork and may be available in specific limited plastics. Performance is the same; it is a collector or preference purchase.
What disc is most similar to the Undertaker?
The Innova Teebird (7/5/0/2) is the closest in flight profile - both are neutral-to-stable drivers that go mostly straight with reliable fade. The Undertaker is faster (Speed 9 vs 7) and produces more distance. Players often own both: the Teebird for technical control work and the Undertaker for distance shots where the Teebird's Speed 7 isn't enough.