Let's talk about disc types, flight numbers, lightweight plastics, and finding equipment that actually works for you.
If there's one thing I've learned since getting into disc golf, it's that buying discs can become a hobby all on its own. There are so many different molds, plastics, weights, colors, and designs that it's almost impossible to look at them all without finding something you want to try. I've definitely reached the point where I can justify buying another disc because it's a slightly different weight or plastic than one I already own. It's for research, obviously.
But…when you're first getting started, all those options can be overwhelming. You walk into a disc golf shop or start browsing online, and suddenly you're looking at hundreds of discs with names like Destroyer, Diamond, Wave, and Judge. They all have four mysterious numbers printed on them, some cost twice as much as others, and everyone seems to have a different opinion about which one you should throw. How are you supposed to know where to begin?!?
I think this is especially important to talk about when we're trying to get more women into disc golf. Equipment can make a real difference in how much you enjoy learning the sport, and I don't think beginners always receive enough information about their options. I've spent a lot of time experimenting with different discs, and one of the biggest things I've learned is that a disc someone else loves might not work particularly well for me. That doesn't necessarily mean I'm doing something wrong. It means we're different players with different abilities, preferences, and throwing styles.
Rather than giving you a list of discs you absolutely have to buy, I want to help you understand what you're looking at. Once you know a little about disc types, flight numbers, weights, and plastics, choosing your equipment becomes a lot less intimidating and a whole lot more fun.
First, What Are the Different Types of Disc Golf Discs?
Unlike traditional Frisbees, disc golf discs are designed for specific types of throws and flight patterns. Their shapes, rims, and aerodynamic characteristics affect how they travel through the air. There are four main categories you'll encounter: putters, midranges, fairway drivers, and distance drivers. Understanding the differences is a great place to start because each type serves a different purpose on the course.
Putters
Generally the slowest discs, with deeper, rounded rims that make them useful for controlled throws and putting into the basket. Despite their name, they're not just for putting. You can use a putter for approaches, shorter drives, and even an entire round of disc golf. I actually think learning to throw a putter is one of the best things a beginner can do because it encourages you to focus on control and technique instead of trying to throw as hard as possible.
Midranges
These discs are a little faster and typically have thinner rims than putters. They're designed to cover moderate distances while maintaining control, which makes them incredibly versatile. If you're just getting started, a neutral or slightly understable midrange can be a fantastic disc to learn with. You can use it for tee shots, approaches, and plenty of situations where you need a little more distance than your putter comfortably provides.
Fairway drivers
Designed for longer throws and generally have thinner, more aerodynamic rims. They can be a great next step when you're ready to work on distance, especially if you choose a slower fairway driver that doesn't require a tremendous amount of throwing speed. I think this is where experimenting with different weights and stability levels can become particularly interesting because you'll start noticing how much those characteristics affect your flight paths.
Distance drivers
Usually the fastest discs, with wider rims designed to travel long distances when thrown with enough speed and spin. They're exciting, and I completely understand wanting to grab one and see how far you can throw it. However, high-speed drivers generally require more throwing speed and spin to achieve their intended flight. If you're still developing your technique, a distance driver might fade sharply and hit the ground much sooner than you expected.
One of the biggest misconceptions beginners encounter is that a faster disc automatically means more distance. Unfortunately, disc golf doesn't work quite that way. Sometimes a slower disc that you can throw comfortably will travel farther than a high-speed driver you can't get up to speed. It's not about having the fastest disc in your bag. It's about having discs that work for the way you throw.
What Do Those Four Numbers on a Disc Mean?
If you've looked at a disc golf disc, you've probably noticed four numbers printed somewhere on it. They might look something like 5 | 5 | -1 | 1, and unless someone has explained them to you, they probably don't mean much. These are called flight numbers, and they're intended to give you a general idea of how a disc is designed to fly.
The first number is speed, which represents the disc's speed class and gives you an idea of how much throwing speed it needs to achieve its intended flight. The second is glide, which describes the disc's tendency to stay in the air. The third is turn, which indicates how much a disc tends to move during the faster portion of its flight. The fourth is fade, which describes its tendency to finish in the opposite direction as it slows down.
For a right-handed backhand throw, a disc with more negative turn may move to the right during the faster portion of its flight, while fade generally brings it back toward the left as it slows. Left-handed backhand throws typically mirror those directions. You'll also hear people describe discs as understable, stable, or overstable. An understable disc generally has more tendency to turn, while an overstable disc resists turning and tends to finish with a stronger fade.
