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2024 Christmas Gift Ideas for Disc Golfers – Win a Gift Card!!!

December 17, 2024 Ted Hegemann 24 comments

The holiday season is the perfect time to surprise the disc golf enthusiasts in your life with gifts that highlight their passion. This Christmas gift guide for disc golfers highlights the best presents for every budget, from premium gear to thoughtful stocking stuffers, regardless of the skill level of your disc golfer. These gift ideas also make great gifts for yourself!

Keep reading to see how you can win a gift card.

Larger Christmas Gift Ideas

Disc Golf Carts

Help them have a more enjoyable round with a sturdy disc golf cart. These carts make it easier to carry equipment around the course. With a variety of features and convenient add-ons, you’re sure to find the perfect cart for your disc golfer.

Bagboy Quad XL: Equipped with a drink holder, umbrella holder and built in storage, the Quad XL is our most popular cart. With stability and a high bag height, your disc golfer would love to find this gem under their Christmas tree!
Zuca Carts: Offer versatility with rolling bag designs and add-on saddlebags. Some models offer their own disc storage compartments. Others are designed to carry a separate bag.
Rovic RV1D 2.0 Cart: Throw your bag on this cart and you’ll be ready to go. It rolls easily and folds up compactly for easy storage in your home or vehicle.

Explore more disc golf carts here.

Practice Baskets

Bring the game home with portable practice baskets, perfect for honing putting skills.

Doomsday Discs Lite: With several different colors to choose from, the DD Lite basket is an inexpensive, lightweight option for them. Having a basket readily available is one of the best ways to get regular practice, and improve putting skills!
DGA Mach Lite: Collapsible and portable, ideal for travel or backyard use. This basket is one of my favorites because of its convenience in transporting and efficient design. And it still catches discs fairly well for a cloth basket.
Basket Accessories –If they like to putt in the house or yard, a great way to keep the noise of the otherwise enjoyable sound of the disc hitting chains down is the Infinite Discs Chain Suppressor. Simply wrap the suppressor around the pole to reduce the noise and keep neighbors and roommates happy!

View all practice basket options here.

Rangefinders

A rangefinder takes the guesswork out of the game, making it an essential tool for competitive players. Should you reach for a distance driver or fairway driver? Find the exact distance to improve your disc selection and success rate.

Apex NP600: Designed specifically for disc golf, offering elevation compensation for precise throws. Dial your shots for accuracy by knowing the exact distance to the basket. This rangefinder offers impressive features at a reasonable price.
MVP Parsec Laser: Features long-range accuracy and rechargeable battery. Ranges up to 2600 feet. Has 6x magnification for more accurate reads.

Check out disc golf rangefinders here.

Practice Nets

If you want to practice throwing but don’t have time to drive to a field and spend your time walking around finding the discs you’ve just thrown, check out our practice nets. They give you the ability to get your repetitions in without spending a lot of time.

Revolve 20’x10′ Disc Golf Training Net – Large enough that you won’t have to worry about missing the target, it still fits inside a travel bag for easy transport. The large net also comes with removable target areas so you can hone your aiming abilities. Includes ground stakes for anchoring on grass or dirt.

Mid-Tier Christmas Golf Gift Ideas

Bags

Upgrade their gear with bags that combine comfort, durability, and capacity.

Tournament Slinger Bag: Lightweight and compact for quick rounds. Single sling design that holds around a dozen discs, some snacks, and a water bottle.
MVP or Axiom Voyager Lite: Spacious yet portable, with reinforced zippers and comfortable straps. The Lite bags have a lot of features and a large capacity, at a good price.

Browse all disc golf bags here.

Disc Retrievers

Save their discs from water or tricky spots with reliable retrievers:

Max Stick Retriever: Lightweight and extendable for reaching distant discs. The suction cup ball on the end is amazing for grabbing discs out of the water. This popular retriever can also reach high in trees and even nab a disc over a fence.
Golden Retriever: Excellent for water hazards or hard-to-reach areas. Just toss the retriever past the disc, then pull it in. You can even add more rope to extend your reach. Pro tip: wrap the rope around a separate spool instead of the retriever itself. Then you just have to unspool the amount you need, instead of the entire length of rope.

Explore disc retrievers here.

Storage Solutions

Disc golfers like to keep our discs organized, but don’t always take time to get something to keep them in some kind of order. Here are a couple gift ideas that they will love.

Storage Racks – Racks come in a variety of sizes and materials to neatly store and organize their disc golf collection. Eliminate those piles of discs with one of these racks or shelving systems.

Disc Totes – The disc tote is the simple way to organize the discs in your room, closet, or the trunk of your car. It holds 60-80 discs and allows you to neatly store your backups and alternate discs. The Tote comes with pockets for your accessories, a cover, and handles to carry the tote from house to car. Plus, it folds up compactly when not in use.

See the variety of racks and storage here.

Games

Believe it or not, there are fun things to do outside of disc golf! Infinite has games and puzzles that you can play when you’re not out hucking. Join the fun with your disc golfer with these options. Great disc golf gifts are ones that you can all enjoy!

Puzzles and Games –Believe it or not, there are fun things to do outside of disc golf! Infinite has games and puzzles that you can play when you’re not out hucking. Check out our colorful and challenging puzzles which feature, you guessed it, disc golf themes! If games are your casual-evening jam, we’ve got you covered there, too. Chains is a board game that challenges you to navigate your way through trees, bushes, and other obstacles, while trying to get the lowest score.

See all of the games and puzzles here.

Stocking Stuffer Disc Golf Gift Ideas

Glow Accessories

Perfect for night rounds, glow discs and accessories add a fun twist to the game.

UV Flashlights: Quickly charge glow discs.
Basket Lights: Illuminate practice baskets with vibrant colors.

Find glow products here.

Grip Enhancers

Help them throw confidently in any weather with a grip enhancer. Whether you need a little more grip, or a little less, you can achieve the perfect grip with the gift of a grip enhancer.

