Disc Battle of the Day: Axiom Balance vs Discraft Malta
Today’s matchup pits two speed-5 mids with very different attitudes: the versatile Axiom Balance and the reliably overstable Discraft Malta. Both thrive on control, but they carve lines in distinct ways that can sharpen any player’s midrange game.
Quick Flight Numbers
Axiom Balance
Speed5
Glide5
Turn0
Fade2
Discraft Malta
Speed5
Glide4
Turn1
Fade3
Axiom Balance
Pros
- Neutral-stable flight (0 turn, 2 fade) makes straight lasers with a reliable, gentle finish.
- Excellent glide (5) helps it carry lines in the woods and stick landing zones without dumping.
- Comfortable for touch forehands and backhands—easy to shape hyzers, flats, and mild anhyzers.
- Forgiving workhorse mid for gap-hitting and controlled 220–320 ft approaches.
Cons
- Not as wind-resistant as an overstable mid; can drift in headwinds if thrown flat.
- Won’t produce a hard, late bite; players seeking a firm dump or skip may want more fade.
- Big arms may overpower it on torque-heavy forehands compared to a true OS option.
Discraft Malta
Pros
- True overstable control (1 turn, 3 fade) for confident, wind-ready lines and predictable finishes.
- Lower glide (4) helps keep it pinpoint and dumpy—great for staying under ceilings and parking approaches.
- Handles torque very well; a trustworthy forehand mid and reliable flex-line specialist.
- Ideal for forced hyzers, headwind mid shots, and spiky, controlled landings.
Cons
- Requires more power to push straight; can fade out early for lower armspeed players.
- Less line-shaping range than a neutral mid; dead-straight shots are tougher to achieve.
- Can skip or flare past touchy greens if not thrown with intent.
Head-to-Head
- Straight-to-fade fairway threading: choose the Axiom Balance; it rides flat and finishes gently.
- Windy days or forced hyzers: pick the Malta for its added high-speed stability and stronger, predictable fade.
- Touch forehand approaches: Balance for finesse and carry; Malta when you need torque resistance and a firm dump.
- Woods golf: Balance excels for glidey line-holds; Malta shines when you must finish left/right with certainty.
- Beginner to improving players: Balance offers easier distance and shaping; experienced or power throwers will appreciate the Malta’s reliability under speed and wind.
Verdict
If you want a primary mid that covers most lines with minimal drama, the Axiom Balance is the do‑everything choice—neutral, workable, and confidence-inspiring from 200–320 ft. If you need a mid that refuses to turn in the wind, eats torque, and ends every flight with authority, the Discraft Malta is your field general. Many bags will benefit from both: Balance for straight control and glide, Malta for overstable utility and forehand-friendly consistency.