Best Forehand Discs for 2024

Disc Golf Forehand Throw

Recently we asked you about your farthest flying discs, including best forehand disc and best backhand disc. That blog post can be found HERE

In this blog we want to focus more on your favorite forehand discs. However, we want to know your favorite for when you just want raw distance, and what your favorite disc is when you are hunting for accuracy more than distance.

Best Forehand Discs for Distance

The quest for distance in disc golf often involves finding discs that can harness the power generated by a forehand throw. The ideal disc for distance should be able to handle the increased velocity of forehand shots. Some players swear by overstable discs that can resist turning over too quickly, while others prefer discs with a combination of speed and glide.

Best Forehand Discs for Accuracy

Finesse is the name of the game when it comes to accuracy in disc golf. Whether you’re navigating tight fairways or threading the disc through a tricky approach, having a reliable forehand disc for accuracy is essential. Stability, control, and a comfortable grip all play crucial roles in ensuring that your disc lands exactly where you intend.

Best Forehand Discs for Approach Shots

Some disc golfers favor sidearm throws for approach shots in wide open scenarios, while others opt for a forehand approach when the line is more conducive to such a shot. Regardless of the situation, the key is using a suitable forehand approach disc. It should be consistent, reliable, and capable of positioning you for an easy putt.

Tell Us About Your Best Forehand Discs!

 

1 – What is your favorite forehand disc for distance?

2 – What is your longest distance with a forehand disc?

3 – What is your favorite forehand disc for accuracy?

4 – What is your favorite disc for forehand approach shots?

If you throw exclusively backhand, let us know. Check out this article if you’re looking for tips to improve your forehand throws.

Winners!

We randomly selected some of the commenters and sent them a gift card for their comment. Here are the winners and their answers to the above questions:

Vincent B :
1-Favorite for distance: Star Corvette (164g)
2-Longest distance: Only around 200 ft — my elbow doesn’t handle forehand throws very well
3-Favorite for accuracy: Still the Corvette, as that’s what I use most and am most comfortable with
4-Favorite for approaches: R-Pro Pig

Michael J:
1. For distance, Discraft nuke
2. For accuracy, MVP reactor
3. For approaches, Discraft zone

 

Mathew E:
1- Valkyrie
2 – Probably only about 200ft
3 – SVEA!
4- Berg

 

Yoon C:

Favorite forehand disc for distance is a halo sidewinder

Longest distance with a forehand disc is 375ft with a grace

Favorite forehand disc for accuracy is a z meteor

Favorite disc for forehand approach shot is a savior

 

Ryan F:

XXX all day!

 

Results:

The number one choice for distance forehands is the Destroyer.

The longest throw averaged around 390

The number one choice for accuracy is the Firebird, but not by much! There were dozens of different molds chosen.

The Zone took the number one spot for forehand accuracy shots. The Berg was a close second.

 

Disc Golf Mystery Boxes

What's in the box? It's a mystery with a value pack of disc golf discs.

Discover the Fun of Disc Golf Mystery Boxes!

In the disc golf consumer world of buying specific molds, weights, and plastics, there exists a product which takes a different approach to disc buying. Welcome to the world of disc golf Mystery Boxes! If you are a disc golf enthusiast seeking an alternative way to add to your disc golf gear or are looking for a gift for a fellow enthusiast, this blog may be the key to unlock the thrill of the unknown.

7 Disc deals box, our most popular mystery option.

Disc golf, which rewards consistency and precision, now has a way to bring a little more excitement and surprise to the disc-buying experience. Enter the Mystery Box. More than just a mail-call box full of discs, the Mystery Box is an adventure.

In this blog we’ll introduce the mystery box and tell you what it is, let you know about all of the options you have to get a mystery box, and tell you why you should consider getting one for yourself or as a gift.

Let the adventure begin!

 What is a Disc Golf Mystery Box?

The world of the mystery box is one of surprise and excitement. If you’re not familiar with the concept, a Mystery Box (or ‘Deals Box’) is basically a package filled with discs in a variety of molds, plastic types, and stamps. Although you are told a few details about the box, such as the number of premium plastic discs, the exact discs remain a mystery to you until the moment you open the box.

