Disc Golf Disc Types Explained
Three discs. Three jobs. No guesswork.
Most beginners buy the wrong discs first.
Not because they choose badly—but because no one explains what each disc actually does.
Every disc golf bag is built around three types of discs: drivers, midranges, and putters. Each one is shaped differently and designed for a specific part of the game.
Learn how they work, and you’ll start making better throws almost immediately.
The Putter
The most important disc in your bag.
The putter has the thinnest rim of any disc type, a deep rounded edge, and a blunt nose. It’s designed to fly slow, straight, and land softly near the basket.
If you only practiced one disc for a month, it should be this one.
Typical speed: 1–3
Range: Up to 200–250 ft
Best for: Short shots and putting
Beginner tip: Practice putting with the same disc every round. Consistency builds muscle memory much faster than switching between discs.
Popular examples:
- Innova Aviar 2 | 3 | 0 | 2
-
Dynamic Discs Judge 2 | 4 | 0 | 1
- Discraft Luna 3 | 4 | 0 | 2
The Midrange
The workhorse of your bag
The midrange sits between the putter and the driver in both size and purpose. It has a slightly wider rim, a flatter top, and a cleaner release—all of which help it fly farther while staying controllable.
This is the disc that quietly saves your score.
Midranges are the most versatile discs in the game. They shine on tight wooded holes, controlled approach shots, and even off the tee when accuracy matters more than distance.
Most beginners actually throw midranges farther than drivers—because midranges fly correctly at lower arm speeds.
If you want one disc that teaches you how to throw properly, this is it.
Typical speed: 4–6
Range: 150–300 ft
Best for: Control shots and approaches
Beginner tip: If you only buy two discs, make them a putter and a midrange. You’ll learn faster—and likely score better.
Popular example:
-
Discraft Buzzz — 5 | 4 | -1 | 1
- Axiom Hex 5 | 5 | -1 | 1
- Innova Mako 3 5 | 5 | 0 | 1
The Driver
Distance—when you actually need it
Drivers have the widest, sharpest rim of any disc type. That wide rim creates speed—but it also makes them harder to grip and harder to throw correctly.
This is where most beginners lose strokes.
Without enough arm speed, a driver won’t behave as intended. It fades early, loses distance, and becomes unpredictable.
The fastest disc in the shop is almost never the best disc for your game.
Drivers come in two main types:
- Fairway drivers (speed 7–9): easier to control, more forgiving
- Distance drivers (speed 10–14): maximum distance, but require proper for
Beginners should always start with a fairway driver.
Typical speed: 7–14
Range: 250–400+ ft depending on skill level
Best for: Long tee shots
Beginner tip: A slower fairway driver will almost always fly farther for you than a high-speed distance driver.
Popular example:
-
Latitude 64 Diamond 8 | 6 | -3 | 1
- Innova Leopard 7 | 5 | -2 | 1
- Axiom Crave 6.5 | 5 | -1 | 1
Common Questions
Can I use a putter as a driver?
Yes—and for beginners, it’s often a great idea. Putters are easier to control and can give you more consistent results off the tee on shorter holes.
How many discs do I actually need?
Three is enough to play a full round—one of each type. Most experienced players carry more, but that only helps once you understand what each disc does.
What’s the difference between a fairway driver and a distance driver?
Speed and control. Fairway drivers are easier to throw and more forgiving. Distance drivers require higher arm speed to perform properly.
Do disc types look different?
Yes. The rim is the easiest way to tell:
- Putters: thin and rounded
- Midranges: slightly wider and flatter
- Drivers: wide and sharp
Once you’ve held all three, the difference is obvious.
Start Simple. Stay Simple.
Three discs, one round at a time. Your bag will grow naturally as your game does.
When you're ready, you can explore each type in more detail:
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