First time buyer

[DiscRook18]

With so many options out there today, I figured a good way to narrow down my options would be to refer to DGCR for all of your opinions!

So I plan on going out (finally) to get my own discs after having used various friends for the past month or so. I have an idea of what to get, but would like to see if anyone has any better suggestions that might catch my eye ;)

I'm mainly a LHBH with a not so good FH as of now and a fairly good overhand. I can get my BH to go anywhere between 200 to 300 ft. with the occasional 350 thrown in. I'm hoping to improve my game enough over the summer to try out for a disc golf league that starts up in fall and be competitive in it. Therefore, I need to get some discs that I can practice and get used to so that I don't have to keep switching.

I'm looking to get about 3 to 4 discs for right now (eventually adding more). I'm thinking 2 drivers, 1 mid, 1 putter.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated! :D

[climbingbubba]

im fairly new as well and these discs seem to work for me and will give you some room to grow

Drivers (165-170 gram range)
DX innova leopard
DX innova Teebird

mid (170-175 gram)
discraft esp buzz
or
innova roc

Putter (175ish gram)
innova Putt and approach aviar (personal favorite, find one that feels good in your hand)

[Animage]

Star Teebird
Champion Leopard
ESP FLX Buzzz
Soft Wizard


If I had to do it all over again, those would be the only 4 discs I'd probably own.

[RHINESEL]

Valkyrie or Avenger SS
Leopard or XL (Elite X)
Buzzz (Elite X)
Whatever putter feels good for you. Innova Aviar, Discraft Magnet, Gateway Magic are the standard ones.

[DiscRook18]

The Leopard was one of the ones on my list, makes me feel good to know that 3 people agree with me!!! :D

thanks guys

[discpicable]

Another vote for the Leopard.

[Chucktown]

Innova
DX Archangel
DX Leopard
DX Valkyrie

Discraft:
Buzzz
Cyclone

Gateway
Magic

[wolito]

im fairly new as well and these discs seem to work for me and will give you some room to grow

Drivers (165-170 gram range)
DX innova leopard
DX innova Teebird

mid (170-175 gram)
discraft esp buzz
or
innova roc

Putter (175ish gram)
innova Putt and approach aviar (personal favorite, find one that feels good in your hand)

He is keeping it simple here. I would definately suggest these as well. Nothing faster then a teebird, buzzz or roc, you choose. A putter that you are comfortable with in your hand is also a good idea. I suggest sticking with one putter and go with that. Don't think that your putting game is going to improve that much because of which type of putter you throw. Practice.

[himynameismatt]

The Leopard was one of the ones on my list, makes me feel good to know that 3 people agree with me!!! :D thanks guys Here's a 4th! Leopard is a fantastic disc. The lines are so predictable everytime it comes out of my hand. My list goes like something like this: Valkyrie, Leopard, Roc, Aviar. Once you get those down you might want to add a stable-overstable fairway driver.

[Dthunderchicken]

Another vote for the Leopard and Aviar. Personally I like the Leopard in champ plastic. DX gets beat silly too quickly. Although the Aviar in DX is a great putter.

As for the Roc Buzz choice, I don't think you'll go wrong with either.

[leppard]

Champion Leppard
Coyote or Mako
Dart

[SirRaph]

Couple of things I wish I'd had suggested to me at the start:

1. Don't buy the more expensive plastics to start (STAR, Champion, Z, etc.) They're more overstable, therefore less beginner friendly to start, and they're also.......more expensive. Try the DX plastic from Innova and the D plastic from Discraft. You can buy 3 discs for the price of one in the more expensive stuff. So you can try more discs. Plus, if you lose one...and you will...it only costs you $6.

2. Don't feel the need to get the heavier weights to start. For your drivers, feel free to start with weights in the 160 gram area. They'll fly as if you have more power than you do. Midranges, however, are better in heavier weights (175g) as are putters, IMO.

[DiscRook18]

Thanks guys, this has helped more then you know!

I plan on going out today so i'll post up what I buy so I can be criticized, bashed, etc. :D

[climbingbubba]

Another vote for the Leopard and Aviar. Personally I like the Leopard in champ plastic. DX gets beat silly too quickly. Although the Aviar in DX is a great putter.

