with host Brian Sullivan / DiscLife.com
February, 2001

J-Bird: Master of the Fly-Dye

J-Bird Matthes has been around this game longer than most, and it shows... just look in your own bag. If there's a dyed disc in there, chances are good that it's J-Bird's handiwork.

Let's meet the man who continues to have a great impact on our game, and see what he's throwing these days.

Drivers:
Innova Banshee
"I usually carry one full color Banshee, they tend to be very overstable and predictable, mostly new, for sidearm shots and real windy back hand shots."

Discraft Cyclone
I carry the old proto Cyclone, 160g for straight drives, but I can do just about anything with that disc (roll, hyzer, turn over).

PDGA # 6431 THE J-BIRD FILE: Name: Jay Carl Matthes Birthdate: 11-13-56 Throws: Righthanded Hometown: Grew up in Warren MI, but call Lansing MI my hometown Playing Since: 1986 Occupation: owner, J-Bird Discs Average driving distance: 325-350 feet Favorite three courses: Mt. Airy (OH), Barnett Park (FL), and Ludington (MI) Significant finishes/honors/offices: "1995 Michigan State Masters Champion, as well as many first place finishes in the Michigan Disc Golf Organization Series in the past few years, Masters division. Second place National Doubles Championship 1995, Masters Division. TD of the In Flight Open SuperTour, four years. Capitol City Regegades President -- four years"

Discraft Xpress
This winter I have been using the Xpress for the same shot, I don't want to lose or break my old Clones.

Approach:
Innova Roc
I use a 175 Rancho Cucamonga Roc for short drives.

Putter:
Discraft Magnet
I love the Soft Magnet, 175g, for approach and windy putting.

Innova Aviar
For putting I use the original rubbery Aviar, 175g, pre Omega days.

Discraft Mini
My mini is an Elite, tye-dyed mini, but any mini will do.

Where this sport is headed:
As far as the changes to the sport, I have seen it grow in huge proportions in recent years. There are so many people on the courses the last couple of years. Tourneys are bigger, with more cash and I see no signs of it slowing down. More courses are going up and I think the time is right to have more pay-to-play courses. It is getting to the point where I can hardly get on my own course in the evening because of so many players out there, but that is a good thing.

What's new in 2001 for J-Bird Discs:
In the future for me and J-Bird Discs, I see "J-Bird Acres." I hope to buy some land in the next ten years and have my own course, that is my dream. Until that time, I am working hard to save for that. I will continue to sponsor big time because I feel that it helps the sport grow, even though I really do not need the advertisement.