I finally got my hands on the thought space votum, and honestly, it's one of those discs that makes you wonder why you waited so long to try it. If you've been hanging around the disc golf scene for a minute, you know Thought Space Athletics (TSA) is basically the "cool kid" of the industry. They don't just make discs; they make pieces of art that happen to fly really well. But beneath those incredible triple-foil stamps, you need to know if the plastic actually performs when you're standing in the woods facing a tight gap.
For me, the Votum sits in that "workhorse" slot. It's a fairway driver that doesn't try to do too much, but it does exactly what you tell it to do. It's reliable, predictable, and feels like a dream in the hand. Let's break down why this thing has earned a permanent spot in my bag.
Why the Votum stands out in a crowded bag
There are a million fairway drivers out there. You've got the Teebird, the Explorer, the Athena—the list goes on. So, what makes the thought space votum special? For starters, it's the consistency. I've thrown a lot of discs where one run feels like a brick and the next feels like a flippy mess. TSA seems to have a better handle on their production, likely because their discs are manufactured by MVP, which is known for some of the best tolerances in the game.
The Votum is billed as a speed 7 or 8 driver, depending on who you ask (the numbers say 7, 5, 0, 2), but it feels a bit faster to me. It has a slightly more aerodynamic profile than a traditional chunky 7-speed. When you rip it, it cuts through the air with a bit more purpose. It's not quite a distance driver, but it's got enough "umph" to get you down those long, straight fairways without needing a massive arm.
Let's talk about that legendary TSA plastic
If there's one thing everyone agrees on, it's that Thought Space has some of the best-feeling plastic on the market. Since they use MVP's blends, you're getting premium quality right out of the gate.
The thought space votum usually comes in a few different flavors. Aura is that classic, opaque premium plastic. It's got a bit of flex, a ton of grip, and it seasons in beautifully. If you want a Votum that's going to eventually become your "straightest" disc, Aura is the way to go.
Then you have Ethos, which is the clear, shiny stuff. It's typically a bit more overstable and can handle a lot of torque. If you're a power thrower, you'll probably prefer the Ethos because it won't turn over as easily. Personally, I'm a huge fan of Ethereal. It's a metallic-looking blend that's the perfect middle ground—grippy like Aura but durable like Ethos. Plus, it looks insane when the sun hits it on the fairway.
How the Votum actually flies on the course
When you first pull the thought space votum out for a throw, you'll notice the stability right away. It's not a "meat hook" by any means, but it definitely has a dependable finish. On a flat release, it'll fly dead straight for about 80% of its flight before having a soft, forward-penetrating fade. It doesn't just dump out of the sky; it keeps moving forward while it fades.
Where I really fell in love with it was on hyzer lines. If you give it a bit of an angle, it holds that line the entire way. It's perfect for those shots where you need to get around a corner but still need some decent distance.
For players with slower arm speeds, the Votum might feel a bit more overstable than the numbers suggest. It's going to be a reliable wind-fighter for you. For the big arms, this is the disc you can throw on a slight anhyzer and watch it "S-curve" beautifully before settling back to flat. It's a very workable disc, which is why I call it a workhorse.
Comparing it to other staples in my bag
Naturally, the first question everyone asks is: "Is it just a Teebird?" Well, yes and no. The thought space votum feels a bit more modern in the hand. The rim is comfortable for both backhand and forehand grips. Speaking of forehands, I actually prefer the Votum over the Teebird for flick shots. It has a slightly flatter top usually, which feels more secure for a sidearm release.
Compared to something like an Innova Eagle, the Votum is much more "straight-to-stable" rather than "overstable-with-turn." It doesn't have that wiggly flight that an Eagle has. It's much more predictable. If you've ever thrown a Discraft Stalker, the Votum feels like a beefier version of that. It's got more fight at the end and can handle a headwind much better than a Stalker can.
The art factor: Why TSA discs are basically wall art
I'd be lying if I said the stamps didn't matter. Part of the joy of throwing the thought space votum is just looking at the thing. TSA puts so much effort into their graphic design. The Votum usually features some kind of intricate, spiritual, or cosmic imagery that looks like it belongs in an art gallery rather than a muddy field.
But here's the cool part: the stamps are durable. They use a triple-foil process, meaning there are layers of different colors and textures. Even after hitting a few trees (okay, a lot of trees), the art holds up surprisingly well. It makes the disc easy to find in the brush, too. There's nothing worse than a boring, tie-dye disc that disappears the second it touches a leaf.
Is this the right disc for your skill level?
I think the thought space votum is one of those rare discs that works for almost everyone.
- For Beginners: It might be a little bit "beefy" at first. If you're still working on your form, it's going to fade early. However, it's a great disc to grow into. It'll teach you how to handle a more stable driver without being as punishing as a high-speed distance driver.
- For Intermediate Players: This is the sweet spot. You'll be able to get that perfectly straight flight with a reliable finish. It'll become your go-to for any hole between 280 and 330 feet.
- For Advanced Players: You'll use it for precision. It's the disc you grab when the gap is tight and you can't afford for the disc to flip over or dump too hard. It stays on the rope you put it on.
Final thoughts on the Votum
At the end of a round, the discs that stay in your bag are the ones you trust. The thought space votum earned that trust for me within the first five holes. It's not flashy in its flight—it doesn't do anything "weird" or unexpected. It just goes where you aim it and finishes with a predictable fade.
Combine that reliability with the incredible plastic quality and the best artwork in the game, and you've got a winner. If you're looking to fill that gap in your bag for a stable fairway driver that can handle some power but won't tire you out, you really should give the Votum a shot. Just be warned: once you start buying Thought Space discs, it's really hard to go back to boring stamps. Your wallet might hate you, but your bag will definitely look (and play) a lot better.