Disc Golf Disc Types Explained: Drivers, Mid-Ranges & Putters

Q: What is the difference between a putter and a driver in disc golf?

Putters (speed 1–3) have rounded edges and are designed for accuracy at short range. Drivers (speed 9–14) have sharp edges and are designed for maximum distance at high arm speeds. Beginners should master putters and mid-ranges before using distance drivers.

Q: What does understable mean in disc golf?

An understable disc tends to turn right during the high-speed portion of flight (for right-hand backhand throws). Understable discs are great for beginners because they fly straighter at lower arm speeds.

A complete guide to disc golf disc types—drivers, mid-ranges, and putters—explaining flight ratings, when to use each, and how beginners should build their first disc bag.

Disc Golf Disc Types Explained: Drivers, Mid-Ranges & Putters

Walk into any disc golf shop and you'll find hundreds of discs on the rack. For beginners, the variety is overwhelming. For experienced players, choosing the right disc for each shot is one of the most satisfying parts of the game. This guide breaks down the three main disc golf disc types—drivers, mid-ranges, and putters—explains flight ratings, and helps you know when to throw which disc.

The Three Main Disc Golf Disc Types

Every disc golf disc falls into one of three categories based on its intended purpose and flight characteristics:

Putters — Short-range discs designed for accuracy close to the basket
Mid-ranges — Versatile discs for controlled approach shots
Drivers — Maximum distance discs for tee shots

Understanding Flight Ratings

Every disc is rated on four numbers that describe its flight characteristics. Understanding these ratings is the key to choosing the right disc:

Speed (1–14)

How fast the disc must travel to achieve its rated flight. Higher speed discs (9–14) require more arm speed to fly correctly. Beginners often make the mistake of grabbing high-speed drivers before they can control them—the disc won't turn the way the rating promises unless you have the arm speed to match.

Glide (1–7)

The disc's ability to maintain lift during flight. Higher glide means the disc stays in the air longer, adding distance. Beginners benefit from high-glide discs; advanced players sometimes prefer lower glide for more predictable shots in wind.

Turn (-5 to +1)

The tendency to turn right (for right-hand backhand throws) during the high-speed portion of flight. A -3 disc turns significantly right mid-flight; a 0 or +1 disc resists turning. Beginners should use discs with slight understability (turn around -1 to -2) for straighter flights with less power.

Fade (0–5)

The disc's tendency to curve left at the end of flight (for right-hand backhand). High fade (3–5) produces a strong finish; low fade (0–1) produces a gentle finish or roller. Most putters have low fade; most drivers have higher fade.

Putters (Speed 1–3)

Putters are the most important discs in your bag. Despite the name, they're used for far more than putting—many advanced players throw putters for approach shots from 150–200 feet and even use them off the tee on short, wooded holes.

Characteristics

Blunt, rounded edge with a deep rim
Slow, accurate flight
Minimal fade for predictable lines
Easy to control for beginners

Best For

Putting inside the circle (within 33 feet of the basket)
Approach shots under 200 feet
Tight, wooded holes where accuracy beats distance
Learning disc golf fundamentals

Popular Putters

The Innova Aviar is the most played putter in disc golf history. The Discraft Jawbreaker Luna (Paul McBeth's signature putter) and Dynamic Discs Judge are also widely used. A good starter putter like the Innova DX Aviar costs $10–12 and is an excellent first disc for any beginner.

Mid-Range Discs (Speed 4–6)

Mid-range discs are the workhorses of disc golf. They fly straighter than drivers, farther than putters, and are the most consistent discs in any bag. Many disc golfers consider their mid-range the most important disc they own.

Characteristics

Moderate rim width—thinner than a driver, slightly thicker than a putter
Predictable, controllable flight
Consistent fade at the finish
Forgiving of off-center throws

Best For

Fairway approach shots from 150–300 feet
Wooded holes requiring precise control
Hyzer or anhyzer shots (release angle adjustments)
Beginners replacing drivers entirely for the first several months

Popular Mid-Ranges

The Innova Roc3 and Discraft Buzzz are two of the most popular mid-ranges in the sport. The Buzzz in particular has won more amateur tournaments than almost any other disc. For beginners, a straight-flying mid-range like the Discraft Buzzz ($13–16) will improve your game faster than buying a driver.

