How to Choose the Perfect Beginner Disc (And Why It Matters)
If you’ve just started playing disc golf, you’ve probably experienced the "meathook"—that frustrating moment when you throw a disc as hard as you can, only to watch it dive hard to the left (for right-handed players) after just 50 feet.
Don’t worry, it’s not just you. It’s likely your disc.
At Gravity Disc Golf, we see new players make the same mistake constantly: buying the fastest, sharpest-looking driver on the shelf. While high-speed drivers like the Destroyer or Zeus are amazing for pros, they are often the worst enemy of a new player.
Here is everything you need to know to pick a disc that will actually fly straight, glide further, and lower your score.
Cracking the Code: Understanding Flight Numbers
If you have ever looked at a disc and seen a string of four numbers like 7 | 5 | -2 | 1, you were looking at the flight rating system. Think of this as the disc’s "DNA"—it tells you exactly how the disc is designed to fly, assuming you throw it with the correct power and technique.
For beginners, understanding these numbers is the quickest way to stop buying discs that are impossible to throw.
Here is the breakdown of the four numbers, always listed in this order:
1. Speed (1 to 14)
- What it is: This is the rate at which a disc travels through the air.
- What beginners think it means: "Higher number = I will throw it further."
- What it actually means: This is the speed the disc requires to fly properly. If you
- The Beginner Target: Stick to speeds 9 and under (Putters, Mid-ranges, and Fairway Drivers).
2. Glide (1 to 7)
- What it is: The disc’s ability to maintain loft during flight. Think of it as "hang time."
- Why it matters: Discs with higher glide ratings stay in the air longer.
- The Beginner Target: Look for high glide (4 to 6). This gives you "free distance" without needing to throw harder.
3. Turn (+1 to -5)
- What it is: The tendency of the disc to curve to the right (for a right-hand backhand thrower) immediately after leaving your hand.
- The Scale: A lower number (like -3 or -4) means the disc is "Understable" and wants to turn over. A higher number (0 or +1) means it resists turning.
- The Beginner Target: You want negative numbers! Look for -2 to -4. These discs fight against your natural tendency to fade out early, resulting in a straighter flight.
4. Fade (0 to 5)
- What it is: The tendency of the disc to hook left (for a right-hand backhand thrower) at the very end of the flight as it slows down.
- Why it matters: High fade makes a disc dump hard into the ground. Low fade lets it land gently.
- The Beginner Target: Look for low fade (0 to 2). You want the disc to finish forward, not hook into the woods.
Summary: The "Perfect Beginner Disc" usually looks something like this: Speed 7 | Glide 5 | Turn -2 | Fade 1.
The Golden Rule: Slower is Better
In disc golf, every disc has a "Speed" rating (usually the first number on the disc). This number isn't how fast the disc goes; it’s how fast you must throw it to make it fly correctly.
If you throw a Speed 12 driver with a Speed 6 arm, the disc will act "overstable"—meaning it will fade out and crash immediately.
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Pro Tip: Start with discs that are Speed 9 or lower.
What is "Understable" and Why Do You Need It?
You will hear players talk about "stability." As a beginner, your best friend is Understability.
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Stable: Flies straight.
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Overstable: Fades hard (hooks) at the end.
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Understable: Wants to turn slightly against the fade, helping it stay straight longer for lower arm speeds.
Look for a Turn rating (the third number on the disc) of -2 or -4. These discs fight the urge to crash, giving you that beautiful, straight "S" curve flight.
Our Top Recommendations for Beginners
Here are the specific molds we recommend to get you off the tee and into the basket.
1. The Putter: Focus on Feel
You will use this for more than just the basket. A good putter is also your best approach disc. You want something with a deep enough rim to grip comfortably.
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Top Pick: Innova Aviar or Dynamic Discs Judge.
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Why: These are the gold standards. They fly dead straight and grab the chains.
2. The Mid-Range: The Workhorse
If you only buy one disc, make it a mid-range. These offer the control of a putter but with more distance.
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Top Pick: Discraft Buzzz or Innova Mako3.
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Why: The Buzzz is the most popular disc in the world for a reason—it holds whatever line you put it on. The Mako3 is almost magic; it has virtually no fade, meaning it lands exactly where you point it.
3. The Fairway Driver: Your First "Distance" Disc
Skip the distance drivers for now. A 7-speed Fairway Driver will actually go further for you because you can get it up to speed.
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Top Pick: Innova Leopard or Prodigy F5.
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Why: The Leopard is famous for being easy to control. The F5 has incredible Glide, meaning it stays in the air forever with minimal effort.
Quick Tips for Your First Round
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Weight Matters: Don't buy max weight (175g) discs yet. Look for discs in the 160g–165g range. Lighter discs are easier to snap and throw far. Lightweight disc
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Plastic Type: "Base plastic" (like DX or Prime) is cheaper and grippier, which is great for putters. "Premium plastic" (like Champion, Z-Line, or Opto) costs more but lasts much longer without getting beat up by trees.
- Pre-owned Disc: Pre-owned disc are a way to get premium plastic for a cheaper cost. Sometimes disc with more love fly a little better for new players. Check out Gravity's huge Pre-owned Section.
Ready to Throw?
The right equipment makes the learning curve so much easier. Check out current stock of understable drivers and straight-flying mids.
Have questions about a specific disc? Shoot us a message or DM us on Instagram!