Improving At Disc Golf

May 1, 2024 Ted Hegemann Leave a comment

One of the question I hear asked a lot when there is someone new to a disc golf group is, how long have you been playing disc golf? I’ve often asked that question and have been asked it many times myself. It’s fun and interesting to learn how and when people started playing. It’s also interesting to see people’s skill level based on how long they have been playing, and what they are doing to improve at disc golf.

Some people have impressive amounts of skill, even though they haven’t been playing long. Others are at about the level we would expect them to be, based on how long they have been playing. There are a couple reasons why there might be a difference. First, some people just have more athletic ability than others. Second, the courses and people we play with can influence how much and how rapidly we grow. Third, some people want to get better while others are content to just play at their current skill level.

Survey From Remix Outdoors

How does your growth and skill level compare to others? Our friends at Remix Outdoors shared the results of a survey they conducted among disc golfers which shows the average driving distance and the length of time playing for survey participants. This gives us an idea where our skills match up with others who have been playing as long as us.

According to the survey, after starting out as a beginner, the average disc golfer doubles their driving distance in just six months. Then the average distance gains slow quite a bit. It seems a lot more difficult to add distance to our drives. I’ve seen this trend among a lot of disc golfers that I know. Although the arc seems accurate, the distances seemed a little lower than I’ve seen.

I would have guessed that the average disc golfer would have picked up a little more distance in the first year or so. After people learn the basics of form, quite a lot of growth can occur. Then the progress might slow down. Even so, the growth/plateau arc is close to what I’ve seen a lot. But, is there something we can do to speed up the growth?

Improving at Disc Golf

There are several methods we can use to improve our skills in disc golf. Some cost money but most are free. They all involve investing time to improve our skills.

Watch Youtube Videos

One of the great benefits of social media is that people with a lot of knowledge can impart that knowledge to the masses easily and cheaply. There are many disc golf coaches who post videos that walk you through every aspect of disc golf. Watching the videos, doing the drills, and following suggestions can help us improve our skills. We can see every detail of good form, then work to implement that form for ourselves.

That method of improving does have a few drawbacks though. First, not everyone learns just by watching a video. Some need to be told how to make our body do the moves in the videos. We might assume we are doing what is suggested in the video, but really just creating new bad habits. Which leads us to the second drawback: A video can’t give feedback. Unless we know we are using proper form, we can’t really correct our issues. Which leads us to the second method we can use to improve:

Take Video of Our Form

If you watch good tutorials you can get a good mental image of what proper form looks like. If we then record and watch ourselves doing the same moves, we can compare our form to the proper form to see what areas we need to work on. This still requires us to be able to make changes to the way our body moves, which may or may not be easy for us. That is where the last improvement method comes into play:

Get Some Coaching

Having a knowledgeable coach watch our form and give immediate feedback, including ways we can correct any issues we’re having, is a great way to speed up the learning curve. This takes more than just pointing out problem areas. This means finding someone that can teach us how to change our muscle memory and lay the foundation for good form and good habits.

When it comes to coaching, there are several options. Some coaches have monthly subscriptions that include video form reviews. Others offer single lessons with feedback. If you are lucky enough to have a good teacher in your club, you can get some one-on-one coaching or maybe some feedback if you’re playing a casual together.

Practice!

Regardless of the method you choose to improve your skills, if you don’t plan time for practice, you are making the road to getting better a hard one. I mean, even the pros practice. We need that body/brain connection on a regular basis to cement the neural pathways so we can duplicate the correct form on a regular basis. Practice!

What is YOUR experience with driving distance vs Experience?

As I said in the before, the general trajectory I’ve frequently seen with new players fits nicely with the results of the survey by Remix Outdoors. How we fall on the scale and how fast we want to advance is up to us.

How about you? How fast did you gain distance? Are you taking steps to improve your disc golf game?

How to Putt: Disc Golf Putting Techniques

April 29, 2024 Ted Hegemann Leave a comment

Unless you get an ace or a throw-in from the fairway, you’re going to putt on nearly every hole. Sometimes those putts are drop ins from a few feet away. Other times you have to work for them by letting the disc fly from great distances. How you choose to putt is up to you, but in this blog we will discuss different disc golf putting techniques and styles that disc golfer use to get the disc to the basket.

