Best Basket for the Buck

[nygfaninva]

Which portable Basket is best for the price? Anyone that has one of these please chime in. Are they comparable size to a real basket? Do they hold up if hit with a hard putt? Do they stand up in a strong wind? We have the Discathcer Basket Traveler at $99 or the Discatcher Basket Skillshot at $108.....which is the best buy?

[Lewis]

I hate to be wishy-washy, but it depends on what you want. In general, the more you pay, the more quality you get. If you want the best price, anything used would be cheaper than the same thing new. If you want the lightest and cheapest, the Traveler can't be beat, but I just bought a used Skillshot from a local guy for $80, and it's in fine condition.

There's another thread out there that talks about a fully metal portable basket that's painted red. I hope the guy will post that image here soon.

[ERicJ]

The InStep basket is the least expensive you'll find (new price).
http://picasaweb.google.com/ericjubin/DiscGolfGoal
It works just fine for home practice use.

ERic

[nygfaninva]

Is the Skillshot comparable in size to a true basket? Does it stand up in a stiff wind?

[gcrussell4]

DGA's M-14 is pretty much portable and a little more expensive then what you mentioned, but it is fully metal with much better chains and structure then the InStep baskets. It breaks down very nicely and won't be affected by wind.

[nygfaninva]

The InStep basket is the least expensive you'll find (new price).
http://picasaweb.google.com/ericjubin/DiscGolfGoal
It works just fine for home practice use.

ERic

Is this one from In Step easy to assemble and disassemble?

[ERicJ]

Is this one from In Step easy to assemble and disassemble?
Probably not the easiest. I wouldn't want to do it every day. But it's not complicated or difficult. There are three pins you insert/remove that hold the base, tray, and top to the pole.

This picture shows you all the pieces with the top resting inside the tray:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Esce67RNQEpdRQ9YPKoIdQ

ERic

[Hamilton]

looks like the in-steps are not quite as durable and could use an extra set of chains, according to most reviews i could find...the innova sport on the other hand says it only weighs about 40 pounds, breaks down to 6 pieces, has the same upper structure/chains as the pro model, and is only 169 shipped at discgolfcenter.com...this is the one i've been eyeing...

[nygfaninva]

How much does the Innova Sport go for?

[Geoffro]

I have a DGA Mach Lite, and have nothing to complain about. It retails at about $160, and sets up and folds down into and out of one connected unit in about 30 seconds. I have never seen it fold on a hit, or in the wind. Very portable at 26#, and chains that catch well with good sound. I have nothing against the In-step, I have never used it, but here's another option. I love my Mach Lite.

http://www.discgolfassoc.com/discgolf-equipment/baskets/mach-lite-discgolf-basket.html

[discgolforegon]

I use a DGA Mach 2 new, its a full metal, double chain model, with a nice wheel on the bas for easy moveing around. Its HEAVY, but hell its about as nice as a basket in the ground. :D

[Hamilton]

here is a link to the discatcher sport from innova:
http://www.discgolfcenter.com/main_displayProduct.php?p=179

[gusc2375]

I am getting a DGA M-14 for Christmas I 'll let you know how it holds up. I will probably add a second set of chains.

[SimonCarr]

The InStep basket is really cheap, and is a great practice basket.

As others have said, it does not have the inner set of chains - but with that said, I rarely get bounce outs.. and if I do it typically wasn't a good shot anyway.

One thing I will say about the InStep basket is that the target zone (chains) is a little bigger than most baskets you will find on the course. Not a big deal, and I actually kind of like it - because it helps to build putting confidence.

[Fore]

The InStep basket is really cheap, and is a great practice basket.

As others have said, it does not have the inner set of chains - but with that said, I rarely get bounce outs.. and if I do it typically wasn't a good shot anyway.

One thing I will say about the InStep basket is that the target zone (chains) is a little bigger than most baskets you will find on the course. Not a big deal, and I actually kind of like it - because it helps to build putting confidence.

I have stated in another thread that I have had no issues with the Instep basket either. For the price you can't beat it. There are articles online showing how to add more chains to it if you wish. After adding another set of chains you will still save some cash compared to the other baskets. This money can be spent on more disc etc....

[DannyM]

Have a discatcher sport myself, leave it set up in my back yard permanently, it's not diificult to tear down and set up, but for me it just doesn't work for a family of 3 to take with us on vacation. So I just got the innova travel basket <currently $99 and free shipping at discgolfcenter>. Now when we go on vacation, or a 3 day weekend, etc... I can take the basket with me and set it up, and still have room enough in the car.

