The Perfect Disc Golf Starter Set: What You Actually Need

Walking into a disc golf shop as a new player can be overwhelming. Walls of colorful discs, confusing flight numbers, and well-meaning advice that all seems to contradict itself. How do you know what you actually need to start playing?

Here's the truth: you don't need much. In fact, buying too many discs too soon can actually slow your development. The perfect disc golf starter set focuses on quality over quantity, giving you the right tools to learn proper form without overwhelming you with options.

In this guide, we'll break down exactly what discs beginners need, compare the best starter sets available on Amazon, and show you how to build your own custom starter bag if you prefer to pick your own discs.

What Discs Do Beginners Actually Need?

Despite what some disc manufacturers might want you to believe, new players need very few discs. Here's the honest breakdown:

The Essentials: Putter and Midrange

Most beginners should start with just a putter and a midrange. That's it. These two discs cover 90% of shots you'll face on the course as a new player. Putters handle anything under 150 feet, while midranges easily reach 200-250 feet with good form.

Why not drivers? Because they require arm speed and technique that new players haven't developed yet. When a beginner throws a driver, it doesn't fly like it's supposed to - it fades immediately and travels shorter than a well-thrown midrange would.

When to Add a Driver

Add a fairway driver to your bag when you can consistently throw your midrange 200+ feet. At that point, your form has developed enough to make a low-speed driver work correctly. Stick to understable fairway drivers (speed 6-7) until you can throw those 250+ feet.

Distance drivers (speed 10+) should wait until you're throwing fairway drivers 300+ feet. Many casual players never need distance drivers at all - they're designed for professional-level arm speeds.

Why Starter Sets Are a Smart Choice

Buying a starter set offers several advantages over picking individual discs:

• Cost Savings: Sets typically cost 15-25% less than buying the same discs individually
• Curated Selection: Manufacturers choose discs that work well together for beginners
• Convenience: Everything you need in one purchase, often with extras like a bag or mini
• Reduced Decision Fatigue: No need to research dozens of disc options

That said, not all starter sets are created equal. Some include drivers that are too fast for beginners, or putters that are too overstable. The sets we recommend below have been carefully selected for their beginner-appropriate disc choices.

Best Disc Golf Starter Sets

Dynamic Discs Prime Burst 3-Disc Set

Starter Set (3 Discs)

Dynamic Discs Prime Burst 3-Disc Set

Best overall starter set with proven beginner discs

Available in:Prime Burst

Check Price on AmazonAffiliate link

Includes: Judge (Putter), EMAC Truth (Midrange), Escape (Fairway Driver)

The Dynamic Discs Prime Burst starter set is our top recommendation for new players, and it's easy to see why. For around $20, you get three of the most beginner-friendly discs on the market: the Judge putter, EMAC Truth midrange, and Escape fairway driver.

The Judge is consistently rated as one of the best putters for beginners. It flies straight with excellent glide, making it forgiving for new players still developing their putting stroke. The EMAC Truth, designed by 2010 World Champion Eric McCabe, is one of the most versatile midranges available - it holds whatever line you put it on and provides the perfect combination of control and distance.

The Escape rounds out the set as a controllable fairway driver. While some starter sets include drivers that are too fast for beginners, the Escape has enough glide to give you satisfying distance without requiring professional-level arm speed. It's a disc many players keep in their bag even as they advance.

The Prime Burst plastic offers good grip and durability at an affordable price point. These aren't throwaway starter discs - they're legitimate discs that will serve you well as you develop your game.

Pros:

• Three proven beginner-friendly discs
• Excellent value at ~$20
• Judge and Truth are top-rated in their categories
• Prime plastic offers good durability

Cons:

• Escape may be slightly fast for absolute beginners
• No color selection
• Prime plastic wears faster than premium options

Innova Disc Golf Starter Set (3-Disc with Bag)

Starter Set (3 Discs + Bag)

Innova Disc Golf Starter Set (3-Disc with Bag)

Complete starter kit with bag and mini marker

Available in:DX

Check Price on AmazonAffiliate link

Includes: Aviar (Putter), Shark (Midrange), Leopard (Fairway Driver)

The Innova 3-disc starter set with bag is perfect for players who want everything they need in one purchase. You get three classic Innova discs, a shoulder bag that holds 8-10 discs, and a mini marker - everything required to play your first round.

The disc selection is ideal for beginners: the Aviar is the best-selling putter in disc golf history, the Shark is an incredibly forgiving midrange, and the Leopard is the go-to first fairway driver. All three discs are in lightweight versions (151-159g), making them easier to throw for players with developing arm speed.

The included bag is a nice bonus that many other starter sets don't offer. While it's basic, it comfortably holds 8-10 discs, has a pocket for your phone and keys, and includes a shoulder strap. It's perfect for casual rounds and gives you room to grow as you add discs to your collection.

The DX plastic is Innova's baseline option - soft, grippy, and affordable. It will show wear over time, but many players prefer this as their discs become even more understable and beginner-friendly with use.

