RPM

Based in New Zealand, RPM Discs used to go by its other identity, Disc Golf Aotearoa, and now they’re known as both. Similarly, all seven of their disc golf models have two names: Arcturus (MR1), Kahu (DGD2), Raptor (DGD1), Rippa (DGR1), Ruru (PA2), Temoko (DGR2), and Tui (PA1). All of these names are Maori names of birds.

For some reason both the Piwakawaka (mid) and the Taniwah (fairway) say PDGA Approved on them, but neither is listed in the PDGA Approved Discs list, as of today, 2/16/2018. The same is true for RPM’s most recent frisbee golf disc variations, the Kahu XG (more domey) and Kahu OS (very overstable). Both of these are based on the 2.4 cm max distance Kahu, the New Zealand company’s farthest flyer.

Five of these RPM models were PDGA Approved in 2006 and 2007, and just two between 2015 and 2016. But RPM has made a huge jump in technology. Its discs are flawlessly molded, its designs are beautifully elaborate, and there are four plastics to choose from: Atomic (high-end solid color), Strata (entry level), Cosmis (metal flake translucent), and Magma, a putter plastic blend.