Whale Sac: Keeps hands dry for optimal grip.
Prodigy Chalk Bag: Provides a steady grip in humid or wet conditions.

See all grip enhancers here.

Chain Suppressor

Keep their practice sessions a little more quiet with this basket accessory. Wraps around the center pole to minimize the noise of the chains.

Find chain suppressors here

Disc Golf Apparel

Rep your favorite disc golf retailer with these seasonal and year round apparel options.

Disc Golf Beanies

These branded beanies keep you warm during those cool disc golf rounds. Available in several styles and colors.

Hoodies

There are quarter-zip, full zipper, and pullover options that feature a variety of Infinite logos, and come in tons of colors and sizes.

Find all our hoodies here.

Short Sleeve Shirts

Although it is winter now, the summer disc golf season will be here before you know it and they will be reaching for their shorts sleeve shirts. Make sure they have a shirt or two emblazoned with the logo of their favorite brands.

Check out all of our apparel here.

Mystery Boxes

For a fun surprise, gift a box of random discs, offering a mix of premium plastics and unique designs. Disc golfers love to try new plastic! Mystery boxes come in a variety of sizes to fit your budget.

Check out the different Mystery Boxes here.

Gift Card

If you still can’t decide which disc golf gifts to give the disc golfer in your life, consider the all-purpose gift card from Infinite Discs. Let them choose their own color, models, weights, etc. and get the exact disc or accessory for them. A gift card ensures that they get exactly what they want, making it a convenient and thoughtful option for any disc golf enthusiast. The gift card code is sent out immediately.

Check out our gift card options here.

Discs!

What would Christmas be without some new plastic under the tree?! They make the best disc golf gifts. At Infinite, we always have new molds, discs on sale, and all of the top selling discs for the top brands. You’re sure to find a disc that will fit your needs, and their desires. Here are a few links:

Newly Added Molds Check out discs that just got entered into our system and nab the hot ones before anyone else! Sometimes they are restocks, sometimes they are limited edition discs. Find the mold, color, and weight that you’re looking for before most people know they are available.

What discs are on sale Looking for a bargain? Save a few bucks on the top brands and molds. Or find a new brand and discover your next go-to disc. We always have something on sale!

Misprint Discs What is better than finding a mold with the perfect weight and color? Finding the same disc in the misprint section! You get the same disc, but you save money. This is also a great option for people who dye discs, since you will be wiping the stamp off anyway.

If you wonder what other people are throwing, check out our list of highest-rated discs and see the discs that people are raving about. Find the type of disc you’re looking for, and see the top rated in that category (highest rated overstable disc, driver, discs sorted by manufacturer, etc).

The top selling discs can also be viewed. Those can also be viewed by category, such as best selling last year, best selling drivers, best selling understable discs.

If you still aren’t sure which discs they might like, check out the fool-proof system, the ‘Favorites’ list (see below).

Disc Golf Favorites List

‘Favorite Discs’ Feature under My Profile – Teach your disc golfers about the Favorites feature! At Infinite Discs, we’ve added a feature to our website that allows users to save their favorite discs to a list. From that list they can select to be notified any time we add their selection to our inventory. They can also narrow their Favorite selection down to plastic type, weight, and even color. Here’s how it works:

From the disc mold page, click the ADD TO MY FAVORITES button.

Select options that you would like to filter for, such as weight and color.

You then have the option to turn on/off email notifications for the selected discs, edit, or delete favorites by clicking the icons to the right of the favorite discs. Have them show you their Favorite list, and you’re guaranteed to get them the exact disc they want!

Connor’s 2024 Gift Ideas

Disc Golf Gifts for Every Budget

From high-quality discs to stylish apparel, you’ll find something to suit every price range. Can’t decide? Opt for an Infinite Discs gift card and let them choose!

Spread the joy this holiday season with disc golf gifts that every disc golfer will love. For more ideas, visit Infinite Discs.

Comment about which gift you would like to receive!

We asked for your comments about which gift you would like to receive, and you responded. We selected a few random commenters and sent them a gift card!

Congrats to:
Vince B
Parker G
Ben I
Christian L
Hailey O

(Like free stuff? Keep an eye on all of our giveaways HERE.)

Hyzer vs Anhyzer

December 12, 2024 Ted Hegemann Leave a comment

Understanding Hyzer and Anhyzer in Disc Golf

While much of disc golf’s terminology borrows from ball golf, certain words specific to disc golf describe the unique flight patterns of discs. Two such terms are hyzer and anhyzer. If you have been playing very long, you have undoubtedly heard these terms from other disc golfers. We use these terms to describe certain disc flights. In this post, we’ll break down what these words mean and how they apply to disc golf.

Hyzer vs. Anhyzer: What’s the Difference?

The terms hyzer and anhyzer describe the angle of the disc as it leaves a player’s hand. For a right-hand backhand (RHBH) thrower, a disc released flat— parallel to the ground—is neither hyzer nor anhyzer. However, if the disc is tilted upon release, it falls into one of these categories. Let’s dive deeper into what each term means and when to use them.

What is Hyzer?

A hyzer refers to a disc’s release angle where the side of the disc farthest from the thrower is lower than the side closest to them. Essentially, the disc tilts downward and to the left (for RHBH throwers). Here are some situations where a hyzer shot can be useful:

Shaping a Curve
A hyzer shot is great for navigating around obstacles and achieving a hard left finish. Since the disc is already angled, it naturally curves in that direction.
Hyzer-Flipping
By throwing an understable disc on a hyzer angle, the disc can “flip” to flat during its flight, resulting in a long, straight path before fading. This is known as a hyzer-flip and is a popular technique for gaining extra distance.
Spike Hyzer
For situations requiring precision, a steep hyzer angle creates a vertical descent upon landing, minimizing skips. Conversely, a less steep hyzer can produce intentional skips, especially when using an overstable disc.
Wind Considerations
Wind greatly impacts hyzer shots. A right-to-left wind can amplify the hyzer angle, pushing the disc farther left. Conversely, a left-to-right wind can force the disc downward more quickly, limiting its flight.

