I'm gonna have to go with the haters on this one, the video doesn't really seem to show anything slightly realistic. Hitting a tree (as it has already been pointed out) is significantly different than a cement wall. The disc has the ability to deflect and not absorb as much impact, compared to when there's a solid flat wall it's hitting 3 feet in front of you.
Agreed, except for the hater part. I don't think anyone complaining about the video is a hater. I think they are just tougher to convince (although I suspect even they realize that X-Link is more durable than these standard & fairly grippy plastics). And you are correct about hitting trees. It is much more likely that a disc hitting a tree will deflect at an angle and not take the full potential impact.
I also have to completely disagree with the one to three tree hits statement, and even if you increase that number dramatically, I still disagree with it. I've been using the same supersoft magic for two years now (for putting, approaching, and driving when necessary) and anytime it gets a little warped (and it has many times), let it sit for 20 minutes and it goes back to flat. The only disc I've ever used that was pretty much useless after a few tree hits was an R-Pro Boss.
I agree that in general, 1 to 3 tree hits will not hurt a disc. This is why I said, 1 to 3
good tree hits. By good, I did not mean they bounce into the basket (which would actually be a good tree hit and which Bryan Gawler did at the 2005 MSDGC Birdie Skins to win $25), what I mean is a solid hit straight into the tree where it gets the full force of the throw. Something similar to say, hitting a brick wall. I know that I have thrown plenty of DX discs into trees over the years and, from that one hit, I knew the disc was done.
Regarding the 20 minutes for a Magic to go back to shape, I question this claim. Perhaps I'll make another video and see.
I did go take a look at the discs used in the video and they are all still quite warped except the upraised center of the X-Link Ridge has gone down and the disc looks ready to go again. I'll post pics later today (after I figure out how to get around the firewall - or I could email them to someone who could post them for me.)
So, from a couple years of personal experience and everything I've seen others do, this video or the statements that go along with it kind of make me not want to try out the putters or plastic since they make it seem like you don't know what you're talking about, even though I'm sure you and your coworkers are very knowledgeable.
I understand, and you are welcome to your opinion of me. I would ask that you at least give the discs and the
rubber based X-Link material a try. And I guess
that is the point of the video. If you are looking for grip AND durability, look no further, Vibram's X-Link is here.
