Choosing the Right Disc: Disc Golf Discs for Beginners

Getting started in disc golf can be overwhelming, especially when faced with rows of colorful discs, each promising to improve your game. The truth is, choosing the right disc as a beginner can make a huge difference in your learning curve and overall enjoyment of the sport. In this guide, we’ll break down the best beginner-friendly disc options to help you start your disc golf journey with confidence.

Why Choosing the Right Disc Matters

As a beginner, your throwing technique is still developing, and choosing a disc suited to your skill level will help you achieve better throws and avoid frustration. Beginner-friendly discs are typically:

• Lightweight: Easier to control and throw with less effort.

• Understable: Provides a more natural flight path for players with slower arm speeds.

• Low Speed Requirements: Designed for consistent, predictable throws.
  

Starting with the right disc means less time correcting frustrating throws and more time enjoying the game.

What to Look for in Beginner Discs

Here are a few key factors to consider when selecting a beginner disc:

1. Weight

Lighter discs are ideal for beginners. Look for discs weighing between 150g and 165g. Lighter discs require less power to throw and allow you to focus on improving your form.

2. Plastic Type

Affordable plastics, such as DX (Innova) or Prime (Dynamic Discs), offer excellent grip and are beginner-friendly. Higher-end plastics like Champion or Star are more durable but may not provide the same level of grip for new players.

3. Stability

Choose understable discs, which naturally turn to the right (for right-handed backhand throws). These discs compensate for slower arm speeds and help avoid harsh fades. You can check out our Disc Guide for an easier way to look for discs based on stability.

4. Speed and Glide

• Speed: Beginner-friendly discs have lower speed ratings (6-9). These are easier to throw and control.

• Glide: Look for higher glide ratings (5-6) to maximize distance without extra effort.
  

Top Beginner-Friendly Discs

Here are some of the best options for beginners, divided into categories for drivers, midranges, and putters.

Drivers

• Innova LeopardSpeed: 6 | Glide: 5 | Turn: -2 | Fade: 1The Leopard is an excellent fairway driver for beginners. It’s easy to control and provides a reliable, straight flight with minimal fade.

• Dynamic Discs DiamondSpeed: 8 | Glide: 6 | Turn: -3 | Fade: 1This lightweight and highly understable driver is perfect for players with slower arm speeds. It’s a go-to choice for beginners looking for effortless distance.
  

Midranges

• Discraft BuzzzSpeed: 5 | Glide: 4 | Turn: -1 | Fade: 1Known for its versatility, the Buzzz is a stable midrange that provides consistent, straight flights. It’s forgiving for beginners while still offering room to grow.

• Innova Mako3Speed: 5 | Glide: 5 | Turn: 0 | Fade: 0The Mako3 is one of the straightest-flying discs available, making it ideal for beginners learning to throw accurately.
  

Putters

• Dynamic Discs JudgeSpeed: 2 | Glide: 4 | Turn: 0 | Fade: 1A reliable and beginner-friendly putter with excellent glide, the Judge is perfect for putting practice and approach shots.

• Innova AviarSpeed: 2 | Glide: 3 | Turn: 0 | Fade: 1As one of the most popular putters in disc golf, the Aviar is a consistent and forgiving option for new players.
  

Tips for New Players Choosing Discs

1. Start with a Beginner Pack: Many brands offer beginner sets that include a driver, midrange, and putter specifically designed for new players.

2. Stick to One Disc at First: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start with a versatile midrange disc like the Buzzz or Mako3 and expand your bag as your skills improve.

3. Avoid High-Speed Drivers: Discs with speed ratings of 10+ can be difficult for beginners to control and often lead to inconsistent throws.

4. Experiment with Grips: Test different plastic types and weights to find what feels comfortable in your hand.
   

Choosing the right disc as a beginner is all about starting simple and focusing on discs designed to make the game easier and more enjoyable. As you practice and improve your technique, you can gradually add more advanced discs to your bag. For now, stick to lightweight, understable options with low speed ratings to build your confidence and consistency on the course.

FAQs

Q: Can I use ultimate frisbees for disc golf? A: Ultimate frisbees are not designed for disc golf. Disc golf discs are smaller, denser, and come in different types (drivers, midranges, and putters) tailored for the sport.

Q: How many discs should a beginner carry? A: Most beginner sets come with 3 discs: a driver, a midrange, and a putter. This setup covers most situations on the course.

Q: Where can I find beginner-friendly discs? A: Check out our Disc Golf Marketplace for a selection of beginner discs from top brands.