Pro Tip: For beginners, practicing a hyzer shot involves bending slightly at the hips and maintaining a consistent release angle. As your skills improve, you’ll find opportunities to incorporate advanced techniques like hyzer-flips into your game.

What is Anhyzer?

An anhyzer, or “anny,” describes the opposite angle: the far side of the disc is higher than the closer side at release. For RHBH throwers, this causes the disc to initially curve to the right. Here are a few practical applications of an anhyzer throw:

Flex Shots
Throwing a stable disc on an anhyzer angle forces it to turn right at first before flexing back left as the disc stabilizes. This technique is useful for maximizing distance or shaping complex lines.
Tailwind Use
An anhyzer shot works well in a tailwind, as the wind stabilizes the flight path and allows the disc to complete its natural fade to the left. Be cautious in headwinds, as they can exaggerate the rightward turn and cause the disc to crash prematurely.
Roller Shots
To execute a roller, an anhyzer angle helps the disc stay on its edge as it hits the ground, encouraging a smooth, extended roll. The disc’s spin helps it maintain momentum down the fairway.

Conclusion

Understanding the mechanics of hyzer and anhyzer shots is essential for improving your disc golf skills. By mastering these angles, you can shape your throws, navigate obstacles, and adapt to different wind conditions.

To hone your skills, head to an open field and experiment with releasing discs at different angles. Observing how your discs fly will give you insight into when and how to use hyzer and anhyzer shots in your game.

For additional tips and video tutorials, check out the video below. With practice, you’ll discover how these techniques can elevate your disc golf performance!

General

Disc Golf Scoring for Beginners

November 15, 2024 Ted Hegemann Leave a comment

Many people play disc golf for fun, without bothering to keep score. To those people, it is enough that they are spending time outdoors. However, some of us like to keep score when we play. It is a good way to gauge skill improvement. And if you’re in a tournament, you have to keep score.

Keeping score in disc golf is similar to ball golf: the player with the lowest score wins. This article will break down how scoring works in disc golf, highlighting some key terms and rules, whether you’re playing casually or competitively.

Key Disc Golf Scoring Terms

In disc golf, many scoring terms mirror those in ball golf, though there are a few unique twists. Here’s a quick overview of the basics:

Par: The expected number of strokes to complete the hole.

Birdie: Finishing the hole in one stroke less than par.

Eagle: Completing the hole in two strokes less than par.

Albatross: Three strokes under par.

Ace: A hole-in-one, where the disc lands in the basket on the first throw.

Hazard: A challenging area that incurs a penalty stroke; players may throw from where the disc landed.

Out of Bounds (OB): If a disc lands in a designated out-of-bounds area, the player takes a penalty stroke and throws from where the disc entered the zone.

Penalty Stroke: An extra stroke added due to a rule infraction or entering a restricted area.

For official tournament rules, the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) outlines the latest guidelines. Notably, as of 2024, every player is now required to keep score for the entire group, though they may have a caddy assist with this.

Scoring in Casual vs. Tournament Play

Disc golf scoring is straightforward: each throw counts as one stroke. At the end of a hole, players tally up their strokes for that hole and then add up all the holes for the total round score.

Casual Play

Most people play disc golf casually, often with friends, in a relaxed setting where rules around boundaries and hazards are loosely enforced. In this environment, scorekeeping is optional and often informal, focusing more on enjoying the game and the outdoors than achieving a perfect score.

Tournament Play

In competitive play, every throw counts, and rules are strictly enforced. Players keep each other accountable, with every participant on a “card” (group) tracking everyone’s score after each hole. Scoring can be done on a paper scorecard or through an app, and players confirm each other’s scores at the end of each round to avoid discrepancies.

Rules That Impact Scoring

Since there aren’t referees to enforce rules during tournament play, players and their card mates self-monitor for rule adherence. Breaking a rule typically results in a penalty stroke. Common infractions to watch for include:

Foot Faults: Incorrect footing while throwing.

Putting Violations: Not observing proper stance within the putting circle.

Courtesy Violations: Disrupting other players.

Failing to follow these rules can quickly add to your score. For more details, check out PDGA’s comprehensive rule guides on these topics.

Ways to Keep Score

Whether you’re playing a casual round or in a tournament, there are two main methods for keeping score:

Paper Scorecard: A simple, classic way to track strokes, where you write each player’s score for each hole.
Score keeping Apps: Many players prefer apps for easy tracking and automatic score calculation.

Apps are handy since they’re on your phone, making it easy to track scores wherever you go. Regardless of the method, keeping accurate scores helps build a fair and enjoyable disc golf experience for everyone involved.

By understanding disc golf scoring terms and rules, you’ll be well-equipped for your next round—whether it’s a laid-back game with friends or a competitive tournament!

Long-Term Mojoh Ryzer Bag Stand Review

October 29, 2024 Ted Hegemann Leave a comment

When I first saw ads for the Mojoh Ryzer, I thought it was a great product idea. When I saw it in person, I was impressed by its design and light weight. When I got to try one, I was hooked! I like any disc golf product that makes my round a bit easier to play. The Mojoh Ryzer does that. In addition to reducing fatigue from constantly bending down to pick up your bag, I also found several instances where the Ryzer was a life saver – or at least a bag saver. I’m a big fan. In this blog I’ll review the Mojoh Ryzer bag stand.

An Attached Bag Stand

The Mojoh Ryzer is a bag stand that attaches directly to your bag. Its legs extend when needed, and retract when not in use. It weighs just 2.6 lbs and can be swapped to your other bags by purchasing an inexpensive hardware kit.

