Hi,
just read about the prototype midrange from this new New Zealand company on Mike "Sunking" Barnetts site, does anybody have any more info about the company and the disc?
The link:
http://www.sunkingdiscs.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=S&Product_Code =3181-DGAPT

Never heard of it, but the company sounds like a heart ailment....

It makes no mention of the Company being based in New Zealand, but The disc doesn't sound appealing to me anyway.

-Scott Lewis

The disc sounds like a putter to me.

Just a guess, Aotearoa is Maori for "New Zealand" if I�m not mistaken, and the hotstamp New Zealand Championship 2005 ;). I think its always interresting with new stuff and new products in the world of discgolf.

I don't know about the disc, but I can vouch for the company. Great service and great prices. I talked to Mike on the phone and he was very helpful, even offering advice.

Hank - Thanks for the kind words!

As for DG Aotearoa, they are based out of New Zealand and expect quite a bit more from them in the future, including, in my opinion, the best "catching" disc golf target ever built. We received 3 prototype baskets and after putting on them over the last week and a half, I'm thoroughly convinced.

The topside chain assembly features 24 chains that all "slide" within the assembly. The chains have nearly 3" of "slide" or "give" and move along an angled bar at a bit less than 45 degrees. The sharp angle allows the chains to slide back down into place with little effort. This target just seems to devour the disc and drop it in the basket, especially near the top where most chains will deny entry. The assembly also features 3 rings of chains (12-6-6) and from first take, the galvinization seems top notch.

Currently it comes with a "spike" that you can tap into the ground and then the basket slides over the spike giving it a "permanently in the ground" look to it. I've suggested making a stand similar to other targets as the spike won't work for all types of soil/ground compositions.

If I can figure out how, I'll post a picture in the next few days or so to give an idea of the overall design.

Thanks!
Mike Barnett

It's a target? I thought it was a disc. You definately have my attention as I need a backyard practice basket.

And don't mention it Mike. The only other company that has ever really taken the time to talk to me and answer my questions was Charis, but they do not carry all the products I throw.

Actually, I have both a prototype disc and a prototype basket from DG Aotearoa, with only the discs being available for purchase at this time. In addition, I also have a very limited quantity on an Ultimate lid prototype as well. I guess what I was trying to say earlier is DG Aotearoa is trying to make a splash and you'll hear more in the future.

Thanks!
Mike

Mike, sounds like a cool basket, looking forward to some pics. Any idea what the retail is going to be on these baskets?

Keep us posted Mike. Definately worth considering.

Coming from Aus. just across the ditch from NZ, I have had first hand experience of both the disc & the basket.

I had one of the discs last year, although back then it was called the Eagle and supposedly a driver. In real life it is more like a putter & very overstable - more so than Ryhno etc. Definitely could be useful.
The plastic is interesting, flexible & seemed to be extremely resilient to damage even on roads. Would like most of my discs in it actually.

The basket sounds like the latest model being produced and used in the NZ tour events played mostly on temporary courses- they bring their baskets - (everyone has one) put them into location, play & then pull them down & thake them home.

If so, then they seem to be well made & the top is a great design, enabling all 3 sets of off-set chains to slide.
And yes, they catch really well, high up & off centre as well.
And also no real chance of a drot because of the sloped top.

Best target so far? Could be!

Disc Golf Aotearoa, Ltd. recently submitted the Raptor, The Tui, Te Moko, and The New Zealand 175gram Ultimate Disc for PDGA testing. All four discs were found to comply with all PDGA requirements, so they have been added to the list of PDGA-approved discs (attached). Test measurements are listed below.

