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Buying Your First Discs

 
What should I buy to get started in disc golf?
I’d suggest getting 3 discs to start with:
 
·         Putter such as Aviar or Pure. These fly the straightest, and that’s good for putting and approaching.
·         Mid-Range such as Comet, Compass, Mako, Spider, Wolf. These fly a bit further, but may fade off to the side a bit more than a putter. If you are only buying one disc then make it a mid-range.
·         Fairway Driver such as Leopard, Archangel, TL, River. These can fly further than the mid-range discs, but when they slow down, they will fade off to the side more sharply.
 
What plastic should I go for?
If you are on a budget, then go for Innova’s DX (£10) or Latitude Retro or Zero plastic. These will get cut up quicker than Champion and Star plastic, but that’s not too big an issue unless your discs will be hitting roads, rocks or buildings. For resilience and hence consistency of flight, the more expensive plastics are better, and you might prefer the feel of Star plastic
 
What Weight of Disc?
Weaker throwers might do better with lighter weights. Some discs are available at 150g, others start in the 160’s, and the max weight for most discs is around 175g.
 
What’s This Understable/Overstable Terminology?
If you throw a right handed backhand at very low speed, a golf disc will fade to the left. At a higher speed the disc will fly straight; and at a higher speed still it will turn to the right. A disc can exhibit all 3 phases in one flight, as it starts at high speed and gradually slows down. A disc is considered “UNDERSTABLE” if it turns right at medium power; and it is considered “OVERSTABLE” if it turns left at medium power. The variation in stability is greatest with high speed drivers, and that makes them difficult to control at first. Beginners should start with understable drivers. The shorter range discs have a wider range of speeds at which they fly straight, and these should be your first choice for most shots as they are more easily controlled.
 
I Want A Disc That Turns Right
Stick with mid-range and approach discs and learn to throw them with right curve, or learn to throw forehand, as that spin will tend to fade right. Avoid high speed discs as it is very difficult to achieve a controlled right turn with them. Stingray and Stratus are good choices, but even they will fade left at low speed.
 
What Does Derek Have in His Bag?
Soft Magnet main putter, Aviar is main approach; Buzzz, Comet, Archer and Stratus are my mid-ranges (overstable, straight, understable); my drivers from understable to overstable are Shryke, Archon, TL, Convict, beat up Destroyer, Destroyer.
 
Still Want To Read More?
Blake Takkunen has some excellent resources of information, advice and video analysis. Check out his website discgolfreview.com