Although we will list a lot of techniques that are used in the disc golf world, we are going to focus on two different stances, and two different putting styles. These represent a bulk of the putts that you will see on any given day, and are tried and true techniques. Let’s start with some putting techniques that are a tad more unorthodox. Some of these unusual styles are used out of desperation or because you are in a situation with few choices, rather than using them on a regular basis.

Disc Golf Putting Techniques

TURBO PUTT

The turbo putt is commonly called a pizza putt. It is accomplished by holding the disc flat with your thumb under the putter and your fingers around the outer rim. The motion is made by pushing the disc forward, then adding a ton of spin by snapping your wrist. That motion, when mastered, can give the disc enough spin to hit long putts.

Although the turbo can create a lot of spin, it is usually used for shorter putts on an elevated basket, or putting over a obstacles such as low bushes. It is fun to watch a good Turbo putter, but the technique is usually reserved for close putts or out of necessity.

BASKETBALL PUTT

This novelty putt sort of mimics a shot with a basketball. It is accomplished by holding the disc upside-down at an angle, then flicking your wrist like shooting a basketball. That motion gives the discs some spin and it flies in an arc to the basket. Although I have never seen this putt used, there is video of a few pros (like Ricky Wysocki) use that technique.

Another variation of this shot is to flip the disc so it doesn’t spin, but rather rotates slowly, then hits the chains on the full flight plate or bottom. Jennifer Allen has used this technique for short putts, usually on elevated baskets.

SCOOBER

Seen in tournament videos of Brodie Smith, the scoober is a method of throwing Ultimate discs in order to avoid defenders and progress downfield. It is thrown with the disc upside down and at an angle, so the disc will float toward the basket. It is just a short motion with the elbow and a flick of the wrist in a sort of reverse-forehand action. One of the great things about this putt is that the disc drops out of the sky, so if you miss, you won’t have a long comeback putt. Brody posted an instructional video on YouTube HERE

Although the scoober could be used in a situation where you have an obstruction that you need to get around or over, most people lack the skill to pull it off. Unless you practice that putt, or have a lot of Ultimate experience, you will likely be more successful with another type of putt. If you have the skill to pull it off, you might save yourself a few strokes. And you will definitely impress your card mates!

KNEELING

A kneeling putt is another technique that is typically reserved for specific situations. If you are attempting a wide straddle putt, try dropping to one knee instead. You can usually kneel a little wider than just straddling. Plus, you might be more stable balancing on one knee (carry a foam mini to use as a cushion!).

There are a couple situations where a kneeling putt might be the best option: If you are behind an object and need to maximize your stretch to give yourself the most lateral distance possible. Or, if you have a very low ceiling that you need to get under, and don’t want to be bending down to attempt to putt. I recommend practicing these two scenarios so you can see how you need release to disc to get the direction and distance you need from those stances.

STEP

Although the step putt is fairly common in disc golf, the exact execution of the technique can vary from person to person, and depends on the situation. It is used to get a little more distance/power from a putt. The step putt can only be used outside of 10 meters from the basket, otherwise a foot fault could be called.

To execute a step putt, begin stepping toward the basket and make sure to release the disc before your foot hits the ground. Timing is important to maximize the power and ensure you don’t hit the ground before you release and get a foot fault. Although step putt can give you more power, it introduces more movement into your putts and requires more skill to properly execute.

JUMP

The big brother to a step putt is the jump putt. Instead of stepping forward, you jump toward the basket with both feet. As you are leaving the ground you release the disc, to optimize the power you transfer into it. It takes accurate timing, but can add a significant amount of distance to your putts.

Putting Stances

Now let’s look at the most popular putting stances, and talk about how to use them.

STRADDLE

While some of us use the straddle when needed, others make it their go-to stance. Think Nate Sexton or Kevin Jones. By using it as your regular stance, you’ll be much more comfortable if you are forced to straddle around an obstacle.

The straddle is typically used with a push put, although a spin putt works as well. Facing the basket with your feet parallel to each other, you can get extra power by implementing a jump putt out of your straddle stance. Or just stay planted on the ground and get your power from your legs and arms.

STAGGER

The stance that you see most people putt from is the stagger stance. Although there are a lot of moving parts to a stagger stance, it can generate a lot of power. It is an athletic stance that allows you to get power from your legs, hips, shoulders, arms and wrists. You can use your back leg to push off and counterbalance your body.

