Ted Hegemann, Author at Infinite Discs Blog

Go Green: Recycled and Eco Friendly Disc Golf Discs

April 22, 2024 Ted Hegemann One comment

Today’s disc golf discs come in a variety of colors, shapes and materials, and most are made with some kind of plastic. Synthetic plastic has been around for over a century and has shaped the way we live. However, this amazing invention does come with some baggage. First, most plastic is made from crude oil or other non-renewable resources. And second, it does not easily break down, meaning it will be around for a long, long time.

In this blog we will look at the environmental aspects of disc golf discs and discuss ways to minimize the impact. We’ll look at what some manufacturers are doing to reuse and recycle plastic discs. Plus we will talk about other ways that we can be environmentally conscious as we participate in the sport of disc golf.

Long Live Plastic

If you grabbed your go-to driver and buried it in your backyard, your great-great-great grandchild would be able to dig it up and it would still be mostly intact. It might be more pitted and have a rougher feel, but it won’t have broken down much in that time span. That is just the nature of plastic. If you throw away an old disc, you essentially are burying it, and it will be around for hundreds of years. What other option do you have?

Plastic Blends

Most discs are made with a blend of plastic types. While this makes them feel awesome in our hand, it becomes problematic if we want to recycle the disc. Products made from a single plastic type come with a recycle logo and include a number that tells you which type of plastic types that product is made from. They can easily be recycled. Multi-type plastics don’t have that luxury. But there are still options for recycling.

Manufacturer Response

Manufacturers saw a couple possible solution to recycling their blemished plastic. First, they sold discs as factory seconds at a discount from their regularly priced discs. Some discs only have minor blemishes but still have the flight characteristics of a new discs. Those discs could be sold for less that retail, keeping the plastic on the market without adding any additional processing.

If discs were in worse shape than factory seconds and not resalable to the public, manufacturers still have an option to use them instead of tossing them in a landfill. They could shred the plastic and use it to make new discs. Since they formulated the plastic, they would know its properties and know what other plastics it would be compatible with. Many different brands offer discs with pre-consumer recycled plastic.

Brands With Eco Friendly Plastics

Innova has its Echo Star line which is made of at least 50% recycled materials.

Dynamic Discs offers discs in recycled plastics such as BioFuzion, BioGold, and Revive.

Latitude 64 reuses their discs in their BioGold and Recycled plastics.

Westside has Revive plastic, and MVP has R2, both of which use blemished plastic to create new discs.

Doomsday Discs has it’s Biohazard plastic which is partially made from recycled material. They also have Landfill plastic. Landfill is made from recycled / regrind plastic that would normally go to the, you guessed it, landfill.

Discraft has been saving discs that didn’t pass their quality control measures, and now they are using the plastic from those discs to make new molds. Check out their Recycled ESP and imagine what discs those molds were made from.

Yikun now offers the Eco-Friendly Inner Colour Ultimate Frisbee. It is an Ultimate disc made from recycled plastics, for the environmentally conscious players.

The above plastic types are good examples of using existing plastic to make a new disc. Other brands use more eco-friendly plastics to begin with to produce a disc that doesn’t use as much non-renewable resources.

Discs Made from “Environmentally Friendly” Materials

Euro Disc is a German brand that makes ultimate and discs golf discs. They are demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Embracing eco-friendly practices, Eurodisc produces its range of frisbee discs, including Ultimate, Kids, and Mini models, from 100% bio-based organic plastic, derived from renewable resources. This approach ensures that the discs are sustainable and can be recycled through normal household waste systems.

AGL has its hemp blend, which used the amazing renewable resource of hemp to produce some of their discs.

Gateway has its Organic plastic, which uses recycled rubber and a corn-based bio-polymer to produce an amazing feeling plastic. They also off Hemp blend, which combines recycled rubber and hemp. Hemp is a renewable, natural, versatile plant that can be made into many different products.

Aerobees is Frances first disc manufacturer and their focus is biosourced materials, which are materials made from organic biological origins.

Not Recyclable

Although the aforementioned efforts by manufactures help reduce the amount of natural resources used when making the discs we love, most of today’s discs have one issue in common: Their multi-plastic ingredients make them mostly non-recyclable. That is the environmental cost of making disc golf discs with the current plastic choices. However, one company is trying to change that cost.

Trash Panda Disc Golf

I was able to visit with and interview Jesse from Trash Panda Disc Golf several years ago in Colorado. At the time, Jesse had an ambitious goal to make disc golf sustainable. He wanted to make discs out of recycled plastic, and make them recyclable, too. How has he done since then? I reached out to Jesse for an update! Here is what he said:

“Since we chatted last in my garage, we’ve released two molds made from 100% recycled plastic – the Inner Core and the Dune. With the success of those two molds, we’ve diverted 15,000 lbs of plastic from landfills and continue to exceed even our own expectations of what is possible.

“In 2023 we proudly became the first disc golf company to ever achieve B Corp certification – which is a month-long assessment that ensures companies meet the highest ethical and environmental standards.”

In addition to achieving his goal of producing a recyclable disc out of recycled plastic, Jesse and the crew at Trash Panda have set up a great program for recycling discs. Disc golfers can send in their unwanted/damaged/broken discs in exchange for a discount at Trash Panda. Those discs will then be either ground up am made into discs or other plastic products, or they will be donated to youth programs to grow the sport. Either way, the life of the plastic will be extended and will be kept out of the landfill. As of this writing, they have received over 11,500 discs and turned them into discs, minis, and Disc Dots.

