Ted Hegemann, Author at Infinite Discs Blog

Farthest Flying Disc Golf Discs: The Real Max Distance Drivers

October 9, 2024 Ted Hegemann 198 comments

Last year we posted a survey asking you which disc you reach for if you want the longest drive possible. Well, we want to know if your farthest flying disc has changed, so we’re asking again. And like last year, we’ll randomly select a few of you to win a $50 Infinite Discs gift card. you can read last year’s results below. Then post your response to the questions:

What mold and plastic do you reach for when you want to get the longest distance possible (assume that wind is not a factor)?
About how far are you throwing on a max drive attempt?
Is your max drive a forehand or backhand?

Here are the results for last year.

Farthest Flying Disc Golf Discs

We’ll take a look at the top discs for backhand throws, forehand throws, and which disc was number one for certain distance ranges. We’ll also look at the top molds from the survey to find out the max distance drivers from each manufacturer. Here are the survey results!

Farthest Backhand Disc

Taking first place with the most people choosing this disc as their farthest flyer with a backhand throw is the Innova Destroyer. This perennial fan favorite regularly takes the title of most discs sold at Infinite Discs. It has been a hot seller since it was introduced a decade and a half ago. The speed 12 disc flight gives disc golfers a gentle turn with a solid fade, allowing for lots of power while still creating the S-curve that we love when we’re throwing for distance.

Spoiler alert: The top four molds for farthest flying backhand disc are the same as the top four forehand molds, but in a different order. Taking second place is the Infinite Discs Pharaoh. Third place goes to the Innova Wraith, with a similar flight to the Destroyer, but slightly lower speed. Forth place is the Infinite Discs Emperor, which also has a flight similar to the Destroyer. Rounding out the top five is the Discmania DD3, another mold whose flight delivers the long S-curve.

Top Five Farthest Flying Discs for Backhand Throws

Farthest Forehand Disc

Taking the top title for farthest forehand disc is, once again, the Innova Destroyer. I think it’s safe to say that this disc will go far for most players. The stability of this mold helps fight the torque off the tee that a forehand throw generates, so it can get a long flight and a reliable finish. The Destroyer’s little brother, the Wraith, picked up second place for forehands. Two Infinite molds occupy the third and fourth spots, the Emperor and Pharaoh respectively. The long-flying Discraft Nuke holds the last of the top five spots.

Top Five Farthest Flying Forehand Discs

Two Tips for more Forehand Distance

Connor has a couple tips to get MORE FOREHAND DISTANCE. Watch this video to improve your sidearm throw.

The Farthest Flying Discs for Each Arm Speed

In our survey we asked what is your max distance, then we took the disc you threw to achieve that distance. While the Destroyer was the farthest flying disc overall according to our survey results, not all of us have the arm speed to get a Destroyer Max Distance.

So what are the best discs for distance for beginner and intermediate players? This chart shows the flight range for max throws, and the most popular disc to achieve that distance.

Backhand Max Distance by Arm Speed

Low Arm Speed – Less than 300 Feet Total Distance

Although there are lighter-weight discs in the faster molds, I would expect to see a few different molds for the shorter max distances. For those of us who throw a max drive of less than 300 feet, the Innova Valkyrie is our most popular choice. The Valkyrie has a lot of turn and a mild fade. That extra turn helps players who don’t have the speed to generate the longer drives that more experienced players have.

Moderate Arm Speed – 300-350 Feet Distance

Another Innova mold was the preferential disc for those people who throw 300-349 feet. The Innova Mamba is an understable driver that can be thrown on a hyzer angle to achieve extra-long turnover drives. Thrown flat, the Mamba can be amazing roller disc, too. For more info, check out this list of best distance drivers for beginners.

Intermediate Arm Speed -350-400 Feet Distance Range

The disc at the top of the list for the 350-399 foot range is also the number one choice for backhand and forehand shots. The Innova Destroyer is what more people reach for overall, and for those who max distance is 350-399 feet. The Destroyer was easily in first place, winning by quite a margin.

Max Distance for High Arm Speed Throwers

The number one disc for people who throw 400+ feet was a close race. I would have assumed that the Destroyer would be in first place, but the Destroyer came in second, behind the most popular choice. Taking the top spot for the big arms is the Infinite Discs Pharaoh. The Pharaoh doesn’t fade as much as a Destroyer, but it has plenty of glide for some smashing drives. That mold is available in a variety of plastic types and weights, including some signature discs.

Links to Max Backhand Throws Discs

Under 300 feet – Innova Valkyrie
300-349 feet – Innova Mamba
350-399 feet – Innova Destroyer
400 + feet – Infinite Discs Pharaoh

Farthest Forehand Throws by Distance

Forehand Throws Less than 350 Feet

For the sidearm drivers out there, the Innova Wraith is number one among disc golfers who throw under 300 feet. The second place overall winner is a speed 11 disc with a glide, turn, and fade that is similar to the Destroyer. The Wraith was also the top disc for people whose max drives are in the 300-349 foot range.

Forehand Throws between 350 and 400 Feet

Extending the max forehand range to 350-399 feet we find the Destroyer once again on top of the list. Since this distance range was the most popular, it allowed the Destroyer to end up as the most popular forehand disc overall. However, it was not the most popular for the 400+ range.

Sidearm Throws 400+ Feet

For those players who can flick a disc more than 400 feet, their disc of choice is the Infinite Discs Emperor. The speed 12 Emperor was released in 2019 and has become a staple for many disc golfers. It has a lot of glide and a strong, reliable fade. People who can throw 400+ will appreciate the Emperor’s ability to keep from overturning, while allowing a nice s-curve. Lesser- distance players will find the mold is still excellent in lighter weights.

Links to Max Forehand Throws Discs

Under 300 feet – Innova Wraith
300-349 feet – Innova Wraith
350-399 feet – Innova Destroyer
400+ – Infinite Discs Emperor

Farthest Flying Distance Drivers by Brand

So far in this survey we have only seen a few different manufacturers mentioned. There were actually many brands that received at least one vote. Here are the top 10 manufacturers, with the total number of molds that people chose as their farthest flying disc.

