Introducing Elevation Disc Golf
Infinite Discs carries a large selection of brands and we want to introduce you to some of the brands and molds that you might not be as familiar with. Each week we will spotlight a different company and tell you a little more about them. Because of Covid shutdowns, our supply of discs was severely affected. Therefore, we may not have all of the molds from all of the brands we will talk about. But, it might put a few more molds on your radar for the future. This week we are traveling to the west coast to visit one of the newest manufacturers, Elevation Disc Golf.
First Elevation Disc
North of San Diego and southeast of Los Angeles lies the city of Temecula, California. It is home to one of the younger manufacturers that we will cover in this series. It is so new that its first mold was just released a couple of days ago. That first disc, the Interceptor, is the result of a year and a half of preparation, planning, and designing. (Infinite sold out of the Interceptor fast! We’re ordering a ton more.)
The Team
The company was founded by husband and wife team, Austin and Macy. Austin was working as a Biomedical Engineer and despite having a good job, he also had a burning desire to start a business. With some financial support from family, and lots of support from his wife Macy, he started Elevation Disc Golf. The name comes from the couple’s philosophy of life and of disc golf. The logo includes the image of a falcon, which represents peoples ability to conquer whatever mountains and obstacles come before them, and use those obstacles to climb to higher heights in life. They look at disc golf as an expression of individualism and freedom.
Macy was in the Army Reserve and finishing a doctorate degree when Austin had the idea for the business. Since he supported her while she finished her degree, she was happy to support him and his dream. She fills many roles in the company. Everything from shipping, media, and customer service, to testing the discs. All vital roles in a small business.
Starting With A 3D Printer
Austin started by getting a 3D printer and studying aerodynamics while experimenting with designs.
Once he felt like he could create usable discs, he knew he could start a business. After many attempts to find a prototype that would work, he came up with a design for an overstable midrange/approach
disc. That became the company’s first mold, the Interceptor. The mold name is a nod to the Peregrine Falcon. The Interceptor, like the bird of prey diving for its meal, will end its overstable flight by diving toward the basket. While the mold shape is definitely unique, so is the material used to make it.
Durable Rubber
Instead of the usual variety of plastics that we see with most manufacturers, Elevation went a different route for their discs. They found a premium rubber material that offers grip, comfort, and impact absorption not found in plastics. The flexibility of the disc helps it stick to the chains when you hit the target, or stick to the ground if you miss. My first throw with the Interceptor was straight into a tree. It didn’t ricochet in another direction. It just dropped. Currently, that material is the only option available from Elevation. In the future they will offer a variety of firmness’s. Right now they are in the process of making another run of Interceptors in three new color combinations.
Elevation doesn’t sponsor any pros at the moment. They want to focus on amateur players who are active on a local level. They also want to focus on underrepresented demographics, so that everyone feels like they can be part of the sport. For now, Austin will be representing Elevation on an amateur level when he plays in tournaments. As the company grows, they will have more opportunities to add more players to their team.
New Disc On Deck
Another thing that will change as they grow is the number of molds offered. Next up for Elevation Disc Golf is a putter. They are working on a straight-flying putter for approach shots or putts. Their goal is to have a disc that compliments their current midrange, the Interceptor. They have a couple of other mold ideas, too.
Moving forward, Austin and Macy will continue to grow the company and seek to accomplish some goals they have set. As the sport grows and as technology improves, they want to meet the needs of the market through their unique materials and innovative ergonomic designs. They will focus on staying at the forefront of creativity and engineering. However, creating new products isn’t their only goal.
All Inclusive
At Elevation Disc Golf, they want everyone to have an opportunity to enjoy our sport. That includes people who might not have conventional access to disc golf: people with disabilities and people who can’t afford equipment. Macy has worked with people with disabilities and even envisions a disc golf course that allows people in wheelchairs to play. She would also like to see equipment in underprivileged schools so children can play during P.E. or recess.
Another area of focus for Elevation is the environment. Austin and Macy want to use their company to draw attention to environmental and conservation issues. They plan on choosing good causes, then
using the sale of their discs to support those causes. They want to tie the causes to certain molds so disc golfers can support the ideas they are passionate about by purchasing the specific mold associated with the cause.