What Can You Do?

What you can do to be environmentally conscious?

Buy environmentally friendly plastics – Make an effort to look see what recycled options are available. Many of the recycled plastics have an amazing feel and are still durable. By voting with our wallets, maybe was can get more options in ‘green’ plastics.

Buy used – Premium discs have a long life and we can usually get a used disc much cheaper than new. As an added benefit, used discs are sometimes already broken in. That will give us a seasoned disc immediately, instead of having to play with it for a long time.

Donate your discs – If you can trade discs with other disc golfers, or sell them to a retailer, we can end up with discs that we like or want to throw without the cost of buying new. If those options aren’t available, check out Trash Panda’s recycle program and give your old discs a new home.

There may be many aspects of our life where it is difficult or impossible to make a difference for the planet. Disc golf is not one of those things. Our sport comes with an environmental cost, but the steps we’ve outlined will help make disc golf more sustainable into the future. It always feels good to help with the environment, and if we can be helping while playing disc golf, that is a win-win for everyone.

Disc Flight Numbers Explained

April 16, 2024 Ted Hegemann 3 comments

When disc golfers are eyeing a new disc, their number one question often revolves around its flight behavior: “How does it fly?”

Understanding a disc’s flight characteristics is crucial in deciding whether it’s a worthy addition to one’s bag. While various factors like wind conditions, elevation, and the thrower’s skill influence flight, what matters most is how the disc will perform for them. This curiosity is often satisfied by examining the disc golf flight numbers.

Flight Numbers Decoded

To address inquiries about a disc’s flight, I typically delve into the widely used flight rating system and gauge the customer’s skill level to tailor my recommendations. Let’s unpack those flight rating numbers and explore some key variables I discuss with customers, including the more precise Infinite Discs flight rating system. For this discussion, let’s consider a right-hand, backhand (RHBH) throw.

Understanding the Four-Digit System

The four-digit flight rating system, pioneered by Innova, serves as a standardized way to characterize a disc’s flight. While other brands have experimented with their own methods, this system remains predominant. Here’s a breakdown of the four characteristics:

Speed
Glide
Turn
Fade

Speed

The first number signifies the speed at which the disc must be thrown for the subsequent numbers to hold true. It’s a crucial factor often misunderstood by beginners. A higher speed rating doesn’t guarantee the disc will fly faster; rather, it requires a greater throwing velocity for optimal flight. Beginners often struggle with high-speed discs, finding lower speed ones more manageable.

Glide

The second number indicates the disc’s ability to stay aloft. While maximum glide is desirable for long drives, experienced players may opt for lower glide discs for better control over landing zones. If you are a beginner, get a disc with as much glide as possible.

Turn

Also known as ‘high-speed stability,’ this number predicts the disc’s behavior during the initial phase of flight, when it is traveling its fastest. Negative values imply a tendency to turn right (for RHBH throws), while positive or zero values resist turning, and are suitable for headwinds. ‘Understable’ discs exhibit more negative turn values, while positive values indicate ‘overstable’ discs.

Fade

The fourth number is the discs fade, or ‘slow-speed stability,’ and it indicates how the disc behaves as it slows down. Higher values result in quicker descent and leftward movement, while lower values maintain a straighter, level trajectory.

Infinite Discs Flight Ratings

While flight numbers offer a general idea of a disc’s flight, Infinite Discs introduced a more inclusive method which is based on user reviews. By aggregating reviewer feedback, this system provides a broader perspective on a disc’s flight characteristics. Users can filter reviews by skill level to find insights relevant to their game.

Let’s check out an Infinite Discs mold for an example. Looking at the page for the Sphinx we see two flight ratings: The manufacturers rating, and an Infinite flight rating. You can see that there is a slight difference between the manufacturer and reviewers numbers. In this case, there are 169 reviews (as of this writing).

Additional Benefits

Scrolling down the Sphinx’s page a bit we see some Sphinx data that might be useful for potential buyers. Below that are the reviews that Infinite flight rating for the Sphinx is based on. You will also see the option to sort the reviews based on certain criteria, such as reviewer’s skill level or driving distance. These options allow you to see the opinions of people with similar skills.

Looking Ahead

While the four-digit flight number system remains popular among players and manufacturers, future innovations may introduce even better methods. For now, the Infinite Discs Flight Rating system, supplemented by user reviews, serves as a better option. It is a valuable tool in choosing the perfect discs for your game.

disc golf

Best Disc Golf Roller Discs 2024

April 9, 2024 Ted Hegemann 48 comments

In disc golf, having a wide range of shots in your arsenal is advantageous when it comes to competition or beating your personal records. Since we all face a variety of situations on the course, the more tools we have to achieve the shot we need, the better our chances of succeeding with. One of those tools is a roller shot. In this blog we will learn about rollers and discuss the best disc golf roller discs.

The list of best roller discs is difficult to amass, since there are so many molds that can be used for rollers. This list taken from previous surveys, current surveys, and from Infinite sales data. You can help with the data by participating in the survey at the end of this blog! Plus you’ll be entered into a drawing for Infinite gift cards.

What Is A Roller

A roller is a throw that intentionally hits the ground shortly after it’s released and rolls along its edge. It can be utilized for shorter, technical shots to get out of trouble. Or for longer shots when distance is necessary.

