Every so often, DGA Disc golf releases a disc golf disc called the Midnight Flyer Disc. To me, that disc seemed quite boring, it’s just a glow in the dark disc on it with a boring stamp of a number on it. But it actually has a pretty cool history in terms of disc golf, so now I can see why it has a history and why you should care.
The Original Glow in the Dark Disc
In the nocturnal realms of disc golf, one series stands out for its luminous legacy—the DGA Midnight Flyer series. Born in July 1978, the Night Flyer marked a significant milestone as the first disc explicitly crafted for disc golf by the Disc Golf Association (DGA). Priced at a modest $5 or $6, this glow-in-the-dark wonder utilized the Wham-O 40 mold.
Originally envisioned as a quartet, the Night Flyer’s popularity prompted the DGA to expand its horizons, transforming it into an eight-disc set. However, the Night Flyer’s trajectory took an unexpected turn with a trademark dispute, leading to its untimely discontinuation after approximately 1,000 discs.
From the ashes of the Night Flyer rose the Midnight Flyer in 1979. This successor boasted an enhanced phosphorescent glow, reaching 40–45%, a significant leap from its predecessor’s 18%. Crafted in various molds by both Wham-O and DGA, each adorned with identical hot stamps, the Midnight Flyer began to carve its own luminescent path in the disc golf cosmos.
August 1979 witnessed the introduction of the trademark band, adding a distinctive touch to the Midnight Flyer lineage. The series embraced evolution, incorporating diverse molds, hot stamp colors, and in 1981, the introduction of colored glow plastic, featuring captivating hues like pink and green.
As the years unfolded, the Midnight Flyer series continued its evolution, welcoming the player line below the number, a spectrum of colored glow plastic options, and additional designs like the iconic “DGA Approved” graphic. The series expanded its horizons further with the introduction of the Midnight Flyer mini and the Pocket Pro marker discs.
The modern era of the DGA Midnight Flyer series, celebrating its 35th anniversary, witnessed a limited run of 1,000 Squalls with #1, paving the way for subsequent numbers in the following years. The Split band trademark remained a consistent symbol of this luminary series.
Beyond its aesthetic allure, the Midnight Flyer etched its name in disc golf history. Three world distance records bear witness to its prowess, while it played a prominent role in the 1979 Wham-O $50,000 disc golf tournament.
In the realm of disc golf, the DGA Midnight Flyer series remains a radiant beacon, illuminating the journey of the sport through its innovative designs, pioneering glow-in-the-dark features, and historical significance. As the Midnight Flyer continues to soar, its glow transcends time, captivating both enthusiasts and newcomers alike with its timeless radiance.
If you’re interested in getting the latest Midnight Flyer #7, the Sail, check out InfiniteDiscs.com