Choosing the Right Disc
There is a very large selection of discs to choose from and for new players it can be overwhelming trying to find a disc that you will have success with. There’s really no such thing as a ‘beginners disc’ or a ‘womens disc’, however there are certain characteristics in golf discs to look for that will help your game.
One common mistake women make when we first start playing is to choose a disc because we like the name or because it’s cool or pretty – Or throwing a disc our boyfriend or husband gave us out of their bag. Now that you’ve fallen in love with Disc Golf it’s time to get your own discs. So how do you choose the right discs? Ones that will work for you – not against you?
DISC WEIGHT-
Disc golf discs typically range from 150 grams to 175 grams, and sometimes up to 180g. Disc weights are usually written on the bottom of discs. Lighter discs will allow beginning women players to achieve more distance and better control. Look for 150 class weights and up to the low 160?s. Keep in mind though that not all discs are available in the lower weights. You might also find that you are more comfortable with a lighter weight driver but a bit heavier mid-range or putter.
DISC SPEED-
Different drivers will have a different level of speed- For example Innova offers drivers from a speed of 8-13 and fairway drivers in the 6-7 speed range. Discs advertised as having a high speed are usually made for advanced players with high power.
As a beginner keep in mind that a higher speed disc will not necessarily help you throw farther. This is because you need to work on control and increasing your power first. Be patient- this comes in time.
DISC STABILITY-
Like clubs in ball golf, the various types of disc golf discs are designed to travel on a specific flight paths. The disc’s flight characteristic is defined by the term stability. This is why some discs will go right and some will go left.
A simple explanation of this can be found on www.InnovaDiscs.com
Brief Description of Terms-
Stability is a description of the disc’s flight path.
Understable means a disc flight that turns right . (Anhyzer is how you throw the disc)
Stable is a flight that the disc fades left at the end (if youre a righty) and right at the end (if youre a lefty)
Overstable refers to a disc flight that turns left . (Hyzer is how you throw the disc)
Additional advice from Discraft suggests that “as you gain experience and get to know how your discs fly under different circumstances, you’ll want to experiment with additional discs and stabilities to see which ones fit your style and fill additional needs in your bag.”
My advice on stability for beginning women players? Since beginners tend to throw discs at lower speeds, choosing a disc that is stable to slightly understable is your best bet.
So good luck out there ladies and remember to be patient and don’t give up!
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