[Donovan]

Have a discatcher sport myself, leave it set up in my back yard permanently, it's not diificult to tear down and set up, but for me it just doesn't work for a family of 3 to take with us on vacation. So I just got the innova travel basket <currently $99 and free shipping at discgolfcenter>. Now when we go on vacation, or a 3 day weekend, etc... I can take the basket with me and set it up, and still have room enough in the car.

I agree it is bulky to travel with, but I am sure happy in how stable it is. I don't know about the dollar value vs others, but I completely satisfied.

[Lewis]

Is the Skillshot comparable in size to a true basket? Does it stand up in a stiff wind?

Sorry for not replying to this sooner. Yes the Skillshot is full-sized, though it may not be quite as forgiving of off-center shots as a full metal basket. I've yet to use my Skillshot for anything other than putting practice, but it looks pretty tough, and I'd expect it to hold up in wind. The guy I bought it from said he's never knocked it over, and never had any trouble with the wind. In any event, it's got rings attached for tent stakes, so if you set it up as part of a temporary course, you can buy three tent stakes with your pocket change and make it even more stable.

[JCthrills]

I've narrowly mised out twice now (lost the final throw off) on the DGA mach lites, I'd say they are the best portable basket with relation to portability and target size. Next in line keep portability the top priority (breaks down quickly & easily & doesnt take up alot of space in travel) would be the Skill Shot. I have 2 & they travel very well...

[duffer]

I've been trying to decide between a SkillShot and a Traveler. I have a non-portable, homemade basket at the house so the portability is really what I'm after here. I'm in need of council and advice.

The extra portability of the Traveler is very appealing to me cause that means I could take it on day hikes, or to the beach, and play a few safari holes wherever I want.

The SkillShot is enticing because it is much closer to a regulation basket. It seems to be much more popular than the Traveler too.

I just can't decide. Any thoughts?

[zensuit]

I have a DGA M-14. It's portable but not the simplest to deal with. It is very stable and for the price will work for even long shots without having a problem with spit-through.

[jdawg24]

traveler! i've got 3 travelers, 1 skillshot & 2 mach lites & the travelers are my faves of the 3 for regular, fairly heavy use....durable, lightweight & easy. mach lites are very regulation-like but not durable if you use them much.

the new travelers have 5 legs & more of a circular shape...big improvement on the old design. if anything, they catch too well. they weigh ~1/2 as much as skillshots or mach lites.

[biscoe]

imo the discatcher sport and the lightning basket are the 2 best baskets for minimal money. i have a wide variety of baskets on my private course (hawk hollow)- mach 1's modified with double chains, mach 1.5, mach 3, mach 5, chainstar, discatcher, discatcher sport, 4 types of homemades, lightning db, skilshot (not actually on course)- imo the mach 3's and the new discatchers are well ahead of the others for one reason or another. the best catching basket i have ever seen is one of the homemades. of the manufactured baskets i think the new discatchers catch the best. plus they look like this:http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn144/jb9456/products_discatchercopy.jpghttp://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn144/jb9456/IMG_3570.jpg

[tamahawk]

The InStep basket is really cheap, and is a great practice basket.

As others have said, it does not have the inner set of chains - but with that said, I rarely get bounce outs.. and if I do it typically wasn't a good shot anyway.

One thing I will say about the InStep basket is that the target zone (chains) is a little bigger than most baskets you will find on the course. Not a big deal, and I actually kind of like it - because it helps to build putting confidence.

I have stated in another thread that I have had no issues with the Instep basket either. For the price you can't beat it. There are articles online showing how to add more chains to it if you wish. After adding another set of chains you will still save some cash compared to the other baskets. This money can be spent on more disc etc....

I have an InStep basket as well. Got it used for supercheap and have not had any issues with it. Yes, the chains are a little wider than a normal basket, that would probably be what i like the least about it myself, but it has held up fine and i have been pleased with it for a practice basket. the top ring has a secondary support which makes it very easy to add an extra set of chains. is it the nicest basket, no, but for a practice basket used in the backyard or for something that can be broken down easily and taken to a local park or something, its fine.

