Last Updated on January 22, 2024
Disc golf, blending golf and frisbee, is an inclusive sport for all ages and abilities. However, beginners often struggle to choose the right disc golf driver, crucial for a strong, accurate start. Drawing on my extensive experience in this field, I’ve thoroughly tested numerous drivers. This article will guide beginners to a disc golf driver that balances control, distance, and ease of use, ensuring an enjoyable and effective start to their disc golf journey.
Our Top Choices
I’ve compiled a list of the best disc golf drivers specifically tailored for beginners. These drivers will help new players build confidence and improve their game.
DYNAMIC DISCS Prime Burst Starter Set
This is an excellent choice for beginners looking to invest in their first set of disc golf drivers.
Pros
- Handpicked disc molds for beginners
- Consistent flying discs
- 100% Money Back Guarantee
Cons
- Colors and Stamp Colors will vary
- Escape fairway driver may be a bit fast for some beginners
- Some users find the durability to be less than expected
I recently purchased this Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Starter Set, and I must say, it made my introduction to disc golf enjoyable and easy. As a beginner, the handpicked disc molds in this set, chosen by World Champions at Dynamic Discs, provided me with all the necessary tools to improve my game.
I appreciate the consistent flying discs that Dynamic Discs offers, giving me the confidence that each throw will have a predictable outcome. I noticed some users mentioning the durability of the discs to be less than satisfactory, but so far, I have not experienced any issues, and I genuinely hope they can withstand the test of time.
The only minor disappointment might be the varying colors and Stamp Colors, but this has no bearing on their performance. I understand that the Escape fairway driver can be a tad fast for some beginners, but it pushed me to improve my technique and, ultimately, my game.
All in all, I highly recommend the DYNAMIC DISCS Three Disc Prime Burst Disc Golf Starter Set for anyone new to disc golf, looking to improve their scores with a reliable set of beginner-friendly discs.
Latitude 64 Retro Burst River Distance Driver
This driver is an excellent choice for beginners due to its effortless glide, easy-to-throw design, and affordable price point.
Pros
- Tremendous glide
- Great control and accuracy
- Suitable for various skill levels
Cons
- Softer plastic may get damaged easily
- Not ideal for windy conditions
- Color and burst pattern not guaranteed
After recently getting back into disc golf, I picked up the Latitude 64 Retro Burst River Distance Driver, and I have to say, it’s been a fantastic addition to my bag. The driver’s defining feature is its incredible glide, allowing it to soar through the air effortlessly. This makes it perfect for beginners who are still developing their throwing technique and power.
What stands out about this particular driver is its control and accuracy. The Retro Burst River is easy to throw and caters to various skill levels, making it an ideal disc for those just starting out in the sport. The flight ratings of Speed: 7 Glide: 7 Turn: -1 Fade: 1 also match its performance, making it versatile and easy to predict on the course.
However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The Retro Burst plastic is designed to be softer and more easily broken in, but this can also mean it’s more susceptible to damage from trees or other obstacles. In my experience, it does show wear and tear faster than some of the more premium plastic options. Another potential downside is that it might struggle in windy conditions due to its glide and lightweight design. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the color and burst pattern may vary from what’s pictured, so you can’t be sure what exact design you’ll receive.
Overall, the Latitude 64 Retro Burst River Distance Driver is an excellent choice for beginners looking to improve their disc golf game without breaking the bank. Its glide and control make it a valuable disc, but keep in mind the potential durability issues and inconsistency in appearance when making your decision.
Westside Discs Origio Burst Underworld
The Westside Discs Origio Burst Underworld is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a straight-flying fairway driver with great grip and affordability.
Pros
- Designed for beginners
- Flat top profile for clean releases
- Excellent grip with Origio Burst Plastic
Cons
- Material may be too soft for some players
- Color received may not match expectations
- Might not be suitable for experienced players
When I first tried the Westside Discs Origio Burst Underworld, I was impressed by its beginner-friendly design. The sleek flat top profile and narrow rim made it easy for me to achieve maximum distance drives. I found the under-stable flight ratings (Speed: 7 Glide: 6 Turn: -3 Fade: 1) allowed me to accomplish any desired shot with ease.
The Origio Burst Plastic material provided an incredible feel and grip, even in unfavorable weather conditions. However, some players might find the material too soft, as it can get dinged up on rocky terrain. I would recommend opting for a different material if you prefer more durable discs.
One minor issue I had with the product was the color difference between what I expected and what I received. It’s worth noting that the stamp color and burst pattern will vary, so be prepared for this when making your purchase.