Fairway Drivers (Speed 6–8)

Fairway drivers bridge the gap between mid-ranges and distance drivers. They offer more distance than mid-ranges while maintaining better control than high-speed drivers. Many players consider fairway drivers their primary "off the tee" disc for most holes.

Characteristics

Sharper edge than mid-ranges
Consistent, predictable flight at moderate arm speeds
Works well for players with less power

Best For

Tee shots on shorter, tighter holes
Control driving when accuracy matters more than raw distance
Beginning to intermediate players building distance

Distance Drivers (Speed 9–14)

Distance drivers are what most people imagine when they think of disc golf. They're designed to travel 300+ feet in the hands of skilled players. The caveat: you need a fast, consistent arm to make them perform as advertised.

Why Beginners Should Avoid High-Speed Drivers

This is the single most common mistake in disc golf. A speed 13 driver thrown by someone with a beginner arm speed will turn over (curve hard right for a right-hand backhand throw) and crash into the ground 150 feet away. The same disc thrown by an advanced player will fly 400+ feet on a beautiful arc. The disc isn't broken—it's the wrong tool for the thrower's power level.

Beginners should stick to mid-ranges and fairway drivers (speed 6–8) until they can consistently throw 250+ feet. The distance will come faster with the right disc than by forcing a high-speed driver.

Popular Distance Drivers

The Innova Destroyer and Discraft Nuke are popular distance drivers for advanced players. For intermediate players developing power, the Innova Thunderbird or Discraft XL offer a controlled entry into high-speed drivers.

Building Your First Disc Bag

You don't need 20 discs to play disc golf. Start simple:

Beginner Bag (3 Discs)

Putter (e.g., Aviar, Judge) — for putts and short approaches
Mid-range (e.g., Buzzz, Roc3) — for most fairway shots
Fairway driver (e.g., Innova Leopard, Speed 6–7) — for longer tee shots

Intermediate Bag (6–8 Discs)

Add specialty discs as your game develops: an overstable mid-range for headwind shots, an understable fairway driver for turnover shots, and a distance driver once you've built consistent power.

Disc Weight

Most discs are available in weights from 150g to 180g. Beginners typically benefit from lighter discs (165–170g) that are easier to throw far. Heavier discs (172–180g) are more stable in wind but require more power to achieve their rated flight.

Want to try these discs on a real course? Find disc golf courses near you, browse Texas disc golf courses, or explore California disc golf courses with our full directory of courses across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a putter and a driver in disc golf?

Putters (speed 1–3) have rounded edges, fly slowly, and are designed for accuracy at short range. Drivers (speed 9–14) have sharp, beveled edges and are designed to travel maximum distance at high arm speeds. Mid-ranges fall in between. Beginners should master putters and mid-ranges before moving to distance drivers.

Can you drive with a putter in disc golf?

Yes, and many beginners should. Putters fly straight and predictably, making them excellent choices for tight holes, short courses, or any situation where accuracy beats distance. Many advanced players throw putters off the tee on shorter holes and consistently outperform less experienced players using drivers.

What does understable mean in disc golf?

An understable disc (negative turn rating, e.g., -3) tends to turn to the right during the high-speed portion of flight for right-hand backhand throws. Understable discs are great for beginners because they fly straighter at lower arm speeds. Overstable discs (+1 turn, high fade) resist turning and fade hard left—they require more power to control.

How many discs do you need to start disc golf?

You only need 3 discs to start: a putter, a mid-range, and a fairway driver. Resist the urge to buy a full bag immediately. Learn the fundamentals with 3 discs, and add specialty discs as your game develops and you understand what shots you're missing.

What disc should a beginner throw off the tee?

A beginner should throw a mid-range or slow fairway driver (speed 6–7) off the tee. High-speed distance drivers require technique and arm speed that takes months to develop. Using the wrong disc actually hurts distance and accuracy for beginning players.