Understanding Disc Golf Flight Numbers & Discs

Choosing the Right Disc: A Beginner’s Guide to Disc Golf Discs

If you’ve ever watched or played golf before, then you’ve seen how players carry around a bag full of lots of different golf clubs. While disc golf isn’t much different, odds are if you’ve been to a course you’ve seen players carrying around bags full of different discs and wondered, “Why do they need so many?” The truth is, not all discs are created equal. Each one is designed to fly a specific way.

Understanding the different types will help you improve faster, throw farther, and play smarter. Let’s break it down so you can step onto the course with confidence—and the right disc in hand.

The 3 Main Types of Disc Golf Discs

Disc golf discs fall into three main categories based on how they fly and how far they’re designed to go:

1. Putters

• Speed: Slow (1–3)

• Best For: Short throws, putting, and precision shots

• Flight: Straight, stable, and easy to control

Putters are the most accurate type of disc and are used for shots within 50–100 feet of the basket. They’re also the best type of disc for beginners to learn form and technique.

2. Midranges

• Speed: Medium (4–5)

• Best For: Approaches and controlled fairway shots

• Flight: Smooth, consistent, and great for shaping lines

Midrange discs are a step up in distance and versatility from putters. They’re perfect for short drives and approach shots when you need a little more distance but still want control.

Think of midranges as your all-purpose utility discs—they’re great for learning, practicing, and getting creative on the course.

3. Drivers

There are two main types of drivers, and both are designed for longer throws—but they behave very differently.

a. Fairway Drivers

• Speed: 6–9

• Best For: Controlled distance and accuracy

• Flight: Flies farther than midranges, but still relatively easy to manage

Fairway drivers are great for players who are improving their distance but still want control. These make a great “next step” as you advance.

b. Distance Drivers

• Speed: 10–14

• Best For: Maximum distance

• Flight: Fast, potentially overstable or understable (we’ll explain that next)

Distance drivers require higher arm speed and more refined technique. Most beginners find them difficult to control at first.

Avoid jumping to distance drivers too soon—it’s tempting, but they can hurt your form if you’re not ready.

Flight Numbers: What Do They Mean?

Most discs are labeled with four numbers like this: 9 | 5 | -2 | 1Here’s what they represent:

1. Speed (1–14) – How fast the disc must be thrown to perform as intended. Higher = harder to control.

2. Glide (1–7) – How long the disc stays in the air. More glide = more carry.

3. Turn (-5 to +1) – How much the disc turns to the right (for right-hand backhand throws) early in the flight.

4. Fade (0–5) – How much the disc fades left at the end of the flight.

Beginner-friendly discs tend to have lower speed, more glide, and more turn (like -2 or -3). That helps offset a slower arm speed and gets more distance.

How to Choose the Right Discs as a Beginner

1. Start Simple

   • Pick 2–3 discs: a putter, a midrange, and a fairway driver.

   • Don’t get overwhelmed with plastic types, weights, or flashy names—just go for beginner-friendly options.

2. Look for “Understable” Discs

   • These turn more to the right and help compensate for slower throwing speed.

   • Check the “turn” number—anything from -2 to -4 is beginner-friendly.

3. Lighter Weights = Easier Throws

   • Discs in the 135–160 gram range are easier to throw for most new players.

4. Ask for Help or Use Resources

   • Pop into the store and we can help find the best options for your skill level

   • You can even ask experienced players at the course for tips—they’re usually more than happy to help.

Great Beginner Disc Recommendations

Here are a few tried-and-true discs that many players love starting with:

• Putter:   Axiom Pixel or Proxy Innova Aviar Lattitude 64 Pure

• Midrange: Axiom Hex, Innova Mako3 Lattitude 64 Claymore 

• Fairway Driver: Axiom Crave or Rhythm, Innova Leopard Lattitude 64 Diamond

Final Thoughts: Don’t Overthink It

Choosing the right disc can make your disc golf experience way more enjoyable—but don’t let it stress you out. The best way to learn is to get out and throw. We offer rentals for people who are excited to learn but not ready to commit to buying their own discs just yet. 

As you play, you’ll start to figure out what kind of discs you like and how they fly for you.

So grab a few beginner-friendly discs, find a course near by, and start exploring. The plastic will fly, your game will grow, and most importantly—you’ll have fun doing it.