Rollers are useful when you have low-ceiling shots and still need to cover a lot of ground, or shorter technical shots. They are also great options when you have open spaces without roller obstructions, such as a ditch or pond in the fairway. The challenge of throwing a roller is making sure you land on the ground with the correct angle. Even so, the disc might hit some irregularity on the ground and end up going in a direction that the thrower didn’t intend.

Throwing Rollers

I’ve heard many people say that they haven’t even tried a roller shot, and don’t even know how to throw one. Other people have mastered the shot and use it when available or necessary. In this blog we will look at some roller discs and determine which ones are the best. Instead of focusing on shorter, technical rollers, we’ll discuss the distance shots.

If you manage to become proficient in throwing rollers, it can be a thing of beauty and reward the thrower with a lot of ground covered. Some of my longest throws were well-executed rollers. Let’s take a look at the best disc golf roller discs.

Note: You’ll notice that many of these discs, but not all of them, have a lot of turn and are considered understable discs. That characteristic makes it easier for people of any skill level to get the disc to get the angle needed for a roller. With sufficient arm speed, and disc could be a roller, but we’re focusing on molds that people indicated they use as roller discs.

Best Disc Golf Roller Discs

Innova Sidewinder 9, 5, -3, 1

The Sidewinder was made for either rollers or turnover shots. It has a good amount of turn to help get the disc at a good angle for rollers. While it may be too flippy for big arms at full power, it can be a useful utility disc for people of all skill levels.

Innova Leopard 6, 5, -2, 1

The Innova Leopard can be found in beginner sets because it is easy to throw and easy to get some turn, even for beginners. With just a little experience and practice, the Leopard can be a great roller disc. It is easy to get the necessary angle with the Leopard and is a great disc to start learning how to throw rollers.

Infinite Sphinx 9, 6, -3, 1

With the Infinite Discs Sphinx’s flight numbers you would expect to find a roller in that mold, and you would be correct. The Sphinx can also be a good turnover disc, or even a good fairway driver for beginners. The I-Blend models come in 150-class weights, and sometimes even a bit lighter. The Sphinx is a great disc whose uses can evolve as your skill improves.

Innova Roadrunner 9, 5, -4, 1

The speed-nine Roadrunner has a good rim size and perfect flight numbers for beginners to get good distance. With a little experience, players can utilize the turn in the Roadrunner to execute some impressive rollers. The mold has been popular as a roller disc since its release.

Innova Mamba 11, 6, -5, 1

With even more turn than the Roadrunner, the Innova Mamba boasts a slightly higher speed, which may offset the extra turn a little bit. It also has a lot of glide for those big turnover shots. But if you want a long roller shot, check out the Mamba. I threw a Metal Flake Mamba as my roller disc until it disappeared one day. I recommend the Mamba.

Innova Rollo 5, 6, -4, 1

Not even a year old the Rollo is a great roller option for disc golfers of all skill levels. It was designed and marketed as a roller disc and has the numbers to back that up. When you’re not trying to cover a lot of distance on the ground, the Rollo can also be used to get a lot of turn out of a throw. It makes a great beginner disc or a disc that can be shaped in the woods.

Prodigy F7 7, 5, -3, 1

If you are a beginner looking for a great fairway driver, look no further than the Prodigy F7. It comes in a variety of plastic types to suit your preference. And its flight numbers are perfect for people just starting out. In the hands of a more skilled player, the F7 is an amazing roller or a turnover disc.

Latitude 64 Diamond 8, 6, -3, 1

The Diamond is among the best driver for beginners because of it noob-friendly flight numbers and its availability in lighter weights. Beyond its title as a great beginner disc, The Diamond makes a great roller disc. It is easy to get the Diamond to the ground at a good angle.

Westside Queen 14, 5, -3, 2

Because the Queen is a high-speed disc, it likely won’t be a roller for less experienced arms. That is not to say it isn’t useful for slower arms, it’s just that it won’t be used as a roller unless it is light weight or heavily seasoned. With a more experienced player the Queen can deliver some impressive rolls.

We Want To Hear From You!

There is the list of the best disc golf roller discs… but it is not complete! We need to hear from you so we can confirm and expand the list. Let us know your favorite roller disc when you’re going for distance.

We tabulated the results of your comments and there are an impressive 30 different molds! Many were on our list, but most weren’t. The Sphinx and the Roadrunner made our list AND the podium with your votes. The third podium member might not be familiar to some of you. It is the Prodiscus Flipperi

Prodiscus Fliperri 9, 3, -3, 0

Billed as a forgiving disc for beginners, the Flipperi can also be used as a roller. Manufactured in Finland, the Flipperi follows the usual Prodiscus naming convention of taking an English word, in this case Flipper, and adding a Finnish vowel. It truly is a flipper of a disc!

We randomly selected five commenters and gave them a $20 Infinite Discs gift card. The winners and their best roller disc are:

Todd – Prodiscus Flipperi

Michael L – Thought Space Athletics Ethos Mantra

Jacob K – Innova Roadrunner (Barsby Signature)

Ryan W – Discraft Hades

Daniel O – Above Ground Level Baobab

Products For Left-Handed Players

April 1, 2024 Ted Hegemann 16 comments

As all disc golfers know, left-handed players have it tough. I mean, sure, lefties have an unfair advantage because most courses are designed to be difficult for righties, making it easier for lefties. But, they more than pay for that advantage with all the grief they have to endure from the rest of us. “Cheating lefty” is a common nick-name for our left-handed brothers and sisters. Furthermore, all of the equipment associated with disc golf is made for right-handed players. From discs to carts to retrievers, lefties have to adapt to a righties world. That is, until now.