The stagger stance is executed by placing one foot in front of the other, with the lead foot the same as your dominant hand (right foot for right-handed players). Most of your weight is on your back foot to start, then the weight is transferred to your front as you release. Your back leg then rises into the air to counterbalance your body, giving you more distance. If you want to see a gymnast try this technique and get the highest back-leg kick of anyone, check out a video with Jennifer Allen!

SPIN

Although both the spin and push putts each include some spinning and some pushing, the difference is the emphasis. In the case of the spin putt, the emphasis is to create a lot of spin on your disc. This is accomplished by bringing the disc near your body and snapping it toward the basket. That motion creates a lot of spin and is useful for many different disc golf scenarios.

When you use your elbow and wrist to create a lot of spin on your disc, it allows you to get longer distances from your putts. It also allows you to have a higher success rate in a windy situation by cutting through the wind. However, this putting technique also has some disadvantages.

Whenever you introduce additional moving parts into an equation, you have to rely on consistency among all of those parts. Any variations and your chances of a successful putt diminishes. That is the down side to spin putts. On the plus side, it can be used in either a straddle or stagger stance.

PUSH

The push putt has its emphasis on lofting the disc into the air with minimal spin. The disc floats to the basket with much less power. This softer approach means that missed putts won’t have as long of comeback putts. The arc of the putt can be useful in getting over obstacles. Plus, they are also less likely to spit out or bounce out since they don’t have as much speed.

That lack of speed can also be a downside, since you can’t get as much distance. Another disadvantage is that in windy conditions, the push putt can be difficult to properly execute, since your disc will be affected by the wind.

Summary

No matter your desired putting technique, the bottom line is to practice it enough to be effective. If you aren’t confident with your technique, it doesn’t really matter how you stand nor how you putt. Whichever style fits your game, get good at it through repetition. I also recommend spending a few minutes each putting session trying out other techniques, in case you have to use one of them out of necessity.

Get out hucking and throw what you love!

General

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.

2024 Ledgestone Season 2 Release

April 19, 2024 Tara Martin Leave a comment

Ledgestone Wave 3, Season 2 Release for 2024

The 2024 season has arrived! Ledgestone presented by Discraft is starting off their first season of discs with a bang. Get your hands on the following Ledgestone edition Discraft models.

The following twelve molds will be released on April 19th after 7 p.m. EST

All Ledgestone Discs can be found here.

2024 Ledgestone Discs – Preseason

The 2024 Ledgestone Preseason introduced us to an exciting range of discs, which included the Z Swirl Athena, Full Foil Buzzz, Z Sparkle Luna, CryZtal Glo Flx Nuke OS, Colorshift Z Raptor, and the X Swirl Zone.

This first season of discs includes the following twelve discs: ESP Challenger, X Swirl Buzzz, ESP Swirl Zombee, Litweight ESP Vulture, ESP Swirl Pulse, Z Glo Zone, UV Glo Heat, Z Swirl Zeus, CryZtal Scorch, Crytal FLX Malta, CryZtal Rattler, & Jawbreaker Swirl Nuke.

The second season of discs includes the following eleven discs: Z Swirl Anax, Z Swirl Buzzz, UV Glo Sparkle Buzzz GT, Z Swirl Cidada, TI Swirl Fierce, Jawbreaker Heat, UV Glo Meteor, Cryztal Roach, Z Swirl Stratus, TI Sparkle Thrasher, & Lightweight ESP Venom.

These releases are part of the 2024 Ledgestone Limited Edition disc program, which will see its releases spread over four different waves in the year, with the approximate release times being December 2023, February 2024, April 2024, and June 2024. Each release showcases a variety of innovative molds, showcasing unique plastic and design varieties of Discraft’s ultra popular disc molds.

These discs are not just about providing players with new gear; they also play a crucial role as fundraisers for the Discraft Ledgestone Open. This tournament is renowned as the biggest event in disc golf, attracting a wide range of players and fans alike. The Ledgestone team, led by Tournament Director Nate Heinold, has focused on creating unique and desirable discs that appeal to both collectors and players. By purchasing these discs, enthusiasts contribute directly to the success and growth of this major tournament.

In addition to the high-quality discs, the Ledgestone program also brings back less common or out-of-production molds, catering to both long-time fans and new players who are love trying different Discrafts golf discs.

Overall, the 2024 Ledgestone Limited Edition disc program unveiles a captivating array of discs, showcasing innovation in plastic types and design variations of Discraft’s renowned molds. These releases, divided into four waves throughout the year, not only provide players with exciting new gear but also serve as vital fundraisers for the prestigious Discraft Ledgestone Open.

