what type of discs are needed for disc golf

What are the 3 basic types of discs involved in disc golf?

Disc golf discs fall into four primary categories: distance drivers, fairway drivers, midrange discs, and putters.

Do you need special disc to play disc golf?

So what do you need to play disc golf? In order to play disc golf, you need at least 3 disc golf discs (preferably 6), a bag to carry your discs, some course-appropriate accessories (water, snacks, disc retreiver, towel, mini marker disc, sharpie), and a good local course to play disc golf on.

What disc do you use first in disc golf?

A good Mid-range/Utility golf disc is your best starting point towards becoming a good player, and is a disc you will keep using throughout your disc golfing career. Buying a Mid-range/Utility disc is a must, but some players want more than one disc to start with.

Can I use any disc for disc golf?

Yes, you can play disc golf using a regular frisbee. A disc golf disc is designed specifically for playing on disc golf courses, but a regular frisbee can still be used for practicing. You won't be able to play competitively with a frisbee, but some players use a frisbee for either practice or as a challenge.

What is Understable disc golf?

Understable means a flight that turns right ( RHBH throw). Stable is a flight that doesn't turn. Overstable refers to a flight that turns left ( RHBH throw). Spike/Spike Hyzer is a shot that lands almost vertically and doesn't skip. Skip is a shot that is meant to fly after it hits the ground.

What does a beginner need for disc golf?

The only thing you need to play disc golf is a disc. That's it! You don't even need an established disc golf course – you can take your disc to practically any uncrowded open space and turn it into a disc golf course of your own. More than likely, however, there is a disc golf course near you.

What disc should I throw?

The best disc for learning how to throw is a neutral mid-range or an approach disc. A neutral disc's Turn and Fade characteristics are 0, or very close to it.

What are 5 rules of playing disc golf?

Basic Rules of Disc GolfSafety First. Never throw when other players or people are within range. ... Tee Throws. Each hole begins with a tee throw. ... Throwing Order. ... Fairway Throws. ... Mandatory. ... Unplayable Lie. ... Out Of Bounds. ... Completion Of Hole.More items...

Why are disc golf discs so expensive?

Manufacturers like Innova, Discraft, Dynamic Discs and Prodigy literally pay their professional players millions of dollars each year. They also spend hundreds of thousands sponsoring tournaments and professional events. To cover these marketing costs, they must charge more for their plastic.

What is the difference between disc golf discs?

Discs that are more overstable generally have lower glide ratings, as they fight to get the ground more quickly in their flights, while understable discs often have higher glide ratings and tend to turn up away from the ground.

How many discs are you allowed in disc golf?

So professional athletes carry up to 25 discs with them when they play Disc Golf, but does this mean you should too? Not necessarily. You need to have at least three in order to play the game, and these are a driver, a mid-range disc, and a putter.

Types of Disc Golf Discs

Having a variety of discs in your bag will keep you prepared and ready for any shot type that you might face on the course. But, that doesn’t mean that you need to carry 30 different discs to play well and get good scores.

Differences Between The Disc Types

When comparing discs, the three main differences are flight numbers, rim width, and weight. Combining all of the components above can help you decide on which disc you should throw.

When Should You Throw Each Disc?

Choosing the right disc for your situation is important for improving and getting lower scores. I didn’t use midranges when I first began playing, so I was at a huge disadvantage on my approach shots compared to everyone else.

How Many Discs Do You Need to Play?

Disc golf can be played with even a single disc, but it’s recommended to at least carry a driver, midrange, and putter. Most players prefer to have multiple options for each disc type, but it’s not needed for less experienced disc golfers.

Final Thoughts

One of my favorite parts of disc golf is how many different discs and combinations are available. The four main types each have their unique characteristics and are useful in different scenarios on the course.

The Total Cost of a PDGA Membership

There are three different memberships available at the PDGA that all have different associated costs. The Junior membership costs $30, while an Amateur membership costs $50, and the Professional membership is priced at $75.

Different Types of PDGA Memberships

The three levels of memberships at the PDGA all come with different prices but all items and benefits are included in each one.

What Discs Do You Need To Play Disc Golf?

To play disc golf, at a minimum you’ll need one putter, one midrange and one driver. But to play at your fullest potential, and to cover every type of shot you’ll need to throw, you should carry multiples of each type of disc including:

Our Picks For Each Type Of Disc

The question then becomes, “How do I select the right discs?” This can be a tricky question and a lot of it comes down to personal preference. Each disc manufacturer will make an assortment of discs that pretty much covers any need.