XL Mystery Box - 12 Discs at the lowest pricePicture this: you decide on which of the many Mystery Boxes you would like to purchase, then make your order. A few days later, the box arrives, and the fun begins! Don’t be surprised if you end up with plastics and even brands that you’ve never heard of before. Mystery boxes allow you to break free from the routine nature of purchasing discs, and offer an exciting way to add to our collection.

As disc golfers, we love to try new discs and new plastics. Mystery Boxes are a perfect way to do that. By getting new discs in a Mystery Box you will find molds and plastics you might not have thought to try. Plus, it is also a very economical way to try new discs.

Great Value for the Price

At Infinite Discs, we offer a wide variety of Mystery Box options, from smaller boxes with just a few discs, to Colossal boxes with enough discs to fill a small bag… literally!. We even offer a dirt-cheap ‘Hospital Box’ filled with scratch and dent discs that you won’t feel bad throwing over water or giving away to kids or newbies.

Here are the Infinite Mystery Box options:

Hospital Box - Mystery box of damaged or warped discs

Disc Hospital Box – You’ll get five scratch and dent or factory second discs in this inexpensive box.

Infinite Discs Deals Jr. Box – A slightly smaller version of our popular Deals Box. This box includes 5 discs, three of which are premium plastic discs.

Infinite Discs Deals Box – This Mystery Box is popular because you get seven discs, and they are ALL premium plastic.

Infinite Discs Deals Box XL – You’ll get a dozen discs if you choose this Mystery Box! The putter and midrange might be base plastics. They remaining drivers will all be premium plastic. May include smaller brands or x-outs, but all premium!

Collossul Mystery Box with disc golf bag Colossal Deals Box – This massive Mystery Box includes 15 discs! Plus, you get an Infinite Huck Pack bag to tote the disc around. Includes all types of discs and a variety of plastic types.

Be sure to check out our limited-time Black Friday Deals Box – This set includes seven discs that have been specially stamped and promoted for the Infinite Discs 2023 Black Friday sales. You can get these discs individually during our Black Friday sale, or get a better deal when you buy them as a set. Only a limited number available. They will go on sale at 9:00 PM Pacific Time, November 22.

Check out all Mystery Boxes here

Gift-Giving Made Easy

Jr Deals 5 Disc Mystery Box

Whether you’re looking for a Christmas gift or a birthday present, getting the disc golfer in your life a present can be tricky. Giving a gift of a Mystery Box is the perfect solution. They will get the fun of opening the box, and the fun of trying out new discs. Who knows, maybe YOU will get to try out their discs, too. Give the disc golfer in your life a Mystery Box, and let the adventure begin!

Give Mystery Boxes a try!

Whether you want the thrill of opening a box full of surprise discs, or you can’t wait to try out the new molds/brands, the Mystery Box can scratch your itch. Check out our options at the link below and join the fun! If you want to ease into the world of mystery discs, just check the Mystery Disc option when you check out at Infinite and you’ll be sent a random mystery disc.

Check out all Mystery Boxes here

Best Disc Golf Bags

Best Disc Golf Bags

If you’ve been playing disc golf very long odds are that you own a disc golf bag.  Some of us gravitate toward a cart, but most of us use a bag to carry our discs and accessories.

Bags come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They have different carrying capacities and serve different purposes. In this blog we’ll look at sales and product review data to find the best disc golf bags for 2023. We’ll look at the different bag types, from small bags up to backpack bags, and find out which bag is the best for each type of bag.

Types of Disc Golf Bags

There are bag sizes and types on the market to fit every need. Some of us are minimalist golfers who just need a bag big enough for a couple discs. Others of us carry backups for our backup discs and every possible accessory available. Most of us are somewhere in between those extremes. Let’s look at the bag types and what they do.

Small bags

This type of bag carries around 10 discs and maybe a water bottle. It can have a shoulder strap or attach to your waist. These are the smallest of bags, although some of them are still capable of carrying a lot of discs and accessories.

Large bags

You can hold up to 15+ discs in a large bag, with additional room for snacks or accessories. This size bag can be carried with a single shoulder strap, or backpack type shoulder straps.

Economy Backpack

If you like backpack style bags but don’t want to carry a lot of discs, then Economy backpacks are the way to go. Even though smaller than regular backpack bags, economy bags still carry a lot of discs and a few other accessories.

