The Best Disc Golf Discs for Every Skill Level
Quick Comparison
| Product | Speed↑ | Glide↑ | Turn↑ | Fade↑ | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Innova Aviar | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 | All-around reliability and straight flight | Check Price |
 Discraft Roach | 2 | 4 | 0 | 1 | Clean releases with excellent glide | Check Price |
 Discraft Buzzz | 5 | 4 | -1 | 1 | Ultra-reliable straight flights that build confidence | Check Price |
 Innova Mako3 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | The straightest flight possible with maximum glide | Check Price |
 Innova Leopard3 | 7 | 5 | -2 | 1 | Easy distance for developing arm speeds | Check Price |
 Latitude 64 Diamond | 8 | 6 | -3 | 1 | Maximum beginner-friendly distance with easy release | Check Price |
 Discraft Zone | 4 | 3 | 0 | 3 | Overstable approaches that always fade left | Check Price |
 Axiom Envy | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 | Approach shots and driving putters | Check Price |
 MVP Reactor | 5 | 5 | -0.5 | 1.5 | Workhorse midrange with forward-penetrating flight | Check Price |
 Innova TeeBird | 7 | 5 | 0 | 2 | Consistent driving accuracy with reliable fade | Check Price |
 Dynamic Discs Felon | 9 | 3 | 0.5 | 4 | Wind-fighting utility shots with strong fade | Check Price |
 Innova Wraith | 11 | 5 | -1 | 3 | Controllable distance with consistent fade | Check Price |
 Innova Shryke | 13 | 6 | -2 | 2 | Maximum glide for developing arm speeds | Check Price |
 Innova Firebird | 9 | 3 | 0 | 4 | Utility shots, forehands, and overhand throws | Check Price |
 Kastaplast Berg | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Approach shots that need to stop quickly | Check Price |
 Innova Destroyer | 12 | 5 | -1 | 3 | Maximum controlled distance with reliable fade | Check Price |
 Discraft Nuke | 13 | 5 | -1 | 3 | Maximum distance for powerful throwers | Check Price |
Discraft Buzzz
Ultra-reliable straight flights that build confidence
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Innova Mako3
The straightest flight possible with maximum glide
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Latitude 64 Diamond
Maximum beginner-friendly distance with easy release
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MVP Reactor
Workhorse midrange with forward-penetrating flight
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Innova TeeBird
Consistent driving accuracy with reliable fade
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Dynamic Discs Felon
Wind-fighting utility shots with strong fade
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Innova Wraith
Controllable distance with consistent fade
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Innova Firebird
Utility shots, forehands, and overhand throws
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Innova Destroyer
Maximum controlled distance with reliable fade
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Choosing the right disc golf discs can feel overwhelming, especially when you're staring at a wall of plastic at your local shop. The good news? You don't need a bag full of 20 discs to play well. What you need are the right discs for your current skill level - discs that work with your arm speed and technique rather than against it.
In this guide, we've organized our disc recommendations by skill level: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Each section includes putters, midranges, and drivers specifically suited for that stage of your disc golf journey. Whether you're throwing your first disc or chasing that next personal distance record, you'll find exactly what you need here.
Quick Picks: Best Discs by Skill Level
Before we dive into detailed recommendations, here's our quick overview:
- Beginners: Innova Aviar (putter), Discraft Buzzz (midrange), Innova Leopard3 (fairway)
- Intermediate: Discraft Zone (approach), Innova TeeBird (fairway), Innova Wraith (distance)
- Advanced: Innova Firebird (utility), Innova Destroyer (distance), MVP Reactor (midrange)
Best Discs for Beginners
If you're new to disc golf, the most important thing to understand is that slower, understable discs will actually fly farther and straighter for you than high-speed drivers. That might sound counterintuitive, but here's why: understable discs (those with negative turn numbers) are designed to fight against the fade that happens when a disc slows down. For players with slower arm speeds, these discs stay in the air longer and fly straighter.
Start with 3-4 discs maximum. Learn to throw them well before adding more. You'll improve faster this way.
Beginner Putters
Innova Aviar
All-around reliability and straight flight
The Innova Aviar is the most iconic putter in disc golf history, and there's a reason it's been trusted by world champions for decades. Its straight flight with minimal fade teaches you proper putting form without requiring angle compensation. When you release it flat, it goes straight - simple as that.
Start with the affordable DX plastic for putting practice. The soft, grippy feel builds confidence at the basket.
Discraft Roach
Clean releases with excellent glide
The Discraft Roach offers a beadless rim that many beginners find more comfortable than beaded putters. The glide rating of 4 is among the highest for putters, meaning the disc floats toward the basket with less effort. If you prefer a smooth release without any rim features catching your fingers, the Roach is an excellent choice.
Beginner Midranges
Discraft Buzzz
Ultra-reliable straight flights that build confidence
The Discraft Buzzz is the world's most popular midrange disc, and it's earned that title. This disc flies dead straight when thrown flat and holds whatever angle you put it on. It's the disc you'll reach for when you need reliability over flash.