It is never a surprise to see Innova at the top of any disc golf list. They have been around for four decades and offer more high-speed drivers than many smaller brands have total molds available. As we’ve seen in our annual State of Disc Golf survey, smaller brands are definitely taking an increasing amount of market share from Innova. However, Innova is still offers such a variety of discs that it will still end up on the top of lists like this.

Top Selling Distance Drivers by Brand

Check out the top selling distance drivers offered by the top 10 brands in the links below”

The farthest discs from each disc golf manufacturer

And finally, we look at which molds from each manufacturer that were selected the most times in the survey. Did YOUR farthest flying disc make the list?

Survey Results: Max Distance Discs

We asked YOU about your farthest flying disc, and you responded by the hundreds! We randomly selected 5 winners to receive an Infinite Discs gift card. Each person was contacted via email. Congrats to the winners for 2023:

Mason K

Jerry B

Joshua T

Jacob R

Matt Y

Now it’s your turn to contribute to the 2024 results. Comment below to let us know the answers to the following questions:

What mold and plastic do you reach for when you want to get the longest distance possible (assume that wind is not a factor)?
About how far are you throwing on a max drive attempt?
Is your max drive a forehand or backhand?

We’ll pick a few random commenters for 2024 and award them an Infinite Discs gift card.

Halloween Disc Golf Discs 2024

October 1, 2024 Ted Hegemann Leave a comment

As fall colors start to appear in the trees and the daylight hours shorten, it means a lot less disc golf for most of us. For some it becomes difficult to find time when it’s still light. For others it means rearranging schedules to squeeze in a round here and there. But, it also means the Halloween season is upon us, with numerous brands coming out with themed disc stamps that celebrate the spooky holiday. This year was no exception.

Halloween Disc Golf Stamps 2024

I always look forward to seeing the spooky artwork and the interesting Halloween designs. I’ve been collecting them for years, and I’m always willing to add a couple more cool stamps to the collection. A lot of people love finding throwers that have Halloween stamps and colors. Let’s take a look at the stamps that are being released this spooky season.

Infinite Discs

G-Blend Halo Pharaoh Racing from the depth of Hell, the Pharaoh of the Dead leads an army of demons. And they’re headed your way! The Pharaoh is a bomber disc with tons of glide. Grip and rip a deadly Pharoah with this haunting stamp!

C-Blend Glow Centurion – The only thing worse than a zombie is a zombie with a weapon, body armor, and a bad attitude. The Centurion is a speed 7 fairway driver with enough turn to give the disc a nice s-curve, and a solid fade. The scary stamp is the icing on the zombie cake.

D-Blend Alpaca – This Alpaca is hangry! We’re not sure how it acquired its taste for human flesh, but watch out, it’s right behind you! The Alpaca is a wildly popular putter that feels great in your hand. It has a strait flight that is great for driving or putting. You’ll want to grab a few of these Halloween stamps for your bag.

Innova

R-Pro Pig – This Were-Pig has claws and fangs and a determined look in its eyes! This overstable mid features our custom Halloween stamp. The Pig is an awesome headwind disc can be used for hitting precision upshots, or hitting the basket with a hyzer putt. You’ll want to add this scary stamp to your pig-stamp collection!

Classic Color Glow Nexus Aviar – The Haunted Pumpkin makes it’s way to you for its annual Halloween appearance on an Innova disc. The Aviar is a staple in the disc golf community, and the favorite putter among many of us. With this cool stamp and glow plastic, you’ll be banging chains day or night!

Proto Color Glow Champion Gorgon – What do you get when you cross a pumpkin-ghoul and Medusa? We don’t know, but you should hope that you never run into it on a dark night! The Gorgon is a driver that can easily give you serious turning ability and massive distance. It is a speed 10 disc, so it might be the perfect disc for you if you need a smaller rim than faster drivers. This Halloween Gorgon comes in the amazing Proto Glow plastic, perfect for night rounds.

Proto Glow DX Roc – The mythical Roc was said to carry off animals as large as an elephant. It would have no problem carrying a few disc golfers! The Roc is a classic midrange disc that delivers wind-crushing stability and a solid fade. Many players have a variety of Rocs in their bag for a variety of needs. Try one today with the Halloween stamp.

Search all of our Halloween discs here.

Discraft

Continuing their tradition of offering creative, colorful Halloween discs featuring a different horror movie theme each year. This year they give a nod to the new Beatlejuice movie. Discraft offers their Halloween Buzzz with three options: SuperColor, single foil, and triple foil. The Buzzz is one of the most popular discs of all time! If you haven’t thrown one yet, a Beatlejuice stamp would be a great one to try! (available Oct. 11)

Prodigy

Check out the Grim Rippit stamp on the understable putt/approach disc, the Prodigy PA-5. The PA-5 is an amazing hyzer-flip disc that will slice through the woods on a straight line. The Grim Rippit stamp on 300 Soft Color Fractal looks amazing and is available in several good-looking colors!

Prodigy D3 is a high-speed driver with a bit of turn in its flight. Boasting a lower profile than its driver brothers, the D3 has the flight numbers that make for a versatile disc golf tool. Nab one today with the awesome Grave to Green stamp and kill it on the course! The Halloween stamp comes in ReBlend Plastic, which is their 100% recycled / regrind premium plastic blend. Available in several stamp and plastic color options

MVP

Introducing the Tour of Terror Team Series from MVP. Four molds are included in the series. Three of them are glow discs, and one of them is in a plastic type that its never been in before!

James Conrad – Eve of the Mothman

Is it a myth? Is it a legend? The Mothman may be a myth, but James Conrad is certainly a legend! This scary stamp sits on an Eclipse Detour. Master your backhand turnover lines with the understable midrange. Beginners will love its straight flight. Experienced players will love its easy shaping.