Backpack Bags

These are the largest bag choice. They can hold over 20 discs, with room for snacks, accessories, retrievers, and even stools or umbrellas. They have two shoulder straps that help you carry a lot of discs more comfortably

And the winners for the Best Bags Are:

Best Small Disc Golf Bag: Infinite Discs Easy Bag

The Easy Bag is a minimalist bag and the perfect size for a quick round of disc golf when you only need a few discs. It is inexpensive, but made from a durable material. The Easy bag is popular with beginners and more experienced disc golfers. Despite its small size, the Easy Bag can still hold 8-10 discs. Plus, it has a pocket for your phone or maybe an energy bar.

Top 5 small disc golf bags

  1. Infinite Discs Easy Bag
  2. Galaxy Starter Bag
  3. Infinite Discs Holster XL
  4. Innova Standard
  5. Ripshot Disc Bag

View our top selling small bags here.

Best Large Disc Golf Bag: Dynamic Discs Soldier Bag

The Soldier Bag holds 18+ discs in its main compartment, and a few more in the putter pocket. It comes with a padded shoulder strap. The bag features room for two water bottles, and a pocket for accessories. It also has a mesh pocket for scorecards, minis, or pencils.

View are top selling large bags here.

Top 5 large disc golf bags

  1. DD Soldier Bag
  2. Discraft Tournament
  3. DD Soldier Cooler Bag
  4. MVP Nucleus V2 Bag

Honorable Mention: Disc Tote

Infinite Discs Strorage Tote

While not technically a bag, the Disc Tote is listed in the Large Bag category, and it deserves a mention. Capable of holding several dozen discs, the Disc Tote is perfect for organizing your trunk, closet, or wherever you store your discs. The Tote can be stacked to safely store even more discs! The pockets around the outside can be used to stash other goodies, such as minis. When not in use it collapses to just a few inches thick.

Best Economy Disc Golf Backpack: Infinite Discs Slinger Deluxe

Infinite Discs Slinger Deluxe Economy Bag

The Slinger Deluxe is the big brother to the Slinger bag. It has an increased disc capacity, a flat bottom so it will sit upright, a water bottle holder, and a zippered pocket for accessories. The Slinger Deluxe is an inexpensive backpack bag that holds a lot of discs and all the things you need for a round of disc golf.

Top 5 Best Economy Disc Golf Backpacks

  1. Infinite Discs Slinger Deluxe
  2. Infinite Discs Huck Pack
  3. Infinite Disc Slinger
  4. Prodigy BP-3 V3
  5. DD Trooper Backpack

View our top selling Economy Bags Here.

Best Disc Golf Backpack Bag: Dynamic Discs Paratrooper Flag Edition

DD Paratrooper Disc Golf Backpack

The Paratrooper is similar to the popular Trooper bag, but with improved features. It can hold 18+ discs, two water bottles, and plenty of storage for all of your disc golf needs. This bag would be great for a casual round or a multi-day tournament. Priced under a hundred bucks, the Paratrooper gives disc golfers plenty of bang for their buck. The state or country flag designs are colorful and good looking. Check out the options and represent your home state or country.

Top 5 Best Disc Golf Backpacks

  1. Paratrooper – State and Country Flag Edition
  2. Prodigy BP-1 V3
  3. Axiom Voyager Lite
  4. Prodigy BP-2 V3
  5. DD Commander
    View our top selling disc golf backpacks here.
Gift Card Winners:

The following names were randomly selected to win a $20 Gift Card:

Justin E, who prefers an Upper Park Pinch Pro

Dan E, who currently uses a school backpack, but has his eye on the Dynamic Discs Trooper

Howard S, who loves his Smack Bag

Forrest J, who uses an Infinite Discs Easy Bag for his small bag, and a GRIPeq for his larger bag

Derek T, who upgraded to a Dynamic Discs Paratrooper

 

Farthest Flying Disc Golf Discs: The Real Max Distance Drivers

I was doing some field work a while back and pulled a new Pharaoh out of my bag. It was a light-weight disc that I had recently purchased. I gave it a toss, along with all of the other drivers I was throwing, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the new Pharaoh was the farthest disc in my bag!

