Best Beginner Frisbee Golf Discs (And How They Differ From Frisbees)

If you've been searching for "frisbee golf discs," welcome to the sport - you're about to discover one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities in the world. Whether you heard about it from a friend, walked past a course in a park, or stumbled on videos online, you're in the right place.

First things first: frisbee golf and disc golf are the same sport. The community generally uses "disc golf" because "Frisbee" is actually a trademark owned by Wham-O, but you'll hear both terms used interchangeably. The discs used in disc golf are very different from the frisbees you grew up throwing at the beach - and understanding that difference is key to having fun on the course.

In this guide, we'll explain what makes disc golf discs different from frisbees, recommend the best beginner discs, and share the most common mistakes new players make so you can skip them entirely.

Frisbee vs. Disc Golf Disc: What's the Difference?

If you show up to a disc golf course with a beach frisbee, you'll notice something immediately: everyone else's discs are smaller, heavier, and sharper-edged than yours. Here's why:

Feature: Diameter | Frisbee: ~10.75 inches | Disc Golf Disc: ~8.3 inches

Feature: Edge | Frisbee: Rounded, smooth | Disc Golf Disc: Sharp, beveled

Feature: Weight | Frisbee: ~175g (spread over large area) | Disc Golf Disc: ~165-175g (compact)

Feature: Flight | Frisbee: Floats, easy to catch | Disc Golf Disc: Cuts through air, travels far

Feature: Distance | Frisbee: 100-200 feet max | Disc Golf Disc: 300-400+ feet

Feature: Purpose | Frisbee: Throwing and catching | Disc Golf Disc: Accuracy and distance

Disc golf discs are almost twice as dense as frisbees, with aerodynamic edges designed to cut through air rather than float. This means they fly 3-4 times farther but require different throwing technique.

Can you play disc golf with a regular frisbee? Sure, for your first try. But you'll quickly notice the limitations - it won't go very far, and you can't control it on windy days. A proper disc golf disc opens up the sport in ways a frisbee can't.

Quick Picks: Best Beginner Frisbee Golf Discs

• Best Beginner Putter: Innova DX Aviar - The most proven putter in disc golf history
• Best Beginner Midrange: Discraft Buzzz - Dead-straight flights you can count on
• Best Beginner Driver: Innova DX Leopard - Controllable distance for developing arms
• Best Starter Set: Dynamic Discs Prime Burst 3-Disc Set - Everything you need in one purchase
• Best Complete Kit: Innova 5-Disc Starter Set - Five classic discs for under $25

The Three Types of Disc Golf Discs

Every disc golf disc falls into one of three categories. As a beginner, you need at least one from each:

Putters (Speed 1-3)

Your most important disc. Used for putting into the basket and short approach shots. Putters fly the slowest and straightest, making them the easiest to control. You'll use your putter for roughly half of all shots as a beginner.

Midranges (Speed 4-6)

Your workhorse disc. Midranges cover the middle distances - faster than putters but much more controllable than drivers. For beginners, a good midrange can handle most shots on the course. Many experienced players throw midranges more than any other disc type.

Drivers (Speed 7-14)

The discs that go the farthest - in theory. In reality, drivers require significant arm speed and technique to fly correctly. Beginners should start with fairway drivers (speed 7-9) and avoid distance drivers (speed 10-14) entirely until their form develops.

Best Beginner Frisbee Golf Discs

Innova DX Aviar (Putter)

Putt & Approach

Innova DX Aviar (Putter)

Learning proper putting form with predictable flight

2

Speed

3

Glide

0

Turn

1

Fade

Pros

• Most proven putter in disc golf history
• Dead-straight flight teaches good form
• Extremely affordable in DX plastic
• Available everywhere

Cons

• DX plastic wears relatively quickly
• Some players prefer beadless putters

Available in:DXStarChampionKC Pro

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The Innova Aviar is the most iconic putter in disc golf history. It's won more World Championships than all other putters combined, and it's in more bags worldwide than any other disc. For beginners, the DX Aviar is the perfect starting putter because it teaches proper form through predictable, straight flight.

Throw it at the basket and it goes where you aim. No complicated fade to compensate for, no unexpected turn. The DX plastic is soft and grippy, giving you confidence in your release. At about $10, it's also one of the cheapest quality discs you can buy.