Simon Lizotte – Bridgewater Triangle

Celebrate the mysteries of the world with this new Halloween stamp from MVP. Southeastern Massachusetts, home of Simon Lizotte, reports a variety of paranormal activities in the area. From UFO sightings to poltergeists. There have even been Bigfoot sightings! The haunting stamp that gives a nod to these phenomena adorns the Eclipse Pixel. The Pixel is the second disc in the Simon Line. It has a micro bead and a wonderful straight flight. Pick up a Pixel today and see why Simon loves it so much!

Silva Saarinen – Beneath the Wave

The Iku-Turso sea monster supposedly lurks below the murky waves of Finnish waters! This creature has been terrorizing mankind for centuries. Now you can celebrate the monster and support Silva by picking up an Eclipse Wave. The Wave is MVP’s most popular driver. With a flight similar to the popular Wraith, the Wave will help you shred the fairways and achieve your longest throws. With the Tour of Terror Eclipse edition of the Wave, you’ll be bombing the course on glow rounds, too!

Eagle McMahon – Flying Thrills

The dark is when gargoyles and other creatures take flight. You’ll never see them coming until it’s too late! Then your world will be filled with beasts, shrieks, and shivers! Enjoy this Mike Incho created stamp on a Fission Pyro. This is the first time the Pyro has been made in Fission plastic. The Pyro is an overstable midrange that has good glide and a solid fade. The Fission plastic will give you an enhanced flight and adds a new feel to the Pyro.

What is a Mando in Disc Golf?

September 26, 2024 Ted Hegemann Leave a comment

When I first started playing disc golf, I got to a hole on a course in northern Utah which had a sign on it that was new to me. The sign said ‘Mando’ and had an arrow pointing left of the tree it was attached to.

I looked to the left and saw a wooded fairway that was tight with lots of trees. To the right there were no obstacles. I didn’t know what the sign meant; it looked Spanish to me. So, I took aim to the right and let my disc fly… over a sidewalk and near a playground and parking lot. I’ve since learned about the ‘mando’, and although it does mean ‘command’ in Spanish, its name’s origin has a different meaning.

Mando are important to the game of disc golf. Among other things, they ensure that discs are going in a certain direction on certain holes, while protecting other people and property. In this blog we’ll learn about what mandos are, why we have them, and how they work. Let’s learn about the mando!

What is a Mando?

In the sport of disc golf, a mando is short for ‘mandatory’. In practice, that means that it is mandatory that you throw your disc on only one side of the obstacle or pole that the mando sign is attached to. If you don’t throw on that side of the mando, you get penalized.

A majority of the mandos that you see on a course are left or right mandos. That means you are required to go either left or right of a pole, tree, or whatever the arrow is attached to or rules indicate are the mando feature. If there are two arrows present, it is called a double mando. Typically, your disc has to travel between two mando arrows (or more specifically, between two objects that the arrows are attached to). There are also triple mandos, which are two side mandos and something across the top which limits the height that you can throw your disc.

In rare occasions, such as unsanctioned tournaments, you’ll see a quad mando. This is basically a rectangle shape that you have to be able to throw your disc through. I’ve only seen quad mandos at casual, funsy tournaments.

The most common indicators of a mando are arrows pointing either left or right. Sometimes they will have the word ‘mando’ on the sign, though not always. They might also be marked with a ribbon or tape to indicate the mando object. If tape or ribbon is used, there should be some indication on a tee sign or course rules which directions you need to throw in order to successfully execute the mando. A successful throw is called ‘making the mando’. An unsuccessful throw is a ‘missed mando’

Why Are Mandos Used In Disc Golf?

While mandos should be used sparingly in a course design (in my opinion), there are several reasons why a course designer might decide to include a mando on a hole. First is safety. The mando sign I referred to at the beginning of the blog was used to keep discs away from the playground, parking lot, and walking path. Keeping discs away from those areas makes the hole safer and reduces the chance of a bystander getting hit. Plus, it makes the hole more challenging and fun by forcing players to attack a wooded fairway. Which is the second reason someone might use a mando.

While the idea of throwing discs down a wide-open fairway might appeal to some people, most of us enjoy the challenge of having obstacles that we need to negotiate in order to progress down the fairway. Those obstacles make disc golf much more fun, challenging, and satisfying when successful. Course designer know this, and might add a mando or two in order to prevent people from taking an easier route.

There is one more reason designers might include a mando: course flow. A mando is often used in disc golf to direct the flow of play. It guides players along a specific path and preventing errant throws from interfering with, or landing in, other areas of the course. Some courses have areas like a swamp, thick bushes, or other natural or man-made features. These may be challenging, but would cause delays with disc retrieval from unintended areas. Mandos can help create a more enjoyable and efficient experience for everyone on the course.

Mando Rules and Penalties

Now that you know a little about what mandos are and when they are used, let’s look at the PDGA rules that govern mandos and how to play them. The section in the official rules is not very long, and worth a read if you want to brush up on the current requirements. They complete rules are found HERE. I’ll summarize the rules in this blog, but if you plan to play in a sanctioned tournament you should look up the official rules to make sure you understand and follow them.

PDGA 804.01 Mandatory Routes

1. A mando restricts the path that a disc may take in order to legally progress down the fairway toward the basket.

2. At the mando, there is an imaginary vertical plane that that borders one or more objects that are indicated by the mando or mandos. (see image)

3. If a disc crosses that imaginary plane, whether in the air or on the ground, either forward or backward (if a roller crosses on the correct side of the mando, but curls around and crosses the plane), it is considered a missed mando and the player receives a one-stroke penalty. The lie for the next shot depends on whether or not there is a drop zone on the hole.

If there is a drop zone, the player may proceed to the drop zone with the penalty throw (for example, if they missed the mando on their first throw, they get the stroke for the throw, plus the penalty stroke, so their throw from the drop zone will be their third stroke). The player also has the option, as always, of abandoning the throw and re-throwing from their last lie. In the previous example, they would then be throwing their third throw from the previous lie, which would be the tee pad. The rules of the mando would still be in play.

4. If a players disc lands just short of the imaginary plane, but hasn’t crossed yet, the player may must still pass the mando on the correct side to avoid a penalty. It is not legal to lean through and release the disc beyond the plane, since the back of their mini is on the other side of the plane.

