Disc Golf for Dummies: Part II

    When getting to know the game of disc golf, also referred to as frisbee golf, a major thing to learn and get familiar with are the four different types of discs. These four types of discs each possess unique flight characteristics that are crucial to shape and angle different shots through the various course layouts and obstacles that may be around. The way the disc is shaped, the depth of the rim, the top of the disc, and the plastic from which it is made up of all play an individual role in how the disc reacts once thrown out of your hand. There are some discs that go further, some drop out of the air quickly, some get a lot of lift to them, which all has to do with the disc type that you’re throwing and the disc shape. These four disc-types can be categorized into the following:

Distance Drivers: Used for gaining maximum distance off the tee pad.

Fairway Drivers: Used for driving and fairway throws where more control and less distance is needed.

Mid-range: Used for approaching the basket where more control over speed, height, precision is needed.

Putters: Used to putt into the basket and for approaching as well.

    Distance drivers can be thrown on average from 300-400 feet and even farther in the proper outdoor conditions and from an experienced disc golfer. These discs have many flight paths that they are able to maneuver depending on what angle the discs are released from. Distance drivers will typically allow for the player to have the most option of flight patterns because of the different types of speeds, turns, and fades in the many discs available.

    Fairway drivers are also used for driving but will achieve less speed and distance than the distance drivers. This makes them the most ideal disc for driving through heavily wooded courses where you have to rely on having more control and for throwing from the fairway where you need less distance. The flight pattern and options for throwing this disc are similar to distance drivers.

    Mid-range discs allow you to have the most control of its distance and the angle at which the disc lands on the ground, these discs would be best for a tomahawk throw, which I had briefly talked about in part I. They can also be used for driving when the wind is blowing around the course a lot or if you need to keep the disc low because of and abundance of overhanging trees throughout the course. Mid-range discs offer a little less in terms of various flight patterns.

    Putters are often called putt-and-approach discs because while they are mainly used for putting, they make the perfect disc when you’re getting close to the basket and need it to sit flat on the ground right  near the post/basket. While you can force a putter to flip over or throw it on a hyzer (get into that technique in Part III), they have the least varying flight path of all the disc molds, for me personally, I like to use putters for more straight shots.

    Now that you know some of the various ways discs differ, you can go and fill your bag knowing you’ll have different types of discs for various purposes on the course.