One of the best disc purchases that you can make is to buy a disc that is a good fit for your skill level. Although the correct disc won’t suddenly make you a touring pro, it will help you maximize distance for your abilities. If you are asking ‘which disc golf disc is right for me’, then this blog will help you choose the best disc for your skill level. We’ll discuss how to pick out the right disc for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players.
Disc Types
- Before we look into finding the best disc for your skill level, let’s first look at the different disc types and what they are used for.
- Putters: These are slower speed discs that have rounded rims. They are used for putting into the basket, as well as driving off the tee. Putters don’t have big skips when they hit the ground, so they are good for technical approach shots. Beginners should start by throwing only putters, to develop their form.
- Midranges: Mids are used for control and accuracy, usually for shorter shots. Their rims are slightly wider than putters, but still easy to grip for newer or younger players. Similar to putters, mids are good for newer players. They show any form deficiencies that faster discs will cover up.
- Fairway drivers: Fairway, or ‘control’, drivers are a good dis to choose when moving up from midrange discs. Their rims are narrower than distance drivers, so they are better for people with smaller hands. You can still get some long throws with fairway drivers, but you don’t have to have high-level skills necessary for distance drivers.
- Distance drivers: This type of disc is used for the longest throws. They require a higher skill level, since their speed rating is higher. Since distance drives have wider rims, they may be difficult to throw for people with small hands.
Flight Numbers
Disc golf has pretty much adopted the 4-number flight rating system pioneered by Innova. It isn’t always accurate, but it is the best system we have for communication how a particular disc will fly. The system uses the four numbers that represent the speed, glide, turn, and fade of a disc. Here is a blog that goes into more depth about flight numbers. Here is what those four characteristics mean:
Speed (1-15): The first number tells us how relatively fast the disc needs to be thrown in order for it to fly correctly. Newer players should stick with discs that are speed 6 or less.
Glide (1-7): The higher the glide number, the longer it will stay in the air. Newer players should try to get discs with as much glide as possible.
Turn (-5 to +1): The more negative the number, the more the disc will drift to the right, for right-handed players. Newer players should get discs with more turn (-3 to -5).
Fade (0-5): Discs with higher fade will move to the left as it slows down. Newer players should look for discs with less fade (0 to 2)
Discs for Beginners
Beginners would benefit from throwing slower, lighter, and understable discs.
What to Look For
- Slower discs (speed 6 or less)
- High glide discs (5-7 glide)
- Understable flight (negative turn and low fade)
Good Beginner Discs
Putters: Divergent Discs Narwhal, Doomsday Discs Bleak, Yikun Yan
Midrange: Infinite Discs Anubis, XCom Griffon, Doomsday Discs Despair
Fairway Drivers: Infinite Discs Sphinx, Doomsday Discs Blackout , Divergent Discs Tiyanak
Tips for beginners
- Look for lighter weight discs. Discs that are under 165g will fly better for you, until your skill and timing improve.
- Don’t try to crush your throws. Slower, smooth techniques will give you better results and result in fewer bad habits.
- Carry fewer discs and learn to control them. Once you are throwing those discs well, you can expand and carry more options.
Discs for Intermediate Players
As you improve your form and raise your skill level, you will gravitate toward heavier and higher speed discs. Look for speed 10 or lower discs. You can also get discs that are closer to max weight.
What to Look For
- Add more overstable molds to your bag
- Discs that are good for forehand and backhand shots
- Discs with less glide for precision shots
- Drivers that are speed 9 or speed 10
Good Intermediate Discs
Putter: Infinite Discs Alpaca, Axiom Envy, Discmania Sensei
Midrange: Dynamic Discs Truth, Discraft Buzzz, Discmania Maestro
Driver: Infinite Discs Centurion, Innova Discs Teebird, Doomsday Discs Chemtrail
Tips for intermediates
- Experiment with plastic types to learn how it affects the flight of the disc.
- Practice throwing shots using different angles (hyzer, flat, anhyzer).
- Look for discs that might fill different flights, so you can have a well-rounded bag.
Discs for Advanced Players
Advanced players have a good understanding of disc flight, plastic types, and how to shot shape. They skill level lets them throw max weight, high-speed discs. Discs that used to turn for them have become roller discs.
What to look for
- Higher speed drivers
- Discs that are up to max weight
- Less turn and more overstability
Good Advanced Discs
Putter: Latitude 64 Pure, Discraft Challenger, Infinite Discs Alpaca
Midrange: Discraft Buzzz OS, Discmania MD3, Doomsday Discs Despair
Driver: Infinite Discs Emperor, Discraft Nuke, Infinite Discs Czar
Tips for Advanced Players
- Find molds you like, then get multiples in different weights and plastics to get different flights with the same feel.
- Consider the courses you play and get specific discs to cover all holes.
- Consider taking lessons to refine your technique and squeeze more distance out of your throws.
Other Factors That Matter
Regardless of your skill level, there are disc factors that can drastically affect your game:
- Plastic type: Grip, durability, and feel are big factors in how you throw.
- Disc weight: The weight affects the flight of the disc and how you can shape it.
- How the disc feels to you: Some molds feel amazing in our hand, others don’t.
Build a Bag That Matches You
There are discs out there that are very popular, but if they don’t match your skill level, it won’t do you any good to throw them. Finding what works for you is what this blog is all about! Check out our website to find the best discs for you, and the best prices on earth!
