Welcome to the world of disc golf! As a beginner, you might be overwhelmed by the variety of discs available and unsure of which ones to choose. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the best disc golf discs for beginners, as well as provide tips and techniques to help you improve your game quickly.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Disc Golf Disc Types
2. Choosing the Right Discs for Beginners
3. Top 5 Disc Golf Discs for Beginners
4. How to Throw a Disc Golf Disc Correctly
5. Practicing Your Disc Golf Skills
6. Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Disc Golf Disc Types

Before we dive into the top beginner-friendly discs, it’s important to understand the different types of disc golf discs available. There are three primary types of discs:

1. Distance Drivers – Designed for maximum distance and typically have a sharp, aerodynamic edge. These discs can be challenging for beginners due to their high-speed requirements and increased sensitivity to throwing errors.
2. Fairway Drivers – These discs offer a balance between distance and control. They’re ideal for intermediate distances and have a slightly wider rim than distance drivers. Fairway drivers are more forgiving and easier to control than distance drivers, making them a popular choice for beginners.
3. Mid-Range Discs – Designed for control and accuracy, mid-range discs have a wider rim and a more rounded edge. These discs are perfect for shorter distances and approach shots.
4. Putters – Used for short-range shots and putting, putters have a wide, blunt edge, which makes them easy to control and accurate. They are essential for every disc golfer’s bag, regardless of skill level.

Choosing the Right Discs for Beginners

As a beginner, your main focus should be on finding discs that are easy to control and provide consistent results. Here are some factors to consider when choosing your first set of disc golf discs:

1. Weight – Lighter discs (150-165 grams) are generally easier to control and are recommended for beginners. As you gain experience, you may choose to experiment with heavier discs to see what works best for your throwing style.
2. Speed – Choose discs with a lower speed rating (under 9) for better control and more consistent results. High-speed discs can be difficult to control and may lead to inconsistent shots.
3. Glide – Discs with a higher glide rating will stay in the air longer, making them ideal for beginners who may not yet have developed strong throwing techniques.
4. Turn – Look for discs with a higher turn rating, as these are more forgiving and will help you achieve straighter shots.
5. Fade – Opt for discs with a lower fade rating for a more predictable flight path and easier control.

Top 5 Disc Golf Discs for Beginners

Here are our top five picks for beginner-friendly disc golf discs, offering a balance of control, distance, and ease of use:

1. Innova DX Leopard – A versatile fairway driver with a speed rating of 6, the Leopard is perfect for beginners seeking control and consistency. Its high glide (5) and turn (2) ratings make it ideal for straight, accurate shots, while its low fade rating (1) ensures a predictable finish. The Leopard’s lightweight DX plastic also makes it easier to control for new players.

2. Discraft Buzzz – This popular mid-range disc boasts a speed rating of 5, making it an excellent choice for beginners looking to improve their control and accuracy. With a glide rating of 4, turn of 0, and fade of 1, the Buzzz offers a stable, straight flight that’s perfect for approach shots or navigating tight fairways. The Discraft Buzzz comes in a variety of plastic blends, with the Elite Z and ESP being the most beginner-friendly. Read more about the Buzzz here: Buzzz vs Mako3.
3. Latitude 64 Diamond – The Diamond is a lightweight fairway driver designed specifically for beginners and players with slower arm speeds. With a speed rating of 8, glide of 6, turn of -3, and fade of 1, the Diamond provides excellent control and a gentle, predictable flight path. The Diamond’s Opto plastic blend offers durability and a comfortable grip, making it a great choice for new disc golfers.
4. Innova DX Shark – The Shark is a reliable mid-range disc that’s perfect for players looking to improve their short game. With a speed rating of 4, glide of 4, turn of 0, and fade of 2, the Shark offers a stable and accurate flight that can handle a variety of shot types. The Shark’s DX plastic is lightweight and beginner-friendly, ensuring a comfortable grip and easy control.
5. Dynamic Discs Judge – A versatile putter that’s perfect for beginners, the Judge has a speed rating of 2, glide of 4, turn of 0, and fade of 1. Its consistent flight path and excellent stability make it ideal for short-range shots, approaches, and putting. The Judge is available in a variety of plastic blends, with the Classic and Prime options being particularly well-suited for new players.