Mando Strategy

It is often times best to avoid a penalty by not aiming anywhere near the mando. Other times it might be strategic to lay up near the mando, then take a more powerful throw on your next shot. That is especially true on narrow double mandos.

Conclusion

In this blog we’ve learned about mandos in disc golf, why we have them, and the different types. We also looked at the rules of play for mandos. There are many courses with no mandos, but others where they are necessary or desired. It’s good to know why they are there and how to play them.

Best of luck with the mandos you play!

The Infinite Discs Mystery Disc

September 18, 2024 Ted Hegemann One comment

Let’s face it, surprises can be a lot of fun! Especially when it comes to trying new discs. If you are a disc golf enthusiast or simply desire to try something new and unexpected, you’re going to want to check out Infinite Discs mystery disc add-on. What is a mystery disc and what makes it so exciting? Let’s explore Infinite Discs’ mystery disc program.

What are mystery discs?

Infinite’s mystery discs are just that – a surprise! When you order a disc from Infinite you have the option to add a mystery disc to your order when you checkout. We don’t let you know what the disc will look like, nor how it will fly. We only guarantee that it will be a premium-plastic disc.

What makes mystery discs fun?

You might get a special tournament stamp. You might get a unique stamp. You might get colorful disc. Possibly glow plastic. You might even get a disc from a brand you’ve never heard of. And you might end up with your new go-to disc! The fun part is not knowing what disc you will get until your order arrives.

disc golf

Overstable vs Understable

September 13, 2024 Ted Hegemann 7 comments

The flight of a disc is one of the most important factors we consider when buying a disc. The feel of the disc in our hand would be a close second. But, how the disc actually flies for us tops the list of factors. One of the most important aspects of the flight of a disc is its stability.

Disc Stability

The stability of a given disc is how the disc flies immediately out of our hand, and how it behaves as it slows down. I talked about those disc qualities in my blog about flight numbers, HERE. For this blog, we’ll explore the terms ‘overstable’, ‘stable’, and ‘understable’. We will also looks at the weakness in using those terms to describe the flight of a disc. So, let’s get right to it!

The terminology can be confusing. For the sake of this blog post, I’ll look at each of the three terms mentioned above and establish a definition for each of them, so we can be consistent in our description about the flight of the disc. I’ll start with the term ‘overstable’.

Overstable

Let’s define ‘overstable’ as a discs ability to resist turning during the first part of the flight, and its hard fade as the disc slows down. The ‘turn’ of a disc, for a right-hand back-hand throw (RHBH) is its movement to the right immediately after the disc is thrown. The ‘fade’ is its movement to the left as the disc slows down. As players improve their technique and skill, their ability to throw the disc at high speeds increases. As the speed of the throw increases, so does the need for more overstable discs to prevent the flight from turning too much.

Check out this list of the highest rated overstable disc golf discs.

Understable

Now let’s consider the term ‘understable’. We consider a disc as being understable if it has a tendency to turn a significant amount right out of the hand. A disc that is very understable typically doesn’t have very much fade at the end. An understable disc is great for newer players who lack the arm speed to throw more overstable discs, since they can’t generate enough speed for the overstable discs to fly right. If the necessary speed can’t be achieved, nearly every disc becomes overstable to a beginner. Check out this list for the top understable disc golf discs.

One of the ways the manufacturers can offer more molds to beginners is to offer overstable molds in lighter weights. Due to the disc having less mass, newer players can ‘cheat’ the system and still throw molds that would be too overstable in heavier weights.

Check out this list for the most understable disc golf discs for sale.

Stable

Now let’s talk about the term that has a little more flexible definition: ‘stable’. When I hear people calling a disc ‘stable’, they typically mean that the disc doesn’t have a lot of turn, nor does it fade hard. When I hear it in reference to another disc, it can either mean more overstable or more understable, depending on the situation. If you say that you are throwing a Slab (12, 3, 0, 4), but want something a little more stable, you are saying that you want a disc that is not so overstable.

If you are throwing a Kon Tiki (4, 5, -3, 0) and say you want something a little more stable, you mean that you want something that is less understable. Basically, in both examples you are saying that you want something that flies a little less extreme and a little closer to a neutral flight.

Occasionally, I’ll hear someone refer to a disc being more stable than another, when they mean more overstable. That is an inconsistent use of the term, and may lead to a follow-up question to clarify the meaning. To eliminate any ambiguity, I recommend referring to discs as being more or less overstable or understable.

These are the top rated “stable flying drivers.”

Flight Numbers

The flight numbers of a disc help us know the basic flight of a disc. Those numbers are fairly accurate if we can throw the disc at the proper speed. If we can throw a disc with sufficient speed, we can then look at the last two rating in the flight rating to determine the overstability or understability of a disc. Let’s look at some examples.

Disc Flight Number Examples

The Scepter and the Sphinx are speed nine discs from Infinite. The Scepter’s flight numbers are 9, 4, 0, 4. The ‘0, 4’ are the last two numbers, and tell you that this mold would resist turning, even at high speeds (the 0), and will finish strong to the left (the 4). It is an example of an overstable fairway driver.

The flight numbers for the Sphinx are 9, 6, -3, 1. The -3 is the amount of turn that the Sphinx exhibits when thrown at the necessary speed. That means it will turn to the right quite a bit at high speeds. Add a little headwind into the situation and the Sphinx could end up as a roller. Plus, the last number, ‘1’, indicates that the Sphinx isn’t going to fade very much to the left. It is an understable fairway driver.

The more negative the turn number means the more turn to the right the disc will move during the high-speed portion of the flight. A disc with a -5 turn number will turn more to the right than one with a -1 turn number. Discs with a turn of 0 or positive 1 won’t turn to the right very much at all, and are great for headwind shots.

The fade number tells you how much a disc will move to the left at the end of the flight. The higher the number, the more it will travel to the left as it slows down. In our examples above, the Scepter (fade number is 4) moves a lot more left than the Sphinx (fade number is 1).