[33tango]

traveler! i've got 3 travelers, 1 skillshot & 2 mach lites & the travelers are my faves of the 3 for regular, fairly heavy use....durable, lightweight & easy. mach lites are very regulation-like but not durable if you use them much.

the new travelers have 5 legs & more of a circular shape...big improvement on the old design. if anything, they catch too well. they weigh ~1/2 as much as skillshots or mach lites.

The new traveler with 5 legs is very stable. The 4 leg version is a little tippy in the wind but if you use the stakes that come with it and the ground isn't sand it works ok.

Very easy to setup. I highly recommend it.

[valkyriefb11]

So which portable basket is better or more durable ... the Innova skill shot or the DGA mach lite? Im trying to decide between the two and I was wondering what everyone's thoughts were?

[_.-Dut-._]

Instep basket. Got mine for like 75 bucks shipped. Great basket, easy to move, and is a nice metal basket instead of the vinyl ones.

[Lewis]

So which portable basket is better or more durable ... the Innova skill shot or the DGA mach lite? Im trying to decide between the two and I was wondering what everyone's thoughts were?

They're very similar. The Skill Shot's material seems a bit heavier, so maybe more durable. The Mach Lite may have a bigger catching area. The big advantage they both have over the full metal baskets is that they collapse like umbrellas. Eventually somebody may design a full-metal basket that does that, but it would be a real engineering feat. Either would be a decent buy, but if you can't find a used one that's in good condition, you might get more bang for your buck with the Traveler.

[zenbot]

So which portable basket is better or more durable ... the Innova skill shot or the DGA mach lite? Im trying to decide between the two and I was wondering what everyone's thoughts were?
I really like my Skillshot. I've never had a problem with wind (We have a lot at the beach.), it catches really well because of the inner chain ring on the bottom of the basket, and it makes putting on regular course baskets much easier. I'm not sure if the catch size is actually smaller but it feels that way.

The only problem I've had is some of the latches are difficult to get to catch. It's a minor detail.

[Midnightbiker]

Is this one from In Step easy to assemble and disassemble?

I take mine to the practice field at least twice a week, and it only takes about 20 seconds to take down and set up. With out the flag on top, it breaks down into 5 pieces. I added extra chains, and it catches better.

[simpletwist]

Well you folks have helped me if no one else. And it looks like we are getting an Innova Skill Shot. :D

[nosajeel99]

I was looking at buying a basket and am kind of starting from scratch. I don't know if I want an easy to pack up kind of thing or what. I was looking at the DISCatcher Sport initially, but looking at this thread made me start second guessing.

Which of the "easy to travel" baskets is most like a regular basket? I am not really planning on taking it to really exotic locations, just around my neighborhood and use it for putting practice. I think that will be the main use, actually... putting. Advice?

[Ryan P.]

the skill shot is a lot like a regular basket. it's round, it's got a top and a bottom, and it's got the most chains.

[DeafDiscGolfer]

I agree, it comes with a nice carry bag. It fits nicely anywhere in the car like a camping folding chair's size. The only downside is that it wouldn't stand too well in uneven surfaces or in strong windy conditions unless it was staked down.

[wtafro]

Has anyone ever attempted to make a basket? Just curious because I think I can make one for a lot less cost than buying one.

[skottyb]

Yup I have made one.. most of your cost is going to be the chains. If you can find those cheap you can make yourself a nice basket for cheap...

[valkyriefb11]

Just wanted t thank everyone for their input ... I bought the Innova skillshot and I got it last friday ... I love having a basket that I can practice putting with at any time ... my study breaks just got way more fun and useful :D . Im looking forward to seeing the extra practice translate into better putting on the course.

[Camgolfer]

http://discgolfreview.com/accessories/baskets/machlite.shtml

I am very happy with my purchase of the Mach Lite. This basket is sturdy, sets up easy and catches well. The basket is a bit taller than most in-ground models, but it can help you practice aiming higher. I have been out putting for an hour a day and am starting to see improvement on my short game. The Mach Lite from what I have read is one of the best buys for a portable basket.

[SpringDgLover]

It may cost a little more but I absolutely love my DGA Mach Lite. It is very easy to set up, it is ultra durable, and it presents what I believe to be the truest target for practicing putts.

[Hamilton]

i had wanted a discatcher sport initially, but found a steal on an in-step with extra chains...turns out it works D@MN well...and pretty portable also...

[3monsterboys]

i have the traveler and i think it's awesome. easy to set up and take down. it's very sturdy and it comes with stakes if its to windy. i do believe any basket you choose will help your putting game, and this one will do just fine. :)