We are happily looking forward to the rest of the 2024 season, and hope you are too!

Love what you throw, throw what you love!

General

Monthly Top Selling Discs – March 2024

April 15, 2024 Tara Martin 4 comments

TOP-SELLING DISCS OF MARCH, 2024

Welcome to the top-selling discs report! At the beginning of each month, we will take a look back at the previous month to calculate which discs sold the best. You have a chance to win a $20 gift card each month if you correctly guess a certain spot for the next month (see below for more details).

Each month, we look at the top 50 disc sales data for mold AND plastic-type to see which disc rose to the top. Due to this, it is possible that a single model could show up on the list several times, each representing a different plastic type. This also helps us to know which disc in which plastic are the most popular among our customers.

#1 – Axiom Signature Electron Soft PIXEL
#2 – Discraft Signature Rubber Blend KRATOS
#3 – Axiom Electron Firm PIXEL
#4 – Axiom Electron PIXEL
#5 – Innova Star WRAITH
#6 – MVP Neutron Soft GLITCH
#7 – Infinite Discs I-Blend EMPEROR
#8 – Aziom Neutron CRAVE
#9 – Discmania Soft Neo SPORE
#10 – Infinite Discs I-Blend KHONSU
#11 – Axiom Signature Prism Proton ENVY
#12 – Innova Star ROLLO
#13 – Terminal Velocity Signature Glass URSUS
#14 – Innova Star DESTROYER
#15 – MVP Fission WAVE
#16 – Axiom Neutron TIME-LAPSE
#17 – Axiom Neutron HEX
#18 – Axiom Prism Neutron PYRO
#19 – Clash Discs Steady WILD HONEY
#20 – MVP Neutron WAVE
#21– Infinite Discs D-Blend TOMB
#22 – Infinite Discs I-Blend PHARAOH
#23 – Discraft Z Glo ZONE
#24 – Thought Space Athletics Aura COALESCE
#25 – Axiom Neutron PARADOX
#26 – Thought Space Athletics Nebula Ethereal PATHFINDER
#27 – Infinite Discs Halo S-Blend EMPEROR
#28 – Axiom Eclipse 2.0 HEX
#29 – Axiom Fission CRAVE
#30 – Discraft Signature Z Glo ZONE
#31 – Infinite Discs N-Blend ALPACA
#32 – MVP Neutron WATT
#33 – Infinite Discs Signature D-Blend TOMB
#34 – Innova R-Pro PIG
#35 – Innova GStar DESTROYER
#36 – Innova Star TEEBIRD
#37 – Axiom Fission INSANITY
#38 – Infinite Discs Swirly S-Blend X-out EMPEROR
#39 – Infinite Discs D-Blend ALPACA
#40 – Innova Star MAKO3
#41 – Innova Star MAMBA
#42 – Finish Line Discs Radiant INTERVAL
#43 – Thought Space Athletics Nebula Ethereal MANTRA
#44 – Innova Halo Star LEOPARD3
#45 – Finish Line Discs Signature Radiant INTERVAL
#46 – Infinite Discs I-Blend SPHINX
#47 – Innova Champion Color Glow WRAITH
#48 – Discraft Z Line CICADA
#49 – Innova Champion EAGLE
#50 – Dino Discs Egg Shell STEGOSAURUS

*All this data comes from Infinitediscs.com sales ONLY

The Ursus disc, featuring the signature stamp of disc golf pro Eric Oakley, gained significant traction last month due to its exceptional performance and unique design. Renowned for its versatility and dependable flight characteristics, the Ursus has quickly become a favorite among players of all skill levels. Oakley’s stamp not only adds a personal touch but also signifies his endorsement of the disc’s quality and performance.

With its consistent flight and reliable fade, coupled with Paul McBeth’s seal of approval, the Kratos also saw a surge in demand last month, reaffirming its position as a go-to choice for players seeking power and precision on the course.

Lastly, The Discmania Spore, the latest addition to the Discmania lineup, quickly captured the attention of disc golfers last month thanks to its innovative design and impressive performance. Offering a unique blend of stability and glide, the Spore has garnered praise for its versatility on the course. Its flight characteristics make it suitable for a wide range of shots, from powerful drives to precise approaches or a simple game of catch.

The amount of times each manufacturer showed up in the line up this month:

Interested in More Top Selling Disc Golf Products?