Visualize Overstable/Understable/Stable

For many of us, understanding overstable vs. understable and comprehending the behavior of a disc just by reading a blog post can be challenging. If you’re a visual learner, this video will provide a clear demonstration of how Connor throws discs with various stabilities, showcasing their distinct flight patterns.

Conclusion

Knowing the stability of a disc helps up choose discs that work for our needs. We can get a general idea how the disc will fly, and can determine if it is something we are looking for. Keep in mind that the weight and plastic type also affect the stability of a disc. Check out Infinite’s flight ratings for each disc, for a more accurate depiction of a discs actual flight. Click HERE to see the blog mentioned previously, which talks about the Infinite Flight Rating.

Best Disc Golf Brands

September 6, 2024 Ted Hegemann 34 comments

Over the past seven years, the disc golf landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation. The growth of professional disc golf coverage, the disc golf pro tour, major pro players shifting sponsors, and the Covid boom have caused some drastic shifts in disc golf brand market share. Analyzing the data from InfiniteDiscs.com from 2018 to 2024, it is clear that the industry has witnessed both the rise of new brands and the reshaping of established ones.

Percentage of Sales by Brand

The following chart represents sales by brand on the InfiniteDiscs.com retail site. This data does not necessarily reflect all disc golf sales, but only the sales from a single online retail outlet.

Brand	2024 to date	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
Innova	19.80%	18.41%	20.59%	26.69%	31.57%	30.43%	37.17%
Discraft	12.70%	13.53%	13.70%	18.10%	21.09%	17.90%	7.68%
Infinite Discs	14.70%	12.66%	15.79%	12.95%	6.35%	4.56%	3.60%
MVP	4.80%	8.20%	5.53%	3.58%	5.23%	5.53%	5.76%
Axiom	8.50%	6.34%	4.17%	3.54%	2.61%	3.42%	3.25%
Lone Star Disc	1.60%	4.32%	2.31%	0.46%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Discmania	3.40%	4.02%	3.26%	2.95%	4.95%	7.40%	9.06%
Thought Space Athletics	3.10%	3.87%	4.66%	2.31%	0.46%	0.19%	0.00%
Latitude 64	3.50%	3.69%	2.93%	2.87%	4.43%	5.44%	6.33%
Dynamic Discs	2.30%	3.19%	3.58%	4.91%	5.71%	8.00%	8.96%
Kastaplast	2.10%	2.52%	2.35%	1.13%	1.83%	1.97%	0.76%
Prodigy	2.90%	2.49%	3.31%	3.51%	3.92%	3.19%	2.50%
Westside	1.50%	1.80%	1.76%	1.06%	2.83%	3.68%	4.92%
Clash Discs	2.90%	1.71%	0.66%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Gateway	1.80%	1.44%	1.78%	2.76%	1.92%	1.75%	1.76%
Doomsday Discs	1.80%	1.03%	0.53%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Yikun	1.80%	0.98%	1.05%	1.15%	0.44%	0.31%	0.24%
Streamline	0.60%	0.98%	0.97%	1.24%	1.53%	1.79%	0.94%
Dino Discs	1.00%	0.97%	0.93%	1.59%	0.19%	0.00%	0.00%
Mint Discs	0.50%	0.70%	0.72%	0.54%	0.37%	0.42%	0.22%

Comparing the Disc Golf Market of 2018 with 2023

In 2018, the disc golf market was largely dominated by a few key players. Innova stood as the undisputed leader with a commanding 37.17% market share. Discmania was our #2 selling brand with 9.06% and Dynamic Discs slightly behind at 8.96% of brand market share. While Discraft held a significant 7.68%, they were no where close to Innova in terms of disc golf brand sales.

However, fast forward to 2024, and the landscape has evolved significantly. Innova’s market share has almost halved to 19.80%, yet they maintain their position as the top disc golf brand. This decline suggests that while Innova remains a dominant force, their hold on market dominance has loosened, allowing for the rise of competitors and other new brands.

The biggest growth of the market share pie is the “Others” category. In 2018, disc golf brands outside of the top twelve represented only 6.5% of disc golf sales. This year, the others account for nearly 21% of our online sales.

Pandemic Disc Golf Brands

The Covid 19 pandemic lead to unprecedented growth in disc golf and the number of disc golf businesses. We currently sell over 40 different disc golf brands that didn’t even exist in 2018.

Lone Star Disc’s ascension from no Infinite Discs sales in 2020 to 1.6% brand share in 2024 demonstrates the power of local and regional branding. By tapping into the Texan spirit, they have captured the hearts of players in their area and beyond. While Lone Star was new to disc golf during the pandemic, they were not new to mold creation or injection molding. Their ability to produce dozens of molds almost instantly and their acquisition of a large professional and amateur disc golf team have had a big impact on their rapid growth.

Additionally, the meteoric rise of Clash Discs from no US Sales in 2021 to 2.9% of the market share in 2023 illustrates the potential of novel marketing approaches and product differentiation.

Interestingly, Infinite Discs, while not a new entrant during the pandemic, has also seen impressive growth from 3.60% in 2018 to 14.7% of brand market share in 2024 thus far. Because we are InfiniteDiscs.com, the results are undoubtedly skewed from our direct sales, as Infinite Discs fans are more likely to shop from our retail site than anywhere else.

Likewise, Thought Space Athletics is another brand that has rapidly grown and seen sizeable market share added. Over the last six years they have gone from an obscure niche brand to a mainstream competitor. The focus on disc aesthetics and the signing several notable professional players certainly has helped

Impact of Professional Players Switching Sponsors

Discraft and Paul McBeth

Discraft experienced a significant rise in its brand market share between 2018 and 2020, largely attributed to a strategic move that had a profound impact on the disc golf world. At the heart of this transformative shift was the signing of Paul McBeth, the then-undisputed number one disc golfer in the world. McBeth’s association with Innova, his long-standing sponsor, made his unexpected transition to Discraft a remarkable development. This transition was fueled by the allure of the first multi-million-dollar disc golf contract, shaking the foundations of the sport. McBeth’s immense popularity and prowess on the course created a seismic effect that reverberated across the sport, drawing newfound attention to Discraft. However, Discrafts rapid growth can’t be solely attributed to McBeth’s signing.

