How Well Do You Know Your Starter Kit?

As you head out the door for a round of Disc Golf, taking what you believe to be the best discs for the job, you may find yourself woefully lacking, even if you know how to throw a one. Knowing how to throw is only half of the process. The rest comes from the discs themselves.

Luckily, there are many shops that can give you the right discs, as long as you know what you’re looking for. Once you can identify the types of discs in your starter kit, you can get the most out of your game.

DISC TYPES

There are essentially four types of disc golf discs: long-distance, control, midrange, and putters. Technically, any of these types can be used at any time in the game, but you’ll get your best results by using them correctly.

Long-Distance Drivers: Long distance drivers have thick rims and are perfect for the start of any game. When you use the right technique, these drivers can launch upwards of 120 meters. But, if you’re not used to how to toss them, you’re in for a lot of frustration. It takes time and precision to learn how to become a master, but once you do, it will likely become your go-to disc for long distances.

Control Drivers: Control drivers are typically the go-to drivers for newbies. Why? They have thinner rims, which means more control while still delivering an impressive distance. They don’t tend to go as far as the long-distance drivers, but, it may still be one of the best modern technology has developed for drivers.

Midrange Drivers: Midrange drivers are the long-range drivers of the past. You will most likely see professionals using midrange drivers since they offer a steady, straight path toward the basket. They tend to be less aerodynamic and have rounded edges, which makes them used less frequently than more modern styles, but they are ultimately easier to control.

Putt and Approach: When it comes time putt, you need a reliable putter to help you hit the basket with little error. These round-edged discs, though usually the heaviest, fly the straightest. So, if you are new to disc golf, this disc may become your best ally.

DISC ABILITIES

If you are like most disc golfers, buying a new disc can be like putting a child in a candy shop. You want to find the best-looking discs that will also give you an edge on the course. Luckily, Innova has created a system to help you find exactly what you are looking for based on speed, glide, turn, and fade.

Speed: Your disc can range in speed from 1 to 14, and Innova discs have cleverly placed the number on the top of the disc under the drive type. The larger the number the greater the speed. The faster the disc means less control but further distances.

Glide: Located at the right of the speed number is the glide number which ranges from 1 to 7.

The higher the number, the longer the disc remains airborne. For putters, you will want a larger glide number to take you further.

Turn: The number to the right of the glide is the turn number, which ranges from 1 to -5. The turn number describes how far your disc will turn when you throw it. The lower the number, the more turn you will see.

Fade: The final number listed is the fade. The fade describes how much your disc will turn in the direction opposite to the turn on the final flight path. The numbers range from 0 to 5, and the greater the number, the greater the fade.

DISC DIMENSIONS

It’s unlikely that you will ever walk into a disc golf shop and ask for disc size down to the millimeter, but it is helpful to know your disc’s weight and what kind of plastic your disc is made from.

Innova’s plastics are typically designed for durability or grip, but most models have a nice blend of both. For example, Star and Gstar plastics have a great combination. Of course, the more you want from your disc, the more you will have to pay out of pocket. In the end, it is about what fits most comfortably in your hand.

When it comes to weight, it all depends on how you plan to throw the disc. For instance, a heavier disc is less likely to turn over, but it will not fly very far. A light-weight disc will have greater airtime, but they are usually not as easy to control.

THE DISC FOR YOU

When finding the right disc, always check out your options. If you have the chance, visit a store to feel the weight in your hands. Find out from a professional in a club how he or she decided on the right disc. There are thousands of resources to get you the disc you will love for years to come, so take advantage of your resources and hit the course!