Discraft Buzzz (Midrange)

Midrange

Discraft Buzzz (Midrange)

Straight, controllable flights at medium distances

5

Speed

4

Glide

-1

Turn

1

Fade

Pros

• The most trusted midrange in disc golf
• Dead-straight flight is easy to learn
• Available in budget and premium plastics
• Versatile for many shot shapes

Cons

• Premium plastics are pricier
• Some beginners may prefer more understability

Available in:ZESPBig ZPro-D

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Ask any disc golfer to name one disc everyone should own, and most will say the Buzzz. This midrange is the gold standard for straight flight - point it at your target and throw. No complicated fade, no unexpected turn. The Buzzz goes where you aim it, which is exactly what beginners need.

The ESP plastic offers excellent grip and beautiful swirl patterns, while Pro-D is the budget-friendly option for beginners. At 200-250 feet with developing form, the Buzzz covers most situations on the course. Many players keep a Buzzz in their bag for their entire disc golf career.

Innova DX Leopard (Fairway Driver)

Fairway Driver

Innova DX Leopard (Fairway Driver)

Your first driver with controllable distance

6

Speed

5

Glide

-2

Turn

1

Fade

Pros

• Perfect speed for beginner arm speeds
• Understable flight helps achieve distance
• Teaches proper driver mechanics
• Only ~$10 in DX plastic

Cons

• DX plastic becomes very understable with wear
• May turn over for stronger arms over time

Available in:DXStarChampionGStar

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The Leopard should be every beginner's first driver. While new players are often tempted by high-speed distance drivers (speed 12-14), those discs require arm speed that beginners haven't developed yet. The Leopard, at speed 6, is fast enough for real distance while remaining controllable.

The -2 turn (understable) is key: it means the disc naturally compensates for lower arm speed, producing longer and straighter flights than stable drivers that just fade left and crash. As your arm speed develops, the Leopard grows with you - beginners use it for straight shots, intermediate players learn hyzer flips, advanced players use it for turnovers.

Dynamic Discs Judge (Putter)

Putt & Approach

Dynamic Discs Judge (Putter)

Maximum glide to help putts reach the basket

2

Speed

4

Glide

0

Turn

1

Fade

Pros

• Best-in-class glide helps putts carry
• Consistent beaded rim for grip reference
• Forgiving of release angle mistakes
• Great for approaches too

Cons

• Bead may not suit all grip styles
• Can be touchy in strong wind

Available in:PrimeClassic BlendClassic SoftLucid

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The Judge is the Aviar's biggest competitor for the title of best beginner putter. Its standout feature is exceptional glide (4 vs. the Aviar's 3) - when you release the Judge, it floats toward the basket with impressive hang time. For new players still developing arm speed, this extra glide means your putts have a better chance of reaching the target.

The beaded rim provides a consistent grip reference that helps replicate the same release angle putt after putt. In Prime plastic, it's affordable and grippy.

Innova Shark (Midrange)

Midrange

Innova Shark (Midrange)

Consistent, predictable midrange with a reliable finish

4

Speed

4

Glide

0

Turn

2

Fade

Pros

• Reliable fade gives predictable finish
• Smooth
• comfortable rim
• Budget-friendly in DX plastic
• Proven in decades of starter sets

Cons

• More fade than some beginners prefer
• Less versatile than the straighter Buzzz
• DX plastic wears quickly

Available in:DXStarChampion

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The Shark has been a beginner favorite for decades, and it's included in most Innova starter sets for good reason. Its slightly more stable flight (0 turn, 2 fade) compared to the Buzzz means it finishes with a reliable left fade that beginners find predictable and confidence-building.

The smooth rim is comfortable in hand, and the DX plastic at ~$10 makes it one of the cheapest quality midranges available. If you want a midrange that always finishes left (for RHBH throwers), the Shark is your disc.

Best Frisbee Golf Starter Sets

If you'd rather get everything in one purchase, these starter sets are the best options:

Dynamic Discs Prime Burst 3-Disc Set

3-Disc Starter Set

Dynamic Discs Prime Burst 3-Disc Set

Best overall starter set with proven beginner discs

Pros

• Three proven beginner-friendly discs
• Excellent value at ~$30
• Includes mini marker disc
• Discs you can keep as you improve

Cons

• Escape may be slightly fast for absolute beginners
• No bag included
• No color selection

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The Dynamic Discs starter set is our top recommendation for new players. The Judge putter, EMAC Truth midrange, and Escape driver are three of the best beginner-friendly discs on the market - these aren't throwaway starter discs, they're legitimate discs that many players use permanently.

