When you need a disc that’s easy to throw and will travel straight, two of the top midranges that come to mind are the Discraft Buzzz and the Innova Mako3.
Although they’re known for being straight-flying, there are many more uses and throws that can be taken advantage of if you bag either one.
In the rest of this article, I’ll go over both midrange discs and explain the similarities and differences between the Discraft Buzzz and the Innova Mako3!
Buzzz vs Mako3 Comparison
| Buzzz | Mako3 | |
| Flight | 5, 4, -1, 1 | 5, 5, 0, 0 |
| Stability | Stable | Stable |
| Skill Level | Everyone | Everyone |
| Rim | Beadless | Beadless |
| Plastics | Basic, Durable, Midgrade, Premium | Basic, Durable, Premium |
Discraft Buzzz
The Discraft Buzzz is a stable midrange disc that is perfect for all skill levels. It has a rating of 5, 4, -1, 1, and is ideal for both beginner and experienced players.
The Buzzz is perfect for those who want a disc that they can rely on to fly straight every time with a very small fade during the flight.
Although it’s a slower disc, many players throw the Buzzz from the tee pad for shorter holes where accuracy is the main thing they’re looking for.
Innova Mako3
Just like throwing the Buzzz, the Mako3 is one of the straightest and least fading discs that you can buy. Normally when players want a straight throw, they’ll go with a slower-speed putter.
The Mako3 is a step above since you’ll be able to get the same type of shot but with much more distance.
With Innova’s great options for plastic, this midrange is easy to grip, control, and release which is why it’s one of the most reliable discs from Innova.
Flight Numbers
Buzzz Flight Numbers: 5 Speed, 4 Glide, -1 Turn, 1 Fade
Mako3 Flight Numbers: 5 Speed, 5 Glide, 0 Turn, 0 Fade
For the flight, there aren’t any huge differences between the raw numbers. Even though the Mako3 has a higher number for glide, I’ve never noticed a massive difference in the distance they can be thrown for.
You can also see they don’t have matching amounts for fade, but again, these discs feel very close in how straight they can fly.
Available Plastics
Buzzz Plastics: Titanium, ESP, Z, X, Pro-D
Mako3 Plastics: XT, Star, GStar, Champion
Since these two discs are from different brands they’re manufactured in different plastic molds. The Buzzz has more available options than the Mako3, but both have basic up to premium plastics as a choice.
Similarities Between the Buzzz and Mako3
Here are some of the most important features that are similar between the Discraft Buzzz and Latitude 64 Compass.
Can Be Thrown Straight
At a very basic level, if you throw the Buzzz or Mako3 on a straight line, the disc will continue traveling forward and straight. That’s not to say they have the exact same flight, but for that specific type of throw, either disc will work.
Easy To Control
One of the reasons you’ve probably heard about these discs is that their easy-to-control nature makes them extremely popular for disc golfers of all levels.
When you have a disc that’s comfortable and doesn’t require perfect form, like the Mako3 and Buzz, more players will pick them up and continue to bag them.
Most Important Differences
Throwing Options
Earlier I mentioned that these discs are great when thrown directly at a target. But, once you start adding other angles into the mix, they aren’t that similar.
The Buzzz is able to be manipulated on the course, through different throws like anhyzer or hyzer. If you release on an anhyzer angle, the Buzzz will fight back throughout the flight.
With the Mako3, it’s almost guaranteed to hold any angle or line that you throw it on. That makes it great for straight shots, but less exciting for any other intended angles.
Throwing Power
One thing that might be surprising to some is that there’s quite a difference in the power behind using each disc. When throwing the Buzzz, you can put a lot of power and torque behind each throw, and it’ll handle it easily.
On the other hand, the Mako3 doesn’t feel as sturdy and consistent when there’s a ton of power and spin in the throw.
Best Throws and Uses
Tunnel Shots
If you’re stuck in the woods and need to hit a straight gap, both midranges can be used effectively. While they both work well, the Mako3 will hold straight for a longer flight and have less fade at the end.
Easy Landing Approaches
Worried about throwing too far past the basket? A lot of times you can put away the fairway drivers and feel a lot more comfortable that the Buzzz or Mako3 will stop in time.
Because of the profile of these discs, they can easily land flat and slow, preventing any sad rollers away from the basket!
Which Disc is the Better Option?
If you’re looking for a disc that’s mainly going to be used for straight tunnel shots and slow approaches toward the basket, the Mako3 is the right choice.
If you want a more versatile disc that can handle different angles and throws, as well as more power, I would recommend trying out the Buzzz.
Conclusion
That’s an in-depth guide comparing the Buzzz and Mako3, covering everything from the plastics all the way to the best throws for each disc.
Either way, you can’t go wrong getting either midrange, and I’m sure you’ll find yourself going back over and over to these reliable discs.
If you do want to read about a few more similar discs, I have this guide that will go through other discs that match up against the Buzzz!