Choosing your first golf disc can feel overwhelming. The sheer variety available can leave even seasoned disc golfers scratching their heads. This guide will help beginners navigate the world of disc golf, focusing on the best discs for those just starting out. We'll cover factors to consider and highlight specific models perfect for building a foundational skillset.
What Makes a Good Disc for Beginners?
Before diving into specific disc recommendations, let's understand the crucial factors that make a disc ideal for new players. Beginners need discs that are:
- Stable: Stable discs fly straight with minimal unpredictable movement, making them easier to control. Avoid highly overstable or understable discs initially, as they require more advanced technique to master.
- Slower Speed: Slower speed discs (rated speed 6-8) are easier to throw with less arm power. As your arm speed improves, you can gradually progress to faster discs.
- Understable options to learn proper throwing form While stable discs help new players learn consistency, an understable disc can also benefit beginners by helping them diagnose their throw. If a disc flips too quickly, this shows the thrower needs to improve their form or put more power behind their throws.
- Durable: Beginners inevitably throw discs into trees, bushes, and the ground. A durable disc can withstand these early-stage mishaps.
- Affordable: Start with a few affordable discs before investing in a large collection.
What are the best golf discs for beginners?
Several manufacturers produce excellent discs for beginners. Here are a few popular and highly-rated options, categorized by their intended flight characteristics:
1. Innova Disc Golf Discs
- Innova DX Destroyer: While a Destroyer is known as a powerful overstable disc, it's also very durable and can help beginners understand disc behavior. It requires some effort to learn how to use it correctly but will reward the user.
- Innova DX Valkyrie: A popular choice for its straightforward flight path, suitable for both forehand and backhand throws. Its stability makes it easy to control, ideal for developing consistent form.
- Innova DX Aviar: A putter-style disc perfect for short approaches and putting. Its gentle curve and predictable flight pattern are excellent for practicing accuracy.
- Innova DX Leopard: A great mid-range disc with a gentle curve and predictable flight. It's easier to throw than a driver and perfect for building confidence when throwing from longer distances.
2. Discraft Discs
- Discraft Buzzz: A highly popular mid-range disc known for its reliable and straight flight. Its dependable performance builds confidence, especially for intermediate throws.
- Discraft Ultra Star: A very durable and affordable option for beginners. It can be thrown for both forehand and backhand throws, allowing new players to experiment and find their preferred technique.
- Discraft Challenger: A great mid-range disc that's easier to throw than most drivers. Ideal for new throwers looking to practice longer throws.
- Discraft Anax: This high-speed driver is less stable and requires some muscle to use, but can be useful to learn how to work your form and how to anticipate disc movement.
3. MVP Discs
- MVP Resistor: A reliable mid-range disc offering predictable flight paths and excellent control. Great for developing consistent shots.
- MVP Relay: A stable, beginner-friendly driver that's easier to throw far than a mid-range disc.
- MVP Servo: A great putter with a shallow profile that allows it to be easily thrown, making it useful for both short and long putts.
What type of disc should a beginner buy first?
This depends on your preferred approach to disc golf. For a beginner, a driver and a mid-range disc are recommended so you'll be able to throw at a variety of distances. A putter is also very important to master; however, if you choose between a driver or mid-range first, a mid-range is recommended.
How many discs should a beginner buy?
Starting with 2-3 discs is a good strategy. One mid-range disc and one driver should provide plenty of diversity to start learning and practicing. Adding a putter later will complete your early set.
What is the best beginner disc golf set?
There isn't a single "best" set, as preferences vary. However, several brands offer starter sets that include a putter, mid-range, and driver. These are generally good value for money and provide a balanced introduction to different disc types. Look for sets that emphasize stability and slower speeds to start with.
Where can I find these discs?
Most of these discs can be found at local disc golf courses, sporting goods stores, or online retailers specializing in disc golf equipment.
Remember, consistent practice is key to improving your disc golf skills. Start with these beginner-friendly discs, focus on developing good form, and enjoy the process of learning this fun and challenging sport!
