Disc Hit Tree And Lost :(

[allsport1313]

Hello guys! Bought a brand new Star Teebird and managed to hit a tree my second time out, and I was pretty shocked to see this chunk taken out of it



I haven't been playing for too long but I've never seen a disc with a chunk of this much plastic missing. I'm all for breaking in discs but I'm used to only some scrapes, nicks, flashing, etc. A few questions:

a) Does this disc still deserve a spot in my bag? (I did want a worn-in TB... but is this too worn in now?)
b) Should I take a lighter to it or something and try to smooth it out?
c) I have a few other Star discs, all very resilient to damage almost like champion plastic. Is this a bad batch or something?

[kern9787]

How does it fly for you now?

[turso]

a) yes (no, small chunks like that do not really affect flight as much as properly beating the disc, ie multiple tree hits)
b) No need or use to smoothen that out, just let it be.
c) could be it's of a softer Star run, not necessarily bad, just different.

[allsport1313]

How does it fly for you now?

I'll have to see. This unfortunately happened on the 18th hole(basket?) so I didn't get any more tosses with it. I don't really suppose my constantly evolving throw would be able to detect any subtleties in flight. But if someone knowledgable told me something like, "yes that gash could cost you 10-20 feet on a 360 foot shot" I would like to know about it.

a) yes (no, small chunks like that do not really affect flight as much as properly beating the disc, ie multiple tree hits)
b) No need or use to smoothen that out, just let it be.
c) could be it's of a softer Star run, not necessarily bad, just different.

I see so its not too big of a deal then? It could be because I live in Texas and it was 90 degrees out. But then again, it's pretty much 90 every day I play.

[Mark Ellis]

a) yes (no, small chunks like that do not really affect flight as much as properly beating the disc, ie multiple tree hits)

I agree. Gouges, chunks or slices may not change the flight in any noticeable way. When the rim gets warped (out of round) of the bottom of the rim wears away (the spot where the bead would be if the disc had a bead) then discs lose stability and turn over easier.

You only need to sand it smooth if the gouge left the disc uncomfortable to grip.

The tree on the other hand may have lost a chunk of bark and be worse for the wear and be more open to disease or insect invasion. When candy plastic came out the trees were the biggest losers.

[south.texas.dead.i]

Where in Texas are you?

[allsport1313]

Just north of San Antonio!