Pros:

• Includes bag and mini marker
• Lightweight discs perfect for beginners
• Aviar-Shark-Leopard is a proven combination
• From the most trusted brand in disc golf

Cons:

• DX plastic wears relatively quickly
• Bag is basic quality
• Higher price point than disc-only sets

Latitude 64 Retro Burst Starter Set

Starter Set (3 Discs)

Latitude 64 Retro Burst Starter Set

Premium feel with grippy Retro plastic

Available in:Retro Burst

Check Price on AmazonAffiliate link

Includes: Pure (Putter), Fuse (Midrange), Saint (Fairway Driver)

The Latitude 64 Retro Burst starter set stands out for its excellent disc selection and premium-feeling plastic. The Pure, Fuse, and Saint are all designed with beginners in mind, offering straight flights and forgiving characteristics.

The Pure is a beadless putter with a slight turn, making it easy to throw straight without fighting against overstability. The Fuse is possibly the most beginner-friendly midrange on the market - with flight numbers of 5/6/-1/0, it glides forever and refuses to fade at the end. Many advanced players still carry a Fuse because it's simply that good at holding straight lines.

The Saint is a touch faster than some starter set drivers at speed 9, but its high glide and slight turn make it surprisingly easy to throw for beginners. It's a disc that will stay in your bag as you improve, unlike some starter drivers that become obsolete quickly.

Latitude 64's Retro plastic has a grippy feel that provides confidence in your release, even in cold or wet conditions. The Burst pattern also makes these discs look great - you won't feel like you're throwing "beginner discs."

Pros:

• Fuse is one of the best beginner midranges ever made
• Retro plastic offers excellent grip
• Beautiful Burst pattern stamps
• All three discs grow with your game

Cons:

• Saint may be slightly fast for some beginners
• Retro plastic shows wear over time
• Higher price than some basic sets

Divergent Discs 5-Disc Beginner Set

Starter Set (5 Discs)

Divergent Discs 5-Disc Beginner Set

Maximum variety with 5 beginner-friendly discs

Available in:MaxGrip

Check Price on AmazonAffiliate link

Includes: Narwhal (Putter), Leviathan (Midrange), Kraken (Fairway), Basilisk (Control Driver), Golem (Distance Driver)

The Divergent Discs 5-disc set offers the best variety of any starter set, giving you options for every shot type while keeping all discs beginner-appropriate. Every disc in this set is understable or neutral, designed specifically for players with slower arm speeds.

The Narwhal putter and Leviathan midrange are standouts - both feature the signature Divergent understable flight that makes throwing straight easy for new players. The Kraken fairway driver is controllable without being too slow, and the included distance drivers give you something to grow into.

What sets Divergent apart is their MaxGrip plastic. Unlike most starter sets that use baseline plastics, MaxGrip offers a premium feel with excellent grip and above-average durability. You're getting a better plastic quality than sets from larger brands at a similar price point.

The 5-disc variety also means you have options as you discover your preferences. You might find you prefer the Basilisk over the Kraken, or that the Golem works better for you than expected. Having choices accelerates your learning curve.

Pros:

• Five discs for complete course coverage
• MaxGrip plastic is better than typical baseline
• Every disc designed for beginners
• Excellent value for the disc count

Cons:

• Less brand recognition than Innova/Discraft
• Distance drivers may be too much for some beginners
• Limited plastic options for upgrades

Latitude 64 Gravity 5-Disc Set

Starter Set (5 Discs)

Latitude 64 Gravity 5-Disc Set

Ultra-lightweight discs for slower arm speeds

Available in:Gravity (Floats in water)

Check Price on AmazonAffiliate link

Includes: Pure (Putter), Fuse (Midrange), Explorer (Control Driver), Saint (Fairway), Diamond (Distance)

The Latitude 64 Gravity set takes a unique approach to beginner disc golf: all five discs weigh only 120-130 grams, making them dramatically easier to throw than standard-weight discs. If you've struggled with distance or have a naturally slower arm speed, this set could be a game-changer.

Lighter discs require less power to achieve full flight. For women, seniors, youth players, or anyone who finds standard discs difficult to throw, Gravity plastic opens up the game in ways heavier discs can't. You'll see actual driver flight patterns instead of watching discs dump immediately into the ground.

The disc selection is excellent: Pure and Fuse are proven beginner favorites, while the Explorer, Saint, and Diamond give you multiple driver options. The Diamond especially shines at this weight - it practically floats downrange with minimal effort.

A bonus feature: Gravity plastic floats in water. If your local course has water hazards, these discs can be retrieved rather than lost. It's not the primary reason to buy them, but it's a nice insurance policy for newer players still learning course management.

Pros:

• Ultra-lightweight for easier distance
• Perfect for slower arm speeds
• Floats in water for easy retrieval
• Five excellent beginner discs

Cons:

• Premium price point
• Light discs struggle in wind
• May need to buy heavier discs as arm develops

Build Your Own Starter Set

Prefer to choose your own discs? Here are our top recommendations for building a custom beginner bag. These discs are all available individually on Amazon and represent the best options in each category for new players.

