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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight Numbers: 9, 6, -3, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.47 stars) Another classic gliding beginner disc for distance and eventually finesse.
I-blend Infinite Centurion – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight Numbers: 7, 5, -2, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.6 stars) Another consistent classic that stays in the bag as your game evolves.
Discraft Cicada – FactoryFlight Numbers: 7, 6, -1, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.8 stars) A straight-flying, high-glide, consistent disc with a high approval rating.
Lone Star Tumbleweed – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight Numbers: 11, 5, -3, 1 (Avg. Rating: 4.69 stars) This disc helps achieve consistent and reproducible distance and accuracy.
Infinite Sphinx – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight Numbers: 9, 5, -1, 2 (Avg. Rating: 4.89 stars) A no-nonsense workhorse that goes straight with a consistent fade.
Discraft Undertaker – FactoryFlight Numbers: 9, 5, -1, 2 (Avg. Rating: 4.72 stars) Another very consistent flyer that can stay in your bag for life.
Innova Valkyrie – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight Numbers: 11, 5, -1, 3 (Avg. Rating: 4.68 stars) An absolute all-timer with consistent flights. Great for forehand and backhand.
Discraft Drive – FactoryFlight Numbers: 11, 5, -1, 2 (Avg. Rating: 4.75 stars) The drive is an extremely straight driver for easy distance forehand or backhand.
Innova Tern – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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 – FactoryFlight 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
When it comes to choosing the best disc golf disc, getting the right weight is an important factor. The weight of a disc affects its speed, stability and the way it will fly. Understanding this relationship can provide a significant advantage in the discs you choose to purchase and throw on the course.
Release Velocity and it’s Relationship to Distance
The faster you’re able to throw the disc, the greater your potential to get more distance. This provides a relationship between the release velocity of a throw and the distance the disc travels.
According to a Best Disc Golf Discs Youtube video, for every additional mile per hour in speed at release, there is an average increase of 7.2 feet in distance. So the easiest way to get more “arm speed” and throw faster is by increasing your release velocity with lighter weight discs.
Research shows that reducing the disc weight can lead to an increase in throw speed. For instance, shaving off 20 grams from a disc’s weight can enhance the speed by 6.5 miles per hour. Theoretically, this could result in an impressive gain of 47 feet in distance.
Lighter Discs for Big Distance
The potential of lighter discs isn’t merely theoretical. For disc golf distance competitions, world records have been set with light weight discs weighing under 160 grams. This underscores the point that lighter discs, when thrown correctly, can achieve astounding distances. For me personally, I can most easily get full flight and maximum distance with a 149 gram Pharaoh.
Disc Stability Also Matters
While light weight discs have potential for more distance, the flight dynamics of the disc can also change. Lighter discs, by their nature, tend to exhibit more turn, which can affect the intended flight path. To counter this tendency, it might be advantageous to choose a more stable driver or increase the weight. Increased stability allows for more consistent flight paths.
While the weight of the disc may not actually affect the discs stability, the fact that you are able to throw light weight discs faster will affect its stability.
Factoring in Wind Conditions
Disc weight makes a big difference when it comes to throwing in the wind. Lights discs are affected much more than heavier discs, simply because of physics. All other factors being equal, lighter discs will get blown around more than a heavier disc, since there is less mass to get moving. That goes for a head/tail wind, as well as a cross wind.
Which Weight to Choose?
With a lot of disc golfers trying out popular discs by different brands, we thought that we would address the questions of disc weight. For some players, the weight of the disc is not particularly important as long as it flies the way that they want it to. But for other players, the disc weight is very important since they prefer the performance of heavier discs, or desire the easier distance that may come with lighter discs, etc.
Your weight choice should primarily depend on the disc you are purchasing and what you intend to use that disc for.
Choosing Weight for Putters and Midrange Discs
Because the objective and putter and midrange discs is not distance but control, in most instances you should choose heavier, near max weight discs.
Disc Golf Putter Weights
Most disc golf putters have a max weight of 173-175grams. Personally, I like a putter around the 170-172 gram range. It really probably doesn’t make much of a difference, but psychologically in my mind that “lighter” putter will glide just a little bit more. When it comes to making putts, it’s really all about confidence.
Midrange Disc Weights
Some Midrange Discs have wider diameters, and thus the PDGA allows for heavier max weights. Large diameter mids like the Buzzz and Roc3 have max weights of up to 180 grams.
If you’re looking for something very overstable, you probably want a heavier disc, or at least something in the 165g plus weight range. If you want something that will glide a little bit more and not fall to the ground as fast, consider something lighter than mid weight for that mold.
Best Weight for Disc Golf Drivers
Disc golf drivers and their sharp rims usually have a maximum weight of 175 grams or less.
When it comes to choosing drivers, this is when the weight ranges really matters. The reality is that you will probably want a variety of different weights depending on your intended use for the driver. If you’re looking for big distance, use a lighter disc.
While I can’t usually tell the difference between a 170 gram, and a 173 gram disc, there is a noticeable difference between max weigh drivers and those in the 160’s. When a disc golf driver gets in the 150’s or lower weight range, there is a noticeable difference in the speed you are able to throw the disc and the way that it will fly.
If you have a tendency to “turn over” your disc, you probably want to stay away from light weight drivers as the heavier varieties will provide more consistency.
Some disc golfers choose to throw light weight but very overstable discs to get the best of both velocity and stability.
The real way to choose the right disc weight for you is simply to try your favorite driver in a number of different weight ranges to see which ones perform best for you in varying situations.
Lighter Weights for Beginners
Because new disc golfers do not have the arm speed to get a full flight out of disc, the best discs for beginners are usually light weight discs, at least in terms of drivers. Mid weight midrange discs are also recommended for newer players.
Sometimes factory second blemishes make x-out discs lighter than the non x-out version, so a factory second version is a way to get a lighter disc in the mold you are looking at.
Are the Weights Listed on Disc Golf Discs Accurate?
Here at Infinite Discs, we try to represent each disc as accurately as possible on our website by including a photo and the details for each disc. We decided years ago that we would trust the manufacturers when it comes to indicating the weight of their discs.
Most major disc manufacturers take the time to weigh the discs as they come out of the mold and painstakingly mark those weights in ink, with stickers, or embossed on the bottom of each disc. We trust that they have a well-established procedure for accurately weighing those discs as part of their manufacturing process.
WHY DON’T WE WEIGH THE DISCS at Infinite Discs?
Because we’ve chosen to trust the disc manufacturers to represent their products accurately and according to their own standards, we do not take the extra time to weigh each disc as we add them into our online inventory. Here at Infinite Discs, we currently have three different digital scales which we use to weigh packages as we ship them. When used to weigh individual discs, we can lay the same disc on each of those three scales and get results that may differ a gram or two from one scale to the next or from the weight indicated on the disc. So which of those scales is correct?
Scale Variations
We have heard the argument that “gravity is the same everywhere,” and that is correct. While gravity may not change, the calibration of different scales might differ. While we do not own the most top-of-the-line digital scales, we have noticed that there can be differences between them, so we don’t feel that we should automatically judge a disc’s factory weight to be wrong if it differs slightly from what one of our scales might say.
The same 173-174 Kong on another one of our digital scales.
Let’s assume for a moment that we receive a disc marked as 175g by the factory, using their procedures. Then we weigh the disc and find that our scale says 174g or maybe 176g. We feel strongly that it is not our place to then scratch out the factory weight and indicate our own results on the disc. We also don’t feel that we should list the disc on our website with a weight that is different than the factory results– the purchaser of the disc would receive it, see that our advertised weight doesn’t match what is marked on the disc and feel deceived. They might weigh the disc themselves and find a result of 173g on their own scale and feel that both we and the factory were wrong. Thus, we stick with what the factory says and don’t alter the disc or the weight information provided. That way, the manufacturer becomes the ultimate authority for the disc that they produced.
DIFFERENT BRANDS AND THEIR WEIGHT DESIGNATIONS
We’ve seen a lot of players move from one brand to another when purchasing discs. We’d like to address another important consideration when it comes to the procedures of those different brands. Innova, for example, typically marks their weights to the precise gram by writing the weight on the bottom of the disc in ink. Players who throw Innova or discs by other brands that use a similar procedure are able to pick the exact weight that they feel is perfect for them.
However, Discraft has not traditionally marked each disc to the gram. They instead choose to put a sticker on their discs that indicates a weight range. For example, they’ll put a sticker on a disc that says 170 – 172. That way, they are acknowledging that there will be some variation in weight for the discs produced in that batch. Other discs may be lighter and marked with weight stickers like 167 – 169, or heavier with 177+ (typical for mid-range discs like the Buzzz). Again, we assume that their range is accurate, but can’t promise that when weighed on somebody’s personal scale that it won’t fall a gram above or below the range that Discraft indicated.
Our Policy
When we list discs by companies that use a weight range on a sticker, we have chosen to be consistent in our data entry practices by simply listing the low number on that sticker. That is because our data entry system does not allow for a range, but wants a single number. Thus, a disc marked as 170 – 172 will be listed as 170. A disc with a sticker saying 173 – 175 will be listed as 173. The “max weight” for a Discraft driver would typically be listed as 173, but could actually weigh on the higher end of that range.
Other brands that use weight ranges include DGA, Viking Discs, Yikun Discs, and the new Active Baseline series of discs from Discmania (not individually weighed, but sold in a weight range).
WHAT IF THE WEIGHT IS JUST PLAIN WRONG?
While we’d like to believe that we live in a world where mistakes don’t happen, that is simply not a reality. While taking photos and adding thousands of discs per week onto our website, it is possible that some busy, tired employee here at Infinite Discs may type a weight in incorrectly. Usually we catch that error before the disc ships and we contact the buyer to make sure that they get a weight that they want. If the disc slips past another employee at the shipping station and the buyer receives a disc that has a factory weight that is different than what we entered, then we take care of the problem.
If we have entered the disc weight according the factory-marked weight, as indicated above, but the buyer believes it is still inaccurate or marked incorrectly, then we’re still happy to help the best we can, knowing that some busy, tired employee at the factory may have made a mistake. After all, nobody is perfect, and mistakes are always possible. We just want to clarify that we are doing the best we can to represent discs on our website exactly as the factory specified.
174g vs 175g
In the end, when disc weight becomes a hot topic of discussion or a complaint, we often find ourselves wondering if that gram or two was really going to make a difference in the player’s game. Would a 174g disc perform that much worse for an average player who claims that they absolutely must have a 175g disc? That’s an argument to be settled elsewhere. As disc connoisseurs, we can attest that here at Infinite Discs we have discs in our bags that straddle a lot of weight ranges, and they fly as well as we can throw them.
We hope that this information has been helpful in understand a little bit more about disc weights and how they effect flight. We hope you better understand how brands mark the weight of their discs, and how we at Infinite Discs work with those brands and trust in those manufacturers to indicate the weight of their discs so that our buyers can make an informed purchasing decision.
The flight of a disc is one of the most important factors we consider when buying a disc. The feel of the disc in our hand would be a close second. But, how the disc actually flies for us tops the list of factors. One of the most important aspects of the flight of a disc is its stability.
Disc Stability
The stability of a given disc is how the disc flies immediately out of our hand, and how it behaves as it slows down. I talked about those disc qualities in my blog about flight numbers, HERE. For this blog, we’ll explore the terms ‘overstable’, ‘stable’, and ‘understable’. We will also looks at the weakness in using those terms to describe the flight of a disc. So, let’s get right to it!
The terminology can be confusing. For the sake of this blog post, I’ll look at each of the three terms mentioned above and establish a definition for each of them, so we can be consistent in our description about the flight of the disc. I’ll start with the term ‘overstable’.
Overstable
Let’s define ‘overstable’ as a discs ability to resist turning during the first part of the flight, and its hard fade as the disc slows down. The ‘turn’ of a disc, for a right-hand back-hand throw (RHBH) is its movement to the right immediately after the disc is thrown. The ‘fade’ is its movement to the left as the disc slows down. As players improve their technique and skill, their ability to throw the disc at high speeds increases. As the speed of the throw increases, so does the need for more overstable discs to prevent the flight from turning too much.
Now let’s consider the term ‘understable’. We consider a disc as being understable if it has a tendency to turn a significant amount right out of the hand. A disc that is very understable typically doesn’t have very much fade at the end. An understable disc is great for newer players who lack the arm speed to throw more overstable discs, since they can’t generate enough speed for the overstable discs to fly right. If the necessary speed can’t be achieved, nearly every disc becomes overstable to a beginner. Check out this list for the top understable disc golf discs.
One of the ways the manufacturers can offer more molds to beginners is to offer overstable molds in lighter weights. Due to the disc having less mass, newer players can ‘cheat’ the system and still throw molds that would be too overstable in heavier weights.
Now let’s talk about the term that has a little more flexible definition: ‘stable’. When I hear people calling a disc ‘stable’, they typically mean that the disc doesn’t have a lot of turn, nor does it fade hard. When I hear it in reference to another disc, it can either mean more overstable or more understable, depending on the situation. If you say that you are throwing a Slab (12, 3, 0, 4), but want something a little more stable, you are saying that you want a disc that is not so overstable.
If you are throwing a Kon Tiki (4, 5, -3, 0) and say you want something a little more stable, you mean that you want something that is less understable. Basically, in both examples you are saying that you want something that flies a little less extreme and a little closer to a neutral flight.
Occasionally, I’ll hear someone refer to a disc being more stable than another, when they mean more overstable. That is an inconsistent use of the term, and may lead to a follow-up question to clarify the meaning. To eliminate any ambiguity, I recommend referring to discs as being more or less overstable or understable.
The flight numbers of a disc help us know the basic flight of a disc. Those numbers are fairly accurate if we can throw the disc at the proper speed. If we can throw a disc with sufficient speed, we can then look at the last two rating in the flight rating to determine the overstability or understability of a disc. Let’s look at some examples.
Disc Flight Number Examples
The Scepter and the Sphinx are speed nine discs from Infinite. The Scepter’s flight numbers are 9, 4, 0, 4. The ‘0, 4’ are the last two numbers, and tell you that this mold would resist turning, even at high speeds (the 0), and will finish strong to the left (the 4). It is an example of an overstable fairway driver.
The flight numbers for the Sphinx are 9, 6, -3, 1. The -3 is the amount of turn that the Sphinx exhibits when thrown at the necessary speed. That means it will turn to the right quite a bit at high speeds. Add a little headwind into the situation and the Sphinx could end up as a roller. Plus, the last number, ‘1’, indicates that the Sphinx isn’t going to fade very much to the left. It is an understable fairway driver.
The more negative the turn number means the more turn to the right the disc will move during the high-speed portion of the flight. A disc with a -5 turn number will turn more to the right than one with a -1 turn number. Discs with a turn of 0 or positive 1 won’t turn to the right very much at all, and are great for headwind shots.
The fade number tells you how much a disc will move to the left at the end of the flight. The higher the number, the more it will travel to the left as it slows down. In our examples above, the Scepter (fade number is 4) moves a lot more left than the Sphinx (fade number is 1).
Visualize Overstable/Understable/Stable
For many of us, understanding overstable vs. understable and comprehending the behavior of a disc just by reading a blog post can be challenging. If you’re a visual learner, this video will provide a clear demonstration of how Connor throws discs with various stabilities, showcasing their distinct flight patterns.
Conclusion
Knowing the stability of a disc helps up choose discs that work for our needs. We can get a general idea how the disc will fly, and can determine if it is something we are looking for. Keep in mind that the weight and plastic type also affect the stability of a disc. Check out Infinite’s flight ratings for each disc, for a more accurate depiction of a discs actual flight. Click HERE to see the blog mentioned previously, which talks about the Infinite Flight Rating.
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”.
and its hard fade as the disc slows down. The ‘turn’ of a disc, for a right-hand back-hand throw (RHBH) is its movement to the right immediately after the disc is thrown. The ‘fade’ is its movement to the left as the disc slows down. As players improve their technique and skill, their ability to throw the disc at high speeds increases. As the speed of the throw increases, so does the need for more overstable discs to prevent the flight from turning too much.
Now let’s consider the term ‘
4. The ‘0, 4’ are the last two numbers, and tell you that this mold would resist turning, even at high speeds (the 0), and will finish strong to the left (the 4). It is an example of an overstable fairway driver.