Latitude 64 River Pro Disc Golf Driver Review 2023

Introducing the Latitude 64 River Pro Disc Golf Disc

Disc golf has exploded in popularity over the last decade, evolving from a niche hobby to a mainstream sport embraced by people of all ages and athletic abilities. As more players discover the joys of hurling flying discs down fairways and into chain-link targets, manufacturers have responded by developing new discs tailored to different flight patterns, power levels, and play styles.

One of the leading disc producers in the current era is Swedish company Latitude 64. Latitude burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with a line of golf discs characterized by vibrant, eye-catching visuals and dependable in-flight stability. Their early success in Europe fueled Latitude's expansion into North America and beyond, where their discs have gained a loyal following for quality construction and shot-shaping potential.

The Next Generation River Driver

The Latitude 64 River has long been one of their most popular distance driver models. First introduced in the early 2010s, the original River showcased Latitude's penchant for beginner-friendly designs that can also meet the needs of seasoned players. True to its name, the River offered golfers a flowing, subtly turn-over flight path that held its line beautifully when thrown flat and straight.

After a decade of dominance as Latitude's premier understable distance driver, the River has now been updated and improved for today's disc golf landscape. Enter the all-new Latitude 64 River Pro—the next generation of the River legacy built to maximize distance and control for almost any throwing style.

Refined Aerodynamics and Updated Plastic Blends

So what exactly sets the River Pro apart from the classic River mold? Latitude's engineers went back to the drawing board to develop subtle refinements in the disc's shape and configuration to eke out a few extra yards of glide and precision.

By adjusting the height and depth of the River's concave wing shape along with smoothing out the rim curvature, Latitude was able to craft a finely tuned aerodynamic profile that cuts through the air with less drag. The end result is a disc that wants to float in flight rather than fade early like some overly domey distance drivers.

In addition to the reconfigured mold, Latitude incorporated some of its latest proprietary plastic blends into the construction of the new River Pro. Latitude has always been known for using high-quality, durable plastics across their disc families, and the River Pro ups the ante with even more grip and flexibility straight from the production line.

Unleashing the River Pro on the Course

The Latitude 64 River Pro was designed to achieve one overriding purpose: gaining maximum distance with accuracy across a wide spectrum of power levels and throwing forms. Whether you are a novice working the kinks out of a beginner backhand or a seasoned veteran trying to wring every inch out of your sidearm distance, the River Pro has the flight characteristics to suit your needs.

Straight to Slightly Understable Flight

According to Latitude's flight rating system, the River Pro comes out of the box with a -1 Turn and 2 Fade designation, making it their single most understable distance driver in terms of placeability. For comparison, the original Latitude 64 River earned a flight rating of -2 Turn and 1.5 Fade.

What this means for practical disc golf purposes is that brand new River Pros will exhibit only the slightest high speed turn before gently fading back at the end of flight. Throw the disc flat and true on anhyzer lines and it will hold that edge-of-turn angle nearly all the way to the ground, enabling aggressive flex shots and extended glides around obstacles.

Controlling the River Pro

The River Pro chemicals beautifully with smooth, clean releases and will teach proper throwing form in a hurry. Employ too much grip pressure or try to muscle throws with poor timing and you'll likely see the disc crash and burn. But for those with solid technique, the River Pro unlocks coveted distance lines on golf courses across the world.

Since Latitude specifically designed the River Pro to achieve maximum distance, it performs best in lighter weights more suitable for slower arm speeds. If you have the power to throw consistent 350+ foot backhands, consider opting for heavier 175+ gram models to avoid unwanted flutter. But for most others, the 157-169 gram range produces fantastic flight with precision to spare.

Visual Styles Tailored to Any Player

No Latitude 64 disc would be complete without the vibrant colors and unique graphic stamps that set their plastic apart. The River Pro debuts in the brand's Sparkle edition Spectrum plastic sure to capture attention whether spotted in flight or stuck chains down. For players that prefer more subtle looks, the iconic Latitude Classic Burst finish offers equal parts elegance and reliability.

Best of all, the Latitude 64 River Pro can be ordered completely customized with personal artwork through Latitude's "Made For You" program. Want to stand out from the crowd with a one-of-a-kind dyed disc? Latitude invites creativity by giving your River Pro a look all its own.

The River Pro Finds Its Place

In the modern disc golf environment with seemingly endless driver molds vying for bag space, it's no easy feat developing a disc that offers something new and beneficial. Yet Latitude 64 has managed to strike the perfect balance with the River Pro, an understable distance driver suited for a wide range of power levels and play styles.

From first-time players taking the course to touring professionals chasing trophies, the River Pro has flight characteristics that can be grown into over months and years of throwing. Beginners will first come to appreciate its friendly glide and low speed turn, while veterans can skillfully manipulate those tendencies to eke out hidden distance. When it fades gently back at the end of flight, the River Pro always leaves you wanting more.

Part of what makes Latitude 64 such an admirable company is their commitment to evolving classic discs that have already proven successful. They could have easily rested on the laurels of the original Latitude 64 River's accomplishments, but instead went back to the lab to develop something even better. Years of R&D and refinements led to the masterfully designed River Pro—a disc that can drive any player's game farther into the future.

FAQs

What plastic types is the River Pro available in?

The Latitude 64 River Pro can be purchased in Sparkle Spectrum, Latitude 64 Classic Burst, and custom stamped plastics through the "Made For You" program. Spectrum showcases vibrant colors that shine brightly in flight, while Classic Burst offers more subtle tones.

What weights is the River Pro manufactured in?

Latitude 64 produces the River Pro in weights ranging from 150-175 grams, with 157-169 grams recommended as optimal for most players. Lighter models showcase the understable flight tendencies, while heavier variants provide more stability.

How does the River Pro differ from the original River mold?

Latitude 64 adjusted the River Pro mold to have a slightly more convex wing profile and smoother rim, creating improved aerodynamic performance. It also utilizes enhanced plastic blends for added grip and flexibility right out of the box.

Who is the River Pro disc golf disc best suited for?

With its straight to understable flight on low power throws, the River Pro serves beginner and intermediate players looking to gain precision distance. But its glide and customization options also make it a strong choice as a specialty distance driver for advanced players.

What shots does the River Pro execute effectively?

The Latitude 64 River Pro truly shines when thrown flat and level for maximum glide, or when turned over slightly on anhyzer lines to hold sweeping turns. Its gentle fade also makes it useful for extended flex shots around obstacles and corners.