Equality For All

Infinite Discs is stepping up to introduce the world to disc golf gear designed specifically for left-handed players. We’re calling it the Southpaw collection and it is designed to help left-handed players play on equal footing, as it were, as the rest of the disc golf world! Well, except for the advantage they have of playing right-handed-designed courses. But, I digress. Here are the items being released:

The Southpaw Disc

This unique disc was not only designed by and for left-handed disc golfers, it was also manufactured in a way that is beneficial to lefties. Our top, left-handed scientists at Infinite Discs discovered that the Coriolis Effect was responsible for the favorable flight of discs for right-handed players. That effect made discs manufactured in the northern hemisphere naturally rotate in a clockwise direction, favorable to right-handed players. Our solution was to have the Southpaw manufactured in the southern hemisphere, ensuring the discs had an innate tendency to rotate counterclockwise, being favorable for southpaws.

The SouthPaw Disc

In addition to production location, our team has developed a top-secret mold that injects the plastic in a counterclockwise direction. This technology and manufacturing location, along with Infinite’s policy of only selling the disc to documented left-handed players, will create a disc so effective that left-handed players will dominate the sport at every level. Move over Isaac, James, and Paul because Chris Clemons, Nathan Queen, and Zach Melton are your future World Champs! Infinite anticipates that the PDGA will eventually make these discs illegal, so get them while you can.

Port-Side Basket

Every disc golfer knows that when you’re putting at a basket, hitting the chains on the right side is better and more efficient that hitting the chains on the left side. That is why the right chains are called the ‘strong’ side or the ‘pro’ side. And the left chains are called the ‘weak’ side or ‘am’ side. Unfortunately, left-handed players naturally come in on the left side of the basket, drastically increasing the odds that the disc will kick out of the basket. The engineers at Infinite solved that problem, and the Port-Side Basket was born.

The Portside Basket

Using engineering, physics, and a bit of sorcery, our researchers were able to reverse the strong and weak sides of the chains. This proprietary technology makes the left side strong and gives lefties a better chance of hitting their putts. Now Southpaws don’t need to settle for missed putts and chain outs because of the design of the basket. Left-handed players will watch their putts drop and their confidence soar with the Port-Side Basket by Infinite Discs!

Left-Hook Retriever

There are few things sadder than a left-handed player attempting to retrieve a disc while using a right-handed retriever. The frustration, depression, and humiliation has left (pardon the pun) many lefties looking for another sport. The grip is awkward, the tip is angled in the opposite direction, and many times discs have to be abandoned because the retriever is ineffective in the wrong hand. Compounding the problem, retriever manufacturers have no desire to make products for lefties, saying that ‘the market is too small’. At Infinite, we disagree! Introducing the Left-hook Retriever.

A left hand holding a disc golf retriever

The Left Hook Retriever

Our crack team of product developers, after month of failed experiments, concocted a way to physically reverse the handle orientation and hook angle to accommodate the needs of the left-handed player. No more frustration of not being able to retrieve a disc! No more physical awkwardness and pain trying to force a right-handed handle into a left hand, much like a round peg in a square hole. Pick up a Left-Hook Retriever for the lefty in your life!

Shop Now!

Be sure to check out all of the left-hand products at Infinite Discs and remember our motto, “Throw what works for your dominant hand!”

Best Glow in the Dark Discs

March 21, 2024 Ted Hegemann 2 comments

One of my favorite types of disc golf occurs in the dark. I get my glow discs ready, gather my disc lights and flashlights, and wait for the sun to set. I’m talking about a glow round, or night round. This type of disc golf is played with lighted discs and lighted baskets, and is a blast!

Watching glowing discs fly through the air is amazing, and a lot different than watching the flight during the day. In the dark you’ll see the lighted disc bounce off invisible trees, get knocked down by unseen obstacles, and skip at seemingly random places in space. You can even see a disc that gets buried in a bush much better than during the daylight hours. If you haven’t played a night round, do yourself a favor and put in on your list for this year. And keep reading to learn about glow rounds and the best glow discs.

It is difficult to show the actual glow of a disc in a picture. These all look like they are glowing the same brightness. They are not.

Glowing Discs

Although there are many different ways to light up a disc, which we will discuss later, having a glow in the dark disc to play with is a great way to play at night. That does not mean EVERY glow disc is good for hucking in the dark. Not all glow discs are created equal. Some are barely visible in the dark, even after charging the plastic with a bright light. Others will maintain a bright glow long after playing a hole. When it comes to glow plastic, there is a wide variety of glow brightness. Disc color, manufacturers glow formula, and plastic type can all affect how bright the disc will glow.

Let’s look at some of the best glow discs and talk about what to do if you have a disc that is supposed to glow in the dark, but isn’t very bright when you charge it. Or if you prefer to throw discs in the dark that aren’t glow plastic.

Best Glow In The Dark Discs

I grabbed a UV flashlight and headed to a dark room to test a bunch of glow discs. A good glow plastic will appear bright immediately after the light hits it, and stay glowing for quite a while after you shut off the light. That quality is necessary because your disc needs to stay glowing long enough to find it after your shot. Fortunately there are several brands that have amazing glow plastic. Here are the top discs that I tested:

1 – (Tie) MVP Eclipse 2.0 and Innova Proto Glow (their new glow plastic)

Innova reformulated their glow plastic and it turned out great! It’s called Proto Glow and it debuted in their 40^th Anniversary DX Aviar. That plastic glow really good, and their Champion Proto Glow plastic even better. The discs lights right up when you shine a light on it. And it stays lit for quite a while. The Proto Glow that I tested were neck-and-neck with the Eclipse 2.0 plastic. You are definitely going to want to check out Innova’s Proto Glow plastic!

