Disc golf equipment is more suitable for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players, like many other sports. Specifically, there are significant differences between disc golfs that can affect gameplay.
Deciding on the proper weight for disc golf can help your game. But figuring out the weight difference between disc golfs is difficult as it takes experimentation.
Don’t worry! Here is all the necessary information regarding disc golf weight.
Keep reading to see more!
Disc Golf Disc Weights
The weight of most discs ranges from 165 to 175 grams. The PDGA limits the disc weight to 200 grams.
As an adult and junior player, you should start with a lighter disc under 170 grams. Junior players will find the 150 Class weights perfect for learning. The 150 Class is the super lightweights, used by juniors, senior players, and beginners.
Mid-range drivers are typically heavier than 175 grams since they feature thicker rims and are wider. While beginners should go for models around 170 grams, advanced players typically max out their mid-range discs to about 180 grams.
Does Disc Golf Disc Weight Matter?
The answer is yes. The weight of a disc golf disc matters as it can significantly affect the flight of the golf disc. On the basic level, the lighter disc will take less effort to throw than a heavy one, and the result is typically more accurate.
But a lightweight disc is also impacted by wind more than a heavy one, so a persistent disc can maintain a consistent path effectively in windy weather.
Although not in every case, a lighter disc often turns more at high speeds than a heavier one. But you should know that many other factors can affect the stability of your disc more than its weight. That means there are many other things you need to consider when deciding on the weight of your golf disc.
Putters are available in light and heavyweights as well. Heavier putters will be better for harder throws and in the winds. Light putters would be from 170 to 172 grams on average, while sustained putters are about 173 to 175 grams.
Should I Throw Heavy or Light Disc Golf Discs?
Now, you have probably guessed that the decision to throw a lightweight or heavyweight golf disc depends on what you want to do with it.
There is no correct answer, but here are some situations where a light or heavy disc may be a better option.
Disc Golf Driver Weights
I usually throw medium-weight drivers between 167 and 169 grams for maximum distance. I find that the consistency decrease of 150 class discs isn’t worth any extra length we can gain.
Drivers turn harder than lightweight ones, and I have difficulty controlling this extra turn. To combat that, I attempt to find a mold with a little more overstability or sometimes switch to the plastic one that is more overstable.
The lightweight driver can be advantageous for beginners or players with less distance. In addition, advanced disc golfers, who need to reach distance on the touch shot, also use medium-lightweight discs as a lightweight driver may flip up easier, enabling a gentle hyzer flip that will glide for extra distance.
In stiff headwinds or gusty conditions, I commonly throw a driver close to max weight, 174 to 175 grams, so it has a better opportunity at fighting the wind.
Of course, there are exceptions. I sometimes throw lighter-weight drivers when I have a tailwind, and the wind will carry the disc for an extra distance.
Disc Golf Midrange Approach Weights
All the weight principles can be applied to the midrange disc as the disc golf driver but are more focused on accuracy than distance, as that is usually what midrange drivers are for.
The balance between consistency and effort to throw the disc golf is crucial here. The lower-weight midrange disc is easier to put on a specific line as more attention can go into proper form.
But the midrange driver is slower than the distance driver and often has a more rounded nose. Hence, the wind will amplify the midrange disc’s flight path more than the distance drivers.
Also, weight has an impact on the skip shot. Specifically, heavier discs typically skip more often and harder. The same can go for drivers, but it’s often more apparent for the midrange driver with a blunt nose that is thrown lighter, needing more momentum to skip.
Heavier weights can also be advantageous in delivering a skip on grass, as it features a dampening effect on the disc’s landing. As with the distance driver, temperature could be a big factor in determining the most excellent midrange disc weight, and the same concepts can be applied as above.
Disc Golf Putter Weights
When considering the proper weight for your disc golf putter, the focus is typically on wind resistance, as a putter is commonly thrown softly. So a slight wind can also significantly impact accuracy.
Most players like heavier weight to the max weight putter. Although there is an advantage of using lightweight putters to reduce the power required to reach the basket, this advantage is outweighed by the potential impact of the wind.
Beginners typically see the largest pros from lightweight putters, or sometimes they use a putter for approach shots.
When picking driving putters, most players like max-weight putters as they are typically a bit more torque resistant than lightweight putters and will not turn as hard.
Disc golfers can simply get very overstable putters that naturally do not flip, but if they want a straight to understable flight path without the putter turning too hard, heavier-weight putters can often help.
Putters will commonly weigh from 170 to 175 grams. Meanwhile, the average weight of the disc golf putter is about 173 grams.
When to Throw The Heavy Disc Golf Disc
Heavy discs typically have more stability, making them ideal for playing in the wind. The wind will want to flip your disc golf over, but the heavy discs will resist this flip with a stronger fade at the end of the flight than the lighter one.
Assumes your course, where you play frequently, is pretty gusty. If so, we recommend choosing a persistent disc to combat the wind.
Putting with one heavy putter is an excellent idea in a windy situation. Its weight will help it sit down on the ground faster and typically will have a bit less glide.
Generally, the following are cases that favor a heavy disc golf disc:
- In hot temperatures.
- When throwing a skip shot.
- When concerned about the wind.
- When extra stability is desired.
- During windy conditions, you want to reduce the impact of wind.
- Into a headwind to control the turn on your disc.
- When consistency is more important than precision.
When to Throw The Light Disc Golf Disc
Throwing lighter discs uphill is an excellent idea for more distance. There is no denying that lighter discs will significantly enhance your uphill drives.
A light disc is ideal for tailwind when the wind is coming from behind you. Tailwinds will slow down your disc while flying. It must move fast if you opt for a heavy disc in a tailwind condition.
Slower speed discs and lighter discs will be a great combination in a disc for a beginner throwing in a tailwind condition.
In short, you should throw a light disc golf disc when:
- Extra distance is important
- You want to throw your disc into a tailwind.
- Precision is more important than the consistency.
- Focusing on a form is essential (such as for a beginner).
- You throw in cold weather.
- A thinner landing is your desire.
The Best Disc Golf Disc Weight?
The lighter disc is good to start with. But it is not the only option you should have though. Some may prefer to start with the medium-weight disc, especially if they have stronger arms or play in windy conditions.
Determine what weight will work best for you. After that, you might try a “bubble plastic” or lighter in your favorite driver.
You also might consider trying heavier putters for gusty days. Buying two of your favorite putters with the same weight is best. After that, get one that is at max weight for the windy condition.
As you are playing and learning, always think about disc golf weights and take note of them when trying out random discs.
Variety is the spice of life, and disc weights are no exception. Do not always feel like the heaviest discs are the best option, coolest, or make you look strong.
Related
Top 8 Best Overstable Disc Golf Putters
The Bottom Line
The decision to use heavy or light discs will always depend on your level and personal preferences. If you are a beginner or an average player, you should start with a lighter disc and progressively work toward utilizing the heavy disc as your game improves.
There will be a place and a time for heavier and lighter discs, even if you are a very experienced guy. So there is no shame in utilizing lighter-weight discs if a situation calls for it.
Hopefully, this article was helpful to you. Thanks for your time!
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