As a beginner, I found this disc golf driver to be perfect for learning and developing my skills. However, more advanced players might find the Westside Discs Origio Burst Underworld too simple for their game. Overall, I believe this fairway driver would be a great addition to any beginner’s disc golf collection, offering an enjoyable and affordable experience out on the course.
Wing It Disc Golf Stratosphere
The Wing It Disc Golf Stratosphere is a fantastic choice for beginners and recreational players seeking an easy-to-throw, attractive fairway driver.
Pros
- Great for beginners and recreational players
- Beautiful, unique Lift plastic blend
- Versatile for different types of throws
Cons
- May not suit advanced players
- Understable flight might not be preferred by some
- Disc colors and stamps vary
When I first picked up the Wing It Disc Golf Stratosphere, I immediately noticed the attractive swirly appearance of the Lift plastic blend. Not only does it look great, but it also feels comfortable in my hand and provides a solid grip.
As a beginner, I found the Stratosphere to be incredibly easy to throw. Its understable flight characteristics allowed for some effortless distance, even at slower throwing speeds. I can see why this disc is marketed towards beginners and recreational players, as well as women who want additional distance without requiring powerful throws.
The versatility of the Stratosphere is impressive. I used it for various types of throws, such as turnover shots, hyzer-flips, rollers, and touch throws. It was very forgiving, and the flight was easy to control. However, I can imagine that more advanced players might prefer a disc with a more stable flight for their game.
In conclusion, I highly recommend the Wing It Disc Golf Stratosphere to anyone starting out with disc golf or those looking for a versatile, easy-to-throw fairway driver. Its unique Lift plastic blend makes it an attractive addition to any disc golfer’s bag, and its understable flight characteristics provide excellent control for a variety of throws. Keep in mind that disc colors and stamps may vary, but the overall performance and quality of the Stratosphere make it well worth considering.
Innova Discs Golf Starter Set with Bag
Innova’s Disc Golf Starter Set with Bag is a fantastic choice for beginners looking to dive into the exciting world of disc golf.
Pros
- Comprehensive 3-disc set with fairway driver, mid-range driver, and putter
- Comes with a handy mini disc marker and shoulder bag
- All discs are in beginner-friendly easy-to-throw weights (151-159g)
Cons
- Limited color options (colors will vary)
- Discs may not be suitable for advanced players
- Shoulder bag capacity is only 8-10 discs
I recently tried out the Innova Discs Golf Starter Set and was pleasantly surprised at how beginner-friendly it is. The DX Leopard fairway driver has excellent glide and travels straight and far, making it perfect for those new to the sport. I also enjoyed the turnover disc, which works well for players of all skill levels.
The DX Shark mid-range driver was a personal favorite of mine. It’s a versatile all-around disc that is incredibly accurate for both drives and approach shots. I even found myself using it for putting, as it’s great for short-range shots too.
Lastly, the DX Aviar putter is simply fantastic. The number one putter in disc golf, it provides a straight flight with a predictable finish. This dependable putter is an essential addition to any competitor’s bag.
Overall, Innova Discs Golf Starter Set with Bag is a brilliant choice for beginners. With an easy-to-use selection of discs and a convenience-focused bag, this set makes getting started in disc golf an enjoyable experience.
Prodigy Discs 400 Series FX3 Fairway Driver
The Prodigy Discs 400 Series FX3 Fairway Driver is a fantastic choice for beginners looking for a reliable disc with a stable flight and impressive glide.
Pros
- Great for beginners and pros alike
- Stable flight with a predictable finish
- Durable, premium 400 Series plastic
Cons
- Stamp color varies and may not match image
- Slightly wider rim than traditional fairway discs
- Limited weight range (170-176g)
The Prodigy Discs 400 Series FX3 Fairway Driver has quickly become one of my go-to discs when I’m out on the course. I’ve found that its stable flight and reliable finish make it an excellent choice for beginner players, as well as more experienced ones. What I love most about this disc is its ability to maintain its angle for a long period before finishing consistently at the end, allowing me to execute a variety of shot shapes.
One of the standout features of the FX3 is its premium 400 Series plastic. Not only does it feel great in my hand, but it’s also incredibly durable, which means that it can withstand a good amount of wear and tear. Plus, the plastic offers excellent grip, even when it’s wet outside.
As a beginner-friendly disc, the FX3 has flight numbers of Speed 9, Glide 5, Turn -0.5, and Fade 2. While it does have a slightly wider rim than traditional fairway discs, I have found that this actually enhances the disc’s glide, helping it push a bit further.