MVP’s Eclipse 2.0 glow plastic is bright and long lasting. It’s been one of the best glow plastics for a while. The green glow plastic is much brighter than some of their other colors, although those other colors glow brighter than many other brands’ glow plastics. You can watch your glowing green MVP disc fly into the darkness, knowing it will hold its glow.

3 – Thought Space Athletics

TSA Glow plastic is another type of plastic that is excellent for night rounds. It stays bright for a long time, and still has a good amount of glow left after you’ve thrown the disc and go to look for it. Thought Space offers many of their molds in Glow plastic.

4 – Lone Star Disc

The Bravo Glow from Lone Star Disc is a shining example (sorry, couldn’t resist) of a great glow plastic. As a nice bonus, Lone Star makes the Bravo in pretty much every mold they make. You’ll be delighted in the disc selection and the quality of the glow.

5 – Kastaplast

Although the Kastaplast Glow discs that I tested weren’t as bright as the others I listed, they are still better than other discs on the market. I’ve read and heard a lot of people say the Kastaplast Glow is their favorite glow plastic. You won’t be disappointed if you pick Kastaplast for your night rounds.

Other Ways To Light Up A Disc

If you want to skip the glow plastic altogether, there are other ways you can get in a round of disc golf at night. They involve taking your go-to discs and adding some light to them. This is accomplished with actual LED lights, or glow-in-the-dark tape or stickers.

Glow Tape

Attaching tape or stickers that glow to your disc is a quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive way to be able to play in the dark and still see your disc. It attaches directly to the disc and gets charged up with a flashlight. After the round the stickers can be easily removed for regular play. They add a negligible weight to your disc, and shouldn’t affect the flight. They are NOT legal for use in a sanctioned tournament, but most glow rounds are casual and/or unsanctioned.

Disc Lights

You also have the option of attaching an LED light directly to your disc with tape. Clear packing tape is a great option. I’ve seen lights come off a disc before, so make sure you are generous with the tape. Mine never come off because I use 6-7” of tape.

The lights have a switch that can be turned on and off as needed. Or you can just leave it on the entire round. The batteries will last for a couple glow rounds. Turning off the multicolor lights take a bit longer because you have to scroll through the colors. However, the different colors come in handy if there are several people playing who have lights with one color and you need a different color to distinguish your discs.

Disc Light Visibility

One thing to keep in mind with the lights or the stickers is that you might place them on one side of the disc, and it will land on the other side, making the tape or light difficult to see. It isn’t as bad with translucent discs, such as Champion plastic. But with opaque discs it can be difficult to see. It’s nice to put a sticker or light on both sides, just to make sure.

Other glow round enhancers

UV Flashlights

Most people have a flashlight or two lying around that they could use to charge their glow discs. However, they are blinding and take a bit of the fun out of a glow round. A better alternative is a UV(Ultra Violet) flashlight. The UV light charges up a disc faster and is easier on your eyes. When the light hits the glow disc, it’s still pretty bright, but overall it’s much better than a flashlight.

Basket Lights

What good are amazing glow discs if you can’t see your target? Basket lights illuminate the target and give you something to aim at. They install easily and the batteries last a few rounds. Grab a few lights and head to your local course to experience the fun of a glow round!

Check out all of our Night Round Accessories HERE

Check out all of our Glow Discs HERE

Best Disc Golf Training Devices

March 14, 2024 Ted Hegemann One comment

When you see your PDGA rating rise to new levels, or if you find yourself setting new personal records on your local course, or maybe when you find yourself on the podium more often at tournaments, if feels great to know that you are progressing in the sport. Playing a lot is one way to improve our game. Another way which helps us even faster is by training. In this blog we will look at the best disc golf training devices to find out which ones will help you.

Disc golf training accessories help us get the reps in more frequently, leading to sharper skills and better form. Here are some of the best training devices:

The MVP Pod V2 Disc Holder

1 – MVP Pod V2 – Since you will be putting on a majority of all holes that you play, it makes sense to making putting a regular part of your overall practice regime. Practicing putts is not the most fun thing in the world, so it’s nice to make the most of the time we will be putting. One way to improve our practice efficiency is to have the putters within easy reach. The Pod meets that need nicely!

The MVP Pod V2 is a metal stand that holds a stack of putters to you don’t have to be bending down to pick them up, nor do you have to hold a stack while you try to maintain good form. It’s called the ‘V2’ because this version of the Pod comes with two 3” extension poles to hole even more discs. The Pod V2 holds 26 putters and even more drivers, for when you’re doing field work.

In addition to holding a lot of discs, the Pod is easy to transport. It comes apart or sets up in minutes, so you can take it to a field or practice basket with ease. Its all-metal construction means it will hold up to transporting and use for many years.

Check out the MVP Pod V2 HERE

Visionary Practice Net

2 – Visionary Practice Net – The best way to improve your form is through regular practice and field work. Often times it is inconvenient to find an empty field big enough to throw distance drivers. That’s where a practice net really shines.

Visionary nets are specifically designed for disc golf discs. They have a return channel that catches the discs and collects them for easy retrieval. If you want to take full-power shots in your backyard or garage, these nets are perfect for you.