Drivers

For drivers, it’s a good idea to carry at least one in each stability (overstable, understable, and stable) as you never know what type of shot you’ll be needing to throw. I also carry two extras on the far ends of the spectrum for specialty shots. A really overstable driver for skip shots and a really understable driver for rollers.

Midranges

For midrange discs, it’s good to carry one disc in each type of stability. Midranges tend to be a bit less volatile in their stability, and typically won’t skip very far once they hit the ground as opposed to a driver that may skip an extra 10 – 20 feet. Here are my recommendations:

Putters

Putters have the deepest, slowest, and thinnest rims. They fly shorter distances and most on straighter lines. Putters tend to stick when they touch down rather than skip or slide which can be a large benefit when you’re approaching a basket. Putters are also the most stable discs, which makes them the best for controlled precision shots.

How To Select The Right Discs For Your Bag?

The selections above are just my personal preferences. You’ll most likely find discs that work you other than the ones I’ve picked. The idea is that you should fill each one of the slots above with a disc for your bag. That way you’ll always have the right disc for your situation.

Keep In Mind, Stability Does Change

One last note to keep in mind is that the stability of your discs does change as you use them. The more beat up a disc becomes, the less stable it will be. For instance, one of the very first discs I ever purchased is an Innova Destroyer. This is a fairly overstable distance driver.

What direction do discs go in golf?

Many other discs travel towards the right or left, but distance drivers go straight like an arrow. These discs cut through the wind to provide the maximum distance on every shot. While most discs tend to glide, this one provides additional distance, especially to the less powerful throwers.

Why are discs good for beginners?

These are idea for players who want long approaches but shorter controlled drives. They are best for beginners because of the speed and accuracy control. The consistency and control helps to increase confidence among new players.

Why use midrange discs?

One of the reasons why veteran throwers prefer midrange discs is they are highly effective in various situations , such as approach shots, putting, midrange shots, and even drives . You may find a lot of midrange discs that are suitable for different situations and throwing techniques. This disc is ideal for short drives, approach, and midrange shots.

Why do people use fairway drivers?

That is why most professionals prefer using fairway drivers when they have to deal with speed and accuracy. Infact, many trainers ask new players to use these discs as they are fairly easy to control.

What discs do you use for short upshots?

Players who specifically want to hit short controlled upshots use the putt and approach discs. They are available in various designs that help players achieve the best grip for their throws. Different players have different approach and putt shots, and they require various putting styles depending on the situation.

Can you use a disc in the World Championships?

However, they are not usually used in the World Championships. As a newbie, it is best to determine the weight, throwing style, and control level of the disc before purchasing. If you don’t have any experience at all, you should ask for recommendations from your trainer.

Can you use specialty discs in disc golf?

The advantage of purchasing specialty discs is you can use them for other flying disc sports also. Like some of the other disc golf discs, this type is also available in a variety of designs that provide supreme control and accuracy. However, they are not usually used in the World Championships.

What is a recreational disc?

Recreational Discs are discs made for playing games where throwing and catching are involved. Enjoy these discs for your next game of catch at the beach, the park or in your backyard. The Pulsar is designed for Ultimate, and is also an excellent disc for playing catch and freestyling.

What is putt approach disc?

Putt and Approach discs are designed specifically for putting and making short controlled upshots. Putt and Approach discs come in a variety of models and plastics to accommodate each player’s unique putting style and grip preference. These discs offer players of all skill levels predictability and performance around the target. Our Putt and Approach discs also provide an exceptional amount of control for professional level players performing short drives and mid-range shots. The Aviar has been used by more World Champions than all other disc models combined.

What is an aviar disc?

The Aviar has been used by more World Champions than all other disc models combined. Designed for dependable, accurate, and confidence inspiring putts. Ideal for executing controlled upshots, short drives and “go for it” shots. Available in a variety of different models to match unique putting styles.

What is the best disc golf disc?

Discraft’s Buzzz is the most popular and best disc golf disc on the market, period. It is consistent, reliable and easy to control. The Buzzz comes in many plastic variations and is a stable to understable disc, which will hold any line you put it on.

What is the most popular putter in disc golf?

Innova’s Aviar Putt and Approach is one of the oldest and most popular putters in Disc Golf. It has won more world championships than all putters combined. Approved in 1984, the Aviar has been the number one putter in disc golf for over thirty years.

What is a tremor disc?

DGA’s Tremor is an understable midrange disc with decent glide and a mild fade. The Tremor holds true for straight to anhyzer lines. It has flippy tendencies and its high glide allows for lower arm speeds to throw maximum distance on a straight line.

How Many Different Discs Are There in Disc Golf?

Very advanced players will carry on average 20 discs or more in their bag any time they’re playing disc golf.