That particular disc hasn’t held the title of ‘farthest flying disc in my bag’ consistently, but it did get me thinking about which molds people throw when they want maximum distance. I know what my buddies throw for max distance, but I wanted a bigger sample size so, I reached out to our readers for input with a “farthest flying discs” survey and the results below are taken from that study.

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

Farthest Backhand Disc Graph

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.

 

Innova Destroyer - farthest flying backhand disc

Top Five Farthest Flying Discs for Backhand Throws

  1. Innova Destroyer
  2. Infinite Discs Pharaoh
  3. Innova Wraith
  4. Infinite Discs Emperor
  5. Discmania DD3

 

Farthest Forehand Disc

Graph showing farthest flying forehand disc golf discs

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

Innova Destroyer, Farthest flying disc for forehand and sidearm throws.

  1. Innova Destroyer
  2. Innova Wraith
  3. Infinite Discs Emperor
  4. Infinite Discs Pharaoh
  5. Discraft Nuke

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

Graph showing farthest flying disc golf discs based on maximum throwing distance.

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

Graph showing the top forehand discs broken down by players max throwing 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.

Bar graph showing the farthest flying discs made by each disc golf brand

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:

Mason K

Jerry B

Joshua T

Jacob R

Matt Y

While the survey is complete, feel free to comment on your farthest flying discs so that it is easier for other disc golfers to find the disc that will provide them with maximum distance. Be sure to mention the disc mold, weight and plastic variation that gives you the most distance.

 

The Essential Review of Pulse A Disc Golf Academy

Infinite Discs recently teamed up with Pulse A Disc Golf Academy to offer its customers a chance to check out the Academy with a two-week trial and 50% off a membership. This is a great disc golf training program. I got to check out their program and found some great content!

What is the Pulse A Disc Golf Academy

Pulse A is an online disc golf education program that uses some of the top pros to teach all aspects of proper disc golf form. Once you sign up for their program, you’ll have access to hundreds of video lessons that are broken down into certain subjects. The lessons are grouped together in videos that teach all about the desired subject. Want to learn proper backhand form? Check out the lessons and exercises in Avery Jenkins’ Backhand Standstill, a level 1 course. Feel like you’re ready for more advanced backhand techniques? Watch the level 2 video, Backhand Steps.

Each instructional video breaks the subject down into bite sized clips that instruct and provide exercises. Each video clip builds on previous clips, until you have a complete from. It’s like attending a clinic by some the best disc golfers in the world.

Subjects Covered

As you would expect, the Pulse A videos cover different levels of driving, putting, and (coming soon) midrange throws with several different instructors. They also have videos covering other elements of the sport, such as training and field work. Plus, they also include gems such as their Disc Talk, which allow us to get to know some of the instructors and their personal life and careers, and the My Style segments, which are additional lessons with their own personal flair.

Pros and Cons

Pros: This would be a great investment for you if you are interested in improving your disc golf skills, like to follow professional disc golf, and are willing to put in the time to practice. A great benefit to their program is that you can watch the videos at home or use their app to watch at the course or practice field.

Cons:  One issue I had with the presentation of the videos is that we only have the ability to mark an entire video as a ‘Favorite’, instead of individual lessons or exercises. This means you have to scroll through the lessons to watch or re-watch the specific lesson that you need at the moment. It’s not a big issue, and it is one that is on Pulse A’s radar to address.

Their video library isn’t massive, but they have a ton of new ones in the works. I’m looking forward to some of the upcoming videos, such as their strength and training

Summary

 

The Pulse A Disc Golf Academy is a great product that utilizes segmented lessons and the portability of an app to deliver instructions from top professional disc golfers. Whether you’re just starting out in disc golf or are looking for ways to improve certain aspects of your game, the Pulse A program has something for you. I wasn’t blown away by the current number of videos available, but their library will continue to grow with additional lessons, in-the-bag segments, and My Style videos.

The beautiful part is that you get to check out their program for free. Plus you get half off your subscription should you choose to enroll. Check out Pulse A by clicking the link below, and elevate your disc golf skills today!

Click here for your free Pulse A trial!