Here's where things get interesting, though. Flight numbers aren't a guarantee of how a disc will fly for you. They're a general description of its intended flight characteristics, and your throwing speed, technique, release angle, and even the condition of the disc can affect the result. A disc that flies beautifully straight for one person might fade hard for another. I've experienced this myself, and it's one of the reasons I think experimenting with equipment is so valuable.
You don't need to memorize every combination of flight numbers before buying your first discs. For now, understanding that lower-speed discs are often easier for beginners to control and that neutral or understable discs can be more forgiving is a great starting point. As you play more, those numbers will start making a lot more sense.
Why Disc Weight Matters More Than You Might Think
This is one of my favorite topics because I think disc weight deserves a lot more attention, especially when we're talking about helping new players find equipment that works for them.
Disc golf discs come in different weights, typically measured in grams. Depending on the mold and plastic, you might find discs weighing around 120 grams all the way up to 175 grams (or more!) That might not seem like a huge difference, but even changing the weight of a disc by ten or fifteen grams can affect how it feels and performs.
Lighter discs generally require less force to accelerate, which can make them easier for players with slower throwing speeds to get moving. If you're struggling to generate enough speed and spin with a heavier disc, a lighter version might help you achieve a flight that's closer to what the disc was designed to do. That can mean more distance, a different flight path, or simply a disc that feels more comfortable to throw.
Heavier discs have advantages, too. They can be less affected by certain wind conditions, and some players prefer the feel and consistency of heavier equipment. Lighter discs may be more sensitive to wind, particularly in a headwind, and they aren't automatically the best option for every situation. There's a balance to consider, and what works best depends on the player, the disc, and the conditions.
I've experimented with quite a few different disc weights, and one of the biggest things I've learned is that finding what works for you involves just as much practice as it does experimenting with equipment. I've tried Latitude 64°'s Zero Gravity discs, which typically weigh around 120 to 130 grams, and I've struggled with turning them over because of my throwing speed. That doesn't mean they're too light for me or that I can't throw them. It means I haven't quite figured out how to control them yet, and that's something I can continue working on as I develop my technique.
Through trial and error, I've discovered that my current sweet spot for distance drivers is somewhere between 135 and 150 grams. I feel more comfortable throwing discs in that range, but I'm also learning that weight is only one piece of the puzzle. Stability, release angle, throwing speed, and technique all influence how a disc flies. A disc that gives me trouble today might become one of my favorites once I learn how to throw it properly. That's something I think is important for beginners to understand. Just because a disc isn't doing what you want doesn't necessarily mean it's the wrong disc for you. Sometimes you need different equipment, and sometimes you need more time to learn how to use what you already have.
How to Find Lightweight Discs: Know Your Plastics
Something I wish I'd known sooner is that finding lightweight discs isn't always as simple as searching for a particular weight. Different manufacturers offer different plastic blends, and some are specifically designed to produce lighter discs while maintaining the durability and feel of their traditional plastics. Once you know what those plastics are called, shopping becomes a whole lot easier. Instead of scrolling through hundreds of discs hoping to find something in the weight range you want, you can narrow your search to plastics that are known for offering lightweight options.
One thing to understand is that plastic type and disc weight aren't the same thing. The plastic tells you what material the disc is made from, while the weight tells you how heavy that individual disc is. Some lightweight plastics are designed to produce extremely light discs around 120 to 130 grams, while others offer a wider range of weights. Not every mold is available in every plastic or weight, so it's always worth checking the actual weight before purchasing.
Here are some of the lightweight plastics I think are worth knowing about, especially if you're exploring different options for your first few discs.
MVP & Axiom: Fission Plastic
MVP and Axiom both offer Fission, a premium lightweight plastic that uses microscopic air bubbles in the disc's core to reduce weight while maintaining a denser outer rim. This allows certain molds to be produced at significantly lighter weights than their traditional counterparts, with some Fission discs available as light as approximately 135 grams.
One of the things I find interesting about Fission is that you can explore lighter versions of familiar disc molds without necessarily sacrificing the feel and durability of premium plastic. MVP and Axiom also use an overmold design, which combines a central flight plate with a separate outer rim. Fission takes advantage of this construction by reducing weight in the core while maintaining more mass toward the rim.
