How to Choose the Right Disc Golf Discs for Your Skill Level
Whether you’re just getting started in disc golf or you’ve already got a trunk full of plastic (cough, cough, me!), choosing the right discs for your skill level can make a huge difference. The perfect disc won’t magically give you pro-level distance, but it will help you play more consistently, throw more confidently, and enjoy the game a lot more. You’ve probably asked yourself, ‘Which disc golf disc is right for me?’ This blog will help you narrow your choices. Let’s break down how to pick the right discs for beginners, intermediate players, and advanced throwers.
Know Your Discs
Before we dive into which discs are best for each skill level, here’s a quick refresher on the different disc types:
Putters: Slower, more stable discs meant for short approaches and putting. Great for beginners.
Midranges: Ideal for control and accuracy at medium distances. Perfect for learning technique.
Fairway Drivers: A step up in speed and distance potential while still offering a good amount of control.
Distance Drivers: Designed for maximum distance but require high arm speed and good form.
And those numbers on the disc? They matter too.
Understanding Flight Numbers
Every disc has four flight numbers which give us a general idea how the disc will fly. Although these numbers aren’t always accurate, it’s the best system we have at the moment. These numbers refer to Speed / Glide / Turn / Fade. Check out this blog about flight numbers HERE
Speed (1–14): How fast you need to throw it. Beginners should stick with lower numbers (6 or less).
Glide (1–7): Higher glide = stays in the air longer.
Turn (-5 to +1): More negative turn means the disc will drift right (for right-handed backhand throwers).
Fade (0–5): Higher fade means a stronger hook left at the end.
When you’re just starting out, look for low speed, high glide, high turn, and low fade. As you progress, you’ll start playing with more stability and higher speeds.
Discs for Beginners
If you’re new to disc golf, the best thing you can do is start with easy-to-throw discs. These will help you get a feel for how discs fly without punishing you for not having perfect form.
What to Look For:
Speed 6 or lower
High glide
Understable flight (negative turn, low fade)
Great Beginner Discs
Putter: Discraft Luna, Innova Aviar, Infinite Discs Tomb
Midrange: Innova Mako3, Discraft Buzzz, Infinite Discs Anubis
Fairway Driver: Innova Leopard, Latitude 64 Diamond, Infinite Discs Sphinx
Tips for Beginners
- Stick with lighter weights (150–165g). Since these discs have less mass, it is easier to throw faster. The faster speed will help the disc fly like its flight numbers indicate.
- Focus on learning control, not distance. Work on getting good form instead of trying to crush your drives.
- One putter, one midrange, one fairway driver is plenty to start. By sticking to a few discs, you will get to know them faster and learn to throw them better.
Discs for Intermediate Players
Once you’ve got a decent amount of throwing under your belt, you’re likely throwing farther, more consistently, and starting to experiment with shot shaping.
This is the time to branch out into slightly faster discs and introduce a little more stability into your bag. You will find that your drives are turning more and you will need to find discs that will fly better for your improved skill.
What to Look For
A mix of understable and stable discs
Discs that work well for backhand and forehand shots (these may be different)
More focus on glide and fade for shot shaping
Drivers with speed up to 9 or 10
Solid Intermediate Discs
Putter: Axiom Envy, Kastaplast Berg, Infinite Discs Alpaca
Midrange: EMac Truth, Discraft Buzzz OS, Infinite Discs Chariot
Fairway/Distance Drivers: Innova Teebird, Dynamic Discs Escape, Infinite Discs Centurion
Tips for Intermediates
- Learn how different plastics affect flight. Premium plastics generally have more overstability than base plastics.
- Practice hyzer and anhyzer angles. See how your discs fly when thrown at different angles.
- Begin building your bag. Find discs that cover different flight paths, not just “favorites.”
Discs for Advanced Players
Advanced players typically have much better form, higher arm speed, and an understanding of disc flight. They’re throwing for precision, not just distance, and they know exactly how their discs will behave in wind, on different lines, and with different plastic types.
What to Look For
High-speed drivers (Speed 11+)
Overstable discs for windy conditions and spike hyzers
Specific molds for rollers, flex shots, and forehands
Top Advanced Discs
Putter: Discraft Zone, Prodigy PA-3, Infinite Discs Myth
Midrange: Dynamic Discs Justice, Thought Space Pathfinder, Infinite Discs Galleon
Drivers: Innova Destroyer, Discraft Force, MVP Motion, Infinite Discs Emperor
Tips for Advanced Players
- Fine-tune your disc choices to match your playing style.
- Build your bag for specific conditions and courses.
- Rotate beat-in discs to cover multiple flight paths with the same mold.
Other Factors That Matter
No matter your skill level, a few other disc characteristics can make a big impact:
- Plastic Type: Premium plastics (like Star, ESP, Neutron) are more durable and stable. Base plastics (like DX or Prime) beat in faster and offer more grip.
- Disc Weight: Lighter discs fly farther for most players but can be more affected by wind. Heavier discs offer more control.
- Feel in Hand: Don’t underestimate the importance of comfort. A disc that feels weird in your hand probably won’t fly well for you.
Build a Bag That Matches You
The best disc in the world won’t help if it doesn’t match your current skill level or throwing style. Whether you are brand new or playing competitively, selecting the right discs makes the game more enjoyable, and your throws more effective.
Start simple, experiment as you grow, and don’t be afraid to ask other players or shops for advice. Want help finding the right disc? Browse our shop to find the best disc for your abilities!