Unlocking Your Disc Golf Potential: A Survey on Skill Improvement and Product Interest

Are you passionate about disc golf and eager to take your game to the next level? Are you a tad more casual about disc golf, content to grow (or maintain) by just playing rounds for fun? If you observe the members your local disc golf group you’ll likely see people in each extreme, and everything between.

Your Voice Matters

Disc golf is more than just a sport—it’s a community, a challenge, and a rewarding journey of self-improvement. We recognize that disc golfers come from all walks of life, each with their unique goals and interests. That’s why we’re conducting a survey. We want to gain insights into the diverse range of disc golfers’ skill improvement preferences and their readiness to invest in products to improve their performance on the course. At Infinite Discs, we like to cater to disc golfers of all skill levels and a variety of interest in self improvement. And we’re always looking out for new products that will help disc golfers achieve the skill level they desire.

Let us know how you feel about new products!

Comment below and let us know about YOUR interest in improving your game and how much you would invest in programs or devices. We surveyed our readers and here are the results of our survey.

Results

 

We opened up our survey for a few weeks to allow plenty of time for people to reply. Then we compiled the data and we present it in the graphs below. Here is what we found: We want to improve our skills because we aren’t completely satisfied with our skill level, and depending on the cost of an improvement device, we would be willing to invest in one.

Unsatisfied With Our Current Skill Level

 

According to the survey, only a tiny percent of us are Very Satisfied with our current skill level. Although more half of us are Somewhat Satisfied, less than half of us are Neutral or Not Satisfied. Even those Somewhat Satisfied have areas of our game that we would like to improve. Here are the survey results:

Want to Change

A whopping 94% of us indicated that we want to improve our skills, and actively do so. Although there are a small percent of us who just want to play for fun and don’t care about the results, most of us want to improve. That applied to beginners and touring pros alike. Let’s look at the graph.

Improvement Products

We wanted to find out which improvement products people are interested in purchasing. We also let people add products that were not in the survey. Participants could choose more than one answer.

The top product chosen is some kind of program with practice drills and exercises. There were a handful of people who added that they wanted a good program, and needed help finding one that would work for them. The next most popular is a training discs for specific technique. A handful of people included the desire for a disc with electronics to measure different aspects of the throw, such as rotation speed and nose angle.

Nearly half of us want personalized coaching, which slightly fewer of us would like video courses about technique. Here are the results:

Purchase Factors

It won’t come as a surprise to anyone to learn that we are looking for products that will work. More than four out of every five of us listed that factor. Cost was the next most popular answer (We will cover that in more detail next), followed by positive reviews. I thought a money-back guarantee would be more highly rated, but it cam in last place. Here is the graph:

 

Spending Limits

The last question we wanted to explore was how much people would pay for products that would help them improve. A few people noted that their budget would higher for products that get good reviews for their effectiveness. Much less than half of us would spend over $50 for an improvement product, and only 13% of us would spend over $100.

 

Conclusion

The results of our poll provide valuable insights into the preferences and attitudes of disc golfers towards skill improvement products. Disc golfers are eager to enhance their skills, with a strong majority actively seeking ways to improve. We value practical training methods, affordability, and products with a proven track record of effectiveness.

For businesses and individuals interested in catering to the disc golf community, this data serves as a valuable guide to tailor offerings that align with the desires and expectations of disc golfers looking to take their game to the next level. Whether it’s practice drills, coaching sessions, or training devices, there are ample opportunities to meet the needs of this growing community.

Best Disc Golf Retrievers

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.

Max Distance suction cup pole disc golf retriever

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.

Pole retriever dragging a disc golf disc out of the water.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 Rope retreiver getting a disc out of the waterpole. 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 retriever options.

Best Pole Extension Disc Retriever

In addition to deciding between rope and pole retrievers, with the pole retrievers you need to decide which attachment you would like on the end of the pole. The suction cup types are excellent for water, but not so good in trees. The hook ends are pretty good in water and trees. And the loop ends are better in water, but work decent in trees.

The winner? With its multiple head attachments, the Bird Dog retriever takes the win. The metal pole isn’t as long as some of the Max Stick poles, but its attachments are good for trees, rivers, and ponds. It even comes with a bag to store all the parts. It’s a universal-use solution that can be used in a variety of situations. Check out the Bird Dog here:

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.