If you're shopping for MVP or Axiom discs and want to experiment with lighter weights, Fission is the plastic name to remember. Just keep in mind that the available weight range depends on the mold. Not every disc will be available at 135 grams, so check the individual disc’s weight rather than assuming every disc in the line is equally lightweight.
Innova: Blizzard Champion and StarLite
Innova offers two lightweight plastic options worth knowing about: Blizzard Champion and StarLite.
Blizzard Champion uses microscopic air bubbles in the plastic to reduce weight while maintaining the durability associated with Innova's Champion plastic. Some Blizzard Champion discs have been produced at weights as low as 130 grams, making it possible to find certain distance drivers at substantially lower weights than their standard versions. I think this is especially interesting for players who want to experiment with faster discs but find heavier versions difficult to accelerate.
StarLite is another lightweight plastic Innova has produced, based on its popular Star plastic. It offers a different feel from Blizzard Champion while providing lower-weight options in select molds. Availability can be limited, particularly with older runs, so it's worth checking what retailers currently have in stock.
One thing I appreciate about these options is that they give players an opportunity to explore different weights without necessarily switching to a completely different disc mold. If you already like the feel of an Innova disc but want to experiment with something lighter, checking whether it's available in Blizzard Champion or StarLite can be a good place to start.
Latitude 64°: Zero Gravity and Opto Air
Latitude 64° offers two lightweight plastic lines that serve somewhat different purposes: Zero Gravity and Opto Air.
Zero Gravity discs are extremely lightweight, typically weighing around 120 to 130 grams. They're designed to make throwing more accessible for players who benefit from lower-weight equipment, including beginners, younger players, and people with slower throwing speeds. Another interesting feature is that Zero Gravity discs float in water, which can be particularly helpful on courses with ponds or other water hazards.
Latitude 64° also offers Opto Air, which uses air bubbles in its premium Opto plastic to produce lighter discs while maintaining durability. Opto Air generally offers a different weight range and feel from Zero Gravity, making it another option for players who want lighter equipment without going quite as light as the Zero Gravity line.
Dynamic Discs: Drift and Lucid Air
Dynamic Discs offers two lightweight plastics worth exploring: Drift and Lucid Air.
Drift is an especially interesting option because it's designed to be extremely lightweight, flexible, and grippy. Drift discs can weigh around 125 to 130 grams, depending on the mold, and the plastic floats in water. It's a baseline-style plastic that offers a different feel from many premium lightweight blends, which may appeal to players who prefer a softer or more flexible disc.
Lucid Air, on the other hand, is a lightweight version of Dynamic Discs' premium Lucid plastic. It incorporates air bubbles to reduce weight while maintaining the durability and feel associated with Lucid. This makes it an option for players who want lighter discs but prefer a firmer, premium plastic rather than the softer feel of Drift.
I think it's helpful to understand that these two plastics aren't interchangeable simply because they're both lightweight. They have different characteristics, and the right choice depends on what you're looking for. If you're comparing Dynamic Discs options, pay attention to the plastic's feel, the disc's intended flight, and the actual weight available.
Discraft: Z Lite
Discraft offers Z Lite, a lightweight version of its durable Z plastic. Z Lite is designed to reduce disc weight while retaining many of the characteristics players appreciate about premium Z plastic, including its durability and relatively firm feel.
Like other lightweight premium plastics, Z Lite can be useful for players who want to experiment with lighter versions of certain molds. Depending on the disc, you may find options that are significantly lighter than standard-weight versions. Availability varies by mold and production run, so it's worth checking the actual weight listed by the retailer.
If you're interested in Discraft discs but aren't sure where to begin looking for lighter options, Z Lite is a good plastic name to know. Discraft has also produced lightweight discs in other plastics and specialty runs, so don't assume Z Lite is the only way to find a lighter Discraft disc.
Other Lightweight Plastics Worth Exploring
These five manufacturers are a great starting point, but they're certainly not the only companies producing lightweight discs. Westside Discs offers VIP Air and BT Lite, giving players options in both premium and baseline-style lightweight plastics. VIP Air is designed to reduce weight while maintaining the durability of Westside's premium VIP plastic, while BT Lite offers a lightweight alternative with a different feel and grip. Prodigy Disc has produced discs in Air plastic, Discmania has offered Blizzard C-Line, and Lone Star Disc makes Lima, another lightweight plastic worth exploring.
