Disc Golf Gear 101: The Best Discs for Beginners

Looking for a fun family-friendly sport now that the temperatures are warming up? Try disc golf!

It’s extremely fun, addictive, and one of the fastest-growing sports globally. As an added bonus, disc golf doesn’t require a lot of equipment to get started! 

Our quick start guide will help you purchase the right type of disc(s) to give you better accuracy and control, have more fun, and allow you to take your disc golf game to the next level.

Step 1: Choose the right disc type

Disc golf discs are divided into three different categories: Putters, Mid-range, and Drivers.

The best starter disc to purchase is a straight-flying mid-range disc. This type of disc is well-rounded and can work well for putting and driving. 

As you build more confidence in your throwing technique and accuracy increases, we recommend slowly adding new discs to your bag.

Your first addition should be a putter, followed by a fairway diver. Before adding the “big dog” distance driver disc to your bag, you should consistently throw over 80 meters (87 yards).

As a general guide:

Putters: used for putting and approach shots, they are the slowest and most accurate disc. Use putters within 50 meters (55 yards) of the target.

Mid-range (or mids): have a slightly flatter profile and broader rim, making them more challenging to control than putters. Throw mids 50 to 100 meters away from the target.

Drivers: the flattest disc type by profile with the broadest rim. There are two types of drivers: fairway and distance. Fairway drivers are slower due to a comparatively narrower rim, and distance drivers have a wider rim and are faster. 

Step 2: Understand the flight ratings 

The four numbers on a disc golf disc are the flight rating system representing the true disc characteristics as it flies through the air.

In essence, how the disc is supposed to fly through the air. The numbers are speed, glide, turn, and fade of the disc. 

Speed: Speed is the disc's ability to cut through the air. Speed ratings are listed from 1 to 14, with the higher numbers being faster. 

Glide: Glide describes the disc's ability to maintain loft during flight. Beginners should look for discs with more glide as these discs will travel further.

Turn: Turn tells you how much the disc will bank to the right at the beginning of the flight. The turn ratings go from +1 to -5. When a disc has a +1 rating, it will be incredibly resistant to turning over.

Fade: Fade is how much the disc will turn to the left as it slows down towards the end of its flight. Fade ranges from 0 to 5, with the higher number representing more fade.

It is common for beginners to pick up fast-distance drivers (speeds 10-14) too early. Beginners and players with low arm speed should purchase low fade and low turn discs. These discs will be significantly easier to control.

Step 3: Select the correct disc weight

Like flight ratings, beginner and youth players are better off with light discs that don’t require a lot of arm speed. 

A great rule of thumb for these players is to pick discs with a weight class of 150 to 164 grams. As you gain accuracy, you can try increasing the weight class to 165-169 grams. Younger children should use LITE discs, which are below 150 grams. 

Step 4: Purchase your first set of disc golf discs

We love disc golf here at Quonset Hut and stock everything players need to hit the course, from discs to bags to pull carts.

Drop by the Hut, and we will be happy to help outfit you with the perfect disc golf gear.

Get involved and look up the course nearest you at The Disc Golf Scene, and while you’re here, ask us where our favorite Canton, OH, disc golf courses are. 

Sources:

• United States Disc Golf Championship: Disc Golf Exploding in Popularity

Graphic photos curtesy of Innova Discs

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