For more information on flight ratings, check out our disc golf number rating guide!

How to Throw a Disc Golf Disc Correctly

Now that you have an idea of which discs to start with, let’s discuss the proper technique for throwing a disc golf disc. Here are a few basic steps to help you develop a solid throwing technique:

1. Grip – Hold the disc firmly with your thumb on top and your fingers underneath. Experiment with different grip styles, such as the power grip or the fan grip, to find what feels most comfortable for you.
2. Stand and Align – Stand perpendicular to your target with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your front foot should be slightly ahead of your back foot, with your weight distributed evenly between them.
3. Reach Back – As you begin your throwing motion, reach back with your throwing arm, extending it fully behind you. Keep the disc level with the ground and close to your body for maximum power and control.
4. Pull Through – In one smooth motion, pull the disc across your chest and release it as your arm reaches its full extension. Focus on maintaining a straight line from your reach back to your release for the most accurate and powerful throw.
5. Follow Through – After releasing the disc, continue your arm motion and rotate your hips and shoulders. This will help you maintain balance and maximize the power of your throw.

Practicing Your Disc Golf Skills

The key to improving your disc golf game is consistent practice. Dedicate time to work on your throws, putts, and overall technique. Here are some tips to help you practice effectively:

1. Field Work – Find an open area where you can throw without worrying about obstacles. Focus on your form and technique, experimenting with different discs and shot types.
2. Putting Practice – Set up a practice basket or target, and work on your putting from various distances and angles. Consistent putting can significantly improve your overall score.
3. Approach Drills – Practice your approach shots by setting up targets at different distances and aiming to land your disc as close as possible. This will help you develop accuracy and control in your short game.
4. Play Regularly – The more you play, the more experience you’ll gain on the course. Try to play at least once a week to build muscle memory and improve your skills. Playing with more experienced players can also provide valuable insights and tips.
5. Set Goals – Establish personal goals for your disc golf game, such as improving your driving distance or reducing your average score. Tracking your progress can help you stay motivated and focused on improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to store disc golf discs?

To maintain the longevity and performance of your discs, store them in a cool, dry place, preferably in a disc golf bag or on a disc rack. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures, as this can warp the plastic and affect their flight characteristics.

How do I clean my disc golf discs?

To clean your discs, simply use warm water and a bar of mild soap. Gently scrub away dirt and debris with a soft cloth or sponge, and then rinse and pat dry. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or materials, as these can scratch the surface and damage the disc.

Can I use a regular Frisbee for disc golf?

While you technically can play disc golf with a regular Frisbee, it’s not recommended. Disc golf discs are specifically designed for the sport, with unique shapes, weights, and flight characteristics. Using a disc golf disc will provide a more enjoyable and consistent experience on the course.

When should I upgrade my disc golf discs?

As you become more experienced and develop your throwing technique, you may find that you need discs with different flight characteristics to suit your evolving skillset. Experiment with different disc types and weights to find the best combination for your individual play style.

By following this guide and practicing regularly, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the basics of disc golf and enjoying the sport to its fullest. Remember, the most important aspect of disc golf is having fun, so get out there and enjoy the journey!

I recently had the opportunity to test and compare two popular straight-flying mid-range discs: the Discraft Buzzz and the Innova Mako3.

I decided to put these discs through their paces at Hann Park disc golf course, a 4.0-rated, shorter-style 18-hole course in California.

Both of these discs were acquired in a tournament payout, and I was eager to see if either could dethrone my go-to midrange, the eMac Truth.

