The RPM Kotare is an overstable high-speed driver built to finish the same way every time. Zero turn with three fade at 12 speed means it does not flip under power — it holds its angle, glides, and then fades out on a long slow arc.
RPM’s own description is that high-power drives will glide but not turn, with a long slow fade, while an anhyzer release gives a full S-curve. Infinite reviewer averages of 12 / 4.9 / 0 / 3 confirm the rating exactly, which is worth knowing on a disc this fast. Five glide keeps it from dropping early, so the distance is there when the speed is. Twelve speed with three fade is a lot to ask of a slower arm, though: under speed it never reaches the straight part of the flight and lands well short of what the numbers imply.
That puts it in the headwind and forehand slot. RPM specifically calls it an excellent flick disc, with a slightly deeper rim than its Kahu, and customers describe it as torque-resistant and reliable on long forehands — one compares its role to a Discraft Force. It skips hard off a low hyzer.
The name is the kōtare, the New Zealand kingfisher — RPM gives the pronunciation as Ko-tar-ray. It is a small bird with a blue-green back and a heavy black bill, and RPM notes it uses that dagger-like beak to tunnel nests into soft tree trunks and clay banks. RPM names its lineup for New Zealand native wildlife throughout. PDGA approved in December 2019 and retooled in 2020, it is made in Strata, Cosmic, Atomic and Glow.
How much the Kotare turns and fades depends on how hard it is thrown. These three shapes are drawn from the manufacturer’s numbers, not from measured throws.
Measured by the PDGA when the Kotare was certified. Each card names discs that share the number, so you can feel it in the hand.
