The Best Disc Golf Discs
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Have you heard the rattle of chains at your local park and wondered what all the fuss is about? Disc golf is a surprisingly approachable and rewarding game, and it’s likely you have a course nearby where you can walk right up and play. If that sounds appealing, I’ll walk you through everything you need to get started, and recommend some of my personal favorite discs to look into.
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Understanding Disc Numbers
You may notice most discs are marked with a set of four numbers. These are a (mostly) industry-wide standard for describing flight patterns, and having a basic understanding of them can help you know what kind of disc you’re looking at without having to go out and throw it.
The first number is speed, which is pretty self-explanatory. Discs with a higher number are built to travel further and faster, while lower numbers will fly at a slower speed over shorter distances. The tradeoff is usually that higher speed discs are tougher to throw precisely.
Next up is glide, which describes the disc’s ability to hold in the air longer. A higher glide disc will catch the air beneath it as it moves, which can give it longer air time, but that also means it’s more susceptible to gusts of wind.
Turn and fade refer to the nature of the disc’s flight path, and are a little more nuanced. As the disc leaves your hand, it will naturally bank right, but a lower turn will cause it to bank harder, and a higher turn will keep it more stable. Fade, on the other hand, describes how much the disc will curve back to the left after completing its initial bank. Keep in mind this is for right handed players throwing backhand, so if you’re a lefty, turn is how much it banks left initially, and fade is how much it curves back to the right.
Plastic Varieties
Discs come in a huge variety of plastic blends, many of which are unique, or at least uniquely named, between different manufacturers. These material differences are most noticeable when it comes to durability and texture. If you’re just buying your first disc, the main consideration here is durability. A more durable disc will still fly true after knocking into trees, skidding on the ground, and landing on rocks.
Texture can vary between these plastic models too, generally offering more or less grippy experiences. A lot of players prefer more textured discs for putting, because they help you feel more confident and precise when the inches really matter.
Finally, know that some plastics allow for certain aesthetic treatments that you might not find elsewhere. There’s a whole world of glow-in-the-dark, tie dye, and otherwise colorful discs, as well as special patterns commemorating events or player achievements.
Those premium features all come at a price, however, and each one is likely to add a few bucks onto your disc purchase. If you aren’t sure whether you’ll like an expensive disc, you can often find a more budget-friendly version to try out first.
Starter Kit
Many disc golf shops sell starter sets meant for beginners looking to build a collection. These will typically include between three and five discs, and their contents vary depending on which disc maker they come from. I think most people will be happy with the Innova DX Starter Set, which includes a variant of the very popular Aviar putter, a Shark for consistent approaches, and a Leopard driver.
These discs use a more budget-friendly plastic, so they may not quite have the durability of the more premium individual discs. That said, you’ll save some bucks starting here, and it gives you a good chance to figure out what you like or don’t like about each type of disc.
One quick tip: Don’t reach for the fairway driver right off the first tee. Start with your approach disc and focus on throwing flat, consistent throws first. Drivers require good technique to throw properly, and you’re likely to bin it straight into the dirt if you’ve never thrown a disc before, which can be frustrating.
An All-Around Winner
Keep in mind that there’s no real “best” disc, and there are a ton of factors that determine what your favorite might be, from preferred throwing style, to the climate or courses where you play. That said, if I could only take one disc with me on a round, it would be the Discmania Shogun.
Discmania describes the Shogun as a “deep dish” putter because of its domed top and pronounced bead, which I think offers a nice transition for people used to throwing around the more common ultimate discs ("frisbee" is a hated word in disc golf). It holds a nice long straight flight, and then banks softly to the left (for right-handed throwers) which should also feel familiar if you usually play catch in the park.
It’s an extremely versatile disc, with enough accuracy for tricky or long putts, and the stability to handle more power on fairway shots. If I’m feeling unsure about an approach, the Shogun adds a layer of confidence to my throw, and I’ll happily take it all the way into the chains.
A Great Putter
Once you’ve played a few times, the first disc you should look for is a proper putter. Putters often feature more pronounced lips and forgiving shape, which makes them a lot easier for new players to throw consistently. That should help you build muscle memory and develop your form faster than trying to wrestle with a sleek driver.
According to Innova, the Aviar has won more world championships than any other putter, and you’re likely to find them in disc golf bags at your local course too. You don’t need to be a pro to take advantage of the Aviar’s medium glide and low fade, which make it an excellent choice for finding the basket in almost any condition. I use mine so often that I keep one in the pocket on the outside of my bag for easy access.
Approach and Mid-Range
If I'm moving down the hole but don't have the confidence to go for a putt, I tend to reach for the Discraft Zone. This putt and approach disc is easy to get down the fairway, and bridges the gap nicely between fairway drivers and true putters. It’s overstable, which means it has a low turn, so it won’t bank as you throw it, which can help you get a little more distance as you refine your form.
As a crowd favorite, the Zone is also available in a huge variety of material and color options, so it’s a great option for collectors looking to expand their arsenal aesthetically. This is a great disc to have available in your bag for approaches, especially on days without perfect weather, when a gust of wind can mess up less stable discs.
Fairway Driver
Once you’re starting to feel confident in your throws, it’s time to start working with the fairway drivers. These discs have higher speeds than your putter and approach discs, because they’re meant to take you from the tee down the fairway, or through open space to a better putt.
When I really want to move the disc down the course, I like the Axiom Crave. It sports a flat top and sleek edges, giving it a distinctly different feel from the pronounced grips on the putters and midrange discs. Once you get the hang of it, the Crave is a delight to throw, with just a little turn and fade to counterbalance each other, leaving you with impeccably straight lines.