Innova DX Aviar

Putt & Approach

Innova DX Aviar

Learning proper putting form with consistent flight

2

Speed

3

Glide

0

Turn

1

Fade

1

Stability

Available in:DXKC ProStarChampion

Check Price on AmazonAffiliate link

If you're building your own starter set, the Innova Aviar should be your first purchase. It's the most-thrown putter in disc golf history, having won more World Championships than all other putters combined.

The DX Aviar offers neutral, predictable flight that teaches proper putting mechanics. It flies straight with minimal fade, responding honestly to your release angle. When you miss, you'll know exactly why - and that feedback accelerates your improvement.

At around $10, there's no reason not to own one. Buy two so you can practice putting at home.

Pros:

• Best-selling putter ever made
• Affordable DX plastic
• Neutral flight teaches good form

Cons:

• DX plastic wears over time

Discraft ESP Buzzz

Midrange

Discraft ESP Buzzz

Straight, controllable flights at medium distances

5

Speed

4

Glide

-1

Turn

1

Fade

0

Stability

Available in:ESPZBig ZTitanium

Check Price on AmazonAffiliate link

Ask any experienced disc golfer to name the best midrange, and most will say the Buzzz. Since 2003, this disc has been the standard against which all other midranges are measured.

For beginners, the Buzzz offers dead-straight flights that go exactly where you aim. There's no unexpected fade to compensate for, no turn to worry about. Point and throw - the Buzzz does what you expect.

The ESP plastic provides excellent grip and durability. While pricier than baseline options, the Buzzz is a disc you'll use for years.

Pros:

• Industry-standard midrange
• Dead-straight flight
• ESP plastic offers great grip

Cons:

• Premium price point

Innova DX Leopard

Fairway Driver

Innova DX Leopard

Your first fairway driver with controllable distance

6

Speed

5

Glide

-2

Turn

1

Fade

-1

Stability

Available in:DXGStarStarChampion

Check Price on AmazonAffiliate link

The Leopard should be every beginner's first fairway driver. Its understable flight compensates for lower arm speeds, delivering straight flights and real distance when faster drivers would just crash into the ground.

The speed 6 rating is manageable for developing arms, and the -2 turn means the disc wants to fly rather than fight you. As your arm speed increases, the Leopard becomes a turnover and roller disc - it grows with your game.

DX plastic is affordable and breaks in to become even more understable. Many players buy multiple Leopards at different stages of wear.

Pros:

• Perfect speed for beginners
• Understable flight aids distance
• Affordable DX plastic

Cons:

• Becomes very understable with wear

Recommended Custom Builds

Budget Build (~$30)

• Innova DX Aviar - $10
• Innova DX Shark - $10
• Innova DX Leopard - $10

This classic Innova combination has introduced millions of players to disc golf. All three discs are beginner-friendly, and the DX plastic keeps costs low while providing good grip and a forgiving flight.

Premium Build (~$55)

• Dynamic Discs Judge - $15
• Discraft ESP Buzzz - $18
• Latitude 64 Diamond - $17
• Extra Putter for Practice - $10

This build prioritizes disc quality and premium plastics. The Judge is an elite putter, the Buzzz is the gold standard midrange, and the Diamond offers easy distance for developing arms. The extra putter lets you practice putting at home.

What to Avoid in Starter Sets

High-Speed Drivers

Some cheap starter sets include distance drivers with speeds of 10-13. Avoid these. You won't be able to throw them correctly, and they'll teach bad habits as you try to force them to fly. Look for sets where the fastest disc is speed 7-9 at most.

Overstable Discs

Overstable discs fight against turning and fade hard left (for right-handed backhand throwers). While useful for advanced players, they require arm speed to fly correctly. Beginners should look for neutral to understable discs (turn values of 0 to -3).

Unknown Brands

Stick to established manufacturers like Innova, Discraft, Dynamic Discs, Latitude 64, MVP, and Divergent. Some ultra-cheap starter sets use no-name discs that may not meet PDGA specifications and won't perform like quality discs.

Too Many Discs

More isn't always better. Sets with 8+ discs often include redundant molds or discs that are too advanced for beginners. A focused set of 3-5 discs will serve you better than a bag full of options you can't properly throw.

Essential Accessories for New Players

Beyond discs, a few accessories will improve your disc golf experience:

Mini Marker

Required by the rules when marking your lie on the course. Many starter sets include one, or you can use any small disc or marker. Some players use poker chips or other small flat objects.

Bag

Not essential for your first round, but helpful once you have 4+ discs. A basic shoulder bag costs $15-25 and holds 8-12 discs comfortably. You can also use any backpack you already own.

Towel

A small towel for drying discs (wet discs slip during release) and wiping your hands. Any hand towel works - you don't need disc golf-specific products.

Final Thoughts

The perfect disc golf starter set doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Three well-chosen discs - a putter, midrange, and fairway driver - will serve you well through your first months of playing. Focus on learning proper form with fewer discs rather than collecting a bag full of options you can't throw.

Our top recommendation is the Dynamic Discs Prime Burst set for its unbeatable combination of disc quality and value. But any of the sets on this list will give you a strong foundation for learning the game.

Remember: the best players in the world started with basic starter sets. Your first discs don't need to be perfect - they just need to get you on the course. The rest comes with practice.