Disc Ace: Disc Golf Beginners - Disc Golf Rules for Beginners, Disc Golf Videos for Beginners, Disc Golf Throws for Beginners, Disc Golf Terms for Beginners, Disc Golf Discs for Beginners

Disc Ace

Disc Golf Beginners/Disc Golf Resources

Disc Golf Throws

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Rules

Disc golf is much similar to regular golf when it comes to the rules. Similar to golf you drive from a tee box (throwing the disc as far as you can, usually with a driver disc), you have to change your technique to throw midrange shots (usually using a midrange disc) and you putt (usually with a putter disc) on close shots. Also similar to golf, you play the disc where it lies. For the complete rules on how to play disc golf, click here.

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Discs

What's the difference?

The plastics and the design.

Each line uses a different type of plastic, and each plastic offers many different types of discs. Discraft uses 5 different types of plastic for their discs, with each representing a different line of disc. There are Pro-D, Elite X, Elite Z, ESP, and FLX (New).

Pro-D

All the discs in the Pro-D line are very durable well made discs that have a super grip and retain a consistent flight every time you throw it.

Elite X

The Elite X discs are made with a plastic that is very durable has a super grip and has a strong flight even in wet weather conditions.

Elite Z

The discs made out of the Elite Z plastic are the most durable discs in the world. Elite Z discs come in vibrant translucent colors and have extremely consistent true flights.

ESP

ESP is one of the greatest developments in disc golf history. The ESP plastic is beautiful, it is more durable than the Elite X and has a better grip than the Elite Z and each ESP Disc flies without a concern for stopping.

FLX

The FLX comes in the ESP line but has the flexibility to nearly be folded in half and then spring back to it's original shape. The FLX has had huge reviews about is ability to resist damage when hitting objects on the course due to it's flexible composition. And If you want distance here you go.

From Maximum Distance Drivers to Putters.

Within each line of disc are different categories of discs, such as maximum distance drivers, extra long range drivers, long range drivers, midrange drivers, and putters. From here, each category has many different types of discs which each have unique characteristics that make them different.

When you look at a specific line of disc and you choose a range lets say Elite Z, Maximum Distance Drivers, you'll notice there are about 10 different discs listed.

What makes each one different from the other?

There are several differences from one disc to another even though they are made out of the same plastic in the similar shape for a similar purpose. The biggest difference is the discs' Stability. Another difference is the disc's individual flight pattern (directly related to stability) as well as the disc's potential for distance.

Each disc is designed to respond in a unique way when thrown at different speeds or angles. The key is to find the disc that flies best with your throw. The other difference is the look of the disc. Discraft discs are some of the best looking discs in the world. The vibrant colors, awesome tye dyes, and world class designs are sure to draw comments from other players.

Disc Golf Disc Recommendations

Please note that all discs recommended for beginners are not just beginner discs, you can find the same exact discs in a professional's bag. These recommendations are based off of what we feel are the easiest discs to control.

Here is a great beginner disc golf set that will get you started.

Elite X soft APX (putter)

Pro-D Buzzz (midrange)

Pro-D XL (long range)

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Disc Golf Throws

You may want to keep in mind a few basic disc golf throws that different players may use that change the flight of the disc.

One is the backhand throw (a basic bent to extended elbow-from body throw), the forearm throw (arm begins extended and throws by bending the elbow and flicking the wrist in towards the body) and the third is the tomahawk (disc is brought over head and thrown by extending the arm in front of the body).

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There are three things to consider when purchasing a new disc:

Stability

Weight

Durability

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Stability

Stability of a disc is the amount and to which side a disc will fall at the end of it's flight. For example a disc with 0.0 stability would fall (if thrown perfectly level) straight in line with the line which the disc flew when it ran out of momentum. A disc thrown forearm with a stability of 2.0 is considered overstable and if the thrower is right handed (left handed is opposite) the disc will fall to the left. A disc thrown under the same conditions that is -2.0 is considered understable and will fall to the right. The scale of stability ranges from 3 to -3.

Weight

Weight of a disc will change the flight less significantly than stability but still needs to be compatible to the player for maximum game potential. A heavier disc will require more strength to throw as far as a lighter disc, but with the right amount of force will have more momentum and can fly further especially in weathery conditions. A heavier disc will fly truer in the wind than a lighter disc. A beginner will probably do better with a lighter disc regardless of the players strength.

Some tournaments require a 150 gram disc but for most players and many tournaments much higher weights are acceptable. An example of a heavier disc would weigh approximately 176 grams. A large portion of discs sold by Disc Ace are between 172-174 grams (an average weight).

Durability

Durability is obviously necessary to consider when choosing a disc due to obstacles that we all hit from time to time. When a disc gets used and begins to get worn, chipped or scraped, the discs flight can be changed. The Durability of a disc is ultimately determined by the type of plastic it is made out of. There are four different lines of discs that each use a different plastic. Pro D discs are going to be the most economical (price) and have a grippy feel to the plastic. Elite X plastics are durable discs that work great in bad weather conditions. Elite Z plastics come in many vibrant colors and are by far the most durable disc available. The ESP line discs are new to the market and provide very true flights with grippy plastics.

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Terms

Stability: The amount to which direction a disc will naturally fall at the end of its flight. If the disc is rotating clockwise it will fall naturally to the left, if counter-clockwise it will fall to the right.

Overstable: The disc will fall an increased amount to its natural tendency at the end of its flight.

Understable: The disc will have a tendency curve opposite the direction of its natural tendency (decided by the thrower). For example if the discs is rotating clockwise it will turn to the right instead of to the left and vice versa. Note: the disc will still fall to the natural side unless extremely understable.

Hyzer: Overstable (see above definition).

Anhyzer: Understable (see above definition).

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Get Enough Information?

You might have found a little more information than you were looking for. If you came looking for plain and simple “what discs do I start out with,” we have that for you as well. Below, are personal and professional recommendations for beginners. If you are looking for more information or have question please e-mail us at disc_ace1@yahoo.com.

#1 Best Choice

Everyone here at Disc Ace is in full agreement that the best disc for beginners and pro’s alike is the Buzzz. The Buzzz is a midrange disc that comes in every line with a stability of 0.5. It is a slightly overstable disc that is going to go where you throw it. If I could have one disc in my bag, this would by far be the one. If you throw it hard it will get great distance, if you throw it flat it will go right to your target, and it is easy enough to control that you could use it to putt with as well. So without going on any longer about this disc, this is a must have for every player.

Drivers
	XPress- This is a great first driver, understable enough to control the disc while learning your throw
	Glide- This disc is very durable, its stability makes it easy to control, great disc for all players
	XL- Very controllable, gets great distance. Best distance driver for beginners
	XS- Very similar to the XL, former distance record holder
	Spectra- Great distance driver that is surprisingly stable, this disc just seems to go further with less effort and comes in mad styles
	Midrange
	Buzzz- Best disc ever, every player new and old needs one of these discs. Extremely accurate
	Breeze- Slightly understable, easy to control, very durable
	Putters
	Magnet- Also available in Soft Magnet, both putters have straight flights and really grab the chains
	Soft APX- Similar to the Soft Magnet, this disc is very consistent and great to learn with

We suggest that you pick one Driver, Midrange, and Putter from the list above to start your first disc golf bag.

Ryan Owens and Joshua Parkhurst