What Discs to Have

First things first lets talk about the different types of discs and how to decide within the categories! There are 5 Major types of Discs.

• Putters: These are your shorter range discs. They wont fly as far but are very stable, and as such wont curve or move in any unexpected ways.
• Midranges/Approach: Think of these (in golf terms) as your irons. They are not meant to get you all the way to the hole in one shot, but they will help you get close. Offering more distance then a putter and more control than a driver.
• Fairway/Control Drivers: For straight shots that the Midranges dont have the range to make. If your trying to throw your disc down a long corridoor, this is the disc for you.
• Distance Drivers: These discs are meant for long distances, but will move a lot from one side to the other in a large arc during flight
• Overstable Drivers: Looking to have a the distance of a driver, with a huge arc? These are the discs for you.

Now, another thing we need to talk about when looking at which discs to purchase is the discs numbers! Most discs will list on their plastic 4 numbers (If it is not listed on its plastic, it will be listed within the description at the disc at the bottom of its page). The questions you may be asking are: “What do these numbers mean", “Why should I care about these numbers” and “Can you please just tell me what disc to buy”? Well the numbers listed on the discs, is a numerical interpretation of how the disc will fly in the air! So when purchasing a disc, you always want to know its numerical values so that you get a disc that acts how you want (minus the odd cursed disc). So here is what the numbers mean (Left to Right)

• Speed: The higher the number, the more speed you have, the more distance you will be able to cover. As such you can expect putters to have a low speed (1-3) and drivers to have a higher speed (7ish - 14) HOWEVER new players should have caution with this, just because you CAN make more distance, does not mean you will get more distance. Generally the higher the speed of the disc, the more difficulty you will have controlling the discs flight. As such new players may find that a lower speed disc of 6-7 may fly farther then a higher speed driver 13-14, simply because they can control the flight.
• Glide: The higher the number, the longer your disc can remain in the air! A high glide number is great when attempting to cover distance, but too high may a problem as you could overshooting the basket. Glide also changes over types of discs. A putter with a glide of 4 will have the potential to stay in the air longer then a distance driver with a glide of 4.
• High Speed Turn: The lower the number, the harsher the turn right after leaving your hand. These numbers can range from -5 to 1 and although discs will always turn a little during flight, a disc with a rating of -4 or -5 would be perfect for rollover shots or roller throws.
• Fade: The higher the number, the more the disc will turn when its finishing its flight (IE: When the disc has lost most of its speed). Discs with a little fade (1 2 and even 3) are normal to find as you will find that all discs will tend to turn at the end of the flight. However discs with a higher rating (4/5) are perfect for if your playing in high wind. This is because as your disc slows down and is unable to fight the wind with speed, it will be able to fight the wind with its fade.

Now that you know the types of discs, and how the numbers on the discs work: What would we suggest as a starting disc? Personally, we at Atlantic Disc Golf suggest getting just a putter for your first time playing. Why? Because a putter is going to react much like how you expect a “normal” frisbee would. As a beginner, the putter is a great way to learn how to throw, the rules of disc golf and learn the course your playing on, without getting frustrated at how your disc is performing. As such, here are some putters that we would suggest starting off with!

Looking to get more then that for your first time? Or maybe you tried a putter and are looking to see what else there is to offer? Our next personal recomendation will be to get a Fairway Driver. This way you will be able to experience the distance that a driver has to offer, while still having a disc that remains fairly understable (IE: The disc will stay in a reasonably straight line during its flight). So if getting a Fairway Driver is something you would like, we suggest starting with the following:

Then, once you play a few rounds and you get comfortable with your discs, we suggest branching out! After all, only one way to learn how the discs function in your hands and thats by throwing the discs. The following are our recomendations for discs after you have tried a few rounds of disc golf, and your ready to see how other discs react in your hands!

For Mid-Range/Approach Discs we suggest starting with the following discs