Using the Mojoh Ryzer

To use the Ryzer, simply pull the cord to extend the three legs that are recessed in the Ryzer base. Then set the bag on the ground and release the cord. When you’re ready to carry the bag again, just lift the bag and the legs automatically retract into the base. You can also flip a switch and the legs will remain extended until you manually release the switch. That may come in handy if you need to move your bag and don’t want to extend the legs again.

The motion of pulling the cord while setting your bag down didn’t take long to become automatic. After a couple rounds you don’t really have to think about it. And when you’re ready to move again, your bag is sitting nice and high, making it easy to grab and sling over your shoulder.

The Ryzer in Action

Depending on your bag and how you carry it, you might not even feel the Ryzer when your bag is on your back. Either way, the Mojoh Ryzer has attached padding that will cushion your back. I honestly didn’t even notice the Ryzer after just a few holes.

One concern I had was that of stability. Since your bag sits higher when using the Ryzer, I thought there might be tipping issues. Fortunately, the design of the Ryzer lends a lot of stability to the products. By orienting your bag so that the side of the Ryzer with two legs is on the downhill side, the bag is actually very stable on even steep angles.

I was able to test its stability on a hilly course in Southern Idaho (Bengal Ridge) and I intentionally sought out the steepest ground. The stand felt stable up to the point where even bags without a Ryzer might tip because of the angle. Although it does have its limits, you should still be able to use the Ryzer nearly all of the time. If you did have a situation where the ground were too steep or uneven, you could simply set the bag on the ground without extending the legs.

Benefits at the Course

One of the first times I tested the Ryzer was at a course that highlighted some of the benefits of using the stand. There were a couple holes that had sage brush, and the bag sat above the shrub. And on another hole the bag sat above the tall grass. This reduces the likelihood of picking up a hitchhiking bugs, like ticks or spiders.

On yet another hole on the same course, the fairway had a couple inches of standing water. I had no problem keeping my bag dry since it sat high above the water. It would do the same thing with early morning dew. And it will keep my bag out of the snow in the winter. It also kept my bag clean on the muddy holes.

Some Assembly Required

When you first get your Mojoh Ryzer you will have to do some light assembly, including attaching your bag to the Ryzer. There is an instructional video on the Mojoh Ryzer website that will walk you through each step. It also gives you some optional ways to attach it to your bag. It attaches differently depending on if you have a putter pocket in the front of the bag.

Once you get the bag installed, there is a video that tells you how to use it. That video shows you ways to use the Mojoh Ryzer on hills or when there are obstacles in the way. There is a separate video for maintaining and cleaning the Ryzer.

Perfect Product?

I like the Ryzer and plan to use one every time I’m not using a cart (which is a lot). I also want to point out a few things to consider when purchasing a Mojoh Ryzer: First, I had to make some adjustments to one of the legs shortly after I got it. This may be necessary to take up slack created with its first few uses. Either way, there is a video on the Mojoh Gear website that shows you the easy way to tighten the cables to make the legs extend to the correct angle. It only takes a few minutes.

Second, I recently had to make another adjustment recently after months of heavy use. I took the opportunity to tighten some loose-ish screws, as recommended in the video. Again, not difficult nor a big time commitment. You should plan on checking out your Ryzer occasionally, just to keep everything tight and in proper order. I just want people to know that you will have to do it from time to time.

Check Out the Mojoh Ryzer

Check out the Mojoh Ryzer and discover its many benefits. From making your bag easier to reach and lift, to keeping your bag out of mud, water and snow, the Ryzer is something that will make your disc golf life a little easier.

Click here to learn about the Mojoh Ryzer

Best Disc Golf Bags

October 24, 2024 Ted Hegemann 27 comments

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 who just want a quick round with a few discs. 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. The Easy Bag has a 4.8-star rating.

Top 5 small disc golf bags

View our top selling small bags here.

Best Large Disc Golf Bag: Infinite Discs Tournament Bag

The Infinite Discs Tournament Bag holds 18-22 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 scorecard pocket, and pockets for minis and pencils.

View are top selling large bags here.

Honorable Mention: Disc 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

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

View our top selling Economy Bags Here.

Best Disc Golf Backpack Bag: Dynamic Discs Commander

The Dynamic Discs Commander is a great example of a quality bag at an affordable price. It has all of the features you’re looking for in a disc golf bag: space for 20 discs with room to spare for accessories or snacks. There is room for two large water bottles, and a large pocket that can hold a jacket or some backup towels. If you want a quality Ogio bag at a great price, check out the Commander.

Top 5 Best Disc Golf Backpacks

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

General

Best Lightweight Drivers in Disc Golf

October 22, 2024 Mister Disc 4 comments

This post is designed to help you find some lightweight disc golf drivers to incorporate into your bag. We sincerely hope it helps you find that just-right disc for you.

Ever since lightweight discs became a presence in disc golf (most notably with Innova’s release of Blizzard plastic in 2010), they have been going in and out of vogue.

A lightweight driver can obviously benefit your game significantly on the course, but there are a fair amount of factors to consider when choosing the right one for you.

In this post we dive into those factors and try our very best to get those of you interested in incorporating lightweight drivers into your game some great options to choose from.

Let’s start by understanding what effects a lighter weight can have on a disc and why you might reach for one on the course…

How Lighter Weights Affect Flight

When choosing a lightweight driver it’s usually not as simple as choosing your favorite driver and just getting it in a lighter weight.

The lighter weight can significantly affect the flight characteristics of a disc and dramatically change how it flies for you.

Most notably, a lighter weight disc is usually less stable. And typically, the lighter you go with the disc, the less stable it becomes.

This means that the disc is more likely to turn in the air, and if you are not careful it could be more inclined to keep on turning and burning right into the ground (especially in a headwind (where we don’t generally recommend lighter drivers)).

But, if you find that right balance of plastic (which can also affect stability) and lighter weights, you can put that extra turn to your advantage and get a full flight out of the disc that you might not get if it were full weight.