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.

Disc retriever attachment on an ordinary stick

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.

How to Start a Disc Golf League

 

Disc golf has been gaining popularity for a while now, and starting and running a successful disc golf league can be a great way to bring the community together and promote the sport. In this blog, we will discuss the steps you can take to start and run a successful disc golf league, including advertising, costs, locations, and getting the word out.

Step 1: Determine the Format of the League

The first step in starting a successful disc golf league is to determine the format of the league. Will it be singles, doubles, or a mix of both? Maybe a women-only league? How many rounds will be played, and how many courses will be used? Will there be a handicap system in place? You could put the choices up for vote, or just decide yourself.

Another format question to consider is what divisions you will offer. Since you’ll have players with different skill levels, you’ll want to think about having different divisions so people can be competitive. Consider if divisions for women or juniors will need to be included.

Step 2: Choose a Location

Once you have determined the format of the league, the next step is to choose a location. Look for a course that is easily accessible and has enough space for the number of players you expect to participate. You may also want to consider factors such as parking availability, restrooms, and concessions.

One other thing to think about with the location is how busy the course might be at the time you want to run your league. If you aren’t familiar with the course, either visit it at the day and time you want to run your league, or ask around to find some locals who know the course and can tell you when the course gets busy.

Step 3: Determine the Costs

Running a disc golf league does come with costs, so it is important to determine these upfront. Some costs to consider include league fees, course fees, and prizes. Selling bag tags is a good way to raise money for the league. Another fundraiser option is to run a trophy-only tournament where money is collected from registration fees, but only trophies are given out. Keeping a dollar or two from league registration on a weekly basis is another option to raise funds.

Determining the cost to play at the league is something to figure out in advance. We charge $5, which is all given out to division winners. Our club is located in a city with a University, so we have many students who play in our leagues. Because of that, I started offering a free division. I didn’t want the cost to prevent someone from playing. You don’t win anything in that division, but you can still participate with the club.

Step 4: Advertise the League

Once you have determined the format, location, and costs of the league, it’s time to start advertising. Use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get the word out about the league. You can also create flyers and posters to distribute at local disc golf shops and courses.

Step 5: Communicate with Players

As players sign up for the league, it is important to communicate with them regularly. This can be done through email, social media, or a dedicated website. Let players know when and where the league will be held, what they need to bring, and any special rules or guidelines. Keeping people informed about upcoming events is a great tool for keeping people engaged in disc golf.

 

 

Step 6: Run the League

Once the league is up and running, it is important to manage it effectively. This includes keeping track of scores, enforcing rules, and communicating with players regularly. Consider using a dedicated league management software or app to make this process easier. We’ve started using Udisc for our league and it makes the process of handling scores a lot smoother.

I prefer to use a spreadsheet on a laptop that I can take to league. I enter the names, divisions, and bag tag numbers as people sign in. Then after league I can enter the scores and sort to determine winners and give out bag tags. I also have a printed sheet of paper for people to use to sign in at the beginning.

One necessary part of league is to make sure everyone knows the rules for the course. If the rules aren’t on the tee signs or somewhere on the course, have a printed copy available to hand out.

Step 7: Offer Prizes, Awards, and Additional Chances to Win

Offering prizes and awards can be a great way to keep players motivated and engaged in the league. I encourage the sale of bag tags by offering prizes for bag tag holders in the form of Closest to the Pin (CTP) competitions on a couple holes. Players can choose to pay for additional CTPs to participate in other competitions. Occasionally I’ll use club money to buy a gift card to a local restaurant and have a CTP for the card. Inexpensive prizes like candy bars can be given out for ‘awards’ like the person with the OB’s or Bogeys or Birdies.

Optional Ace Pots are a fun addition to a league. Our Ace Pot is $1 to enter, and our Super Ace Pot costs $5 to enter. If no one gets an ace that day, the ace pots rolls over to the next week and continues to grow. (Our Super Ace Pot is currently sitting at around $1,300!)

Starting and running a successful disc golf league takes time and effort, but it can be a great way to promote the sport and bring the community together. By following these steps and staying organized and communicative, you can create a fun and engaging league that players will want to come back to week after week.

 

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