You may also come across lightweight options from Millennium, including Quantum Zero-G, and specialty or ultralight runs from manufacturers such as Legacy Discs. Some of these plastics are easier to find than others, and certain lines may only be available in limited molds or older production runs.
The important thing is knowing that these options exist. If you're interested in a particular manufacturer, it's worth checking whether they offer lightweight versions of their discs before assuming that everything they make is available only in heavier weights.
What to Look for When You're Shopping
Now that you know some of the plastic names, shopping for lightweight discs should feel a little less overwhelming. My recommendation is to pay attention to three things: the disc mold, the plastic blend, and the actual weight. The mold helps determine the disc's flight characteristics, the plastic affects its feel and durability, and the weight can influence how easily you accelerate and control it.
For example, if you're interested in an MVP or Axiom disc, you might start by looking for Fission plastic and then checking which weights are available. If you're shopping Innova, you could explore Blizzard Champion. If you want something extremely lightweight, Latitude 64°'s Zero Gravity or Dynamic Discs' Drift might be worth investigating. These plastic names give you a starting point, but they shouldn't be the only factor in your decision.
Once you start recognizing these plastic names, it becomes much easier to narrow down your options. Rather than choosing a disc simply because it's labeled lightweight or beginner-friendly, take a closer look at the mold, plastic blend, and actual weight. You might find the same mold available in several different plastics or discover that one manufacturer offers a much wider range of weights than another. Pay attention to those differences, especially if you're trying to find something similar to a disc you already enjoy throwing. The goal isn't necessarily to find the lightest disc available, but to make an informed choice about what you'd like to try next.
That's really what I want other women and beginners to take away from this information. You don't have to buy whatever someone recommends simply because they think it's a good disc for you. Understanding the different plastics and weight options gives you the ability to explore equipment based on your own needs and preferences. You might discover that you love extremely lightweight discs, prefer something closer to max weight, or use several different weights depending on the shot.
There's no single correct answer, and that's part of what makes experimenting with discs so interesting. The more you understand your equipment, the easier it becomes to recognize what works for you, what challenges you, and what you might want to try next.
Do Women Actually Need Lighter Discs?
Here's where I have some opinions.
I love that manufacturers are producing lightweight discs, and I think they're an incredible option for a lot of players. What I don't love is the assumption that being a woman automatically means you need the lightest disc available. Women aren't all built the same, and we certainly don't all throw the same way. Some women generate tremendous power and throw max-weight distance drivers beautifully. Others prefer lightweight discs because they feel more comfortable or help them achieve the flights they're looking for. Plenty of players use a combination of weights depending on the disc and the situation.
There are also men who benefit from lightweight discs, just as there are women who prefer heavier ones. Equipment selection should be about the individual player, not a stereotype. I don't think the answer to getting more women into disc golf is simply handing us lighter, pink versions of whatever everyone else is throwing and calling it a day. I think we deserve access to information, equipment options, and opportunities to figure out what works for us.
That's part of why I wanted to explain the different lightweight plastics rather than just recommend a handful of specific discs. I want women to know what to look for when they're shopping and understand why certain options might work better for them. If you're new to disc golf and struggling to get distance, experimenting with a lighter disc could be incredibly helpful. But if you're comfortable throwing heavier discs, there's no reason you should feel like you need to switch simply because you're a woman.
The goal isn't to find the perfect disc for women. It's to help every woman find the discs that work for her.
So, Which Discs Should You Buy First?
After all that information, you might be wondering whether you need to create a spreadsheet before buying your first disc. You absolutely don't, although I won't judge you if you do. I appreciate a good spreadsheet.
My recommendation is to start with two discs: a putter and a neutral or slightly understable midrange. Those two discs can handle a surprising variety of shots, and they'll give you an opportunity to develop your technique without constantly switching between different flight patterns. You can absolutely start with just one if that's what works for your budget.
When you're ready to try a driver, I'd recommend starting with a slower fairway driver that has a neutral or understable flight. Something in the speed 6 to 7 range can be a great starting point, although my first driver was actually a Latitude 64° Diamond, which is an 8-speed. There's nothing wrong with starting a little faster if you find a disc that works for you. The important thing is choosing something that matches your current throwing ability rather than assuming a higher speed number automatically means more distance. You don't need to jump straight to a speed 12 or 13 distance driver to improve your game. Learning to throw slower discs with good technique can help you build the skills and control you'll need as you work your way up to faster ones.
