Choosing a Disc Golf Disc – The Ultimate Guide for Beginners and Experienced Players

Choosing the right disc in disc golf is crucial. There are hundreds of different discs on the market, designed for various skill levels and throwing styles. As a beginner, the selection process may feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can quickly find the most suitable discs for you and improve your game faster.

In this guide, we will go through the key characteristics of disc golf discs and provide recommendations to help you make smart choices.

What Do Disc Flight Numbers Mean?

Every disc golf disc has four flight numbers that describe its flight path. These numbers help estimate how the disc will behave in the air and assist in choosing the right disc for each situation.

In the DiscKing online store, you can find flight numbers for every disc, and most manufacturers print them directly on the disc. The numbers are presented in the following order:

• Speed – 1–15
• Glide – 1–7
• Turn – (+1) – (-5)
• Fade – 0–6

Speed

Speed indicates the rim width of the disc and the amount of throwing power required. The higher the speed rating, the more power is needed to achieve the optimal flight path. In theory, the faster the disc, the farther it can fly!

Speed Categories:

• 1–3.5 = Putters
• 3–4.5 = Approach Discs
• 4–6.5 = Midrange Discs
• 6–9 = Fairway Drivers

Glide

Glide indicates a disc’s ability to stay in the air. The higher the glide rating, the farther the disc will travel with less effort. Glide is measured on a scale from 1 to 7.

Turn

Turn determines how a disc behaves during the initial phase of its flight. The more understable (lower turn value) a disc is, the easier it is to throw for distance. An understable disc will turn more to the right during flight for a right-handed backhand thrower (RHBH) and to the left for a left-handed thrower.

Turn Ratings:

• Overstable (+1) = Handles headwinds well and fades strongly at the end.
• Stable (0) = Flies relatively straight.
• Understable (-2 to -5) = Turns easily against its spin direction, making it beginner-friendly.

Fade

Fade indicates the strength of a disc’s final curve at the end of its flight. A higher fade value means a sharper turn as the disc slows down. Fade is measured on a scale from 0 to 6. Generally, discs with lower fade are better suited for beginners.

Check Out a Selection of Products That Suit You:

The Three Most Important Factors in Choosing a Disc Golf Disc

1. Disc Type

Disc golf discs are divided into five main categories:

• Putters – Straight and easy to control, perfect for accurate throws and putting.
• Approach Discs – Designed for short approach shots towards the basket, also great for forehand throws.
• Midrange Discs – A balanced combination of accuracy and distance, ideal for versatile shots.
• Fairway Drivers – Faster than midranges but easier to control than distance drivers.
• Distance Drivers – Designed for long throws, requiring high throwing power and control.

📌 Beginner's Tip: Start with putters, approach discs, and midranges. Drivers can be challenging at first, as they require more throwing power and control.

2. Disc Weight

Disc weight has a significant impact on flight characteristics:

• Lightweight Discs (130–169 g) – Travel farther with less effort, making them ideal for beginners.
• Heavier Discs (170+ g) – Offer more control and perform better in windy conditions.

📌 Beginner's Tip: Start with lighter discs (150–165 g) to develop proper throwing technique before transitioning to heavier discs.

3. Plastic Type

The type of plastic affects a disc’s durability and grip. Generally, plastics are divided into two main categories:

• Putter Plastics – Softer with a better grip, ideal for putting but wears out faster.
• Premium Plastics – More durable with a smoother surface, retains flight characteristics longer.

📌 Examples of Manufacturer Plastics:

• Prodigy Disc: 300, 400, 500, 750
• Innova: DX, KC Pro, Champion, Star
• Discmania: D-Line, C-Line, S-Line
• Latitude 64: Zero Soft, Opto, Gold

Best Disc Golf Discs for Beginners

We’ve selected the best putters, midranges, and fairway drivers from various manufacturers that are especially suited for beginners.

Best Putters for Beginners:

• Discmania P2 – Straight and reliable putter.
• Innova Aviar – An excellent choice for versatile putting.
• Latitude 64 Pure – Great glide and a soft feel.

Best Midranges for Beginners:

• Discmania MD1 – Straight-flying and easy to control.
• Innova Mako3 – Accurate and straight.
• Prodigy M4 – Easy-to-throw understable midrange.

Best Fairway Drivers for Beginners:

• Innova Leopard – One of the easiest fairway drivers to throw.
• Discmania FD – Excellent glide and control.
• Latitude 64 River – Long and smooth flight.

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Summary – How to Choose the Right Disc Golf Disc

1️⃣ Start with putters and midranges – Easier to control than fast drivers.
2️⃣ Pay attention to weight – Lighter discs are easier to throw for distance.
3️⃣ Choose the right plastic type – Putter plastics for putting, premium plastics for throwing.
4️⃣ Try different discs – Learning happens through experience!

🔍 Explore our selection and test different discs!