With so many different discs out there made by so many different disc manufacturers, it can be confusing to know what discs you’re going to need to be fully prepared while you’re out playing disc golf. This is especially true for players who are new to the sport. So let’s answer that question straight away.
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:
- Overstable, understable and stable drivers
- Overstable understable and stable midranges
- A putter for putting
- A putter for throwing (approach)
- A turnover disc for roller shots
- A really overstable disc for utility & skip shots
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. In other words, if you’re looking for an understable distance driver, you should be able find at least a few made by each brand.
Some player prefer to stick to one brand, and that’s totally okay. For our purposes, we’re going to list what we feel are the best selections for each type across all brands. If you’re the type of player that likes to play only one brand, I recommend that you at least try some of these selections, even if their not your preferred brand. You may find something you like, and if you do, you can typically find something just like it in your preferred brand!
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. Here are my picks
Overstable Driver
Innova Destroyer
The Innova Destroyer is a really great 12 speed driver made famous by professional disc golfers like Paul McBeth and Ricky Wysocki. A destroyer will hold your line even with a ton of power and speed behind it, and will have a reliable and predictable fade
Stable Driver
Lattitude 64 Saint
The Latitude 64 Saint is a spectacular stable driver that follows a nice S curve. When thrown with enough power, it’ll show a harder turn, then fade slightly back at the end. The high glide rating on this driver makes it one of the longest throwing stable drivers for both new and intermediate level disc golfers.
Understable Driver
Innova Tern
This is a great distance driver for intermediate level players looking for a disc that will allow them to thrown a nice long anhyzer or hyzer flip shot. The 6 glide on this disc really sets it apart, and with a speed of 12, it’s right in the speed pocket of many intermediate level players..
Skip Shot – Extra Overstable Driver
Discraft Force
The Force by Discraft provides maximum fade, which I’ve found to be a great utility disc. It’s also and excellent skipping disc for those low ceiling turns.
Roller Shot – Extra Understable Driver
Innova Roadrunner
With it’s lower speed and great degree of turn, the Innova Roadrunner makes for an excellent selection for a roller disc right out of the box.
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:
Overstable Midrange
Innova Roc3
Roc3 by Innova is a newer, slightly faster version of the original popular mid ranged Roc. The Roc 3 is an overstable midrange with great versatility on the course.
Stable Midrange
Discraft Buzzz
The Buzzz by Discraft is one of the most popular mid range discs in the world. It will hold your line on power throws and fade slightly if thrown softer.
Understable Midrange
Discraft Buzzz SS
The Buzzz SS by Discraft is the slightly understable version of the extremely popular Buzzz. If you need an understable midrange for your bag, this is the disc to get.
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.
Throwing Putter
Dynamic Discs Warden
The Warden is very similar to the Judge, but with a beadless rim. This gives it a very straight flight with very minimal fade. This is a very stable throwing putter.
Putting Putter
Dynamic Discs Judge
The Judge has a beaded rim which gives it excellent grip. This is a very popular putter with a straight flight path and a very small amount of fade.
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.
Filling each one of the slots above also serves the secondary purpose of allowing you to identify where you have too many discs filling a specific need. Often times you’ll find that you have several discs that all do the same thing, but no discs that do something else. That’s when it’s time to thin out the discs you have and find new ones to fill slots that you don’t currently cover.
Newcomers to the sport should consider these three factors when deciding on which discs to keep in your bag:
- The first is the flight of the disc for you. Each person will throw any disc differently than the next. Make sure the disc you pick flies well for the way you throw.
- Consider the feel of the disc. Is it comfortable when either wet or dry. Different plastics will feel differently in the hand and you can buy most discs in a variety of different plastic choices.
- Lastly, make sure the disc is from a reputable brand. Discs from a reputable brand will be consistent and durable.
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. I threw it so much over the years that it is now one of the most understable discs that I own.
This same transformation happens to all discs, but the rate at which your discs lose their stability will change depending on the plastic you purchase. For instance, Innova’s Champion plastic is a higher durability plastic than their DX plastic and so it will keep it’s form for much longer.
The point is that some discs in your bag will change over time and so as time goes on, you may need to reassess the discs in your bag to make sure you continue to have discs that cover all aspects of the game.
