The best discs for disc golfers depend on various factors, including your skill level, playing style, and the specific needs of your game. Disc golfers typically use a variety of discs to cover different aspects of the game, including driving, approach shots, and putting.
If you are a first-time player you may be overwhelmed with the number of choices, types, variations, and colors of discs. On top of all of that there are 4 sets of numbers printed on most discs that looks like this:
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The first number is the disc's Speed. Speed ranges from 1 to 14. The higher the speed rating the harder you have to throw it to achieve its effectiveness. Speeds of 7 or less for beginners are best. They allow you to throw more accurately and help you develop good throwing habits.
The second number is the disc's Glide. Glide is measured on a scale from 1 to 7. Glide determines how long a disc will stay up in the air. If you are a beginner it is best to use discs with a glide of 3 or more because it will help you achieve more distance with every throw.
The third number is the disc's Turn. Turn is measured on a scale from 1 to -5. Turn is very important for beginners because it helps you keep your disc stable. The stability of your disc will take on 3 characteristics if you are throwing a right handed backhand:
- Overstable - these types of discs want to turn left almost as soon as they leave your hand
- Stable - these types of discs want to fly straight when they leave your hand
- Understable - these types of discs want to turn right after they leave your hand
For left handed backhand throws the turns will be to the right. Beginners want to look for discs with a stability, or turn value, of -1 or greater.
The fourth number is the disc's Fade. Fade is measured on a scale from 0 to 5. The higher this number is the more to the left it will want to travel at the end of its flight. Beginners will want to choose discs that have a fade value of 0 or 1.
Here are some general recommendations for different types of discs that can be suitable for players at different skill levels:
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Drivers:
- Distance Drivers: These discs are designed for maximum distance off the tee. Beginners should opt for a lower speed fairway driver or mid-range. More experienced players can consider high-speed, stable drivers like the Innova Star Destroyer or Discraft Big Z Force.
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Fairway Drivers:
- Fairway drivers are versatile and are often used for both distance and accuracy. For beginners, discs like the Innova Champion Leopard3 or Halo Leopard3 or Axiom Insanity are good choices. More experienced players might opt for discs like the Innova Teebird or Discraft Athena.
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Mid-Range Discs:
- Mid-range discs are great for control and approach shots. For beginners, discs like the Westside Discs Tursas, Discraft ESP Meteor, or Discraft ESP Sol are popular options. Experienced players may prefer more stable mid-ranges like the Innova Roc3 or Discraft Z Wasp.
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Putters:
- Putters are used for short-range throws and putting. For putting, the Axiom Proxy or Discraft Luna are common choices. For driving and approach with putters, the Innova Nova or Discraft Magnet are popular selections.
Ultimately, the best discs for you will depend on your personal preferences and how they feel in your hand. It's a good idea to try out different discs to see which ones work best for your playing style. Additionally, as you gain experience and improve your skills, you may find that your preferences change.
When choosing discs, consider factors such as the disc's speed, glide, turn, and fade ratings. These characteristics impact the disc's flight pattern and stability. It's also helpful to seek advice from experienced disc golfers or consult with local disc golf shops or clubs to get recommendations tailored to your specific needs and skill level.