The nets come in a couple different sizes, from single-thrower to larger nets that allow several people to throw at once. All of them feature the patent pending return channel, with the bigger nets having multiple channels.

While the obvious reason for getting a net is so you can practice your drives, there is another reason to invest in this practice tool. They are also perfect for putting practice. A net set up behind your basket will stop any errant putts and make gathering them that much faster. Your putting sessions will be more efficient and you can spend more time putting than chasing discs. If you combine an MVP Pod V2 and a net, before long you’ll be putting like a pro!

Check out the 6-pocket Visionary Practice Nets HERE

Check out the 3-pocket Visionary Practice Nets HERE

ProPull Disc Golf Trainer

3 – Propull Disc Golf Trainer – If you’re looking for a way to warm up before a round or keep your form in good shape, you’ll want to consider the ProPull Disc Golf Trainer. The Trainer is a disc with hardware attached that allows you to go through the motions of a throw and feel resistance as you pull the disc. It comes with two elastic tubes for different levels of resistance.

The ProPull can be used indoor or outdoor. It has a strap that attaches to a tree or other object, and also comes with a strap that attaches to a door. The training product also has a safety strap in case the disc slips out of your hand.

Here is a YouTube Video featuring Infinite Discs own Dave Feldberg talking about the ProPull and its benefits, as well as how to use it.

VIDEO

Check out all of the ProPull Disc Golf Trainer HERE

Flightowel

4 – Flightowel – Years ago I cut up an old disc and would hold the small section of it along with a towel, and use that to warm up. I liked it because I was gripping an actual rim and the towel offered a little resistance. I was thrilled when the Flightowel came to market because it was an even better version of the device that I made. It was cleaner and more effective product.

The Flightowel is a small portion of an actual disc and is attached to a towel with a strong cord. The discs are cut out of a variety of molds, so you can find the mold that you would like to warm up with. The towel has a small clever pocket that creates a little resistance when you go through the throwing motion. You simply grab the disc fob and go through the throwing motion. I do this regularly to warm up after a backup on the course, so I can keep my arm ready to throw.

Flightowels are made in America and come in a variety of towel and fob colors. They come labeled with the mold they were made from. Flightowels are available in left-hand and right-hand options.

Check out all of the Flightowel options HERE

Disc Dot

5– Disc Dot – The Disc Dot is a putting training tool designed to help you narrow your focus on the basket while putting. The device slips over a link on your practice basket and helps you focus on that point. By training our eyes and brains to aim for a single point, it increases our chances of making our putts. The basket seems much bigger after focusing on a tiny Dot.

Disc Dots come in a variety of colors, including glow in the dark. They are now made of recycled discs.

Check out Disc Dots HERE

Chain Suppressor

6 – Chain Suppressor – Having a basket around the house to practice putting is the best way to improve our putting and lower our scores. If the noise of the chains is preventing us from practicing as much as we should, then the Chain Suppressor is the perfect product for you. Whether you are concerned about being a noisy neighbor, or you have young kids that have a nap time, the Suppressor greatly reduces the chain noise that is usually music to our ears.

The Chain Suppressor is a neoprene sleeve that attaches directly to the pole to greatly reduce the noise made when the chains smack the pole during a putt. It can be easily removed for times when you want to hear the chains. It also has two yellow lines that you can use as an aiming aid.

Check out Chain Suppressors HERE

Basket Pole Holder

7 – Basket Pole Holder – Moving a basket from place to place can be problematic if the basket needs to be disassembled to move. The poles are difficult to keep with the basket and tend to roll around as you transport the basket. The last thing you need is a hassle moving the basket. The Basket Pole Holders are a pair of rubberized straps that keep the poles securely attached to the rest of the basket. Make your practice sessions more stress free with the Basket Pole Holders.

Check out Basket Pole Holder Straps HERE

What Training Devices Do You Use?

Comment below and let us know what devices you use, and which ones you would like to check out!

Best Disc Golf Discs For Women

March 7, 2024 Ted Hegemann 2 comments

Like many of you, I frequently find myself exploring the world of disc golf discs, looking for the perfect discs to improve my game. However, as a male disc golfer, I also know that the disc preferences of female disc golfers may differ from my own. Knowing the importance of inclusivity and representation within the sport, in this blog I wanted to examine the disc selection specifically tailored to meet the needs and preferences of women players.

I will highlight the best disc golf discs for women, acknowledging the unique considerations and nuances that might influence their choices. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, finding the right discs can significantly impact your performance and enjoyment on the course. So, let’s dive in and explore the best disc options for women disc golfers.

Why Different Discs?

Let’s start by clearing up the reason that we should discuss different discs for women versus men in the first place. On average men are stronger, have longer arms, and have bigger hands than women. In many circumstances, these traits affect one’s ability to throw a disc with more power, which gives men a wider variety of discs and weights that will work for them. The skill level of a disc golfer also affects their disc selection, but all things being equal, men have a physical advantage in the sport of disc golf. Therefore, certain discs will help women throw farther.

Throwing with less power, whether it is for physical reasons or because of skill level, affects the flight of the disc. There are several disc characteristics that cause a disc to fly a certain way. Throwing with the proper power for those characteristics is important. Let’s look at those characteristics and talk about a discs flight numbers.

