Disc Golf Tips for Beginners

DX plastic means Innova's least expensive plastic (great for getting into the game without dropping a lot of $). DX plastic has a great feel and beats in very easily, which actually makes it increasingly easier to throw.

Drivers:

The driver is the hardest disc to pick out. You may throw one driver 250 feet straight down the middle and with the same throw another driver will fly 40 feet way off to the left. Understanding how a disc is meant to fly compared to how it flies for you is the ticket to selecting drivers. If you've never thrown, all you can do is guess. If you've thrown before, you can gauge how your disc was flying before and make a more informed decision. Below is a general guideline to selecting from the beginning drivers.

Leopard: If you've never thrown a driver, the Leopard is a good choice. Its lower speed makes it easier to fly the way it was designed. Flat and straight with a small turn and fade.

Archangel: If you've thrown a driver, and it tends to hook hard in the direction opposite your throwing hand (for backhand throws) the archangel is a good choice. This disc has a ton of glide, meaning it will float longer than most other discs. Faster than the Leopard, it has more distance potential, though its higher speed means it needs a slightly bigger arm to get it fly. This disc has a very understable rating, which means it will accommodate weaker snaps (the amount of rotation put on a disc) but also that strong snaps will, much like a curveball in baseball, cause the disc to turn with the spin and land far left or right from center, depending on the direction of the spin (clockwise=right; counterclockwise=left).

Sidewinder: If you've thrown before and feel remotely comfortable off the tee, this disc will give you the potential for long straight drives. This will S-curve very easily (when a disc turns with the rotation and then fades back to land straight.) S-curves tend to equal greater distance as the disc is cutting forward and staying airborne the whole time it turns and fades.

Valkyrie: Much like the sidewinder, but able to handle more snap. If you have experience throwing, this disc may be for you. The Valkyrie is good for huge S-curve drives, but it takes more power and snap than the other drivers on this list to get it fly. If underpowered, it will hook against the rotation of the disc and drop very fast. It is a rare beginner that can overpower a Valkyrie. A safe bet for bigger arms just starting out.

Midranges:

As you grow as a disc golfer, you'll throw your midrange every which way you can imagine. Starting out,essentially you want a midrange that flies straight and flat. These discs are designed to facilitate a beginner's throw to fly flat and straight without strain. Comfort in the hand and upon release plays a huge part in a midrange.

Stingray: The easiest to throw straight. Larger diameter disc than the drivers. Small rim. Will turn with strong throws.

Cobra: 2nd easiest to throw. Larger diameter. Easy to throw straight. Won't turn quite as much as the Stingray with strong snaps.

Skeeter: 3rd easiest to throw. Regular diameter. Excellent straight disc. A good snap will send this disc straight with little turn. To turn this disc it must be overpowered.

Shark: 4th easiest to throw. Larger diameter. Great first disc for throwing hyzer approach shots (shots that are thrown the direction of the throwing arm and hook back against the rotation of the disc). Flies straight with moderate snap. Most difficult of the four to turn.

Putters:

When it comes to putters, they all fly short and fairly straight. Comfort is the most important factor. Flight characteristics are worth noting, but will not come into affect nearly as much as drivers or midranges as a putter is only in the air for a few seconds.

Wedge: Very small rim. Will turn with strong snaps.

Sonic: Low-profile grip with a ridge for your thumb. Will turn with strong snaps. Low glide; designed to drop quickly to prevent overthrows.

Aviar: The standard putter. This is by far the most thrown putter on the market. It has the standard disc golf putter lip (similar to a shrunken catch disc). It is designed to be thrown at a slight hyzer or to fly straight with stronger snaps.

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