This has some obvious advantages…

Why Choose A Lighter Driver?

If we were to poll 100 disc golfers (with a little truth serum) on why they choose a lighter weight driver, it’s not outrageous to think 100% of them would say that they want more distance.

More distance is the logical reason most people get that lighter disc. Within reason, it’s usually easier to throw a lighter object farther than a heavier one.

This is why discs for kids are lighter as well.

It’s also why most of the lighter weight discs are drivers instead of putters, mids or approach discs.

And, once you find the right one for you, it can definitely add that extra distance you crave.

The trick is to find the just-right disc for you that combines, speed, glide, stability, plastic-type and weight so you can maximize your distance and keep control of your disc in the process!

In addition, please note that many disc varieties do not come in lighter weights so the field is narrowed that way as well.

It’s no small feat, but we’re going to try! Let’s continue…

What is Considered Lightweight?

A typical disc comes in at 175 grams so thought we thought it would be worthwhile to define what is considered “lightweight”.

For our purposes, “lightweight” is considered anything 165 grams or less.

But, with that said, remember that not all lightweight discs fly the same.

The same disc at 165 grams and 135 grams will have vastly different flight characteristics (with the lighter one being significantly less stable and more susceptible to wind).

Just be sure to remember, as you go down in weight, your flight characteristics will change.

Infinite Can Organize by Weight!

Infinite is the biggest online disc golf retailer in the world!

And with so many discs you might be wondering how exactly you will find these lightweight discs in a sea of tens of thousands.

Well, we’ve got you covered. When you select a disc you can organize it by weights (low to high or high to low).

Just Click on The Disc –> Then press “Select Your Disc” –> In the top right of the red display box (near the X) is a “sort by” drop-down menu.Click that drop-down menu and select “Weight: Low to High”.

Now all of your discs are organized from lightest to heaviest and you’ll know very quickly if we have the weight you are looking for.

How We Ranked The Discs…

Grandma doesn’t just give away her prized meatball recipe does she? If your grandma is like ours, she guards that thing with her life!

We aren’t that protective, so we’re happy to share some ingredients and we’ll keep the portion sizes (percentages) to ourselves…

In Essence, our ranking system came down to a few key components.

We factored in ratings from other disc golfers, our personal experiences, longevity in the game (is it a tried and true disc?), and a few other minor variables (that may or may not include personal bias (we tried to leave it out but we’re only human!)) to come up with our ranking system.

It is by no means perfect, but we do hope it puts you in a position to get the right lightweight disc for you.

We also tried to create a lot of useful categories to help you identify some great lightweight driver options that will fit your specific game.

Let’s get into it!

Best Lightweight Drivers for the True Beginner!

For our purposes, we are defining a true beginner as someone who has been in the game for less than 3 months (welcome!) and/or consistently throws less than 200 feet (about 61 meters) on a max distance throw.

These are just general parameters and we encourage you to take them loosely and explore the categories that best fit you personally! Here’s our beginner list…

Innova Leopard – Factory Flight Numbers: 6, 5, -2, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.46 stars) The Leopard is perhaps the most classic of beginner disc golf drivers!
Westside Underworld – Factory Flight Numbers: 7, 6, -3, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.52 stars) Another classic for beginners, with big glide and easy turn.
Latitude 64 Diamond – Factory Flight Numbers: 8, 6, -3, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.59 stars) A very beginner-friendly disc for easy distance off the tee.
Axiom Crave – Factory Flight Numbers: 6.5, 5, -1, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.71 stars) A do-it-all, straight-flying, beginner disc that stays in your bag for life!
Divergent Discs Tiyanak – Flight Numbers: 8, 5, -5, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.6 stars) Perfect for true beginners. It Flips up easily and goes! Comes at a great price.
Innova Roadrunner – Factory Flight Numbers: 9, 5, -4, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.49 stars) Easy distance for the true beginner with plenty of fun and utility as you improve!
Innova Mamba – Factory Flight Numbers: 11, 6, -5, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.32 stars) An 11-speed with the glide and turn to justify it’s spot on a true beginner’s list.
The Tex from LSD – Factory Flight Numbers: 6, 5, -3, 1 (Avg. Rating: 5.0 stars) A newer disc where the early returns for beginners are very favorable!

Top Lightweight Drivers for Advancing Beginners!

Our advancing beginners category is loosely defined as a player that has been playing somewhat regularly for at least 3 months and/or can drive the disc just over 200 feet (about 61 meters) pretty regularly and sometimes approaching 250 feet (76 meters).

For this player, our lightweight disc recommendations will add a bit more stability and/or speed so you can count on a more consistent flight on any given throw and still get the distance you seek!

Discraft Heat – Factory Flight Numbers: 9, 6, -3, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.47 stars) Another classic gliding beginner disc for distance and eventually finesse.
I-blend Infinite Centurion – Factory Flight Numbers: 7, 5, -1, 2 (Avg. Rating: 4.87 stars) A do-it-all workhorse of a disc that holds many lines and has a place in any player’s bag. I-blend is a high-quality, affordable plastic perfect for beginners.
Innova Leopard3 – Factory Flight Numbers: 7, 5, -2, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.6 stars) Another consistent classic that stays in the bag as your game evolves.
Discraft Cicada – Factory Flight Numbers: 7, 6, -1, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.8 stars) A straight-flying, high-glide, consistent disc with a high approval rating.
Lone Star Mockingbird – Factory Flight Numbers: 7, 5, -2, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.81 stars) Another do-it-all, hold-many-lines, easy throw equals easy distance disc!
Lone Star Tumbleweed – Factory Flight Numbers: 10, 6, -3, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.58 stars) This 10-speed is easy to launch and has high-glide for easy distance.
Prodigy F3 – Factory Flight Numbers: 7, 5, -1, 2 (Avg. Rating: 4.54 stars) This disc is easy to control with a consistent flight that is easily repeated.
Innova Sidewinder – Factory Flight Numbers: 9, 5, -3, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.53 stars) Easy hyzer-flip distance and fun flight paths are what this disc is all about.
Axiom Virus – Factory Flight Numbers: 9, 5, -3.5, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.42 stars) This disc gets up and goes for easy distance right out of the box.
Discraft Avenger SS – Factory Flight Numbers: 10, 5, -3, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.32 stars) A classic easy-distance pioneer that has good glide and keeps its utility as your game evolves.