However, there are a couple of minor drawbacks to this disc. For one, the stamp color on the disc varies, so you’re not guaranteed to get the exact color shown in the image. Additionally, the FX3 comes in a limited weight range of 170-176g, which might not suit all players’ preferences.
Overall, I highly recommend the Prodigy Discs 400 Series FX3 Fairway Driver to beginners seeking a stable and reliable disc to improve their game. The combination of its stable flight, premium plastic, and impressive glide make it a fantastic addition to any disc golf bag.
Infinite Discs 3-Disc Beginner Disc Golf Starter Set
This starter set provides the ideal discs for new players, combining durability, grip, and easy-to-learn flight patterns.
Pros
- Easy to throw putter
- Fade-resistant midrange
- Accurate fairway driver
Cons
- Disc colors and weights may vary
- Midrange and driver may be challenging for some beginners
- Not suitable for advanced players
After recently trying out the Infinite Discs 3-Disc Beginner Disc Golf Starter Set, I found that it’s an excellent introduction to disc golf for new players. The set includes a putter, midrange disc, and driver disc with flight patterns suitable for beginners or those with slow arm speed.
During my game, I discovered that the Narwhal putter is easy to control, making it suitable for both putting and driving. The midrange Leviathan has an understable flight, which helps beginners keep their shots stable. The Kraken fairway driver allowed me to improve my precision and distance.
The Max Grip plastic material used for these discs is durable and has a premium feel. Despite a few encounters with trees and other obstacles, the discs held up well. However, it’s worth noting that the colors and weights of the discs may vary, which could be an issue for those seeking a specific look or feel.
I found the midrange and fairway driver to be a tad challenging for beginners, but this might just be my personal experience. Advanced players may find this set too simple for their needs, but it’s perfect for those new to the sport or rebuilding their form after an injury.
Overall, I recommend the Infinite Discs 3-Disc Beginner Disc Golf Starter Set for anyone getting started in disc golf or looking for a solid, easy-to-learn set of discs.
Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Starter Set
As a beginner disc golfer, I highly recommend this Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Starter Set for its durability, versatility, and value.
Pros
- Durable and high-quality discs
- Handpicked set by World Champions
- 100% Money Back Guarantee
Cons
- Heavier discs than some other starter sets
- Cannot choose the colors of the discs
- Escape driver might be challenging for some beginners
I recently started playing disc golf and decided to give the Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Starter Set a shot. Not only did this set include three essential discs (a Prime Judge putter, a Prime Truth midrange, and a Prime Escape fairway driver), but it also came with the backing of World Champions who handpicked the disc molds. Because of this, I felt confident knowing I was using discs that would improve my game.
The quality of the discs is impressive – they’re durable and hold up well even when accidentally hitting trees or concrete. However, I should mention that these discs are slightly heavier than some other beginner sets. While this wasn’t a problem for me, it might pose a challenge for those who prefer lighter discs.
One minor drawback is that you can’t choose the colors of your discs. While I received bright colored putter and midrange, my fairway driver came in gray, which might be difficult to find during a game. Nonetheless, this doesn’t affect the performance of the discs, and I still found them reliable and accurate.
The only aspect that I found slightly tricky was getting used to the Escape driver, as it requires more speed to throw than a beginner like me is used to. However, with practice, I can see myself getting better and enjoying its full potential.
Overall, the Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Starter Set is perfect for anyone looking to get into disc golf. Its durability, performance, and the fact that it’s backed by a 100% Money Back Guarantee make it a worthy investment for beginners.
Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Vandal
The Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Vandal is an excellent choice for beginners seeking a controllable and beginner-friendly disc golf driver.
Pros
- Straight and consistent flight for beginners
- Sneaky speed similar to distance drivers
- Great grip and feel with Prime plastic
Cons
- No weight selection option on Amazon
- Might require more anhyzer for some players
- Not suitable for advanced players
The Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Vandal has quickly become one of my go-to discs on the course. As a beginner-friendly fairway driver, its straight and consistent flight path has made it much easier for me to improve my accuracy and distance. I find the flight ratings of Speed: 9, Glide: 5, Turn: -1.5, and Fade: 2 to be incredibly helpful in allowing me to pick the right shot every time.
Aside from its excellent flight characteristics, the Vandal’s Prime plastic material is both affordable and offers an incredible feel in my hand. Even when the weather is less than ideal, I’ve never had any issues with my grip on this disc. I personally appreciate that Dynamic Discs has designed a product that works well for beginners and is reasonably priced.
One downside to the Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Vandal is the lack of weight selection offered on Amazon. Weight can make a significant difference in your disc’s performance, so it would be nice to have more options. Additionally, while the Vandal works great for me as a beginner, more advanced players may find it too basic and opt for a more challenging disc.
