Starting disc golf can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re staring at a wall of discs and have no idea which one to pick. Putting is arguably the most crucial part of the game, and having the right putter can make all the difference. It’s not about the most expensive or the fanciest; it’s about finding a disc that feels good in your hand and helps you build confidence on the green. Let’s look at some great beginner-friendly putters to get you started.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Innova Aviar: Classic, reliable, straight flyer.
- Discraft Buzzz SS: Versatile mid-range, point-and-shoot accuracy.
- Latitude 64 River: Great glide, easy distance.
- Dynamic Discs Judge: Bead for consistent grip, stable flight.
- Westside Discs Swan 2: Soft plastic, excellent grip, understable.
Top 5 Best Disc Golf Putters For Beginners
1. Innova Aviar
The Innova Aviar is arguably the most popular putter in disc golf, and for good reason. It’s a stable, reliable disc that’s perfect for learning the ropes. Many pros still use it, so it’s not just for beginners either.
Pros:
- ✅ Very straight flight path
- ✅ Comfortable grip for most hand sizes
- ✅ Widely available and affordable
Cons:
- ❌ Can be affected by wind
- ❌ Not the most exciting disc to throw
- ❌ Can be too basic for advanced players
Verdict: The Aviar is a solid choice for anyone new to disc golf. It’s dependable and will help you develop good putting habits.
2. Discraft Buzzz SS
Okay, so the Buzzz SS is *technically* a mid-range disc, but hear me out! It is incredibly beginner-friendly because of its straight flight and predictable fade. Many beginners love using it for putting because it’s so versatile.
Pros:
- ✅ Very straight flight with minimal fade
- ✅ Comfortable to grip for forehand and backhand
- ✅ Durable plastic options available
Cons:
- ❌ Might not be ideal in strong winds
- ❌ Not a dedicated putter shape
- ❌ Can be too stable for very short putts
Verdict: The Buzzz SS is a great all-around disc that can work wonders as a putting option for beginners. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool on the course.
3. Latitude 64 River
Again, the River is a fairway driver, but its low speed and incredible glide make it a fantastic option for beginners looking for a putting option that can glide into the basket. This disc is known for its ability to float through the air, making it ideal for longer putts or approaches.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent glide for longer putts
- ✅ Easy to control
- ✅ Beginner-friendly
Cons:
- ❌ Not ideal for windy conditions
- ❌ Might be too fast for some beginners
- ❌ Not a traditional putter shape
Verdict: The River is an excellent choice if you want a disc that will give you extra distance on your putts. It’s especially useful for players who struggle with throwing hard or far.
4. Dynamic Discs Judge
The Dynamic Discs Judge is a putter designed with a bead on the bottom rim. That bead gives you a consistent grip and release, which is super important for putting. It’s a stable putter that won’t turn over easily, even if you put some power behind it.
Pros:
- ✅ Bead provides a consistent grip
- ✅ Stable flight with minimal fade
- ✅ Comfortable in the hand
Cons:
- ❌ Bead might not be for everyone
- ❌ Can be too stable for some beginners
- ❌ Not as readily available as some other brands
Verdict: The Judge is a great putter for beginners who want a consistent grip and a stable flight. If you like the feel of a beaded putter, this is an excellent choice.
5. Westside Discs Swan 2
The Westside Discs Swan 2 is known for its soft plastic and excellent grip. It’s an understable putter, meaning it will tend to turn to the right (for right-handed backhand throwers) if thrown flat. This makes it great for hyzer-flip putts or anhyzer releases, and those new to disc golf. The soft plastic also helps it grip the chains when putting.
Pros:
- ✅ Very soft plastic for excellent grip
- ✅ Understable flight for easy turning putts
- ✅ Forgiving for beginners
Cons:
- ❌ Soft plastic can wear down quicker
- ❌ Not ideal in windy conditions
- ❌ Might be too understable for some players
Verdict: The Swan 2 is a fantastic putter for beginners who want a disc with a great grip and an understable flight. It’s especially good for players who struggle with a strong hyzer release.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right disc golf putter can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:
- Plastic Type: The plastic of your putter can greatly affect its grip and durability. Softer plastics offer better grip but wear down faster, while harder plastics are more durable but can be slippery.
- Weight: Most putters weigh between 170 and 175 grams. Lighter discs are easier to throw for beginners, but heavier discs are more stable in the wind.
- Feel: The most important thing is that the putter feels comfortable in your hand. Go to a local disc golf store if you can and hold a few different putters to see what feels best.
- Stability: Stability refers to how much a disc turns or fades during flight. Stable putters fly straight with minimal turn or fade, while understable putters turn to the right (for right-handed backhand throwers) and overstable putters fade to the left. Beginners often prefer stable or slightly understable putters.
- Bead vs. No Bead: Some putters have a bead on the bottom rim, while others don’t. A bead can provide a more consistent grip and release, but it’s really a matter of personal preference.
FAQs
Q: What does “understable” mean?
A: Understable means the disc tends to turn to the right during flight (for a right-handed backhand thrower). It’s generally easier to throw for beginners.
Q: How important is the weight of a putter?
A: Weight is important, but it’s also personal preference. Most people putt with max weight (175g) but beginners may prefer something slightly lighter to get more comfortable with the feel.
Q: Can I use a mid-range disc for putting?
A: Absolutely! Some mid-range discs, like the Discraft Buzzz SS, are very popular for putting due to their straight flight and predictable fade.
Q: What’s the best way to grip a putter?
A: There’s no single “best” grip. Experiment with different grips until you find one that feels comfortable and gives you consistent results. Some common grips include the fan grip, the power grip, and the modified fan grip.
Conclusion
Choosing the right disc golf putter is a crucial step in improving your game, especially when you are just starting out. Whether you prefer the classic reliability of the Innova Aviar, the beaded grip of the Dynamic Discs Judge, or the understable flight of the Westside Discs Swan 2, there’s a putter out there that’s perfect for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment. And remember, the best putter is the one that feels the best in your hand and helps you sink those crucial putts.
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