Great Lightweight Drivers for Intermediate Drivers!

Once again we are going to loosely define this “intermediate driver” of the disc as someone who is consistently driving over 250 feet (76 meters) and can get up to 300 feet (91 meters).

With this category (and the next one) we know we are talking about a higher percentage of players and we are adding a little more speed and little more stability to counter-balance the lighter weights on the discs.

We also know that if we get the right ones in your hands, you’re going to get a nice boost in distance. Here’s what we’ve got!

Infinite Maya – Factory Flight Numbers: 11, 5, -3, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.69 stars) This disc helps achieve consistent and reproducible distance and accuracy.
Infinite Sphinx – Factory Flight Numbers: 9, 6, -3, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.88 stars) The Sphinx is a gliding do-it-all phenom of a disc for almost any skill level!
Axiom Insanity – Factory Flight Numbers: 9, 5, -2, 1.5 (Avg. Rating: 4.72 stars) This workhorse of a disc gives consistent results and holds many lines.
Latitude 64 Jade – Factory Flight Numbers: 9, 6, -2, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.87 stars) A hyzer-flip gem of a disc that is great for easy distance and holding long lines.
Millennium Orion LF – Factory Flight Numbers: 9, 5, -1, 2 (Avg. Rating: 4.89 stars) A no-nonsense workhorse that goes straight with a consistent fade.
Discraft Undertaker – Factory Flight Numbers: 9, 5, -1, 2 (Avg. Rating: 4.72 stars) Another very consistent flyer that can stay in your bag for life.
Innova Valkyrie – Factory Flight Numbers: 9, 4, -2, 2 (Avg. Rating: 4.48 stars) A throwback big distance disc that can be used for many shot shapes and lines.

Lightweight Discs for Advancing Intermediate Distance Throwers!

Now we have entered the realm of throwers that get to 300 feet (91 meters) with their regular discs and sometimes push it further by approaching 375 feet (114 meters).

Hopefully, with the right lightweight disc in hand, these players can find that extra boost in distance they seek and still maintain the consistency to help them maximize their scoring potential on the course.

Here’s what we’ve got for you…

I-blend Infinite Pharaoh – Factory Flight Numbers: 13, 6, -1, 2 (Avg. Rating: 4.72 stars) A distance cheat code. The speed and glide combined with lighter weights and I-blend plastic have this disc take off and never come down.
Innova Wraith – Factory Flight Numbers: 11, 5, -1, 3 (Avg. Rating: 4.68 stars) An absolute all-timer with consistent flights. Great for forehand and backhand.
Discraft Drive – Factory Flight Numbers: 11, 5, -1, 2 (Avg. Rating: 4.75 stars) The drive is an extremely straight driver for easy distance forehand or backhand.
Innova Racer – Factory Flight Numbers: 12, 6, -1, 2 (Avg. Rating: 4.75 stars) A fun, gliding, easy-distance, nice hand-feel, newer entry from Innova.
Prodigy D4 – Factory Flight Numbers: 13, 5, -3, 2 (Avg. Rating: 4.32 stars) Author’s personal bias weighed heavily here. 161g Prodigy Air is my farthest flying backhand disc (along with Pharaoh). Maybe, it’s similar for you?
Discraft Surge SS – Factory Flight Numbers: 11, 5, -2, 2 (Avg. Rating: 4.63 stars) A distance classic that is a consistent forehand or backhand driver.
Viking Discs Ragnarok – Factory Flight Numbers: 11, 5, -1, 2 (Avg. Rating: 4.63 stars) A fun, easy-distance, try-something-new driver with consistency.
Innova Tern – Factory Flight Numbers: 12, 6, -2, 2 (Avg. Rating: 4.64 stars) This is a wide-rim, sleek, fast, easy-turn, big glide, distance-gobbling driver!
Finish Line Era – Factory Flight Numbers: 10, 5, -1, 1.5 (Avg. Rating: 4.58 stars) This disc is a straight shooter that feels nice forehand or backhand.
Lone Star Curl – Factory Flight Numbers: 11, 5, -1, 2 (Avg. Rating: 4.66 stars) A nice, consistent 11-speed that holds it’s line and goes long distances.
MVP Wave – Factory Flight Numbers: 11, 5, -2, 2 (Avg. Rating: 4.41 stars) Nice hand feel and easy to launch. Promoters get big distance. Detractors can’t get consistent turn.

Lightweight Drivers for Advanced Distance Throwers!

Advanced Drivers can mean a lot of things. But if you are consistently pushing over 375 feet (114 meters) or 400 feet (122 meters), then you are putting a move on the disc. It’s probably also safer to say that you’ve been playing for some time and you understand how flight numbers, disc speed, spin rate, plastic types, disc weights, etc. affect a disc’s flight.

