When selecting a disc, consider the type of shots you'll be using it for, your personal grip preference, and how quickly you’d like the disc to "season" or wear in.
This brief guide is designed for beginners who are navigating the vast selection of discs available. While we'll focus on some of the most popular plastic types from the top 5 major disc golf manufacturers, it's important to note that this is just the starting point. There are countless plastic variations and numerous brands out there, each offering unique advantages for different playing styles and conditions.
Our goal is to introduce you to the basics, helping you make informed decisions as you start your disc golf journey. Remember, the best way to find what works for you is to experiment and play with a variety of discs. Let's dive in!
Innova Discs
- DX Plastic: This is Innova's entry-level plastic, offering excellent grip in all weather conditions. However, DX discs wear faster, affecting their flight characteristics over time. Beginners might start here due to the lower cost.
- Champion Plastic: Known for its durability, Champion plastic discs retain their original flight characteristics for a long time. They are more resistant to scratches and nicks, making them a good choice for players looking to invest in discs that last.
- Star Plastic: Combining the best aspects of DX and Champion, Star plastic offers durability and excellent grip. Star plastic discs also come in a wide range of colors and are a popular choice among experienced players for their consistent flight patterns.
Learn more about Innova plastics.
Discraft
- Pro D Plastic: Similar to Innova's DX, Pro D is Discraft's budget-friendly option with good grip. It's less durable, so expect these discs to season faster.
- Elite Z Plastic: Known for its extreme durability and vibrant translucent colors, Elite Z plastic discs are a go-to for players needing reliable performance over time.
- ESP Plastic: Offering a combination of grip and durability, ESP plastic also includes unique swirls, making each disc visually distinctive. It's slightly more flexible than Elite Z, providing a comfortable feel in hand.
Learn more about Discraft plastics.
Discmania
- D-Line Plastic: The most affordable option in Discmania's lineup, known for its excellent grip, which is particularly beneficial for new players. This plastic can be cycled through a player's bag at different stabilities as it wears in over time, allowing for a variety of flight patterns. The D-Line plastic comes in three flexes: Flex 1 (softest), Flex 2 (medium stiffness), and Flex 3 (stiffest), catering to different preferences for feel and flexibility.
- C-Line Plastic: Discmania's most durable blend, designed to withstand heavy use and rugged conditions without significant wear. This plastic retains the disc's original flight characteristics for a long period, making it highly reliable for consistent performance. C-Line discs have a translucent appearance and typically provide a stable flight path, which is essential for precision and control, especially in challenging environments.
- S-Line Plastic: Offers a balance of grip and durability, making it versatile for various weather conditions. This blend is designed to age well, maintaining its flight behavior even after repeated impacts with obstacles like trees. The S-Line plastic provides excellent control and a consistent feel, making it a popular choice among disc golfers looking for a dependable and high-performing disc.
Learn more about Discmania plastics.
Dynamic Discs
- Prime Plastic: This is Dynamic's most affordable line, offering good grip but lower durability. Prime discs are great for beginners due to their lower cost and easier availability.
- Lucid Plastic: Lucid plastic is known for its durability and clarity. It provides a solid grip and maintains flight characteristics well.
- Fuzion Plastic: Combining the best qualities of Lucid and more flexible plastics, Fuzion offers durability, a great grip, and comes in unique colors and designs.
Learn more about Dynamic Discs plastics.
Gateway
- Diamond Plastic: The premium blend known for its excellent durability and grip. It offers a higher stability level than other blends, making it ideal for driving putters, midranges, and fairway drivers. Diamond plastic discs are clear, translucent, or opaque and are comparable to Champion or Lucid plastics from other brands. This blend provides consistent performance and a comfortable feel, making it a top choice for serious players.
- Sure Grip (S-Series) Plastic: A high-end version of baseline plastic with superior grip, making it suitable for all weather conditions. It offers a firm, solid feel that performs well in both rain and extreme heat.
- Super Soft (SS) Plastic: Provides a balance between stiffness and pliability, with a slightly stiff rim and a more flexible flight plate. It is versatile enough to be used for both putting and driving, covering a wide range of putting styles. This plastic is preferred for its grip and comfort, especially for newer players who need extra grip in the chains.
Learn more about Gateway plastics.
Latitude 64
- Zero Line: Best for putters, Zero Line plastic offers exceptional grip, allowing for precise putting and approach shots, but it may wear quickly.
- Opto Line: Latitude 64’s answer to Champion plastic, the Opto Line offers high durability and a wide range of vibrant colors.
- Gold Line: Comparable to Innova’s Star plastic, Gold Line combines durability with a tacky feel and unique color blends, making it popular among all levels of players.
Learn more about Latitude 64 plastics.
Lonestar
- Alpha Plastic: A high-quality, durable blend. It's known for being firm and slick, making it a reliable choice for players who need consistency and longevity from their discs. Alpha plastic is designed to retain flight characteristics over time and provides a stable performance, making it ideal for a variety of disc types, especially drivers and midranges.
- Bravo Plastic: Offers a more flexible and grippy alternative to Alpha. It's designed to perform well in colder weather conditions, providing extra grip and resilience. Bravo plastic is great for players who need a dependable grip in varying weather conditions, and it also helps to absorb impacts, reducing the likelihood of cracks and breaks.
- Victor 1 (V1) Plastic: Lone Star's softest and most tacky blend, famous for its ability to grab chains, limit ground play, and float in water. This ultra-tacky plastic is especially useful for putters and approach discs, providing excellent grip and control, particularly in wet conditions. It’s perfect for those who prefer a softer feel in their discs.
Learn more about Lone Star plastics.
MVP
- Proton Plastic: Known for its durability and transparency, Proton plastic can withstand the rigors of play without sacrificing the disc's flight characteristics.
- Neutron Plastic: Offering a wide range of bright, opaque colors, Neutron plastic provides a grippy feel and durability similar to Proton but with a slightly softer texture.
- Electron Plastic: This is MVP’s baseline plastic, offering the best grip, especially in putters and approach discs. Electron plastic is more susceptible to wear but is preferred for its feel and control.
Learn more about MVP plastics.
Clash
- Steady Plastic: A premium blend that combines durability and flexibility, ensuring a reliable grip in all conditions. This plastic type is designed to maintain its performance over time, making it a versatile choice for various disc types. Steady plastic offers a consistent feel and grip, even in adverse weather conditions, which is crucial for reliable throws and control on the course.
- Sunny Plastic: Specifically engineered for hot conditions, featuring a stiffer composition that enhances torque resistance. This premium blend maintains its stability and grip even in high temperatures, making it ideal for distance drivers and fairway drivers. Sunny plastic is favored by players who require extra reliability and control during their throws in warm weather.
- Hardy Plastic: Designed for putters, providing a sturdy and adaptable feel that holds its shape for a long time. This plastic type ensures a comfortable grip, enhancing the player's ability to control putts and approach shots. Hardy plastic is durable and maintains its structural integrity, making it a preferred choice for players who need consistency and reliability in their short game
Learn more about Clash plastics.
As you delve into the sport of disc golf, remember that the journey is as much about discovery as it is about precision and skill. The variety of plastic types and disc brands we've discussed offers a glimpse into the vast possibilities that lie ahead. As you grow in the sport, your preferences for certain discs and plastics will evolve based on your play style, the courses you frequent, and the conditions you face. Don't hesitate to explore beyond the basics and experiment with different options. Each disc in your bag carries its own story, its own purpose, and the potential to elevate your game. Happy disc golfing!