Raptor (http://www.sunkingdiscs.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=S&Product_Code=3181-DGARAP)
Certification No. 06-34
Outside diameter: 21.1 cm
Height: 1.4 cm
Rim depth: 1.2 cm
Rim thickness: 2.0 cm
Inside rim diameter: 17.1 cm
Flexibility rating: 8.05 kg
Rim configuration rating: 26.25
Maximum weight allowed: 175.1 g

The Tui (http://www.sunkingdiscs.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=S&Product_Code=3181-DGATUI)
Certification No. 06-35
Outside diameter: 21.1 cm
Height: 1.8 cm
Rim depth: 1.4 cm
Rim thickness: 0.9 cm
Inside rim diameter: 19.3 cm
Flexibility rating: 4.76 kg
Rim configuration rating: 44.25
Maximum weight allowed: 175.1 g

Te Moko
Certification No. 06-36
Outside diameter: 23.7 cm
Height: 2.9 cm
Rim depth: 2.3 cm
Rim thickness: 0.7 cm
Inside rim diameter: 22.3 cm
Flexibility rating: 9.53 kg
Rim configuration rating: 74.5
Maximum weight allowed: 196.7 g

The New Zealand 175gram Ultimate Disc
Certification No. 06-37
Outside diameter: 27.2 cm
Height: 3.2 cm
Rim depth: 1.9 cm
Rim thickness: 0.7 cm
Inside rim diameter: 25.8 cm
Flexibility rating: 6.58 kg
Rim configuration rating: 94.25
Maximum weight allowed: 200 g


DISContinuously,
Jeff Homburg (#1025)
Technical Standards Chair

Sounds interresting!
Does anybody know who are the guy/guys behind this discs?
Couldn�t find anything about the company on the web?

any info/reviews of the discs? i see the basket is getting good reviews.

Any pictures of these discs ?

www.sunkingdisc.com (http://www.sunkingdisc.com)

www.sunkingdisc.com (http://www.sunkingdisc.com)



Nice Rock music store !!!! :cool:

I think you meant ..............www.sunkingdiscs.com
http://www.sunkingdiscs.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?

woops :p

:D

Now Worries ....................

I'm still looking at this picture !!!!!

http://www.cincinnatidiscgolf.com/images/CoursePics/Idlewild/Idlewild15b.jpg

Mmmmm Idlewild

I'm almost tempted to try out that driver.

Mike let me try the Raptor driver out at Red Hawk a couple of weeks ago. The plastic is nice, most comparable to crystal Z. The disc was very flat. It flew like a newer mold champion Beast. To power it you definetely need to give it some hyzer and height to let it glide left to right and back. I didn't get to throw it too many times, but it was interesting.

Hank - Thanks for the kind words!

As for DG Aotearoa, they are based out of New Zealand and expect quite a bit more from them in the future, including, in my opinion, the best "catching" disc golf target ever built. We received 3 prototype baskets and after putting on them over the last week and a half, I'm thoroughly convinced.

The topside chain assembly features 24 chains that all "slide" within the assembly. The chains have nearly 3" of "slide" or "give" and move along an angled bar at a bit less than 45 degrees. The sharp angle allows the chains to slide back down into place with little effort. This target just seems to devour the disc and drop it in the basket, especially near the top where most chains will deny entry. The assembly also features 3 rings of chains (12-6-6) and from first take, the galvinization seems top notch.

Currently it comes with a "spike" that you can tap into the ground and then the basket slides over the spike giving it a "permanently in the ground" look to it. I've suggested making a stand similar to other targets as the spike won't work for all types of soil/ground compositions.

If I can figure out how, I'll post a picture in the next few days or so to give an idea of the overall design.

Thanks!
Mike Barnett



Hi Mike,
I know you are a busy man, do you have any news on the DG Aetoaroa discs and basket?
Official release? Website?

Does anyone know how to pronounce "Aotearoa"? Six vowels, only two consonents?...Does that make it six syllables?...Too much coffee...

I believe it is close to Roe-te-rua...it is a town in New Zealand.

translation is land of the long white cloud??

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aotearoa has a sound clip how to pronounce it.

We will be launching the New Zealand discs early next week. The Disc Golf Aotearoa models will include the Raptor (undersatble driver), Raptor-X (overstable driver), Rippa (large diameter putt & approach a la the 71 Mold), Te Moko (large diameter mid-range) and the NZ Ultimate Disc (currently pending UPA approval). All of the discs are already PDGA approved. We have some partner retailers that will be carrying the full line; they include Discs Unlimited, Gotta Go Gotta Throw, Disc Nation and Disc Golf Center.