As far as weight goes, I don't think there's one magic number that works for every beginner. If you're struggling to generate speed or find heavier discs uncomfortable, experimenting with a midrange or fairway driver in the 150- to 160-gram range could be a good place to start. Some players may prefer even lighter options, while others will be perfectly comfortable with discs in the 170s. Those numbers are suggestions for experimenting, not rules you need to follow.
I also recommend paying attention to how a disc feels in your hand. Rim width, depth, and shape can make a difference in how comfortable it is to grip and release. If you have smaller hands or struggle to get a comfortable grip on a wide-rimmed driver, that's worth considering. You shouldn't have to force yourself to use equipment that feels awkward simply because someone told you it's the best disc on the market.
If you have a local disc golf shop, I encourage you to visit and hold a few discs before buying them. Ask questions, compare different plastics, and see what feels comfortable. And if you have friends who play, ask whether you can try a few of their discs during a casual practice round. Usually, throwing a disc a handful of times will tell you way more than reading twenty reviews online.
Your First Discs Probably Won't Be Your Forever Discs
If there's one thing my own experience has taught me, it's that the discs you start with aren't necessarily the ones you'll end up loving. When I first started playing, I used Judge putters before eventually discovering my tried-and-true Pixel, which has become my favorite. My first midrange was a Latitude 64° Fuse, but I ended up giving it to my boyfriend and now throw a Compass instead. Neither of those original discs was necessarily a bad choice. I just found something I liked better as I learned more about my game and what felt comfortable in my hands.
My first two drivers were a Latitude 64° Diamond and an Innova Valkyrie, and they've been interesting in completely different ways. I still throw my Diamond, but I've since switched to a lighter weight that works better for me. The Valkyrie, on the other hand, is a disc I'm only just beginning to figure out how to throw. I've tried so many other discs since those first purchases, and some have earned a permanent place in my bag while others haven't. What's funny is that a disc I struggle with now might become one of my favorites later. Sometimes my preferences change, and sometimes my technique finally catches up with a disc I've owned for a while.
That's something I wish more beginners understood. You don't have to get everything right with your first purchase, and you certainly don't need to build your perfect bag before you've even figured out how you like to throw. Your preferences will probably change as you gain experience, and that's a good thing. You might discover that you prefer a different putter, that a midrange you once loved doesn't feel quite right anymore, or that changing the weight of a familiar driver makes a noticeable difference. And if you eventually become the person with an entire collection of discs who insists that every single one serves a very specific purpose, I have absolutely no room to judge because I am that person!
I think that's one of the things that makes disc golf so much fun. There's always something new to try, whether it's a different mold, plastic, weight, or throwing technique. I've learned just as much from the discs that didn't work out as I have from the ones I love, and I think understanding why a disc works for you is just as important as finding one you like. That's actually part of why I wanted to create the Throw Like You Disc Golf Journal. With so many different discs to choose from, it can be difficult to remember how each one flies, what makes it different, and how it fits into your game. I wanted to create something that helps players get to know their discs instead of just collecting them and hoping for the best. Because the more you understand the discs in your bag, the more confidently you can choose what to throw, recognize what you might want to work on, and make decisions about which discs to try next.
Find What Works for You
If there's one thing I hope you take away from this article, it's that choosing disc golf equipment should be about discovering what works for you, not trying to fit someone else's idea of what you should throw.
You don't need the fastest disc, the most expensive plastic, or the exact same setup as your favorite professional player. You need equipment that helps you learn, builds your confidence, and makes you excited to get back on the course.
I want women to feel empowered to ask questions, experiment with different weights, and develop their own preferences. I want us to have conversations about equipment that go beyond handing a beginner a pink disc and calling it a day. And I want every woman who's just getting started to know that struggling with a particular disc doesn't mean she's incapable of becoming a great player.
Sometimes the answer is practice. Sometimes it's technique. Sometimes it's trying a different disc. Most of the time, it's a combination of all three, and figuring that out is part of the fun.
So, start with a disc or two, pay attention to how they fly, and don't be afraid to try something different. Your game will grow and change, and your equipment can grow with you.
Throw what works for you. That's the whole point.
There's No Wrong Way to Start.
New to disc golf? Start with What Is Disc Golf? A Beginner's Guide to Getting Started, and explore the Throw Like You Learn Hub for more beginner-friendly advice, personal experiences, and resources to help you find your game.
