Best Disc Golf Approach Discs
The Best Disc Golf Approach Discs
The disc golf putter is the true workhorse of the sport. It’s the disc you trust for drives off the tee, precision approaches, and that final putt into the basket. While you can throw any disc for any shot, you probably aren’t reaching for a high-speed driver when you’re inside 100 feet. Or putting with a fairway driver (unless it is a tap in or a short putt). The disc golf putter, on the other hand, is a versatile tool that shines in a variety of shot types.
What is an approach disc?
Obviously, any disc golf disc can be used to approach a basket. Since the goal of approaching the basket is to land as close as possible to make your putt as easy as possible, you don’t want to worry about big skips. Using lower speed discs that will sit down easier helps you achieve that goal. That makes putters a great choice for an approach disc. Midrange discs can also be used effectively.
Since most putters are labeled as “putt & approach” discs, it would help to know the difference between a “putting putter” and an “approach disc”. Unfortunately, there isn’t a rule that defines the difference between the two types of discs. Generally speaking, putters used for drives or approach shots are overstable, premium plastics, with more glide than putters used for putts. However, you can always find disc golfers who putt with molds that have the qualities of an ‘approach putter’.
Fortunately, most of the discs on our list would be considered approach putters by a majority of disc golfers, so are effectively looking at the top approach putters. In this blog, we’ll look at three things:
- The best-selling approach putters
- The highest-rated approach putters
- And some of the other approach discs we see on the course.
Let’s go!
Top-Selling Approach Discs
Here are the discs that players can’t stop buying this year:
- Infinite Discs Alpaca
- Axiom Pixel
- Discraft Zone
- Discraft Luna
- Axiom Envy
- Gateway Wizard
- Infinite Discs Tomb
- Axiom Proxy
- Streamline Range
- Prodigy PA-3
Highest-Rated Approach Discs
Want to know which discs have the best reputations? According to player ratings, these are the top approach discs:
- Discraft Zone
- Infinite Discs Tomb
- Axiom Envy
- MVP Glitch
- Innova Pig
- Kastaplast Berg
- Streamline Range
- Westside Harp
- Innova Rhyno
- Westside Maiden
Popular Approach Discs Seen on Courses
Some discs may not top the sales charts or the ratings, but they’re everywhere on the course. Let’s highlight a few of the classic approach discs that deserve a shout-out:
Innova Gator
The Gator is an overstable, bead-edged beast that thrives in windy conditions and tight lines. It’s technically a midrange, but many players treat it like an approach disc due to its overstability and reliable fade. Plus, it’s a great disc for both backhand and forehand shots.
Check out the Gator HERE
Dynamic Discs Justice
The Justice is about as overstable as it gets. If you need a disc that laughs at headwinds and dumps hard to the left (for RHBH players), the Justice is your friend. It’s perfect for flex lines and sharp doglegs where you need a reliable finish.
Check out the Justice HERE
Innova Aviar
The Innova Aviar has been a staple among disc golfers for decades. It is less stable than many discs on our lists, and more likely to be used as a putting disc. However, many disc golfers love the reliability and feel of the classic disc.
Check out the Aviar HERE
Discraft Zone OS
If you are looking for a disc that can handle a little more arm speed, or you’re throwing into a headwind, the Zone OS should be on your radar. It is beefy enough for the best players, yet it can be used by less experienced players as a utility disc. Even if you already throw a Zone, you’ll find shots that will call for the OS.
Check out the Zone HERE
Latitude 64 Pure
The Pure is an easily shapable putter that many people use as an approach disc. It will hold it’s line on an anhyzer shot, straight shot, or even a hyzer shot, without big skips or massive fades.
Check out the Pure HERE
Discmania P2
The P2 is known for its versatility, especially in different plastics. S-Line P2s are more overstable and great for driving, while D-Line P2s beat in to give a straight, floaty flight. Whether you want a disc that can hold an anhyzer or one that fights back for a hyzer finish, the P2 delivers.
Check out the P2 HERE
The Axiom Envy
The Envy has been a staple in the approach game for years, and it’s no surprise it still ranks among the best. Known for its versatility, the Envy can handle smooth hyzers, straight shots, and even turnovers when beaten in. The popularity of James Conrad’s legendary “Holy Shot” at the 2021 World Championship only boosted its fanbase. Available in a wide range of plastics and colors, the Envy is a must-try for any disc golfer.
Check out the Envy HERE
What’s Your Favorite Approach Disc?
Is your go-to approach disc on the list? Do you have a favorite that we missed? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s hear what disc you think is the best approach disc and why!
For more details, check out the best disc golf approach putters in our store, Infinite Discs!
Ted Hegemann
Ted is the Chief Writer at Infinite Discs. He is responsible for the State of Disc Golf Survey articles and most of the "best discs" posts. Ted runs all kinds of local disc golf leagues and tournaments and tournaments in Northern Utah.