Category: frisbee golf

What Beginners Should Know About Choosing Disc Golf Discs

If you’re new to disc golf, the number of disc options can feel overwhelming. There are flight numbers, plastic types, and weight, all influencing how a disc performs. That’s before you even consider what colors or stamps you want. This guide will simplify those factors so you can make an informed choice.

To an outsider, all discs might look the same. But in reality, some discs are tailored for beginner-friendly learning, while others are designed for experienced players. This post focuses on molds that support beginners in developing proper form and confidence.

Understanding Disc Flight Numbers

Disc golf uses a four-number flight rating system. While imperfect, it’s the most useful benchmark we have. Here is what each digit tells you and why it matters:

• Speed: Indicates how fast you must throw the disc for it to fly correctly. High-speed discs must be thrown a lot faster than slower-speed discs. Attempting to throw high-speed discs without the proper skill can encourage poor form. Beginners should stick with speeds between 1 and 5. You can get slightly faster discs if you can find them in lighter weights (under 160g)
• Glide: Describes how long the disc stays in the air. Higher glide numbers help beginners maximize distance with less power.
• Turn: Measures how much the disc will veer to the right (for a right-handed, backhand player) when thrown with speed. Beginners benefit from discs with turn ratings between –1 and –4. If your disc starts turning too much early in flight, consider a faster or more stable mold.
• Fade: Reflects how much the disc will curve to the left at the end of its flight. Lower fade values are easier for beginners to manage, since their throws tend to lack high velocity.

What About Disc Weight

Although the flight numbers on a disc might make it good or bad for beginners, the weight of a disc can also make a big difference. Lighter disc golf discs are often better for beginners because they require less power to throw effectively, making it easier to get more distance with less effort.

Heavier discs can be harder to control for new players since they require faster arm speed to achieve a full flight, often resulting in short or inaccurate throws. A lighter disc is also more forgiving, as it tends to glide longer and stay in the air, giving beginners more time to see how their throw affects the disc’s flight. This added distance and control can help new players build confidence while developing proper form.

With those tips in mind, let’s look at the best disc golf discs for beginners.

1. MVP Ohm  The Ohm is a straight-flying, very glidey putter from MVP. Even though is has a high glide, it can comfortably be used as a putting putter. The mold is similar to the Streamline Pilot.
2. Discraft Archer   A former Ace Race disc, the Archer is popular among beginners for is flippy flight, and more skilled players look for a disc that will hold a turn. It has a shallow feel to the rim.
3. Gateway Voodoo   Another straight putter, the Gateway Voodoo has an interesting feel. It is soft and very grippy. The Voodoo comes in a variety of plastic types.
4. Innova TL3 Considered by Innova to be, “the evolution of the TL”, the TL3 is like a straighter TeeBird. It is also a great disc for newer players who want to take the next step and get a control driver.
5. Viking Axe  The Axe is a domey midrange disc. It has little turn and fade. It’s great for accuracy and controlled shots.
6. Discraft Roach Another Ace Race disc, the Roach is a popular putter from Discraft. The beadless disc makes a great approach disc, and is perfect for smashing chains.
7. TSA Pathfinder The Pathfinder is a straight midrange disc from Thought Space Athletics. In addition to its shapable flight, since it is Thought Space, you know the stamp will be next level and the plastic will feel amazing!
8. Innova Cobra The Innova Cobra has been around longer than nearly all of the beginners who would throw it. It is a midrange that has a little more turn than other mids on the list, and a little more fade. That combination will give you more options for shaping your shot.
9. Yikun Yan With a little more glide than most mids, the Yan is a deep-rim, straight disc that will hold any line you put it on. It is a great choice for picking up some distance with little effort.
10. Viking Cosmos Another great option for beginners who want a disc with a little more distance potential is the Viking Cosmos. Its flight is just what a beginner will need to expanding their game.

If you look at each of the discs listed, you’ll find they all fit the description above of what makes a great beginner disc. None of them are high-speed discs. None of them have crazy fade. They are all stable to understable discs. They are just what you should look for as you start your disc golf Journey!

Below is a link to the complete list of the best beginner discs. Check it out to see which of the molds might be on sale!

Best Beginner Discs