Briefly, the four-number flight rating system that disc golf has adopted to describe the flight of a disc is the best way we have to categorize our discs. The four numbers represent (in the order they appear on the disc or a website):

Speed – the relative speed you need to be able to throw the disc in order for it to fly correctly.
Glide – How long the disc will stay in the air
Turn – The amount the disc will drift to the right (RHBH throw) at the fastest parts of its flight
Fade – The amount that the disc will drift to the left as it starts to slow down

Which Flight Numbers Should You Consider

Each of the numbers have a range that affect whether or not the disc will work for you, your skill level, and how you want to disc to fly. Here is the number range women should consider for the four categories listed above:

Speed (Range 1 to 14)– It is important to get the disc speed to match your power/skill. Unless you are a more advanced player, stick with discs that have a speed of nine or less. Any faster and your disc won’t fly like it should. Again, this is because the disc needs to be thrown at certain speeds, and unless you have the power to hit those speeds, you will not be able to get the distance you need.

Glide (Range 1 to 7) For the most part, you should look for with the most glide as possible. Look for 5-7 glide for the longest distances possible. As your skill improves, you might want a disc with less glide. Until then, maximum glide!

Turn (Range -5 to 2) Getting a disc with a lot of turn will help you get big S-curve throws for maximum distance for your power. The further the turn number is away from zero, the more it will turn. Look for discs that have -5 to -2. A 2- or even -1 disc would be better for throwing in a headwind than a -4 or -5.

Fade (Range 0 to 5) If you don’t have the skill or power to throw faster discs, you really don’t need anything with more fade than 2. Throwing discs in the 0 to 2 range will serve you well.

The Importance Of Weight

It is important to include a weight range to help find discs for someone with less power or skill. It takes less effort to throw a lighter disc, so it is easier for someone who doesn’t have the power to still throw the disc fast enough to fly like it should. Look for discs in the 150-165g weight range, where possible.

Best Drivers For Women

Drivers are the disc of choice for getting the most distance out of a throw. They have the widest rims of all disc types. That wider rim means they need to be thrown at faster speeds than slower discs. Drivers can be used after people develop a certain level of skill.

Latitude 64 Diamond – Ladies, if you’re looking for a disc to help you get good distance on your drives while you work on your form, check out the Diamond. This mold is part of the ‘Easy-to-use’ series and is made for players who don’t have as much power or skills. The Diamond comes in lighter weights, which helps you be able to get good drives and upshots. Check it out today!

Innova Leopard – If you look at which discs are found in many Innova beginner sets, you’ll find the Leopard. This low-speed fairway driver has a little bit of turn to assist in achieving longer flights. If you get this mold in DX plastic, it will season to a great flight for people who don’t have the power necessary for faster, more stable discs.

Infinite Discs Sphinx – Not only does the Sphinx have a lot of turn for longer flights, but it is available in very low weights. The Sphinx is also available in I-Blend plastic, which is a bit cheaper than other premium plastics.

Other great drivers for women:

Innova Shark

Discmania Essence

Divergent Discs Kraken

Innova Mamba

MVP Signal

Dino Discs Pterodactyl

Innova Sidewinder

Best Midrange Discs For Women

Midrange discs are used for shorter drives and approach shots. They are usually speed 4 or speed 5. They are also used for more controlled and precise shots. Their reaction when they hit the ground is much less pronounced than with drivers, making them easier to hit the area you’re aiming for.

Discraft Buzzz – One of the best-selling discs of all time, the Buzz is a straight-flying disc that is great for learning to shape your shots. Its rim size makes it easy to grip and comfortable to throw. The Buzzz is a great disc for people of all skill levels.

Infinite Discs Kon Tiki – This understable midrange is a great one for women to consider. It has a low profile and small rim depth. That makes it easier to grip for people who don’t have big hands. As your skills improve, the Kon Tiki can be used for finesse shots.

Latitude 64 Fuse – The Fuse flies straight and has minimal fade. Not only does the Fuse come in a variety of plastics, it also comes in a variety of weights. If you need to start with a lighter weight, including 150-class, you have that option.

Other midrange discs to consider:

Axiom Paradox

Infinite Discs Anubis

Doomsday Discs Scavenger

Best Putters For Women

Although putters are usually the only disc you will be using for shots inside the 10-meter circle, they are also used as approach discs and even drives off the tee. They fly for the least distance of any disc type, due to their round nose and slow speed.

Innova Aviar – The Aviar was PDGA approved for play in 1984. It remains popular today. Many other brands have produced their own ‘versions’ of the Aviar.

Dynamic Discs Judge – A beaded putter, the Judge flies straight with minimal fade. If you prefer a beadless version of the disc, check out the Dynamics Discs Warden. Both are available in a variety of plastics.

Infinite Discs Alpaca – Only a few years old, the popular Alpaca is a great mold that has found favor among pros and amateurs alike. This versatile mold is just as effective as a putter or an approach disc.

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Best Discs

New Discs Golf Discs for 2024

February 29, 2024 Ted Hegemann Leave a comment

One cool thing that we can look forward to as every year as disc golfers is to see what new molds will be released. Even larger companies with tons of existing molds covering every flight pattern will release a few new ones so they can stay fresh in everyone’s mind. That means a lot of new disc golf discs for 2024.

With the rapid growth that disc golf seen in the past decade or so, in addition to the brands we’ve known for years releasing discs, now we get lots of completely new companies eager to release discs to the growing members of our sport. It is amazing to see so many companies jumping into disc golf.

In this blog we’ll take a look at some of the discs that are new for 2024. These are discs that have been released this year, or are going to be released soon. Then we’ll look at discs that have been PDGA approved in the past few months and highlight some new brands that might be making their mark on our sport.

