Discraft ESP Buzzz SS Midrange Golf Disc 177-178g Review (2026)

Who the Buzzz SS fits

Discraft lists the Buzzz SS at 5 speed, 4 glide, minus 2 turn and 1 fade, meaningfully more understable than a standard Buzzz. Retailers describe it as a less stable version of the popular Buzzz that keeps the same rounded, comfortable rim feel while turning over more readily on release. That combination suits players learning to throw anhyzer and turnover shots, since the disc does the work of curving right for a right handed backhand without needing a steep intentional angle. It also suits players with slower arm speeds who want a midrange that still turns over and glides rather than fading early, since a more overstable disc often will not finish its intended flight at lower power.

Specs and the ESP plastic explained

This listing covers the 177 to 178 gram weight class, with a published maximum of 180 grams and a 21.60cm diameter for the mold, and the Buzzz SS uses a beadless rim design rather than the ridge found on some other midranges. ESP is Discraft's grippy, moderately soft premium plastic, giving the disc a tacky feel in hand that helps with control on turnover releases where grip matters as much as angle. The rounded rim shape the Buzzz line is known for makes the disc comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes and grip styles, part of why the standard Buzzz mold remains one of the most thrown discs in the sport. Understable discs like this SS version are commonly recommended as an early midrange purchase for that reason.

Living with the Buzzz SS day to day

Because ESP plastic is grippy and moderately soft, expect the Buzzz SS to show some wear over a season of regular play, and as an already understable mold, heavy wear will push the flight even further from stable over time. That means players who want to keep the disc's current turnover level should expect to eventually replace it, while players who want an even more understable beater disc can let it season naturally. Standard care applies: rinse mud and dirt off after wet rounds and avoid leaving the disc in a hot car, since ESP can soften with prolonged heat exposure. The beadless rim means there is no lip to snag on grass or a bag pocket when pulling the disc for a quick shot.

Trade offs against other understable midranges

Against named rivals in the same understable midrange group, the Latitude 64 Opto Line Fuse carries less turn at minus 1 and more glide, giving a smoother, longer turnover line, while the Buzzz SS turns more sharply at minus 2, useful for tighter anhyzer shots that need to curve quickly. Discraft's own Elite Z Comet sits closer to neutral than either disc. The Buzzz SS's main limitation is reliability into headwinds, since an understable disc can turn over further than intended when wind pushes against the flight, which is the opposite of what a player wants on a windy hole.

Verdict and who should pick something else

The ESP Buzzz SS is a strong pick for beginners and players with slower arm speeds who want a comfortable, turnover friendly midrange for anhyzer and hyzer flip shots. It is a weaker choice for players who need a disc to hold a straight or stable line into wind, since its minus 2 turn rating makes it prone to turning over further than planned in those conditions. Those players, along with anyone who mainly throws in open, windy fairways, should look at a straighter or more overstable midrange, such as the Opto Line Fuse or a standard Buzzz, instead.

Frequently asked questions