The EMAC Truth was designed by 2010 World Champion Eric McCabe and is one of the most versatile midranges available. The Escape provides controllable distance without requiring professional arm speed. You also get a mini marker disc for tournament play.

Innova 5-Disc Complete Starter Set

5-Disc Starter Set

Innova 5-Disc Complete Starter Set

Maximum variety with five classic discs

Pros

• Five legendary discs for under $25
• Unbeatable value per disc
• Includes mini disc
• Covers all disc types

Cons

• Destroyer is too fast for beginners
• DX plastic wears quickly
• No bag included

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For incredible value, the Innova 5-disc set gives you five classic discs for about the price of two premium discs. The Aviar, Roc3, Leopard, and TeeBird have all won World Championships. The Destroyer is a high-speed driver you won't throw correctly right away, but it'll be waiting when your arm speed develops.

At $25 for five discs, this is the best value starter set available. Every disc is a proven performer that you'll see in bags at every course.

Tips for Transitioning from Frisbee to Disc Golf

If you're coming from throwing regular frisbees, here are the key adjustments:

Keep the Nose Down

The biggest adjustment. With a frisbee, you naturally release nose-up (front of disc tilted upward) because frisbees are designed to float. Disc golf discs need a nose-down release to fly correctly. If your discs are going high and stalling out, your nose angle is the problem.

Use Your Body, Not Just Your Arm

With frisbees, arm-only throws work fine. In disc golf, power comes from your hips and core, with your arm following your body rotation. Think of your arm as a whip - your body generates the force, your arm transfers it.

Start with Putters and Midranges

Putters and midranges feel most like the frisbees you're used to. Master them before adding drivers. Most beginners try to throw drivers immediately and develop bad habits. A well-thrown midrange goes farther than a poorly thrown driver.

Throw at 70% Power

The instinct is to throw as hard as possible. Resist it. Smooth, controlled throws with clean releases go farther and straighter than maximum-effort throws with sloppy form. Power comes naturally as your technique improves.

Learn the Basics of Flight Numbers

Every disc has four flight numbers (e.g., 5 | 4 | -1 | 1):

• Speed (1-14): How fast the disc needs to be thrown. Start with 2-7.
• Glide (1-7): How long it floats. Higher = easier distance.
• Turn (-5 to +1): Negative = turns right (RHBH). Good for beginners.
• Fade (0-5): Left hook at the end. Lower = straighter finish.

Beginner-friendly numbers: Low speed (2-7), high glide (4+), negative turn (-1 to -2), low fade (0-1).

What to Avoid as a Beginner

High-Speed Drivers

That 13-speed Destroyer looks cool, but it requires 400+ feet of arm speed to fly correctly. For beginners, it'll fade immediately and travel shorter than a well-thrown midrange. Earn your way to fast drivers.

Buying Too Many Discs

Three discs is all you need to start: a putter, midrange, and fairway driver. Master these before adding more. You'll learn faster with fewer discs because you're forced to develop form rather than compensating with different plastic.

Overstable Discs

Discs with high fade numbers (3-5) require arm speed to fly correctly. At beginner speeds, they just hook left and crash. Start with neutral to understable discs (fade 0-1, turn -1 to -2).

Final Thoughts

Disc golf is one of the most accessible outdoor sports - most courses are free to play, the equipment is affordable, and you can get started with as few as one or two discs. If you're looking for a more complete introduction to the sport, our how to play disc golf guide covers rules, scoring, and etiquette. The learning curve from frisbee to disc golf is real but rewarding. Within a few rounds, the smaller discs will feel natural in your hand, and the distance and control they offer will make regular frisbees feel like toys.

Start with an Innova Aviar putter and a Discraft Buzzz midrange - those two discs will teach you the fundamentals of the sport. When you're ready for more distance, add an Innova Leopard fairway driver. Or grab the Dynamic Discs starter set and skip straight to a complete beginner bag.

Welcome to disc golf. Your local course is waiting.