Overall, I highly recommend the Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Vandal for beginners looking for a versatile and easy-to-use disc golf driver. The combination of its straight flight path, sneaky speed, and excellent grip makes it a perfect addition to any beginner’s disc golf bag.
Divergent Discs Basilisk Long Range Disc Golf Driver for Beginners
The Divergent Discs Basilisk is a fantastic choice for beginners seeking a long-range driver with great glide and an easy-to-grip plastic.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly distance driver
- High glide for maximum distance
- Affordable, grippy, and durable Max Grip plastic
Cons
- Color, stamp, and weight may vary
- Wide-rimmed design may be less comfortable for some
- Not ideal for advanced players with high-speed arms
I recently had the opportunity to try the Divergent Discs Basilisk, and I must say, it’s an impressive disc golf driver for beginners. The long-range distance and high glide make it perfect for those who struggle to achieve more than 200 feet when throwing. With the Basilisk, you can expect to add some extra feet to your driving game.
The Max Grip plastic blend, which is both affordable and durable, sets the Basilisk apart from other drivers in this price range. The material is easy to grip, which I found helpful when attempting to improve my throws. However, some players might find the wide-rimmed design less comfortable than other options.
While this disc is perfect for beginners, advanced players with high-speed arm throws might not find it as suitable for their needs. The Basilisk’s flight numbers (Speed 12, Glide 6, Turn -5, Fade 1) could be a limiting factor for more experienced disc golfers.
In conclusion, the Divergent Discs Basilisk Long Range Disc Golf Driver is an ideal option for beginners looking to improve their distance and have fun on the course. Its high glide, beginner-friendly design, and durable Max Grip plastic make it a great choice for those new to disc golf. However, advanced players might want to look for a more challenging driver tailored to their high-speed throws.
Buying Guide
As a beginner in disc golf, finding the right driver can be overwhelming. In this buying guide, I will help you understand how to choose the best disc golf driver for your needs.
First off, it’s important for you to know that disc golf drivers come in different types, depending on the level of the thrower. However, for beginners, it’s crucial to focus on understable drivers, as they tend to be more forgiving and easier to throw with less power.
To help you make the right choice, I recommend looking at the following features:
Flight Ratings
The flight ratings of a disc golf driver consist of four numbers, representing speed, glide, turn, and fade. As a beginner, it is essential to prioritize low-speed drivers with a high glide, so that the disc will stay in the air for longer, even with minimal power.
Disc Weight
The weight of the disc can also influence your performance. Heavier discs may provide more control and stability, but they require more power to throw. As a beginner, it’s better to opt for lighter discs, around 150 to 165 grams, so you can achieve greater distances with less effort.
Plastic Material
Disc golf drivers come in different plastic materials, each with its unique characteristics like grip, durability, and stability. As a beginner, you should look for a disc with a good grip and a balance between durableness and affordability since you’ll likely be using it often and replacing it eventually.
Remember, finding the perfect disc golf driver as a beginner may take some trial and error. It’s crucial to practice and experiment with discs that suit your style and comfort. Also, don’t forget to seek advice from fellow players and trainers, as they can guide you based on their experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal weight for disc drivers for beginners?
In my experience, the ideal weight for beginners is between 150 and 175 grams. This weight range offers a good balance of stability and control. Lighter discs may be easier to throw initially, but they can be more susceptible to wind and harder to control.
Is a heavier or lighter disc driver better for new players?
A lighter disc driver is generally recommended for new players. Lighter discs tend to be easier to throw and require less arm speed to achieve more distance. However, as beginners gain experience and develop their technique, they may want to experiment with heavier discs for added stability and control.
What are the top beginner-friendly disc golf drivers?
Some of the top beginner-friendly disc golf drivers include options that prioritize ease of control, straight flight paths, and lightweight designs. Of course, every player is different, and the best disc for one person may not be the best for another.
Which disc golf driver numbers should beginners focus on?
For beginners, focusing on discs with lower speed and glide ratings (the first two numbers on a disc’s flight ratings) is essential. Lower speed discs are easier to control and require less power to throw effectively. Glide refers to a disc’s ability to maintain loft, and a lower glide rating indicates a more beginner-friendly disc.
What is the best disc golf set for beginners?
The best disc golf set for beginners often includes a lightweight driver, a midrange disc, and a putter. These sets offer a solid foundation for new players to learn the basics of disc golf and develop their skills.
Which midrange disc drivers are best for beginners?
For beginners, it’s essential to choose a midrange disc that is easy to control and offers consistent flight patterns.