I suggested the DX because it flies better for me. I actually bought 3 leopards so i can practice in a field and i can throw the DX 20 or so feet further and more consistently straight.
I also bought a star and a champion. I think once my abilities get better ill appreciate the champ and star plastics but they do seem a little more overstable. The champion does fly better than the star for me though for some reason.

I also found (and im the process of returning to the owner) a millenium jls and it flies pretty good too. very similar to the leopard. I ended up buying one for myself to try. might be a good option if you want to try something a little more unique.

[mashnut]

I know the leopard is a really popular disc, but I recommend getting a cheetah instead for a beginning player. It's another easy disc to throw straight for a newer player, but you can also shape more lines with it, and it has just a little bit of low speed stability that makes it much easier to transition to faster drivers when you're ready than the leopard, and is less likely to take those silly rolls when you turn it over.

[BrotherDave]

Gazelle or Cyclone
Cheetah
Z Comet or Fuse
Ion

After you get a little bit more experienced,
EagleX or PD
Leopard or JLS
Buzzz/Roc/Core
Zcomet or Fuse
Ion or putter you prefer more.

[WillACarpenter]

I'm looking to get about 3 to 4 discs for right now (eventually adding more). I'm thinking 2 drivers, 1 mid, 1 putter.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated! :D

Drivers: Teebird, Leopard

Mid: Elite X BuZzz

Putter: Whatever feels good in your hand and isn't too overstable so: Magnet, Aviar P&A, Omega SuperSoft, Ion, Magic, VooDoo, Focus, Dart, X Putt'r etc

For the putter stick to base line plastic unless you like the soft versions then get either a Discraft Soft whatever or an Innova R-Pro whatever or a gateway SS or SSS whatever.

\/\/

EDIT: You could just grab either an Innova DX starter pack or a Discraft starter pack. Innova has a Aviar P&A, shark and cheetah. Discraft starter has APX (like a magnet with more glide) BuZzz and XL. The Pro D XL is a great starter disc, at 0 stability it's easier for a new player to get out there a way without fading back hard.

[Wolfman]

Since your here in wisconsin if your able you should go to Glide and pick up your discs. Its in Madison right across from Hiestand Park.

Drivers
Teebird or Leopard
Valkerie

Mid Range
Buzz
Gator
Wolf

Putter
Voodoo
Magic

[sloppydisc]

How about 2 mids, 1 driver and a putter???

Core
Fuse
Leopard/Teebird/Cheetah
Wizard/Ion/Challenger

You can get some really good distance with a Core. If you use it from teepads under 250' then maybe you drop the Leopard and get a Teebird so you have something a little more stable to shape some lines with. Lots of ways you can go. Putters are so much personal preference that I think you need to just try a couple different styles, find out what works for your form, and then stick with 1. The 3 I mentioned all are decent for driving also, so they can do some double duty on short holes. Whatever you do save yourself all the pain I endured, and learn to throw your putters and mids. They are key. They will help you improve your form, and keep you on the fairways. Plus those ****ty little putters can fly a lot farther than you think they can. I have a average to weak arm, and I try to use a putter for holes 200' or less. Unless I need ot shape a shot around or over something. People with better arms can drive with putters a lot farther than that.

Learn whatever discs you choose and have fun.

[DiscRook18]

Since your here in wisconsin

I'm up in Green Bay so I go to Scheel's in Appleton. They have a boat load of discs, anything you can think of. I was fairly suprised.

After everyones advice I went with thee following:

(All DX)

Driver: Valkyrie

-I went with the higher speed of the options I was considering because previously I had only been able to use my friends Discraft Crush, and was getting fairly accurate with it, though distance wasn't as great as it could have been. I know it was a fairly overstable driver to begin with, but it was my only option until now. Hopefully I can pick up were I left off without having to many problems

Mid: Roc

-Simply because it's the best mid in the game. Hopefully it's reputation lives up to its standards

Putter: Aviar P&A

-Had the best feel of any of the putters I grabbed. Already started throwing around the house (can't get out to the course today :mad:)

I stuck with 3 for now just so I can get these 3 up to where I want them. I'm hoping with a couple months practice I can upgrade my collection a bit.

Thanks a lot guys for all your help!