At the same time, Discraft also implemented strategic moves by producing more visually appealing discs and adding flight numbers to their stock discs. The timing of Discraft’s acquisition of former professional Ultimate Frisbee player Brodie Smith coincided with the pandemic shutdown of most Ultimate Frisbee events due to pandemic restrictions. This confluence of factors acted as a catalyst for Discraft’s rapid expansion, turning the brand into the second major contender in the disc golf industry.

MVP and Simon Lizotte

The year 2022 witnessed a remarkable surge in the market presence of both MVP and Axiom. A pivotal catalyst for this growth was the strategic sponsorship of Simon Lizotte, widely regarded as one of the most popular disc golfers globally. Renowned not only for his exceptional skills on the course but also for his charismatic personality and substantial YouTube and social media followings, Lizotte’s affiliation with MVP and Axiom injected newfound energy and visibility into the brands.

With an engaging and dynamic presence, Lizotte captivated audiences and fans worldwide, drawing attention to MVP and Axiom discs in the process. His influence extended beyond just his performances on the course, transcending into a vibrant online community. This symbiotic relationship between Simon Lizotte’s appeal and the brands’ products culminated in a notable uptick in their market share. The combination of innovative disc designs, Lizotte’s influencer status, and his ability to connect with disc golf enthusiasts contributed to the meteoric rise of MVP and Axiom, solidifying their positions as influential players in the ever-evolving disc golf landscape.

MVP’s market share surged from 5.76% in 2018 to an impressive 8.20% in 2023. However, so far in 2024 MVP has dropped a bit in sales to a cool 4.80%. Axiom, a subsidiary of MVP, has had a more favorable trajectory. Axiom has grown from 3.25% in 2018 to 8.5% in 2024, showcasing their ability to carve out their niche in the market with pretty steady growth.

Discmania, Dynamic Discs and Latitude 64

Discmania’s trajectory is also noteworthy. Although their market share has decreased slightly from 9.06% in 2018 to 3.40% in 2024, their ability to maintain a considerable share amidst a rapidly expanding market signifies a dedicated following. This trend is echoed by brands like Latitude 64 and Dynamic Discs, which have also maintained consistent shares, demonstrating their ability to foster brand loyalty.

Growth of New Disc Golf Brands

The data also underscores the growth of niche brands. Thought Space Athletics, a brand focusing on unique disc designs, has grown from 0% in 2018 to 3.1% in 2024. Similarly, Kastaplast, with its distinctive Swedish heritage and unique plastic blends, has grown from 0.76% in 2018 to 2.15% in 2023. These examples highlight the impact of brand identity and differentiation in a crowded market.

Furthermore, the diversification of the market is evident in the proliferation of smaller brands. While individually they may not command substantial market shares, collectively they contribute to the richness of options available to players. Brands like RPM Discs, DGA, Viking Discs, and Finish Line Discs may not dominate the market, but they cater to specific tastes and preferences.

The evolution of disc golf brands is indicative of the broader trend of the sport’s growing popularity. As more players enter the scene and as the sport gains recognition, the market becomes a battleground for innovation, quality, and brand loyalty. The increasing number of brands also speaks to the democratization of the sport, as more players are drawn in and more entrepreneurs seize the opportunity to create and promote their products.

The past six years have seen a transformative shift in the disc golf market. While Innova’s leadership has slightly waned, it still maintains its position as the leading brand. However, the rise of MVP, Axiom, Lone Star Disc, and others indicates that the industry is open to disruption and innovation. The disc golf landscape is no longer characterized by a few giants, but rather by a diverse array of brands catering to different tastes, regions, and playing styles. This evolution bodes well for the continued growth and dynamism of the sport.

Best Discs from the Best Brands

Our top products pages allow you to see exactly the best discs from the top disc golf brands. Check out these top product pages from the best disc golf brands of 2023.

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Best Discs

Best Disc Golf Putters for 2024

September 6, 2024 Ted Hegemann 30 comments

Earlier this year we showed you the best-selling putters for last year. Now that we’re half way through 2024 we thought we would give you an update and show you which putters are the hot ones for the year so far. Before we get into this year’s numbers let’s look at the top putters for 2023:

Top 50 Disc Golf Putters Sold in 2023

The glidey Glitch was sitting on the top spot, with the perennial favorite, the Alpaca, sitting in second. The Zone, Envy, and Tomb rounded out the top five. One out of every four putters sold last year were one of these five discs.

1-MVP Glitch
2-Infinite Discs Alpaca
3-Discraft Zone
4-Axiom Envy
5-Infinite Discs Tomb

Now let’s see how the numbers look for 2024

While the second- through fifth-place molds didn’t change, there is a new best-seller for 2024. The Axiom Pixel was released late enough in the year last year that it didn’t have time to overtake the popular Glitch. This year the Pixel sold enough to take first and account for 10% of all putters sold! The Glitch dropped to number seven this year.

In addition to the Pixel, new to the top 10 for 2024 are the PA-3 and Aviar. Dropping out are the Berg, Proxy, and Judge.

1- Axiom Pixel – The second mold in the popular Simon Line of discs, the Pixel has taken the disc golf world by storm! It is not only the top-selling putter, it is the top-selling mold of all types. It’s fairly neutral flight and rim depth make it a valuable tool from the tee pad to circle one. Check out the Pixel today to learn about the hype!

8- Prodigy PA-3 – The PA-3 is ten year’s old and continues to be one of the most popular putters. It has a straight flight with a decent fade. The PA-3 is the most popular putter for Prodigy.

10- Innova Aviar – The Aviar has been around for longer than most of us have been playing disc golf. You can find it in starter sets and in the bags of some of the top pros. Innova claims it has won more World Championships than any other putter! We know it is always a popular disc.

Check out the top 20 best-selling disc golf putters of last year HERE where you can see all the top molds and what’s on sale!

Top Brands for Best Putters

Taking a look at the brands in the top 50 we see that MVP has the most molds in the top 50, including the number one spot. Last year Innova had the most top 50 discs, but this year they dropped to a 2-way tie for second place. They tied with long-time rival Discraft. Eighteen different brands made up the top 50, with seven of those having only one mold.

