Early this disk golf season I reviewed the matched set Ching produces, the Velocity, Precision and JuJu. I was impressed then, and all three would be in my top-five for their category of disc in terms of offerings reviewed through 2011.
So it was exciting when the Genesis distance driver, and the midrange Oracle arrived.
Now one of the distinguishing features of the earlier trio of disks was the recessed contours around the outer, top edge of the disc. They are approximately thumb-sized and having that spot certainly enhances the grip on those discs.
It also shows that Ching is trying to offer something different in its approach to disc design, and that is the contours, which without understanding the science of it, have to change how airflows over the disc once it's thrown. Since airflow over the disc is a factor in flight trajectory and distance, Ching is trying to affect the relationship of air to the disc surface through the contours.
The Genesis and Oracle continue Ching's efforts with the contour approach, albeit going about it differently on each of these discs.
The earlier discs had nine, approximately thumb-sized indentations.
By contrast the Genesis has five, and the Oracle only three. The indentations are also progressively larger, with the Genesis' five being larger than those on the earlier discs, and the Oracle's each being larger still.
The larger indents do not fit the thumb as naturally as the other disks, so the Genesis and Oracle take some getting used to in terms of throwing.
The Genesis, being what Ching terms a distance driver means you want big yardage off the tee. To-date I haven't achieved consistent results much better than I have with the Velocity, but two factors should be noted. The Velocity is a favoured disc and it gets lots of use. I know it well. By contrast the Genesis remains a work in progress as I get used to the larger contours.
With the smaller impressions the thumb can really only sit one way. The larger indentations mean the thumb position is not always naturally in the same place. Achieving that familiarity of grip will help with the tosses.
The Ching website sums up the Genesis by stating it is "a pure, high caliber, 22mm rim profile and subtle streamlined Excelerator™ contours provide exceptional speed and delivery. The result is a very fast guaranteed go-to driver for professional level competitors. Rated at a full point USG™ OverStable, this model is bank off the shelf and can be experienced into a money workhorse."
Take their comments into consideration. Know Ching discs and have some confidence off the tee before adding the Genesis to your disc selection.
The company also has information on their Oracle offering. "This reliable middy offers consistent grip, release, and accuracy. The Oracle's™ unique 3-point Excelerator™ pattern features larger edge radii, with contours designed to engage more power and higher launch speeds. Controllable flights with modest return make this a favorite for intermediates."
Again the larger contours take some getting used too, although their sort of triangular nature lets you nestle your thumb in the tip of the triangle to more easily gain consistency.
Once you achieve that the Oracle becomes a longer flying version of the Precision, although you need to throw it with greater speed too.
Closer in I'll still pick the Precision, but the midrange shot which is a tough choice with going with a second driver toss, the Oracle can become highly useful.
So far Ching's contour designs have impressed, including the Genesis and Oracle.
Check out these discs in more detail at www.ching.us.com
NEXT WEEK: A look at more disks from Quest Technologies.