What makes the Buzzz special for beginners is that it rewards good form while being forgiving of minor mistakes. Throw it well, and it goes exactly where you aim. Throw it slightly off, and it still lands reasonably close. This feedback loop helps you develop proper technique naturally.
Innova Mako3
The straightest flight possible with maximum glide
The Innova Mako3 has the most neutral flight numbers possible: 0 turn and 0 fade. This means the disc goes exactly where you point it with zero angle adjustment required. The maximum glide rating of 5 keeps it airborne longer, adding free distance to your throws.
Many instructors recommend the Mako3 as a diagnostic disc - if it's not flying straight, you'll know immediately that your form needs adjustment. It's an honest disc that won't hide your mistakes, which ultimately makes you a better player.
Beginner Fairway Drivers
Innova Leopard3
Easy distance for developing arm speeds
The Innova Leopard3 is the must-have fairway driver for every beginner. With a -2 turn rating, this disc naturally wants to fly straight or even turn slightly right (for right-handed backhand throwers) before a gentle fade back. This understable flight profile works with slower arm speeds instead of against them.
Many beginners make the mistake of buying high-speed drivers right away. Don't do that. A Leopard3 thrown with good form will outperform a high-speed driver thrown poorly. Master this disc first, and you'll have a foundation for adding faster discs later.
Latitude 64 Diamond
Maximum beginner-friendly distance with easy release
The Latitude 64 Diamond is available in lighter weights (down to 145g), making it extremely easy to throw. The combination of speed 8, glide 6, and -3 turn creates a disc that beginners can actually get to fly far. It's one of the most understable discs on the market, which is exactly what new players need.
If you want to experience what it feels like when a disc truly carries, try the Diamond in a light weight. It's a confidence-builder that proves you can get distance with proper disc selection.
Best Discs for Intermediate Players
You're ready for intermediate discs when you can consistently throw a midrange 250+ feet and a fairway driver 300+ feet. At this stage, you'll benefit from more stable discs that can handle increased arm speed and offer more shot-shaping possibilities.
The key transition for intermediate players is adding utility discs - overstable options that fight wind and finish predictably. You'll also start building distance driver skills with stable, controllable high-speed discs.
Intermediate Approach Discs
Discraft Zone
Overstable approaches that always fade left
The Discraft Zone is the gold standard for overstable approach discs, and it should be one of the first additions to an intermediate player's bag. With a fade of 3, this disc always finishes left (for RHBH throwers), making it incredibly predictable in any condition.
The Zone excels at three specific situations: forehand approaches, windy conditions, and any shot where you need the disc to stop quickly with a hard fade. Its low profile and flat top make it comfortable for both backhand and forehand grips. Once you have a Zone in your bag, you'll wonder how you ever played without it.
Axiom Envy
Approach shots and driving putters
The Axiom Envy straddles the line between putter and midrange, excelling as both an approach disc and driving putter. Made famous by James Conrad's legendary shot to win the 2021 World Championship, the Envy has proven itself at the highest levels of competition.
What makes the Envy special is its versatility. It holds lines beautifully before finishing with a reliable fade. Use Electron plastic for approaches where you want ground play, or Neutron/Proton for harder throws where durability matters.
Intermediate Midranges
MVP Reactor
Workhorse midrange with forward-penetrating flight
The MVP Reactor features GYRO technology - a dual-material overmold design that concentrates weight on the outer rim. This creates a disc that penetrates forward through the air with remarkable consistency. The slight turn (-0.5) extends the flight before a dependable fade brings it back.
Many intermediate players make the Reactor their go-to midrange for everything from tight fairway shots to longer approaches. It handles power well without becoming unpredictable, making it an excellent workhorse as your arm speed develops.
Intermediate Fairway Drivers
Innova TeeBird
Consistent driving accuracy with reliable fade
The Innova TeeBird is THE benchmark for fairway driver consistency. Used by 12-time World Champion Ken Climo throughout his legendary career, this disc has been trusted by players at every level since 1999. It flies straight with an easy, steady fade - exactly what you expect, every time.
The TeeBird is also excellent for developing your forehand (sidearm) throw. Its stability handles the torque of a forehand without turning over, giving you consistent results as you learn the motion. Many players keep a TeeBird in their bag for decades.
Dynamic Discs Felon
Wind-fighting utility shots with strong fade
The Dynamic Discs Felon is your go-to disc for headwind shots and any situation where you need a hard, predictable fade. With a fade rating of 4, this disc dumps left reliably even in strong winds. It's also an essential disc for learning flex shots - throw it on anhyzer and watch it fight back to finish left.
Many intermediate players use the Felon as their primary forehand driver. The overstability handles aggressive sidearm snap without turning over, building confidence in forehand shots.