Highest Rated Disc Golf Putters

One of the awesome benefits to using the Infinite Discs site to shop is that you can read the reviews and see the ratings for discs you are interested in trying. Over time, the ratings become a great way to see what your fellow disc golfers think about certain molds. The ratings system ties is part of the Infinite Rewards. If you aren’t familiar with the Infinite Rewards program, where you can earn rewards by giving reviews or making purchases, check it out HERE and help our review data by giving feedback on your favorite discs.

We wanted to look at the discs in several different categories and see which molds are the top rated in those categories. We’ll start with the highest rated disc golf putters of all time.

All-Time Highest Rated Putters

The Discraft Zone edged out the Infinite Discs Tomb for the number one spot by a hundredth of a point! The Zone has an average rating of 4.89 out of five while the Tomb is rated 4.88. Both of these discs are throwing putters. The Alpaca is only a hundredth behind the Tomb to make a very close top three!

#1 Discraft Zone – The zone is popular and highly rated partly because of its overstability. It can handle any headwind and nearly every arm and still get good distance. Plus, its thick rim feels amazing to grip and gives you confidence in your drives and upshots.

#2 Infinite Discs Tomb

#3 Infinite Discs Alpaca

Check out the top 20 highest rated putters HERE where you can see all the top molds and what’s on sale!

Highest Rated Very Overstable Disc Golf Putters

You might not have heard of the Goliath Discs Pillar before but it is the highest rated very overstable disc. The Pillar has a perfect 5-star rating! It helps that there are only two reviews for the disc. That really skews the data, but I’m okay giving them a mention. Taking second (or first, depending on how you feel about the first one) is the Discraft Zone. In third place with a 4.68 star rating is the Prodigy A1.

#1 Goliath Discs Pillar – The Pillar is the overstable putter in the Goliath discs lineup. The Iowa company got their first mold approved two years ago and have been designing and releasing discs regularly since then. The Pillar is one of the beefiest discs in their lineup and it is available in the Oasis plastic, which is a premium plastic.

#2 Discraft Zone

#3 Prodigy A1

Check out the top 20 very overstable disc golf putters HERE where you can see all the top molds and what’s on sale!

Highest Rated Overstable Disc Golf Putters

When James Conrad threw his Envy into the basket on the last hole at the 2021 World Championships in Utah (I was there!), he certainly gave a nice boost in sales for the putter. The Axiom Envy holds the top spot in the ‘overstable putter’ category with 4.87 out of 5 stars. Taking second place is the popular Berg from Kastaplast. In the final podium spot is the long-time Gateway hit, the Wizard, which averages 4.72 stars.
Although any putter could be used as a thrower or a putter, most of the discs in the Very Overstable and Overstable Putters categories are used as throwing putters.

#1 Axiom Discs Envy – The overstable, throwing/putting putter has an overstable flight, but is still shapable and useful in a variety of situations on the course. The Envy’s profile is a little thinner than some putters, which is appealing to many. An older, more beat in Envy can be used in tight fairways and situations where control is crucial.

#2 Kastaplast Berg

#3 Gateway Wizard

Check out the top 20 overstable disc golf putters HERE where you can see all the top molds and what’s on sale!

Highest Rated Stable Flying Disc Golf Putters

A couple of Infinite molds sit atop the list of highest rated stable putters. The Tomb at 4.88 stars and the Alpaca at 4.87 stars. The best-selling disc of 2023 takes third with 4.85 stars. The disc rating drop off slowly as people really like a lot of discs in this category. Discs with stable flights can be used by such a large number of people with differing skill levels and in a large variety of situations. That is why there are so many on this list that are top selling discs, too.
Although many of the discs in this category are mainly throwing putters, they can also be used as putting putters. Look at this category as a list of the top putting putters.

#1 Infinite Discs Tomb – The Tomb is a beaded putter with just enough stability to give the disc a wide range of uses. Comfortable and easy to throw for beginners, the Tomb can also be a valuable weapon for advanced players. It is available In many different plastic types and weights, so you are sure to find one that suits you.

#2 Infinite Discs Alpaca

#3 – MVP Glitch

Check out the top 20 stable disc golf putters HERE where you can see all the top molds and what’s on sale!

Highest Rated Understable Disc Golf Putters

Although the understable putter category has some well-known names in the top 10, such as the Fierce and the Dynamic Discs Deputy, it is also full of lesser known brands and molds. Most disc golfers will have heard of Prodigy and their PA5, which is the highest rated understable putter. They may not be as familiar with the Mobius and RPM’s Tui, a New Zealand brand and disc. Check out the top 20 to see how many of brands you are familiar with.

#1 Prodigy PA5 – Described as a “silky smooth understable putt and approach disc that has the ability to hit and hold turnover lines and can perform straight hyzerflips”. The speed 3 putter has a little glide and a good amount of turn. Can be used on the putting green for straight putts, or as a driving putter when you need to flex around objects. The PA5 is available in many different Prodigy plastics.

#2 RPM Discs Tui

#3 EV-7 Mobius

Check out the top 20 understable disc golf putters HERE where you can see all the top molds and what’s on sale!

Let Us Know About YOUR Favorite Putters!

Those are our lists of the top putters with sales and ratings data. Now we want to hear from YOU!

1 – What is your favorite/go-to throwing putter?
2 – What is your favorite/go-to putting putter?

Best Disc Golf Retrievers

September 6, 2024 Ted Hegemann One comment

Best Disc Golf Retrievers

One of the irritating aspects of disc golf is searching for lost discs. When a disc lands in thick grass, bushes, trees, reeds, water, or some unknown landing place, it can appear that discs sometimes disappear off the face of the earth. Even more frustrating is when we can see a disc, but can’t reach it. Whether it is in a pond, up a tree, over a fence, or in a thorny bush, the idea of leaving a disc behind is very difficult.