With that in mind, we present some lightweight discs that may be a good for you when you are trying to squeeze every last bit out of your drive. Here goes…

Innova Destroyer – Factory Flight Numbers: 12, 5, -1, 3 (Avg. Rating: 4.66 stars) No surprise here. The Destroyer is used by top pros to get consistent, repeatable distance backhand or forehand.
Prodigy D2 – Factory Flight Numbers: 12, 6, -.5, 3 (Avg. Rating: 4.66 stars) The D2 gives nice glide and distance and can hold up to big throws!
DD Trespass – Factory Flight Numbers: 12, 5, -.5, 3 (Avg. Rating: 4.51 stars) Not as stable as the numbers suggest but a big distance disc once you dial in!
Discraft Nuke – Factory Flight Numbers: 13, 5, -1, 3 (Avg. Rating: 4.41 stars) Always a lightning rod, but there’s no denying the distance potential of this disc!
Innova Charger – Factory Flight Numbers: 13, 5, -1, 2 (Avg. Rating: 4.71 stars) A trustworthy, consistent, distance-eating driver for big throwers!
Lat. 64 Havoc – Flight Numbers: 13, 5, -1, 3 (Avg. Rating: 4.63 stars) Less stable than the numbers suggest but with more glide as well. Once you get the angles right, you can send this disc big distances.

Great Lightweight Disc Golf Drivers for Forehand Drives!

As you might expect, some of the discs that we’ve already listed are also great for the forehand. Discs like the Wraith, Era, Destroyer, Charger, Pharaoh, Drive, Nuke, and Racer are all great candidates for forehand distance drivers.

In addition to those, here some more lightweight discs that are excellent for forehand drives as well. Many of these are overstable to help them withstand the higher torques that are usually put on a forehand drive. This combined with the lighter weights can add to some nice distances when you find the right one for you.

Discraft Force – Factory Flight Numbers: 12, 5, 0, 3 (Avg. Rating: 4.5 stars) The Force breaks the typical forehand mold with its big dome, but when you connect on it you can expect nice glide and reliable fade even at lighter weights.
Finish Line Daytona – Factory Flight Numbers: 12, 4, 0, 3 (Avg. Rating: 4.79 stars) A very consistent disc that handles power well with a just-right stability.
Millenium Quasar – Factory Flight Numbers: 13, 5, 0, 3 (Avg. Rating: 4.76 stars) This disc cuts through the air and fights out of steep angles for big distance.
Infinite Slab – Factory Flight Numbers: 12, 3, 0, 4 (Avg. Rating: 4.71 stars) With a name like “Slab” you’re not getting this disc for graceful big distance, but it’s a smooth release and a reliable flight which can be perfect for controlled shots.
Innova Shryke – Factory Flight Numbers: 13, 6, -2, 2 (Avg. Rating: 4.53 stars) This disc is far less stable than others on this list, and it takes a little practice to master the angles. But once you do the glide is real and can mean big distance.
Lat. 64 Ballista Pro – Flight Numbers: 14, 4, 0, 3 (Avg. Rating: 4.64 stars) Even at lighter weights this 14-speed disc can handle big power. But if you’ve got that power this disc can take you places far, far away.
Innova Boss – Factory Flight Numbers: 13, 5, -1, 3 (Avg. Rating: 4.47 stars) Another disc that needs big power to reach its full potential, but rewards big throws with long, impressive drives.

Lightweight Disc Golf Drivers – In Summary

The way we see it, that is lightweight lists of discs with some big distance potential! Matching discs to individuals can be a tricky proposition given all the variables. Throwing lighter weights into the mix is yet another one that can greatly affect flight.

But when you find that right disc for you, the results can be immediate and the added distance can be real. This is what we wish for anyone reading this.

May your weights be small and your distances big!

Thank you for reading. We sincerely hope this helps you find your best driver yet. Also, if you have a lightweight disc that you swear by, let us all know in the comments.

Best Disc Golf Approach Discs

October 7, 2024 Jace Smellie 49 comments

The disc golf putter is the true workhorse of the sport. It can be used off the tee for drives of several hundred feet. It can be used as an approach disc in a variety of scenarios. And it can be used for the final toss into the basket.

Ok, technically you could used any type of disc in any situation. However, few people putt with drivers or even mids. The mighty putter, on the other hand, can easily be used for most types of throws.

Best Disc Golf Approach Disc?

Since putters are categorized as a ‘putt/approach’ discs, we need to get a little bit creative in order to get a list of the best putt discs or best approach discs. To do this, we will list the top selling putters, then look at top rated putters, and finally, we’ll list the top discs that we see on the course being used on approaches.

Top sellers of 2024:

1 Axiom Pixel
2 Infinite Discs Alpaca
3 Axiom Envy
4 Discraft Zone
5 Infinite Discs Tomb
6 MVP Glitch
7 Gateway Wizard
8 Discraft Luna
9 Prodigy PA-3
10 Innova Aviar

Now let’s look at the highest-rated approach discs:

Let’s look at a few other approach discs that we see on the course:

Innova Gator

The Innova Gator is definitely one of the staples of this category. It was nominated in our midrange awards a few weeks ago, but it is mostly used as a true approach disc. The Gator is an overstable disc that features a flat top (sometimes :)) and a noticeable bead along the bottom of the disc. It is a disc that is great in the wind and offers a little more distance than some of the putters we have nominated as well.

Dynamic Discs Justice

Another disc that we nominated in the midrange category, the Dynamic Discs Justice is a beefy overstable disc that is often used as an approach disc. It is great for making an approach when you need to get around a sharp corner. It also holds up in stiff winds. Like I said in the midrange article, pretty much nothing is going to make the Justice turn over in flight.

Hyzerbomb Mortar

The Hyzerbomb Mortar was also nominated in the midrange discs, but it is primarily used as an approach disc. The mold is just like an Innova Gator but it has a beadless rim. This makes it more friendly to forehand throws, but it still has a strong overstable flight that is workable from all over the disc golf course.

Discmania P2

The Discmania P2 was also nominated in our putter category. Discmania has done a great job of differentiating be benefits of each plastic type, and that is especially applicable to those who use the P2 as an approach disc. The S-Line P2 is known as the most overstable P2 and the D-Line is one of the more understable versions. Both plastic blends are popular driving putters that can serve different purposes for your approach game.

