The Discraft Buzzz and Innova Roc3 are arguably the two most popular midranges in disc golf — two competing approaches to the same role. The Buzzz is straight and trusted. The Roc3 is overstable and dependable. Picking between them depends on what role you need a midrange to play.
P2- Pick the Buzzz if: you want a one-disc-does-everything midrange that flies straight and has a soft fade. Best for newer players and tight wooded lines.
- Pick the Roc3 if: you want a midrange that finishes with a strong reliable fade. Best for headwinds, forehand approaches, and as a complement to a straighter midrange.
- Pick both if: you're committed to disc golf. They cover different shots so well that many pros bag both.
Flight numbers compared
| Buzzz | Roc3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 5 | 5 |
| Glide | 4 | 4 |
| Turn | -1 | 0 |
| Fade | 1 | 3 |
| Stability | Slightly understable | Overstable |
| PDGA approved | 2003 | 2011 |
Same speed and glide; the Buzzz turns slightly and fades softly, while the Roc3 doesn't turn and fades hard.
The Buzzz: straight and trusted
The Buzzz has been Discraft's flagship midrange for over two decades. Its -1 turn and 1 fade combine into one of the most useful flight patterns in disc golf: a near-straight line with a barely-perceptible end fade.
What the Buzzz does well:
- Threading tight wooded lines where any meaningful fade would clip a tree.
- Hyzer-flip approaches where you want the disc to flip up and ride a long flat line.
- Touch upshots where soft fade lands the disc in a controllable area.
- Beginner-friendly straight flight at any power level.
What the Buzzz doesn't do well: headwinds, hard forehand approaches, or shots that need a reliable hook at the end. The fade just isn't strong enough.
The Roc3: overstable and reliable
The Roc3 is the most overstable variant in Innova's legendary Roc family, which traces back to 1991. Its 0 turn and 3 fade make it Innova's go-to overstable midrange.
What the Roc3 does well:
- Headwind approaches — its fade holds against wind that would over-turn a Buzzz.
- Forehand approaches — the high fade absorbs off-axis releases.
- Hyzer-flip approaches that need to fade back — flip up on slight anhyzer, ride flat, then dive left.
- Spike hyzers around obstacles.
What the Roc3 doesn't do well: dead-straight lines (it always finishes left), light-power throws (fade dominates).
How to choose
If you're picking your first dedicated midrange and don't yet know what you'll need, get the Buzzz. It's the most universally useful midrange in the sport, and most players will eventually have one regardless.
If you already have a straight-flying midrange and want a second one for overstable approaches, get the Roc3. It fills the role the Buzzz can't.
If you bag both, the typical division of labor is: Buzzz for normal approaches and tight lines, Roc3 for windy days, forehand approaches, and shots that demand a hard finish.
Plastic considerations
Buzzz in ESP is the standard run — grippy and durable. Z plastic Buzzzes are slightly more overstable. Jawbreaker Buzzzes have a textured surface for wet conditions.
Roc3 in Champion is the most overstable Roc3 you can buy — preferred for forehand and wind. Star Roc3s beat in to become workable stable-fading midranges. Pro Roc3s offer a slightly less overstable feel from the box.
For deeper context on plastic differences, see our plastics overview and our Champion vs Star comparison.
If neither is right
Both the Buzzz and Roc3 are popular but not the only options:
- Innova Mako3 — even straighter than the Buzzz, 0 turn / 0 fade. Best for absolute precision.
- Discmania MD3 — sits between the Buzzz and Roc3 in stability. Soft 2 fade.
- Axiom Hex — similar to the Buzzz but with higher glide.
Related
- Best understable midranges for beginners
- Understable vs overstable explained
- The complete flight numbers guide
Compare these two discs with overlaid flight paths in the comparison tool.