Intermediate Distance Drivers
Innova Wraith
Controllable distance with consistent fade
The Innova Wraith is the top-selling distance driver in disc golf, and it's the perfect first high-speed driver for intermediate players. With speed 11, it's fast enough to deliver big distance but not so fast that it requires elite arm speed to fly correctly.
The slight -1 turn means the Wraith has a touch of high-speed stability, helping it hold straight before the fade kicks in. It performs well in both headwind and tailwind conditions, making it a reliable choice regardless of weather. As your arm speed develops, the Wraith will continue to deliver increasing distance.
Innova Shryke
Maximum glide for developing arm speeds
The Innova Shryke offers tremendous distance potential thanks to its combination of speed 13 and glide 6 - the highest glide rating among high-speed drivers. The -2 turn makes it more forgiving for intermediate arm speeds, allowing the disc to stay aloft longer before fading.
If you're chasing distance on open holes with minimal wind, the Shryke is your ticket. It's the kind of disc that can surprise you with how far it goes when thrown well. Just be aware that it's understable enough to turn over if thrown into a headwind.
Best Discs for Advanced Players
Advanced players have the arm speed and technique to get the most out of high-speed, stable discs. At this level, your bag likely includes utility discs for specific shot shapes, multiple distance drivers for different conditions, and approach discs that can handle powerful throws.
The discs below assume you can consistently throw a driver 350+ feet and have developed both backhand and forehand throws.
Advanced Utility Discs
Innova Firebird
Utility shots, forehands, and overhand throws
The Innova Firebird is the most iconic utility disc in disc golf. With a fade of 4 and zero turn, it's extremely overstable - perfect for forehands, tomahawk/thumber shots, headwind bombs, and any situation where you need guaranteed fade. It's also the most collectible disc in the sport, with rare stamps commanding premium prices.
Advanced players often carry multiple Firebirds in different stages of wear. Fresh Firebirds are meat hooks that dump hard; seasoned ones become more workable while retaining their dependable fade. This disc handles torque from powerful forehands without flinching.
Kastaplast Berg
Approach shots that need to stop quickly
The Kastaplast Berg is unlike any other disc - with a glide of just 1, it's designed to land and stay put. Advanced players carry the Berg for high-risk approach shots where overshooting would be disastrous: downhill putts over water, island holes, or any shot where going long is worse than going short.
The K1 Soft plastic is incredibly grippy even in wet conditions. Think of the Berg as your safety valve - it won't replace your main approach disc, but it might save you several strokes per round in the right situations.
Advanced Distance Drivers
Innova Destroyer
Maximum controlled distance with reliable fade
The Innova Destroyer is the benchmark for controlled distance since 2007 and remains the best-selling distance driver in the world. It handles headwinds, off-axis torque, and big power throws while maintaining a predictable flight path. When you need to bomb one down a tight corridor and still trust the fade at the end, reach for the Destroyer.
Many touring professionals carry multiple Destroyers in various stages of wear and different plastics. Star Destroyers beat in to become straighter over time, while Halo Star versions maintain their stability longer. This disc rewards good form with impressive distance while punishing off-angle releases less than most high-speed drivers.
Discraft Nuke
Maximum distance for powerful throwers
The Discraft Nuke is Discraft's fastest disc, featuring an ultra-thick rim designed for maximum speed potential. For players with the arm speed to utilize it, the Nuke delivers some of the longest drives possible. It's the go-to choice for open field bombing where you need every foot of distance.
The Nuke OS variant adds significant overstability for utility shots and headwind drives. Many advanced players carry both the standard Nuke for distance and the Nuke OS for situations requiring more fade.
How to Build Your Bag by Skill Level
Here's a practical approach to building your disc golf bag as you progress:
Beginner (3-4 Discs)
Start minimal and master the basics:
- 1 putter (Aviar or Roach)
- 1 midrange (Buzzz or Mako3)
- 1 fairway driver (Leopard3)
Intermediate (8-10 Discs)
Add variety and shot shapes:
- 2-3 putters (putting putter + approach putter)
- 2 midranges (straight + overstable)
- 2-3 fairway drivers (understable + stable + overstable)
- 1-2 distance drivers (stable for learning)
Advanced (15-20 Discs)
Fine-tune for specific situations:
- 3-4 putters (putting + multiple approach options)
- 3-4 midranges (full stability spectrum)
- 3-4 fairway drivers (shot shaping options + utilities)
- 4-6 distance drivers (multiple stabilities + backups)
Final Thoughts
The best disc golf disc is the one that matches your current skill level and feels right in your hand. Resist the temptation to buy high-speed drivers before you're ready - you'll actually throw slower discs farther until your arm speed develops.
Focus on mastering a few discs before expanding your bag. If you're just starting out, our best beginner discs guide has more detailed recommendations. Learn the flight characteristics of each disc, experiment with different angles and power levels, and trust the process. Your scores will drop faster by throwing three discs well than by carrying fifteen discs you don't understand.
Happy throwing, and may your discs always find the fairway!
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