Wanted: Sidewinder

[dnr24]

This is in follow up to my first post about getting discs for my birthday. It turns out that the Valkyrie that my wife got me is 175 grams--too heavy for my gumshoe arm. I would like to buy a 167 gram champion sidewinder as I think I could handle that in a little lighter weight, without going to 150 grams. Does Tom keep a regular schedule? Anyone else know where I can get this disc besides ebay (I found one for 14.50 buy it now on eBay and one is currently at 12 after shipping)? Tom, do you have such a disc used or new?

[Justin L]

Tom's around alot on weekends at GW. And yeah, he'd have the disc for you...If not a sidewinder maybe a roadrunner. You're on the right track though, a 175 valk can be a beast to get to go straight depending on the mold.

[Armstrong]

Not sure where you are but if your around homewood before 5:00 here are three places that might have one.


Alabama Outdoors (homewood location)
Homewood sporting goods (has a couple of star Beasts)
Homewood Toy & Hobby ( has a little larger selection than the other two. I think I have seen a sidewinder at one of those stores)

But if you can't make it to one of those before saturday catch Tom.
(I also hear that theres a place called the Urban Outpost that sales innova discs. Check the innova website to get an address.)

let me know if I can be of any more help.

[dnr24]

Thanks, any idea what this would retail for?

[Jebb]

last time I was in Homewood Toy and Hobby there were no sidewinders that I can recall.

[Armstrong]

I am headed to urban outpost today at lunch. I will check on a sidwinder. Retail is around $16-$18 depending on the store.

[Armstrong]

no dice at Urban Outpost

Michael Armstrong

[ditchell]

what do they have at urban outpost? thats over near my house but i've never made it over there.

[bhamlawyer]

I would like to buy a 167 gram champion sidewinder as I think I could handle that in a little lighter weight, without going to 150 grams.

why not go to 150 grams?

[dnr24]

I can get a decent throw out of the valk, but just can't rely on it. I was thinking long-term, as in, would I be able to use this after I pass through the rookie stage. How can I get the most for my $? That was why I was thinking 167. Do you think I should drop to 150?

[Jebb]

now take into acct that I'm a beginner too, but I would highly recommend a Champion Beast around 170g if you want something that flies well with little fade. I love this disc!!!

[Armstrong]

First off I wouldn't drop to 150. 167 is a good solid weight that will sttay with you for a while. A DX beast was my first driver.... I have only been playing since last October though. I have not thrown a sidewinder yet. I know the Beast is a great beginer disc and most stores will have one or two.

Urban outpost has a spastic selection at best. There is a star wratih, couple of dx Rocs, a Star Aviar, a couple of DX orcs, and a few disc craft drivers that's about it.

[ditchell]

regarding 150s... i have a 150 star valk that i love... especially on holes where you have the space. wind is a problem, of course.


regarding sidewinders- i read a lot about disc golf here at work (occasionally taking a break to work) and a lot of people complain about them being a little squirrelly- i.e. sometimes they "sidewind" and sometimes they don't. i've seen this with Ben's on occasion.

[Jebb]

apparently they need to get beaten up a bit before they turn over. my sidewinder is just getting to that point.

[drdisc]

I'll be out Sunday to play at 10:00, and then stay the afternoon at GW.
I'll be glad to show you some 150's and the other weights.
________
LovelyMonique cam (http://camslivesexy.com/cam/LovelyMonique)

[Ben S.]

I've got a sidewinder that i've been playing with pretty hard core for about five months (at least). It's the good plastic and it is taking FOREVER to break in. It has just now started to sometimes turn over and it takes a lot of tilt as it leaves my hand for it to work.

So if you are just beginning, don't buy a sidewinder in the best plastic and expect it to work anytime soon. I'm lefthanded and once I get a disc that drops left consistently I will be one happy bastard. I got a teebird for my birthday that flies straight- you might want to check out one of those.

[Jebb]

The new skeeter by Innova is quite impressive, got to see Joe Thacker drive it on hole 5 at GW past the end of the sidewalk :eek:

Tom, if you're reading I want one :)

[Justin L]

You do realize just becaues Joe threw it over the sidewalk doesn't mean us mere mortals will ever be able to do that....right? haha...

It is great to have resources like Joe, TK, Tom, etc. around to get there input on discs. They're all just so consitent with there throwing you know that they can give actual feedback on what the disc is doing. With us am players you can never really be _sure_ if its the disc or (the more likely problem) the thrower.

[Jebb]

I do realize :)

I was just impressed how the disc fit the role of 'all in one' so well. For this reason I may actually want 2 or 3 so I can loan them to guests - and one to keep in my bag for a possible roc alternative.

[dnr24]

Yeah, I bought the 169 sidewinder from Tom and my first three throws I threw it waaaay right, and it never faded like I expexted it too (after the 175 valk). I learned to throw it more directly toward where I want it to go, and it is already "sidewinding," or rather, "side-meandering," as there is not a whole lot of turnover just yet. But I am fine with that. I am getting better distance with it. I still feel like I am coming up short distance-wise, but I suppose that will come with time. (I've only played five times now). And I suppose it will only get better with age--a concept I like. The 6 gram difference makes this thing feel a ton lighter. I don't think I would have liked anything lighter than 167. Thanks for the advice guys. I may be seeking help on finding a good midrange disc soon...

[bhamlawyer]

what is the ideal flight path for a sidewinder if thrown right handed, backhand?

[i2rt]

what is the ideal flight path for a sidewinder if thrown right handed, backhand?

I would have to say that the ideal flight path is from your hand into the basket.:D :D :D

Actually you should be able to throw the Sidewinder flat or with a little hyzer and have it turn over part way through the flight and then if you have enough elevation in the throw it will start to fade back to the left at the end. If you keep the disc low and throw with a lot of snap, it will turn over and keep turning.

When you get enough snap that you consistantly turn the Sidewinder over, you should move up to the Roadrunner. It has the same only longer flight path but can handle a little more power in the throw.

Due to their lower speed ratings, when throwing down wind they give the best distance of any disc I have found.

Both of these disc have great glide at the end of their flight especially when you get them to turn over and then flex back.

[Sivadenyaw]

I think you will find the Roadrunner to be more understable (will turn right at high speeds for right-handed backhand) than the Sidewinder. Everything else about the glide, snap, and height mirrors my experience with the 'Winder.

Michael

[Parkntwoputt]

Sidewinder....flippy roller
Roadrunner....flippy roller

Sidewinder....longer roller





But that is at the speed I throw.

[auburnsoccerdude]

Does anyone have a roadrunner. Thinking about getting one about 165g.

[drdisc]

Find me in the mobile pro shop at GW, afternoons this week, except Friday, then in Trussville. You may see something else you might like. There is a cool new DVD out that can help make you a better player.
________
Park Royal 1 Pattaya (http://pattayaluxurycondos.com)

[Glen Iris Southpaw]

Tom does the video have rollers, tomahawks, and that crazy tomohawk think where the disc turns like a pancake and then over again. Ill get in a couple of weeks, right now low on funds after the west coast. Had fun a doubles yest. Was a good turn out. And Bill thanks for the shade.