Enter the retriever. Disc golf retrievers can make the task of getting our wayward discs back into our bags much easier – and in some cases they are the only way to get a disc back. In this blog post we will compare the different types and brands of retrievers, and recommend the best ones for you.

For the sake of this blog, we will categorize retrievers into two categories: retrievers that use a pole or extension device, and retrievers that use a rope or cord. We can then break down those two categories and talk about the variations of those categories. Then we’ll see which retriever is the best in each category.

Pole or extension devices

An obvious benefit to having an extension devices is that you can reach discs that you wouldn’t normally be able to reach. The poles come in a variety of sizes, from compact 6-foot poles to massive 20-foot poles. The smaller ones are lighter and take up less room, but limit the distance you can reach. Poles have different tips that can be used for different purposes. These retrievers can reach and retrieve discs that would be impossible for rope-type retrievers.

One of the drawbacks of having a telescopic pole is their use in water. Although they can successfully be used to retrieve a disc in a river or pond, they are sometimes difficult to control and can only serve to dislodge the disc, but not bring it to shore. The success of the retrieval depends on the body of water and the tip of the retriever. They can’t reach a disc that lies beyond their max extension. Plus, they can end up with water inside them, which might leak out into your bag or cause corrosion. It is also possible to break a pole if too much force is exerted.

The device on the end of the pole affect the success of the retrieval.

The suction cup works amazing in water. Preferably standing water, but it can also be used in rivers with a varying degree of success.

Max Stick w/suction tip

Hooks are useful in trees and can also be used to scoot your disc toward the shore when retrieving in water. They are a good universal tip.

Dynamic Discs Retriever

Metal loops are great for securing the disc to the retriever, but they can be cumbersome in trees. In moving water it might be difficult to ‘catch’ the disc.

Bird Dog Retriever

Rope Retriever Devices

One of the best reasons to have a rope device is because you can reach a lot further with them than a pole. If your disc is in water beyond the reach of your pole, you would be out of luck unless you had a rope retriever such as a Disc Claw or Golden Retriever.

This would be a good time for some pro tips that I’ve learned by having a rope-type retriever. The two issues that I recommend that owners correct are considered cons, but can easily be remedied.

First, get an additional length of paracord to attach to the end of the rope that comes with the retriever. It will greatly extend the distance that you can reach your disc. The length of rope that comes with the retriever device is not as long as you might need. Just make sure you tie a good knot so the retriever doesn’t end up permanently in the water.

Second tip, get a separate object to wrap the rope around besides the retriever itself, so you can just unwind the amount of rope that you need to reach the disc, instead of keeping the rope around the retriever and having to unwind the entire length of rope. I use a landscape string reel to hold my excess retriever cord. Take care of those two issues and you’ll eliminate some of the cons of the device.

There are a couple of other areas where the rope-retrievers fall short. First, it is mainly just used for water retrievals. You could use it on grass or ice, but it is designed for water use. Is your disc in a tree? This type of disc will likely not be the one you’ll need.

The second issue you might have is that the retriever isn’t as effective if the disc is on rocks. You need to be able to slide over the disc and ‘catch’ it in the retriever. If there are rocks in the way, you might be out of luck.

Best Disc Retriever Winners

With those pros and cons for each retriever in mind, let’s look at your best retriever options.

Best Pole Extension Disc Retriever

Max Stick

The first time I used a Max Stick suction cup retriever, I loved how it performed. I had a disc in a river and the Max Stick had no problem holding on to my disc and lifting it out of the water. I’ve retrieved several discs from pond as well. While the suction cups shine in water, using the retriever in trees is hit and miss. Getting the ball to stick to your disc can be challenging. And maneuvering your disc through the branches doesn’t always work. That is especially true in bushes, where the disc can become unstuck and fall to a place where you don’t have room to stick the suction cups to the disc.

I think the ideal retriever would be the suction cups with a retractable or detachable hook. That would be the best of both worlds. Even so, the Max Stick is great in water and pretty good in trees. It comes in several different pole sizes, including a massive 29-foot model. You also have the option of buying the suction cup head to screw on to your existing retriever. Check out this popular retriever in the link below

Max Stick

Best Rope Retriever Winner

The Disc Claw and the Golden Retriever are both excellent choices for ponds that don’t have large rocks or branches. The enemies of either of those retrievers are rocks and branches, which can make a disc irretrievable and could possibly snag the retriever. If the pond has silt, sand, mud, or moss and you stand a good chance of getting your disc back. As mentioned above, extra rope and a something besides the retriever itself to wrap the rope around will make owning either of these a better option.

Winner? I’m going to call this a tie. The Claw had a few more snags on rocks that the Golden Retriever. However, as the Claw advertises, it kicks up less silt than the Golden Retriever. That keeps your disc visible for more attempts at retrieving it, should that be necessary. Plus, the Claw is a couple bucks cheaper.

Honorable Mentions

Wrist Rocket – Best Retriever for High Trees

I had heard that people have used wrist rockets to retrieve discs from trees, so I finally bought one to carry around. The first time I had a disc that was beyond the reach of my retriever, I broke out the sling shot and knocked it down after just a few tries. Just last weekend a group of us were able to get four discs out of a tree at a local tournament (although it did take quite a while and numerous attempts). They don’t take up much space and can be another option when the pole retriever can’t reach.

Wrist Rocket

Driver Diver

This little piece of plastic is a handy device that doesn’t take up much space. You attach the gadget to a stick with reusable zip ties and the stick becomes your retriever. Perfect for courses with a few smaller bodies of water and trees. Hang it from your bag until needed. Make sure you don’t leave it in a hot car, because it can warp. Mine did, so I took a heat gun to it and that fixed the warp.

Driver Diver

Conclusion

There isn’t one retriever that is best for every situation. But you can still minimize the chances of not being able to retrieve your disc by getting a couple different types. Although I carry an extendable retriever with me at all times, I also usually have a wrist rocket with me. If I’m using a cart and there are water hazards, I’ll also take along a Golden Retriever. If I’m not using a cart, I’ll leave the Golden in my car and get the disc later if needed. It’s worth the effort and increases my chances of going home with all my discs.

Check out our entire retriever inventory here.

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