What Each Disc Golf Disc Type is Used For

If you’re just getting started playing disc golf, you know you’re going to primarily be using three discs: the driver, mid-range, and the putter. We’ll add one more optional disc for the beginner: the fairway driver.

How Many Discs Should I Have In My Bag?

As a beginner, you should only be carrying around 6-8 discs in your bag. Again, these are the distance, mid-range, putter, and optional fairway driver. Also, carrying a spare of each is a good idea in case of a lost disc.

How Many Discs Are Allowed in a Disc Golf Bag?

There are no restrictions on the number of discs a person can carry in their disc golf bag. The number of discs will mostly be limited by the holding capacity of the disc golf bag.

Can You Play Disc Golf with One Disc?

When it comes down to it, you can play an entire round of disc golf using only one disc. All you need is one. A person could even just use a normal frisbee to play if they wanted to.

How Many Discs Do Pros Carry?

Professional disc golf players will carry 20-25 discs in their bag at any given time. Some players might even carry as many as 40 discs in their bag.

Can You Rent Discs For Disc Golf?

Disc golf discs can be rented in certain locations. many discs are rented for a day at a time at a set price. A distance driver, putter, and mid-range disc can be rented on a per day or per hour basis at most courses that offer rentals.

How Many Discs Do You Need For Disc Golf?

If you want to play disc golf, you are going to need at least 3 discs. This is because you will need a driver, a mid-range, and a putter. However, it is recommended that you carry at least 6 discs, including two of each type, whenever you go out to play a round.

How Many Discs Should You Keep In Your Bag?

The answer to this question is something that varies a lot, as every player will probably tell you something different. Some players think you should have just three discs, your driver, mid-range, and putter.

What Discs Do I Need For Disc Golf?

In the game of disc golf, there are actually 3 discs that you need in order to play. These are the driver, mid-range, and putter. The driver is for your initial shot, and it is great for speed and distance. A driver is likely to be your longest throw of the hole.

Do The Numbers On The Disc Matter?

No, the numbers on the disc don’t actually matter that much. More often than not, the numbers that you may see represent a flight ratings system by Innova Discs with four main categories. These categories are what are used to compare discs and describe the characteristics of each disc.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi, everyone! My name is James, and I love sharing what I’ve learned about disc golf. It struck me as odd that such an amazing sport could be overlooked by so many people. To help spread the joys of disc golf and to provide some useful tips for improvement, I created the Disc Golf Mentor website. Thanks for stopping by!

Types of Discs

There are four main types of disc golf discs - distance drivers, fairway drivers, midranges, and putters. Choosing the right type of disc for the right situation can make all the difference in your score!

5 Tips To Be A Better Putter

Whether it’s around the practice basket or on the course, putting is one of the most important parts of disc golf. Practicing effectively and making more putts around the circle is one of the most effective ways to lower your score.

Build The Best Disc Golf Bag

It feels awful to be faced with a shot on the course you don’t have covered. And having overlapping discs in your bag can reduce confidence. In this video, we’ll teach you how to find the sweet spot.

Flight Numbers

Each disc has flight numbers assigned to it that provide a general idea of the disc’s flight characteristics: speed, glide, turn, and fade. While Dynamic Discs, Latitude 64, and Westside Discs work hard to ensure that their flight numbers accurately reflect the disc’s flight, they should be used more as a guideline than a rule.

Plastic Types

Latitude 64 produces all of the disc golf discs for Dynamic Discs, Latitude 64, and Westside Discs, which means that while the plastic lines in each company’s discs have different names, they’re actually the same plastic - Dynamic Discs Lucid, Latitude 64 Opto, and Westside Discs VIP plastics are all the same blend of plastic, etc.

Disc Weights

Disc golf discs come in all different weights. Choosing the appropriate weight of disc for your level of experience and arm speed can help you to have better results out on the course. For example, a lighter weight Escape will fly farther than a heavier weight Escape. At the same time, lighter weight discs are more easily affected by the wind.

Starting Out - Starter Set

The Prime Burst Disc Golf Starter Set from Dynamic Discs comes with everything a new disc golfer needs to play disc golf - a putter, a midrange, and a driver. Inside you will find the most popular beginner's disc golf discs from Dynamic Discs to start you on your disc golf journey.

Distance Drivers

Fairway Drivers

Mid-Range Discs

Putt and Approach

Specialty Discs

• Specialty Discs are designed for use in unique Disc Golf situations and for other flying disc sports and games. Several of these discs are classic “Old School” models with a loyal following. Some models are approved by WFDF for use in the Overall events of Accuracy, Discathon and Self-Caught Flight. Our entire line of Specialty discs are PDGAapprov...

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Recreational Discs