Initial Impressions

Upon first handling the discs, I noticed a distinct difference in the feel and design of the rims. The Buzzz features a more concave, traditional mid-range rim, while the Mako3 has a rounded rim. The Mako3 felt somewhat awkward in my hand at first, but I grew more accustomed to its shape over time.

Flight Characteristics

Throughout my testing, both discs proved to be incredibly straight flyers, with the Mako3 displaying slightly more glide than the Buzzz. On various shots, the Mako3 seemed to maintain its glide longer and, at times, almost hunted the chains.

In contrast, the Buzzz offered a more predictable, controlled flight path, which is beneficial in certain situations.

When attempting anhyzer shots, I found that the Mako3 held its line more consistently, whereas the Buzzz exhibited a greater tendency to fight out of the anhyzer angle. Both discs demonstrated impressive stability on forehand shots, resisting the urge to flip over and maintaining a straight flight.

Both discs have similar flight numbers, however, the Mako3 tends to have a deeper rim, which comes down to personal preference.

Final Verdict

After an extensive day of testing, both the Discraft Buzzz and Innova Mako3 are fantastic straight-flying mid-range discs. Each disc has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them may come down to personal preference.

For me, the Mako3 edged out the Buzzz by a slim margin, primarily due to its ability to hold anhyzer lines more consistently and its slightly increased glide. However, either disc would be an excellent addition to any player’s bag.

If you’re considering adding one of these discs to your arsenal, try both out and determine which one feels more comfortable in your hand and suits your throwing style.

Regardless of which disc you choose, you can’t go wrong with the Discraft Buzzz or Innova Mako3 for a straight-flying mid-range option. Pro tip: you can purchase both of these discs online from a disc golf disc shop.

If you are looking for one sport that has recently gained immense popularity, disc golf is one of the best examples. It is similar to traditional golf. But in this game, a disc is thrown into the basket instead of hitting the ball into the hole.

But one of the most intimidating parts of a golf disc is the numbers present on this disc. It is a four-digit number that makes people better at the game. Unfortunately, it is difficult for beginners to understand the mystery behind these numbers on the disc. Hence, we have created a guide for you to understand the meaning behind the numbers on the disc and their significance in disc golf.

Disc golf disc numbers are an essential part of the sport and will help you pick the best beginner-friendly discs for your game. Let’s dive in!

Numbers on the disc

Four numbers on a disc represent the speed of the disc, the turn, glide, and fade. It is a shorthand way to describe the flight path of the disc.

• The first number of the disc represents the speed of the disc, which is considered the true character of disc golf as it flies through the air. Speed also represents the ability of the disc to glide through the air, ranging from numbers 1 to 14. As the number increases, so will the speed of the disc. A lower number represents discs at lesser speeds, which is suitable for beginners with slower arm speeds.
• The second number is the glide which represents how well the disc stays in the air, and the numbers range between 1 to 7. A higher number indicates more disc glide, which means they will stay in the air a little longer. This makes it useful for longer shots and shots that need to navigate around different obstacles. Two notoriously glidey discs are the Discraft Buzzz and Innova Mako3.
• The third number represents the tendency to turn during a flight. The numbers for this are rated from -5 to +1. The negative number represents that the numbers will easily turn to the right, while the positive sign indicates that the disc will fly straighter. If you are opting for throwing long distances, you can use the negative numbers, which can also be used for analyzing shots.
• The fourth and last number is the fade which shows the ability of a disc to fade at the end of the flight. It ranges from 0 to 5, and higher numbers indicate more fade. A higher fade is essential for players who need a harder throw that lands in a specific area. Discs with a lower fade rating have flights with a lesser hook, making it easy to play straighter shots.

Choosing the numbers on the disc while disc golfing is directly proportional to the player’s expertise. In addition to the four numbers mentioned above, other factors determine the speed, flight, and other aspects of a disc-like durability, disc group, plastic-type, and many more. Hence, if you are a beginner or an expert, you must choose the disc accordingly.