Meeting Steve Pearson: A Journey of Innovation and Partnership

The Spark of Curiosity

In March 2006, while flipping through the latest PDGA Magazine, one ad immediately captured my attention: a disc with a clear center and solid outer rim. It resembled overmolded concepts like Wham-O’s MaxFlight or Aerobie’s iconic designs. Intrigued, I reached out to the company behind the ad, Quest Advanced Technology, to learn more.

 

That call introduced me to Steve Pearson, a man who was certainly more than excited to talk to me. Over the course of an hour, we discussed just about everything from overmolded discs to injection molding and the future of disc golf. By the end of the call, Steve had agreed to send me some prototypes to evaluate.

First Glimpse of Innovation

The next morning, I received a package containing his disc with a flexible rubber rim and a rigid, clear center. While the design was captivating, it quickly became clear that these prototypes weren’t suitable for disc golf. Key shortcomings included:

  • A rigid center that failed to meet PDGA flexibility standards.
  • A rubber rim that lacked the grip and rigidity needed for controlled throws.

 

PDGA Technical Standards

(Excerpt from the rulebook)
Discs are tested for flexibility using the following method:

  1. Position the disc on its edge, perpendicular to a calibrated scale.
  2. Gradually apply pressure on the upper rim over 5 seconds.
  3. Flexibility is determined by the force registered in to get the disc to bend about 4”) 

 

Feedback that Sparked Change

I called Steve back with detailed feedback, suggesting four areas of improvement:

  1. Flexibility: Make the rigid center more pliable and firm up the rubber rim for better control.
  2. Grip: Replace the honeycomb pattern with a smoother texture for better handling or remove altogether. 
  3. Profile: Add a concave wing with a bead to enhance stability and reduce turnover.
  4. Weight Distribution: Shift weight from the flight plate to the rim for improved performance.

To my surprise, Steve called back the very next day, saying, “I’ve already made some of those changes, and the disc is flying better!” His ability to modify the mold and produce new prototypes overnight was astonishing.

Side profile of Odyssey Midrange

A Road Trip to Collaboration

Excited by Steve’s rapid prototyping, I packed my Yukon with materials like high-density rubbers, polypropylene, and glow powder, and hit the road with Chris Schmidt. Five hours later, we arrived at Steve’s shop in Chicago.

We found Steve outside, testing the updated disc with his sons. Inside his workshop—a compact yet fully equipped space with molding machines, a grinder, and a CNC mill—we began experimenting with new materials and design tweaks.

 

Through trial and error, we refined the discs further by:

  • Adjusting flexibilities.
  • Increasing rim weight.
  • Enhancing grip.
  • Adding glow-in-the-dark properties.
 

 

By morning, Steve had implemented additional changes, including removing the honeycomb pattern and building a second wing for better aerodynamics. Now there were two discs, one that turned and one that faded.

Bottom view of Odyssey Midrange

The Birth of a Partnership

Our collaboration led to the creation of the Odyssey line, which featured “Overmolded Gyroscopic Technology” and quickly gained popularity.

 

Steve Pearson and Dave McCormack at karaoke  Courtesy: Rick Rothstein (DGWN: Summer 2007)

 

Between 2006 and 2009, we developed nearly 30 PDGA-approved discs, including the:

Scream DT Diablo DT  Raging Inferno DT

 

The Odyssey line included five overmolded discs, while experimental designs like the Diablo DT, 10 Meter Brick and Turbo putter showcased Steve’s boundless creativity. Among my personal favorites was the Inferno, one of the longest-flying discs we ever made.

 

 

Steve Pearson’s Legacy

Steve’s untimely passing in August 2021 was a significant loss to the disc golf community. In 2013, his molds and designs were acquired by Charlie Hutchinson of Gotta Go Gotta Throw. In 2024, Gateway began reviving models, including two successful production runs of the Turbo Putt.

Reflecting on my partnership with Steve, I’m reminded of his unwavering passion, technical brilliance, and collaborative spirit. His ability to turn ideas into reality left an indelible mark on the disc golf world.

 

Honoring Steve Through Innovation

Inspired by my work with Steve, we’re proud to release the Odyssey Control Driver (OCD)—a tribute to the breakthroughs we achieved together.

Steve Pearson’s legacy lives on, shaping the future of disc golf with every throw.

Experience the culmination of creativity and engineering with the Prototype 93 and the newly launched Odyssey.

These discs pay homage to the groundbreaking collaboration between Steve Pearson and Dave McCormack, whose innovative designs paved the way for overmolded disc technology.

Purchase Proto or Odyssey NXT!

Back to News