The Future
Elevation Disc Golf is optimistic and excited about the future of our sport. They are happy to be a part of the growth, and will continue to find unconventional designs and materials for the disc golf community. And they want to use their goals and business ideas to promote a positive influence in the world.
Check out Infinite Discs’ selection of Elevation discs here:
https://infinitediscs.com/elevation-disc-golf
See Elevation’s website here:
https://www.elevationdiscs.com/
Watch a video of the benefits of floppy discs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ4QRJOECIg
Elevation’s Instagram: @elevationdiscs
Comment About Elevation Disc Golf
If you’ve thrown an Elevation disc, let us know what you think.
Last Week: Wild Discs
Last week we looked at Wild Discs. We selected three random people who commented on that blog. Here are the winners:
Mike M
Micah M
Thomas H
Congrats! We’ll get your disc shipped out shortly.
Ted Hegemann
Ted is the Chief Writer at Infinite Discs. He is responsible for the State of Disc Golf Survey articles and most of the "best discs" posts. Ted runs all kinds of local disc golf leagues and tournaments and tournaments in Northern Utah.
Looks awesome! I’ve been looking for something to fill the Vibram spot in my bag. Elevation looks like it might do just that!
I wasn’t able to snag one of these, but I love rubber discs. The old Vibram discs were some of my favorites to throw
I have never thrown a rubber disc. This sounds like some good people just wanting to make a difference in the world.
I had no idea they were available until today so I missed out on the first run. I am a huge fan of rubber disc, my old vibram was one of my favorites until I put it in the middle of lake…
The last time I threw a rubber disk was an Unidentified Floppy Object from the early 90s. It was great for playing catch with but unfortunately we lost it in the Atlantic Ocean. I love the idea of a runner disk for golfing, especially in the summer when the ground around the baskets dry out and approach shots tend to run wild.
I love the philosophy of this company with regards to promoting the sport to those without easy access. Kudos to these well educated entrepreneurs taking part in growing our sport the best way possible. I’m not sure if I have thrown a rubber disc before or not. I have an old disc called a “Rubber Putter” and I also have an old gumputt disc which was signed by “Steady” Ed himself that is very rubbery.
I have never thrown a rubber disc before. I have not tried to order an interceptor yet so I did miss out. The company seems cool and I love that the new companies are focusing on either nature or promoting the game.
Wasn’t able to snag an Interceptor and never have thrown a rubber disc. Definitely would like to try one!
Since I get to monitor falcon nests for work, I’m especially attracted to their logo. I have not used a rubber disc before, but have been wanting a good soft midrange for trees and to really stick where it lands.
Definitely haven’t thrown a rubber disc before, but a friend of mine had an old Gateway Scout that felt kinda like a tire, so that’s what we call it. But any time someone innovates on the Disc, it is always interesting to see if it is a permanent change or some one-off fad.
I’ve never thrown a rubber disc before, but as long as they are decently stiff, I’m sure I’d like it. These Elevation discs look like nothing else on the market. I’d be excited to try one for sure.
I’ve thrown a number of rubber-based ultimate and dog-style discs, but never a rubber blend for disc golf. I did like the feel of the Vibram putters, however.
I have yet to throw a rubber disc. I missed out on Vibram while taking a break from Disc and I look forward to ordering an Elevation Interceptor as soon as they become available again.
I would love to try out the Interceptor. Love the idea of rubber discs. I’ve never thrown one but I know that some people love em.
I have a Vibram disc, and love the feel of the rubber. I always wondered why more companies didn’t try rubber discs.
I have never thrown a rubber disc before, but this might have to be the one!
I saw their post on your feed and went straight to your site to get one but they were already sold out! This unique disc really looks like a great addition to any players bag and I hope to get one when you have them back in stock.
Cool concept! I never threw Vibram, but always wanted to try it out. One of my biggest pet peeves with plastic discs, is when they are too slick. I also play early morning when there is a lot of dew. It would be interesting to try this for grip purposes! It was fun reading about how they got started!
I did not get one, I am very interested in rubber discs. They seem like great discs in many situations.
A few years back Vibram held around 4 of the 12 spots in my bag. I stocked up on a couple of key models when they went out of business so I still bag a couple including the the Sole (or Ibex depending on terrain) and the Valley. I would love to see a new “rubber” disc company and my arm speed has improved so the UnLace, etc or similar would be of real interest.
So I’d love to try these!