[djjeremiahj]

1) Katana - (Start the flames) - if he can get 300' why not let him really get some Distance and learn distance driving with the king.
2) Teebird - Best all purpose disc. It will make you learn snap, and give you precision in the process.
3) Leopard - Great all purpose approach disc.
4) Aviar
* Note, this bag set up is more for precision, finesse and straight shots. There are little, no overstable (meathook) shots.


Depending on how your game progresses afterward i'd recommend (as compliments, not replacements, to your game. (your game and home courses will dictate where you go from here.)
1) Sidewinder - It will probably change your distance game from day 1.
2) Wraith - It will be the love child of the Sidewinder and Katana. (another d compliment.), good sidearm driver.
3) Cro / Roc - Depends on which feels better in your hand. (Any one else notice CRO is ROC scrambled?) - this will open up your short game and give you all of the shots that fall between your leopard and aviar.
4) Rhyno - great putter/short approach compliment. Great sidearm flick disc.

btw - it's very critical that you find the right WEIGHT to start. i'm going to guess you are an average male, and as such you'll probably find 170g about right. Heavier weights, while giving you more control, KILL your distance and disc performance.

[deBebbler]

Couple of things I wish I'd had suggested to me at the start:

1. Don't buy the more expensive plastics to start (STAR, Champion, Z, etc.) They're more overstable, therefore less beginner friendly to start, and they're also.......more expensive. Try the DX plastic from Innova and the D plastic from Discraft. You can buy 3 discs for the price of one in the more expensive stuff. So you can try more discs. Plus, if you lose one...and you will...it only costs you $6.

2. Don't feel the need to get the heavier weights to start. For your drivers, feel free to start with weights in the 160 gram area. They'll fly as if you have more power than you do. Midranges, however, are better in heavier weights (175g) as are putters, IMO.


Agreed on both points.

A Gazelle is a great first driver, and it preforms reasonable well in windy conditions. At most, a speed 7 disc would be the fastest disc I would throw at your point (Eagle, ThunderChicken, etc.)

Concentrate on finding mids and putters you like and throw them often. The more time you spend learning how to throw these better, the more distance you will get when you step up to Wraiths and Destroyers.

[deBebbler]

After everyones advice I went with thee following:

(All DX)

^^^Good move here

Driver: Valkyrie

-I went with the higher speed of the options I was considering because previously I had only been able to use my friends Discraft Crush, and was getting fairly accurate with it, though distance wasn't as great as it could have been. I know it was a fairly overstable driver to begin with, but it was my only option until now. Hopefully I can pick up were I left off without having to many problems

Put it away for now. It is a great choice, but you aren't there yet. Living on the other side of the pond from you as I do, I know what kind of winds you will encounter. The drivers suggested in my above post will be a better choice.

Mid: Roc

-Simply because it's the best mid in the game. Hopefully it's reputation lives up to its standards

Learn this disc asap. The reputation is deserved. If you aren't throwing a Roc well, you aren't going to throw anything else well, either.

Putter: Aviar P&A



Another solid choice.

Fair winds to you...

[chuckdisc]

TeeBird....Roc

[DiscRook18]

thanks for the critique, deBebbler.

I'm planning, if the Valkryie is indeed to fast for my lvl, to get a Teebird sometime in the near future.

[eegor]

im fairly new as well and these discs seem to work for me and will give you some room to grow

Drivers (165-170 gram range)
DX innova leopard
DX innova Teebird

mid (170-175 gram)
discraft esp buzz
or
innova roc

Putter (175ish gram)
innova Putt and approach aviar (personal favorite, find one that feels good in your hand)

Same discs, but if you know you will stick with the game... get the drivers in champ plastic because you will never stop using these two...

[Dthunderchicken]

I suggested the DX because it flies better for me. I actually bought 3 leopards so i can practice in a field and i can throw the DX 20 or so feet further and more consistently straight.
I also bought a star and a champion. I think once my abilities get better ill appreciate the champ and star plastics but they do seem a little more overstable. The champion does fly better than the star for me though for some reason.

I also found (and im the process of returning to the owner) a millenium jls and it flies pretty good too. very similar to the leopard. I ended up buying one for myself to try. might be a good option if you want to try something a little more unique.

I too started out using DX Leopards and for the reasons you stated. But considering that a Leopard will see a lot of use, I feel it's worth the extra money to buy champ. It doesn't take much more to control the champ version. For me a new DX flies like an old champ. And barring loss, champ lasts a whole lot longer.

