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.

FOCUS FRIDAY – Alfa Discs on Discount

FOCUS FRIDAY – ALFA DISCS BRAND

Welcome back to another Focus Friday, where we look at a certain mold or brand, and give you a discount so you can try it out for yourself. This week, we are focusing on ONE brand, Alfa Discs from Norway.

If you would like to learn about the beginning of Alfa Discs and more about the first every Norwegian disc gof manufacturer, read our blog post.

Alfa Discs currently has 3 molds… The Apollo (straight mid-range), The Cosmic (glidey fairway driver), and the Snoopy (easy-to-throw putter).

In addition to these molds, they have 3 plastics to choose from: Copper – a grippy plastic perfect for all conditions and to help increase putting confidence. Crystal – an opaque, durable plastic with excellent grip (This was their first plastic) Chrome – Much like Crystal, but with a more gummy feel.

Each of these molds have GREAT reviews and would be an awesome brand to try out.

DISCOUNT -> To get ANY Alfa Discs Mold for 20% off, use this code at check out: “FOCUSALFA”

This will end Monday night, so get on this amazing deal while you can! 
Check out this page to see all the items that are on sale this week.

Note: After placing your discs/items in the shopping cart and before checking out, click on the “Discount Code” box under the shopping cart and enter that code. Then proceed to checkout.

QUICK TIP TUESDAY – DISC GOLF TIPS

Quick Tip Tuesday – Crafting Better Hyzer Lines

 

For your Quick Tip Tuesday this week, Infinite team member Eric Oakley shares his expertise on throwing more accurate hyzer lines.

First, each disc has a different level of stability, which means each is going to react to a hyzer line differently. Understanding your discs in this way will help you better craft the hyzer line you are looking for.

Second, practice releasing each disc on different height angles. This will give you a lot more unique and particular lines to help you achieve the shot you are looking for.

And Third, get out into the field and test your own discs! How beat in your discs are can also determine their hyzer flight path. Let us know in the YouTube video comments which disc you like to release on hyzer the most!

See the full tip by watching the video on our channel –>

 

Elevation Koi v. Divergent Discs Alpas

Elevation Disc Golf is a company that started about 1 year ago. They have specialized in making rubber discs that are extremely floppy. These discs sell out rapidly, and are quite useful. People enjoy these discs as they offer no ground play. The Koi, or the Intercepter are the only discs that are available at this moment.

Divergent Discs is another company that has emerge within this last year or so. They’re focusing on creating discs for the rest of us. They keep things really simple, providing a mold in one plastic type. They too have released a floppy disc, the Alpas.

These discs make for great approach discs because of their floppiness. Their flimsy form allows the disc to absorb energy and to remain where they land. This is beneficial as it lessens the chance of rollaways or bad kicks.

Elevation Koi Review

The way this disc feels very similar to the run 1 of the Interceptors, but a little more stiffer – just slightly though. Meaning it is still quite floppy and smashable. Where this is a rubber disc, gripping it feels a little odd from other typical plastic discs. The disc bends to how your hand is gripping it. It takes some time to get used to how the disc feels in your hands. This disc works best for a backhand power grip, it is difficult for me to throw forehand. It folds out of my hand too often when I try forehand throws.

The flight path of this is straight with a gentle fade at the end. It is a real easy throw, you can easily put too much power and turnover the disc. For me, it is difficult to feel confident in the angle release. The disc just hangs loose. This is good though, because when this disc lands, it stops. I’ve seen it land on a tree trunk and stay on the trunk.

Overall, this is an interesting disc, it isn’t my favorite, but the no ground play does have a certain allure to it. Definitely worth it if you’re looking for a disc that has no ground play.

Divergent Discs Review

The Alpas is an interesting disc, just like the Koi. It isn’t as soft as the Koi is, but it is still pretty flimsy. The rim is quite shallow, which can be uncomfortable for some people. My hand does feel a little cramped power gripping this disc. Gripping this disc though is still comfortable enough, and confident inspiring enough that the shallowness isn’t too much of a problem.

The Alpas is an understable putter. I could easily turn this disc over without trying. This is more of a touch approach disc than a driving putter. The angle control on this disc is manageable. It has a little bit of sag in it whilst holding the disc. The floppiness does the trick in absorbing energy and not moving once it hits the ground. So this disc does the trick in offering little to no ground play.

Overall, this is a good approach disc that doesn’t move around on the ground after it lands.

Check out the video below to see these discs’ flight.

Concluding Thoughts

It is kind of hard to say which of these is the better disc. They share some similar attributes but they are also different enough that they are hard to compare. The Alpas offers a little more rigidity, while the Koi is extremely soft. They are both supposed to stop rollaways, but I have seen both of them hit the ground and roll away.