Check out these top selling disc pages, automatically populated by our website for the:

Looking for discs of a certain flight path, check out these lists of best sellers for last month:

The Guessing Game

Every month you’ll be able to place your guess for a certain spot on the chart for the next month. The first person to guess the disc and plastic type correctly for the named chart position will win a $20 gift card for the Infinite Discs online store.

PLACE A GUESS for next month. If you can by the first to guess the #7, #22, #42 spot for April 2024 then you can be a winner. Leave your guess in the comments on this blog.

Thanks! See you next month

General

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!”

Unveiling the Mysteries of Khonsu: The Ancient Egyptian God of the Moon

March 21, 2024 Tara Martin One comment

Unveiling the Mysteries of Khonsu: The Ancient Egyptian God of the Moon

In the pantheon of ancient Egypt, among the myriad of deities that were worshipped, one figure stands out as a beacon of lunar majesty: Khonsu. Revered as the god of the moon, time, and healing, Khonsu held a significant place in the hearts and minds of ancient Egyptians. Translated, Khonsu means “Traveller” and we believe this signinfies the travel of the moon across the night sky.

In this brief write up, we will dive into the mythology surrounding Khonsu, unraveling the mysteries and significance of this enigmatic deity.

The Origins of Khonsu: Khonsu, whose name translates to “traveller” or “pathfinder,” was an integral part of the Theban triad, alongside Amun and Mut. He was believed to be the son of Amun, the king of the gods, and Mut, the primordial mother goddess. Khonsu’s divine parentage endowed him with immense power and significance within the Egyptian pantheon.

Depictions of Khonsu: In art and iconography, Khonsu was typically portrayed as a youthful figure, often depicted with a sidelock of youth and the symbol of the moon adorning his head. He is often depicted with the same falcon-headed god Horus, emphasizing his connection to the lunar cycle and its association with the passage of time. We have emphasized this connection in our stock stamps as you can see in this image comparison below –

Roles and Attributes: As the god of the moon, Khonsu was believed to govern the lunar cycle and its influence on the passage of time. Ancient Egyptians associated the phases of the moon with various aspects of life, including fertility, agriculture, and the cyclical nature of existence. Khonsu’s role as a deity of time also extended to matters of divination and prophecy, as lunar phases were often used as a means of predicting future events.

Furthermore, Khonsu was revered as a healer, particularly in the realm of mental and physical afflictions. Temples dedicated to Khonsu served as centers of healing and rejuvenation, where worshippers sought his divine intervention in times of illness or distress.

Khonsu in Mythology and Ritual: Mythology surrounding Khonsu often depicted him as a benevolent and compassionate deity, ever ready to assist those in need. Tales of his miraculous healings and interventions permeated ancient Egyptian religious texts, cementing his status as a revered and beloved god.

Rituals dedicated to Khonsu often involved offerings of food, drink, and incense, presented at his temples in exchange for his divine favor and protection. Lunar festivals, such as the Festival of Opet, provided opportunities for worshippers to express their devotion to Khonsu through prayer, music, and dance.

(Tut’ankhamun in Opet, History of Egypt Podcast)

Legacy and Influence: Despite the passage of millennia, Khonsu’s legacy endures, with remnants of his worship scattered throughout ancient Egyptian archaeological sites. The enduring fascination with Khonsu serves as a testament to the enduring power of myth and the human quest for meaning in the cosmos.

In the pantheon of ancient Egyptian gods, Khonsu occupies a unique and revered position as the god of the moon, time, and healing. Through his association with the lunar cycle and its influence on human affairs, Khonsu offered ancient Egyptians a source of solace, guidance, and divine protection. Today, the legacy of Khonsu continues to captivate the imagination, reminding us of the enduring allure of ancient myth and the mysteries of the cosmos.

NEW Flippy Midrange from Infinite Discs

The Khonsu is an awesome, understable, beadless addition to Infinite’s midrange line up. Throw the Khonsu on hyzer and it will go super straight, or give it a little anhyzer and it will hold the line when trying to get around something. This disc feels excellent and is a must for anyone needing an understable midrange.

Team member Andrew Leahy said this about the new mold: “The Khonsu has a ton of glide! And provides effortless distance and control with a midrange! They can handle a lot more torque than I would have guessed and they really love to stay on whatever line you throw them on!!”

This new mold is now available in I-Blend plastic. We are confident you will love this disc, so as we always say…

Love what you throw, and throw what you love!

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