Stepping onto the frisbee golf course for the first time can feel a bit overwhelming. There are so many different discs, and knowing which one to choose can be confusing. Starting with the right disc will make your game more enjoyable and help you develop good habits from the beginning. This guide will walk you through some of the best options tailored specifically for beginners like you.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Innova DX Aviar Putter: Excellent for short, controlled shots and learning putting techniques.
- Discraft Buzzz Mid-Range: A straight-flying disc that’s easy to control for developing accuracy.
- Innova Leopard Fairway Driver: Provides a good balance of distance and control, ideal for longer throws.
- Latitude 64 River Fairway Driver: Known for its glide and straight flight path, perfect for beginners seeking distance.
- Dynamic Discs Escape Fairway Driver: A versatile driver that’s forgiving and suitable for various throwing styles.
Top 5 Best Frisbee Golf Discs For Beginners
1. Innova DX Aviar Putter
The Innova DX Aviar is a staple in disc golf, particularly favored as a putter for its predictable flight and comfortable grip. It’s designed for short, controlled shots and is excellent for honing your putting skills. This disc is a fantastic starting point for anyone new to the sport.
Pros:
- ✅ Very predictable flight path, which builds confidence.
- ✅ Comfortable grip, suitable for various hand sizes.
- ✅ Affordable price, making it a great entry-level option.
Cons:
- ❌ DX plastic can wear down relatively quickly.
- ❌ Not ideal for long-distance throws.
- ❌ Can be affected by strong winds.
Verdict: The Innova DX Aviar is perfect for beginners focusing on their short game and putting accuracy. It’s a reliable disc that will help you develop consistency.
2. Discraft Buzzz Mid-Range
The Discraft Buzzz is arguably the most popular mid-range disc in disc golf, known for its straight flight and incredible consistency. It’s a versatile disc that can handle a variety of shots and is exceptionally forgiving for beginners. I remember when I started playing, the Buzzz was the disc I could always rely on to go where I wanted it to go.
Pros:
- ✅ Exceptionally straight flight path.
- ✅ Very controllable and easy to throw.
- ✅ Versatile for different types of shots.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be too stable for some beginners with very low arm speed.
- ❌ Not the longest-flying disc.
- ❌ May not perform well in very windy conditions.
Verdict: The Discraft Buzzz is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a reliable and versatile mid-range disc to improve their accuracy and control.
3. Innova Leopard Fairway Driver
The Innova Leopard is a fairway driver known for its easy-to-control flight and suitability for beginners. It offers a good balance of distance and accuracy, making it ideal for players who are just starting to develop their throwing technique. It’s a great disc to transition to after mastering the Aviar and Buzzz.
Pros:
- ✅ Easy to throw straight with a slight fade.
- ✅ Good for developing distance without sacrificing control.
- ✅ Available in various weights and plastics.
Cons:
- ❌ Not suitable for advanced players with high arm speed.
- ❌ Can be too understable for some players.
- ❌ Might not perform well in strong headwinds.
Verdict: The Innova Leopard is a solid choice for beginners who want to increase their distance while maintaining control. It’s forgiving and helps develop proper throwing form.
4. Latitude 64 River Fairway Driver
The Latitude 64 River is a fairway driver famous for its exceptional glide and straight flight path. This disc is designed to stay in the air longer, providing beginners with more distance and a smoother learning curve. A friend of mine swears by the River and says it’s the reason he started enjoying the game so much.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent glide for maximum distance.
- ✅ Straight flight path with minimal fade.
- ✅ Lightweight and easy to throw.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be easily affected by wind.
- ❌ Not ideal for players who prefer a more stable disc.
- ❌ May not be suitable for very tight, wooded courses.
Verdict: The Latitude 64 River is perfect for beginners seeking extra distance and a smooth, gliding flight. It’s particularly useful for open courses where wind isn’t a major factor.
5. Dynamic Discs Escape Fairway Driver
The Dynamic Discs Escape is a versatile fairway driver that strikes a good balance between distance, control, and forgiveness. It’s suitable for various throwing styles, making it a great option for beginners experimenting with different techniques. I’ve found it to be a very adaptable disc, and it handles different release angles pretty well.
Pros:
- ✅ Very versatile and adaptable to different throwing styles.
- ✅ Good balance of distance and control.
- ✅ Forgiving and easy to throw.
Cons:
- ❌ May not be as long as some other drivers.
- ❌ Can be somewhat unpredictable in strong winds.
- ❌ Not the most stable disc.
Verdict: The Dynamic Discs Escape is a great all-around fairway driver for beginners who want a versatile disc that can handle a variety of shots. It’s forgiving and helps build confidence on the course.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right frisbee golf disc as a beginner can significantly impact your learning experience and enjoyment of the game. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:
- Start with Lighter Weights: Lighter discs are easier to throw and control, allowing you to develop your technique without straining your arm. Look for discs in the 150-170 gram range.
- Consider the Plastic Type: Base plastics like DX (Innova) or D-Line (Discraft) are more affordable and offer good grip, but they wear down faster. Premium plastics are more durable but can be slicker. As a beginner, base plastics are often a good starting point.
- Focus on Understable to Stable Discs: Understable discs tend to turn to the right (for right-handed backhand throws), while stable discs fly straighter with a slight fade at the end. Beginners often benefit from understable or stable discs as they are easier to control.
- Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations: Check online reviews and forums to see what other beginners recommend. Local disc golf shops or clubs can also provide valuable advice based on your specific needs.
- Try Before You Buy: If possible, try throwing different discs before you buy them. Many disc golf courses have loaner discs available, or you can ask friends to let you try theirs.
- Don’t Overspend: You don’t need to buy the most expensive discs to start playing. Focus on getting a few reliable, beginner-friendly discs that you can learn to throw well.
- Think About Your Local Course: Consider the types of courses you’ll be playing on. Open courses might benefit from a driver with good glide, while wooded courses require more control and accuracy.
FAQs
What does “understable” mean?
Understable refers to a disc’s tendency to turn to the right during the initial part of its flight (for a right-handed backhand thrower). These discs are generally easier to throw straight for beginners.
How many discs do I need to start playing disc golf?
You can start with just three discs: a putter, a mid-range, and a fairway driver. These will cover most of the shots you’ll encounter on a typical course.
What’s the difference between a driver, a mid-range, and a putter?
Drivers are designed for long-distance throws, mid-ranges are for shorter, more controlled shots, and putters are specifically for putting into the basket. Each type of disc has different flight characteristics and is used in different situations.
How do I care for my disc golf discs?
Clean your discs regularly with mild soap and water to remove dirt and grime. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can cause them to warp. Store them in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Can I use regular frisbees for disc golf?
While you can technically use regular frisbees, they are not designed for disc golf. Disc golf discs are smaller, heavier, and have specific aerodynamic properties that make them fly further and more predictably.
Conclusion
Choosing the right disc can make all the difference when you’re starting out in frisbee golf. The Innova DX Aviar, Discraft Buzzz, Innova Leopard, Latitude 64 River, and Dynamic Discs Escape are all excellent choices for beginners. They offer a blend of control, distance, and forgiveness that will help you develop your skills and enjoy the game. Remember to consider your local course, experiment with different discs, and most importantly, have fun!
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