Beginner's Guide to Disc Golf: Disc Types, Flight Numbers & How to Choose Your First Disc

Whether you've just discovered disc golf or you're heading out for your first round this summer, one of the most common questions new players ask is: "What disc should I throw?" The answer depends on a few key concepts — disc types, flight numbers, and your skill level. Let's break it all down.

The Three Main Disc Types

1. Putters

Putters are the slowest, most controllable discs in your bag. They're designed for short-range accuracy — finishing a hole from inside 100 feet — but they're also the best discs for beginners to learn with. Their wide, rounded edge makes them easy to grip and release cleanly.

Great beginner putters: Discraft Luna Putter, Innova DX Aviar Putter, Innova Star Aviar Putter

2. Midranges

Midranges are the workhorses of disc golf. They fly straighter and farther than putters but are still very controllable. Once you're comfortable with a putter, a midrange becomes your go-to disc for most shots on the course.

Great beginner midranges: Discraft ESP Buzzz Midrange, Axiom Neutron Hex Midrange, Quest AT Turbo Putt Putter

3. Drivers

Drivers are built for distance — but they require more arm speed and technique to fly correctly. Beginners who throw drivers too early often see them veer hard left or right (depending on your throw). Hold off on drivers until you've built some consistency.

When you're ready, start with a fairway driver (not a distance driver) with a lower speed rating. The Innova Champion Leopard Fairway Driver or Innova Star Leopard Fairway Driver are excellent first choices.

Understanding Flight Numbers

Every disc has four flight numbers printed on it. Here's what they mean:

The ideal beginner disc profile: Low speed (3–6), high glide (4–6), slight turn (-1 to -3), low fade (0–1). This combination produces a straight, forgiving flight that rewards newer players.

How to Choose Your First Disc

Follow these three rules when picking your first disc:

1. Start with a putter or midrange.
Skip the drivers. The Discraft ESP Buzzz (5 | 4 | -1 | 1) or Innova Champion Leopard (6 | 5 | -2 | 1) will fly straighter and farther for most beginners than any distance driver.

2. Choose understable discs.
"Understable" means the disc has a negative turn rating — it naturally wants to glide to the right (for right-hand backhand throwers). This fights the natural tendency for new players to throw discs that crash left.

3. Go with lighter plastic.
Discs in the 150–165g range are easier to throw for most beginners. You can always move up in weight as your arm speed develops.

Build Your First Bag

You don't need 20 discs to start. Here's a simple starter setup:

• 1 Putter — for short shots and putting: Innova DX Aviar or Discraft Luna
• 1 Midrange — your all-purpose disc: Discraft ESP Buzzz or Axiom Neutron Hex
• 1 Fairway Driver — once you're ready: Innova Star Leopard or Quest AT NXT Defender

Master these three before adding anything else. Consistency beats variety every time.

Ready to Find Your First Disc?

Browse our full selection of beginner-friendly discs at Gotta Go Gotta Throw Disc Golf Warehouse — from putters and midranges to starter sets that take the guesswork out of building your first bag.