New Disc Golf Discs For 2024

Axiom Pixel – The second release from the Simon Line, the Pixel is a strait-flying putt/approach disc from Axiom. Available in a few different plastic types.

Elevation Disc Golf Psychic – The brand that has given us a variety of extra-floppy discs recently released their inaugural distance driver, the Psychic. You’ll get all the distance of a driver with the stopping ability of all their molds.

Goliath Ark – In keeping with their biblical theme, Goliath’s newest mold is the Ark. It is a stable fairway driver that is available in their Oasis plastic.

Latitude 64 Brave – This fairway driver has the glide, turn, and fade that combine for some long throws. It will suit players of all skill levels.

Lone Star Disc Spur – The Spur is an overstable fairway driver with enough fade that it can handle forehand or headwind shots.

Lone Disc Bearkat – The flippy mid from Lone Star is available now. Name after the Sam Houston University mascot, the Bearkat has a decent amount of turn and a mild fade.

EV-7 Lid – The Lid is a catching mold that resulted from a collaboration with EV-7 and Hyperflite. It is an expanded version of their popular canine disc.

Discraft Kratos – The new putter from Discraft will be released on March 8. A beaded Luna? It sure sports an overstable flight like the Luna. The Paul McBeth Kratos will have a limited edition release, so make sure you get your order in soon after the drop.

Infinite Discs Khonsu – This beadless midrange from Infinite looks to be a flippy mold. Perfect for those right-hand turning shots.

Axiom Pitch – This may be Axiom’s answer to the Glitch, and if that is the case, it will be a hit. Fans will have to wait for the upcoming solar eclipse until it is released.

Doomsday Discs Apocalypse – The Apocalypse was recently released, to the dismay of noodle arms all over the world. This extra-beefy high-speed driver is nothing but FADE. Good disc if you need to play in hurricane-force winds.

Doomsday Discs Crisis – Pick the type of Crisis you’re having in your life and get an appropriately-stamped

Doomsday Discs Rot – According to Doomsday, the Rot will be their first beaded putter. It will have a flat top and fly fairly straight.

Doomsday Discs Proximity Mine – This is a speed 1 disc with a touch of stability. Maybe some competition for the Berg? I don’t have a release date.

Chumba Discs Sombra – The first release from Chumba Discs is a straight, beadless putter. ‘Sombra’ means ‘shadow is Spanish. It is currently available.

Legacy Discs Sumo – If you’re looking for a very overstable putter, be sure to check out the Sumo. It has a low glide and can fight any headwind. Available in four different plastics.

Ice Age – Only recently approved, this mold will be rolling out soon.

PDGA Approved Molds

Now let’s shift to molds that have been PDGA approved in the past three months. It is interesting to see so many new brands on the list.

On this list you can see some of the long-time manufacturers in the sport: Innova, Discraft, and Gateway Discs. These brands have been around for decades, but are still coming up with new molds. But, you can also see brands getting their first mold(s) approved. Here are some first-timers:

Bernoulli – Undoubtedly named after Daniel Bornelli, a Swiss physisist who developed theories of fluid mechanics that explain the flight of a disc golf disc. They got their first two molds approvede recently, the Einstien, and the self-titled Bernoulli.

Evolvent Discs – This Swedish brand was started by two engineers who want to produce the best disc golf prosucts on the market. Their first mold, the Readiness, was approved in December.

Goeringer Discs – Their first disc, the Cherry Blossum, got approved at the end of last year.

Gorilla Performance Discs – The Texas company not only recently got three molds approved, they have two molds, the Silverback and Chango, in production and available to purchase on their website.

Grassland Discs – Grassland has chosen 3D printing as the method to producing their discs for now. Their first mold is the Chickadee. They are a Canadian brand, based in Saskatchewan.

Meridian Discs – They had two molds that were recently PDGA approved, the Tundra and the Strait.

Negative – Negative is the name of a brand that just got their first disc approved. It is the Ritual. I couldn’t find any information about the company.

Ocean Discs – Ocean Discs appears to be a manufacturer in England. They got their Sea Turtle mold approved in December.

PrintPractical – The Extruder is the first mold produced by PrintPractical. The disc is named after the part of a 3D printer that pushes out the heated filament. They will be 3D printing all of their molds.

RIPR – Another Canadian company, RIPR produces a miniature rubber disc that fits in your pocket and is easy to throw. They also go their first disc golf mold approved, the Flame Skimmer. Two additional molds are currently going through the PDGA approval process: the Leatherback and the Grey Wolf.

Stokely Discs – Scott Stokely is a professional disc golfer and coach. He also has a couple molds available. They recently got PDGA approved and are available on his website.

Visionary Disc Golf – Visionary began by making disc golf practice nets. As of January of this year, they now sell discs. The Amethyst is their first disc.

X-UFO – This brand, whose parent company is does injection-molding, is a Chinese brand that had a slew of molds approved this month. Their line-up includes the Star Bat, Star Demon, Star Bison, Star Bear, and Star Dorado

Keep in mind that this list is just the brands who were getting their first mold(s) approved in the past three months (December 2023-February 2024)! That just goes to show you how much the disc golf landscape has changed in the last few years. The molds from just these companies represent a third of all of the molds approved.

Hopefully we will get to see some of the new brands make it to our shelves. It’s always fun to try discs from new brands. When they do come to market, we’ll be sure to let you know!

New Releases - New Disc Golf Discs on the Market

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