Westside Discs VIP AIR Hatchet Fairway Driver Golf Disc Review (2026)

What it is

The Hatchet is a fairway driver from Westside Discs, with published flight numbers of speed 9, glide 6, turn -2, and fade 1, putting it in the understable middle of the fairway driver range rather than at the extreme turnover end. This listing is molded in VIP AIR plastic, a lighter weight version of Westside's transparent VIP blend made using an air injection process. Westside describes it as accommodating various hand sizes and delivering user friendly performance, holding whatever line a player puts it on while staying controllable, which is part of why the mold has stayed popular across skill levels.

Fit for the job

With a speed of 9 and a turn of only -2, the Hatchet sits between a beginner friendly understable driver and a fully controllable, more neutral fairway driver, making it a useful bridge disc for a player moving up from slower midranges into faster drivers. Westside notes that experienced players can use it for controlled fairway shots and rollers, while lower arm speed players benefit from its glide on anhyzer throws, which means the disc has a wider practical range than discs built purely for one skill level. It is not designed as a maximum distance disc for strong arms chasing the farthest possible throw.

Features and specs

Westside lists the Hatchet's flight numbers as speed 9, glide 6, turn -2, and fade 1, and this listing in VIP AIR plastic is sold in the 150 to 159 gram range. The moderate speed 9 rating, combined with a mild -2 turn, gives the disc a flight that is easier to keep on line than faster, more aggressively understable drivers, which is part of why Westside frames it as controllable for a range of skill levels. Its glide rating of 6 still provides solid carry, so players are not giving up much distance for that added control.

Build and materials

VIP AIR is Westside's lightweight version of its transparent, hi tech VIP plastic, produced through an air injection process that reduces the disc's overall weight compared with a standard VIP pour. That lighter build is what makes it easier for players with less arm strength to get the disc up to speed, since less physical power is needed to achieve the same flight the mold is designed for. The tradeoff is that, like other AIR plastic discs, this lighter weight version has less mass to resist wind gusts than heavier standard plastic copies of the same mold.

Value for money

As a moderate speed, understable fairway driver that Westside positions as usable for both beginners and more advanced players running controlled shots or rollers, the Hatchet in VIP AIR plastic covers a wide range of situations for one disc, which makes it a practical addition to a growing bag. The VIP plastic blend should hold its flight characteristics well over time, giving good long term value compared with softer, less durable starter plastics, and its transparent look also makes it easy to spot in tall grass or brush. Its main limitation on value is for stronger players seeking maximum distance, since the Hatchet's moderate speed and light AIR weight mean it will not out throw dedicated high speed distance drivers.

Frequently asked questions