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Disc Selection Guide

In disc golf, different kinds of discs are used for different shots. There are literally hundreds of discs available and picking the right one can be difficult. On this page we’ll explain you what kind of purposes different kinds of discs serve and which discs are most suitable for you. Please note that these are only recommendations and technique is the most important factor in a successful throw. Some pro players can easily throw a putter over 100 meters while even the top distance driver may cover mere 30 meters in the hands of a beginner.

Three most important things to consider when you are choosing a golf disc:

1. Type
First of all, you should choose a disc type. Consider what you need: a new putter, more stable driver or are you maybe buying your first disc ever?

2. Plastic type
Once you have found the right type of disc, you can choose the plastic type. Generally all discs are available in at least two different types of plastic. Choose a plastic type that is best suited for the purpose of your disc.

3. Weight
Choose an approriate weight class to suit your purposes.

1. Disc types – Putters, Mid-range Discs and Drivers

Discs are divided in different categories: Putters, Mid-range Discs and Drivers. Drivers are further divided in to two subcategories: Fairway drivers and Distance drivers. There are different kinds of discs for differing purposes in each category.

Putters
As the title says, putters are used for putting and approach shots. Due to the round and high profile putters generally fly in a very straight line. Putters are the slowest golf discs and the most accurate types of discs available. Putters are generally the easiest disc type for controlled shots. This makes them ideal discs for beginners.

Mid-range discs
Mid-range discs, or mids, have a slightly flatter profile and wider rim, making them a bit more difficult to control than putters. Mids are usually thrown from 50 to 100 meters away from the target, depending on player. Mids are most suitable for beginners while learning flight characteristics of discs. 

Drivers
Drivers are an essential part of every players game. Drivers are the flattest disc type by profile and the rims of drivers are wide. This is also the reason why drivers differ so greatly in flight characteristics. Fairway drivers are slower due to narrower rim and suit beginners better. Distance drivers have wider rim and are faster because of this. We recommend distance drivers for more advanced players and for those that can throw over 80 meters.

Choosing your first disc
If you're choosing your very first discs we recommend you to start with a neutral putter or a mid-range disc. (I.e. a disc with Turn and Fade as close to zero as possible. Check our flightnumbers guide for more info.)

2. Plastic types

Other important factor for choosing right disc is plastic type. Discs come in dozens of different kinds of plastic blends and it can be difficult to figure out the differences between all of them. As a general rule the price of the disc is in relation to the plastic quality. The higher the price, the better the plastic blend. Usually more expensive plastic is more durable. This is worth keeping in mind especially when you're choosing drivers.

Plastic types can be divided into three major categories: basic )or base) plastic types, premium plastic types and specialty plastic types. The basic plastic discs are the most affordable ones but they wear out faster. Regardless of the player's level, basic plastic is favored especially in putters due to their grip and feel, even by professional disc golfers. Drivers are the opposite, durable premium plastics are more popular since these discs need to withstand hard knocks, even at high speeds.

Choosing your first disc
You can start disc golf with a putter and a mid-range. If you play once-twice a week, base plastic discs will last for one season. Premium discs last 3-4 times longer in general but the grip and feel might not be as comfortable.

3. Disc Weight

The disc’s weight has a great effect to its flight. Lighter discs are most suitable for young players and beginners. Mid weight discs are used by all players and heaviest ones are most suitable for competing players and in special conditions.

Disc golf discs are often grouped in several separate weight classes even though many specialiced retails offer them with one gram accuracy. The most common weight classes are Lite, 150-159, 160-164,165-169, 170-172, 173-175, 176-177 and 178+ grams.

Light discs, 150-159 grams, are the most suitable for beginners, kids, and in general to players who throw under 100 meters long shots. The light weight of a discs really shines in low speeds, or when thrown downwind and/or uphill. However, light weight discs can be difficult to control in windy conditions.

The higher weight classes are most suitable for advanced and competitive players, whose throw distances are over 100 meters. Heavier discs are easier to handle in strong winds and are more reliable. This is one reason why heavier weights are favored in putters.

Choosing your first disc
Start with a 150-159g disc. These are best suited for beginners but are still very usable even later on! A light weight discs doesn't mean that you can't throw it when your skills have grown. Many competitive players use 165-169g drivers as they offer advantages in certain situations, e.g. whne thrown downwind. It's a good idea to check our beginner's guide for more tips!



Hopefully this guide helps you to find the right disc for you! Here are a few more hints:

1. Putter is the key disc in every players bag. If there's one disc that you should bring with you to a disc golf course, it's a putter! Soft putters are popular among disc golfers and you can rarely go wrong by picking up one of those. A soft putter features a great grip, which is why they are favored by many professional players. A soft plastic also works in colder weather.

2. 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.

3. When you're choosing your first driver, pick a light one. 150-159g drivers are easier to throw far than heavier ones. You'll enjoy throwing them more!

Check here for discs & products suitable for beginners!

Further inspiration for choosing a disc: