Tag: best disc golf plastics

Best Disc Golf Plastics

10 comments

Disc tote holding a variety of different disc golf plastics.

As disc golf grows in popularity, so does the choices of molds and plastics. The type of plastic we choose for our discs has a big impact on the flight of the disc. Not only do different plastic types directly affect the stability and flight, but the feel of the plastic can affect our grip and confidence. In this blog we will talk about the best plastics in several different categories.

Plastic Characteristics

If you look at any disc on Infinite’s website, you’ll see a graph for each plastic type. The graph rates three characteristics of that particular plastic, and those three may make a difference as to whether we buy the plastic or not. Those three characteristics are Durability, Softness, and Grip. Those qualities will help us as we discuss the best plastics for each category that we will explore. Let’s find the best plastics!

Best Disc Golf Plastic For Drivers

Discs featuring Innova Star plastic, the most popular disc golf plastic.

When we reach for our drivers, we are more likely to be going for distance and throwing with more power. That means we will be hitting objects harder, and a more durable plastic would be preferable. However, durability is a double-edge sword when it comes to drivers. An extremely durable plastic will give you a longer life and once its broke in it will keep that flight for a long time. On the other hand, it may take a long time to break in, leaving you with a less than desirable flight. Overall, a durable premium plastic is desirable in a driver. That is why there are so many durable plastics in the top 5.

One exception is DX plastic. DX is a base plastic that beats in quickly. It is inexpensive, making it a great choice for beginners, or people wanting to try new molds. Although it does get seasoned quickly, it can also get too beat in, making it flippy.

Here are the top five best plastics for drivers:

  1. Star – This popular plastic comes in a variety of colors and molds. It is durable and has an amazing feel.
  2. ESP
  3. Neutron
  4. I-Blend
  5. DX

Best Plastic For Putters

Purple MVP Glitch in Neutron Soft plastic

When looking at the most popular plastic for putters, you get two different grip extremes. Softer, grippier plastics are great for short range putting due to their ability to ‘grab’ the chains. However, stiffer plastics are great for driving or approach shots. Here are the top five plastics for putters:

  1. Neutron – Some of our best-selling approach discs come in Neutron plastic. It is a durable plastic, and the overmold adds another layer of durability.
  2. D-Blend
  3. DX
  4. P-Blend Glow
  5. ESP

Best Plastics For Dyeing

Disc golf plastic good for custom disc dyes

Disc dyeing is a popular activity among disc golfers. It allows the dyer to unleash their creativity and end up with a unique disc. There are many different methods for dyeing a disc, but the goal is the same: to get the dye into the disc. They type of plastic used makes a huge difference in the results of a dye. In this category, premium plastics rule the day. Base plastics can be dyed, but the results are never as good as dyeing premium plastics.

Here are the best plastics for dyeing discs:

  1. Star – A white Star disc will give the best results from dyeing. It makes colors pop and resists bleeding.
  2. ESP
  3. S-Blend
  4. Prodigy 400G
  5. Tournament

Best Plastic For Winter

Disc golfer throwing a grippy disc in the snow.

Playing disc golf in cold weather presents some new challenges for those willing to brave the cooler temperatures. First, discs fly differently in colder weather. The plastic is stiffer and you get less glide from your discs. They also tend to be more overstable due to the air density. Grip is also affected by the cold stiff plastic. And cold temperature disc golfers always run the risk of cracking their discs due to hitting a solid object like a tree or light post. With those challenges in mind, we can explore which discs are best for winter play

  1. GStar – Not only does the GStar excel in winter golf, it has a sheen and textured look that is beautiful. GStar plastic remains soft even in cold weather, giving you a consistent feel year ‘round.
  2. Neutron Soft
  3. Base Plastics
  4. G-Blend
  5. FLX

Honorable mention: Elevation Discs – Elevation’s extra-soft materials are just as floppy in winter as in summer. Try one of their molds and see what the hype is about.

Best Plastics For Beginners

Group of disc golfers waiting around before a league round.

When we are starting out in disc golf, most of us experiment with molds and plastics until we find the discs that work the best for us. A great plastic to start with is a base plastic. Base plastics have several qualities that make them good for beginners. They have good grip and are softer than some premium discs. They also break in faster than premium discs, giving you a good flight in a shorter amount of time. Plus, they are the least expensive plastic, so if you are experimenting with molds, it won’t cost as much to try new ones.

  1. DX – This plastic feels good and breaks in quickly. Being cheaper than premium is a nice bonus.
  2. Pro D
  3. D-line
  4. X Line
  5. I-Blend

Best Plastic For Night Disc Golf

Glow in the dark disc plastic by MVP brightly glowing in the dark.

Although glow-in-the-dark plastics are common and most brands offer some glow options, not all glow plastics are created equal. Some brands get it right and their plastic glows brightly and holds it for a long time. Others have a glow so weak that it is difficult to tell if it is actually glow plastic. Night rounds are a blast and one of the things that makes it great is watching your glowing disc in flight. Having a plastics that glows bright makes it fun to watch, and makes it easier to find your disc. Here are the best plastics for night disc golf:

  1. Eclipse 2.0 – MVP has some of the best glow plastic on the planet. They are consistently bright and long lasting. Get a few MVP, Axiom, or Streamline molds for your glow rounds.
  2. Lone Star Glow
  3. K1 Glow
  4. TSA Glow
  5. RPM Glow

Most Durable Disc Golf Plastics

Durable Champion Plastic

Durable plastics are great for disc golf because there are usually lots of obstacles on a course and durable plastics can take a hit without losing its flight. Softer, less durable plastics get dinged up easier, which can alter the flight and stability of a disc. Sometimes dings and dents can alter the flight so much that it may need to be replaced.

Discs made of durable plastic take longer to get ‘seasoned’ and achieve the desired flight. But once they do, you can usually throw the disc for a long time and not lose that flight. Although the most durable discs are not indestructible, they can definitely take more abuse than softer discs. Here are some of the most durable plastics.

  1. Champion – This translucent plastic is an extra-durable workhorse. Get your favorite mold in Champion and that disc will last for a long time.
  2. Z
  3. Opto/Lucid/VIP
  4. C-Blend
  5. C-Line

Tell us about your favorite plastic, and win a gift card!

Let us know in the comments about your favorite plastic. It can be your favorite because it glows, because it’s durable, or just because it feels amazing in your hand. We’ll randomly select a few commenters and send them an Infinite gift card. (Make sure you include a valid email address.)