Best Approach Disc of 2018:

Axiom Envy

The Envy had a big following before James Conrad’s Holy Shot during the 2021 World Championship. But that shot sure didn’t hurt sales. With a decent amount of fade, the putter can be used for technical approach shots that require shaping. Plus the disc gets straighter as it beats in, giving you even more options for your upshot. It has a shallower rim than many putters, making it easy to grip. The Envy comes in a variety of plastic types to satisfy every preference.

For more information, check out the top selling disc golf approach discs here.

What are your favorite approach discs?

Which approach disc do you think is the best? Share your opinion by commenting below and telling us which disc you think is the best approach disc in the world and why!

What is a Mando in Disc Golf?

September 26, 2024 Ted Hegemann Leave a comment

When I first started playing disc golf, I got to a hole on a course in northern Utah which had a sign on it that was new to me. The sign said ‘Mando’ and had an arrow pointing left of the tree it was attached to.

I looked to the left and saw a wooded fairway that was tight with lots of trees. To the right there were no obstacles. I didn’t know what the sign meant; it looked Spanish to me. So, I took aim to the right and let my disc fly… over a sidewalk and near a playground and parking lot. I’ve since learned about the ‘mando’, and although it does mean ‘command’ in Spanish, its name’s origin has a different meaning.

Mando are important to the game of disc golf. Among other things, they ensure that discs are going in a certain direction on certain holes, while protecting other people and property. In this blog we’ll learn about what mandos are, why we have them, and how they work. Let’s learn about the mando!

What is a Mando?

In the sport of disc golf, a mando is short for ‘mandatory’. In practice, that means that it is mandatory that you throw your disc on only one side of the obstacle or pole that the mando sign is attached to. If you don’t throw on that side of the mando, you get penalized.

A majority of the mandos that you see on a course are left or right mandos. That means you are required to go either left or right of a pole, tree, or whatever the arrow is attached to or rules indicate are the mando feature. If there are two arrows present, it is called a double mando. Typically, your disc has to travel between two mando arrows (or more specifically, between two objects that the arrows are attached to). There are also triple mandos, which are two side mandos and something across the top which limits the height that you can throw your disc.

In rare occasions, such as unsanctioned tournaments, you’ll see a quad mando. This is basically a rectangle shape that you have to be able to throw your disc through. I’ve only seen quad mandos at casual, funsy tournaments.

The most common indicators of a mando are arrows pointing either left or right. Sometimes they will have the word ‘mando’ on the sign, though not always. They might also be marked with a ribbon or tape to indicate the mando object. If tape or ribbon is used, there should be some indication on a tee sign or course rules which directions you need to throw in order to successfully execute the mando. A successful throw is called ‘making the mando’. An unsuccessful throw is a ‘missed mando’

Why Are Mandos Used In Disc Golf?

While mandos should be used sparingly in a course design (in my opinion), there are several reasons why a course designer might decide to include a mando on a hole. First is safety. The mando sign I referred to at the beginning of the blog was used to keep discs away from the playground, parking lot, and walking path. Keeping discs away from those areas makes the hole safer and reduces the chance of a bystander getting hit. Plus, it makes the hole more challenging and fun by forcing players to attack a wooded fairway. Which is the second reason someone might use a mando.

While the idea of throwing discs down a wide-open fairway might appeal to some people, most of us enjoy the challenge of having obstacles that we need to negotiate in order to progress down the fairway. Those obstacles make disc golf much more fun, challenging, and satisfying when successful. Course designer know this, and might add a mando or two in order to prevent people from taking an easier route.

There is one more reason designers might include a mando: course flow. A mando is often used in disc golf to direct the flow of play. It guides players along a specific path and preventing errant throws from interfering with, or landing in, other areas of the course. Some courses have areas like a swamp, thick bushes, or other natural or man-made features. These may be challenging, but would cause delays with disc retrieval from unintended areas. Mandos can help create a more enjoyable and efficient experience for everyone on the course.

Mando Rules and Penalties

Now that you know a little about what mandos are and when they are used, let’s look at the PDGA rules that govern mandos and how to play them. The section in the official rules is not very long, and worth a read if you want to brush up on the current requirements. They complete rules are found HERE. I’ll summarize the rules in this blog, but if you plan to play in a sanctioned tournament you should look up the official rules to make sure you understand and follow them.

PDGA 804.01 Mandatory Routes

1. A mando restricts the path that a disc may take in order to legally progress down the fairway toward the basket.

2. At the mando, there is an imaginary vertical plane that that borders one or more objects that are indicated by the mando or mandos. (see image)

3. If a disc crosses that imaginary plane, whether in the air or on the ground, either forward or backward (if a roller crosses on the correct side of the mando, but curls around and crosses the plane), it is considered a missed mando and the player receives a one-stroke penalty. The lie for the next shot depends on whether or not there is a drop zone on the hole.

If there is a drop zone, the player may proceed to the drop zone with the penalty throw (for example, if they missed the mando on their first throw, they get the stroke for the throw, plus the penalty stroke, so their throw from the drop zone will be their third stroke). The player also has the option, as always, of abandoning the throw and re-throwing from their last lie. In the previous example, they would then be throwing their third throw from the previous lie, which would be the tee pad. The rules of the mando would still be in play.

4. If a players disc lands just short of the imaginary plane, but hasn’t crossed yet, the player may must still pass the mando on the correct side to avoid a penalty. It is not legal to lean through and release the disc beyond the plane, since the back of their mini is on the other side of the plane.

Mando Strategy

It is often times best to avoid a penalty by not aiming anywhere near the mando. Other times it might be strategic to lay up near the mando, then take a more powerful throw on your next shot. That is especially true on narrow double mandos.

Conclusion

In this blog we’ve learned about mandos in disc golf, why we have them, and the different types. We also looked at the rules of play for mandos. There are many courses with no mandos, but others where they are necessary or desired. It’s good to know why they are there and how to play them.

Best of luck with the mandos you play!

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