I've never tried a JLS but I really like the new Sirius Polaris LS.

[discpicable]

Champion Leppard
Coyote or Mako
Dart

Why do you refuse to spell leopard correctly? Serious question.

[leppard]

Def Leppard and because it is my member name. Didn't think anyone would care. Sorry.

[discpicable]

Def Leppard and because it is my member name. Didn't think anyone would care. Sorry.

No apology needed. Unless you were apologizing for liking Def Leppard. If that's the case, I accept your apology.

[climbingbubba]

I too started out using DX Leopards and for the reasons you stated. But considering that a Leopard will see a lot of use, I feel it's worth the extra money to buy champ. It doesn't take much more to control the champ version. For me a new DX flies like an old champ. And barring loss, champ lasts a whole lot longer.

I've never tried a JLS but I really like the new Sirius Polaris LS.

Yeah i ended up going with a star, champ, and dx so i could practice in a field with the same disc. The JLS seems pretty similar so i can throw that too. I also want to do as others are suggesting and pick up a few more mids. I have a esp buzz and can steal my wifes esp impact but thats it. maybe ill pick up a heavier buzz and a roc to try out. i love how cheap discs are!!

And to the original poster. I also started with a crush and other fast discs and now after playing for a few weeks (a lot of playing) i have realized that i can't even throw the leopard to its potential and probably won't for a while. You will feel like you are getting good distance with the faster discs but i gaurantee that you could throw the leopard or other slower discs just as far with more accuracy.

I still use the faster discs for forehand shots into the wind. the faster overstable discs seem to fly further and straighter for me than the slower ones. probably a form thing that im practicing to work out but until then i throw the faster discs during game play and practice with the slower, less stable ones.

either way though just go out, play, and have fun. thats all that really matters.

[volmed10]

1) Katana - (Start the flames) - if he can get 300' why not let him really get some Distance and learn distance driving with the king.
2) Teebird - Best all purpose disc. It will make you learn snap, and give you precision in the process.
3) Leopard - Great all purpose approach disc.
4) Aviar
* Note, this bag set up is more for precision, finesse and straight shots. There are little, no overstable (meathook) shots.


Depending on how your game progresses afterward i'd recommend (as compliments, not replacements, to your game. (your game and home courses will dictate where you go from here.)
1) Sidewinder - It will probably change your distance game from day 1.
2) Wraith - It will be the love child of the Sidewinder and Katana. (another d compliment.), good sidearm driver.
3) Cro / Roc - Depends on which feels better in your hand. (Any one else notice CRO is ROC scrambled?) - this will open up your short game and give you all of the shots that fall between your leopard and aviar.
4) Rhyno - great putter/short approach compliment. Great sidearm flick disc.

btw - it's very critical that you find the right WEIGHT to start. i'm going to guess you are an average male, and as such you'll probably find 170g about right. Heavier weights, while giving you more control, KILL your distance and disc performance.

I really hope the highlighted portion is a joke.

[Dthunderchicken]

I would throw at your point (Eagle, ThunderChicken, etc.)

First a wine now a disc. I'm deeply honored.;)

[droppedthenuke]

leopard, teebird, buzzzz, wizard


this thread is a broken record

[Dave Walters]

Driver:
DX Teebird
Pro Leopard

Mid:
Buzzz
Meteor

Putters:
Gateway Magic
Aviar PnA

[stsren]

I don't understand why you'd want to start someone out with DX plastic.

I had a DX Valkyrie and it didn't last 3 months before it became too flippy to throw anything but rollers out of. Perhaps this was just an anomaly, or I hit more trees than the average disc golf player (completely possible!)? If you're throwing 3 discs, you're going to break them in (or wear them out) much more quickly...

I know I may be in the minority here, but I recommend buying a quality plastic that will maintain its flight characteristics longer. You will KNOW what the disc will do, because you'll be using it for a long period of time.

If someone can throw 300'-350', they can use a Valkyrie. I'm not saying they'll break the world distance record with it, but they can throw it and should get more distance from that disc than their Roc. If they aren't getting more distance from their driver than their Roc, then they should bag the Valk until they have their fundamentals more sound. Still I get tired of people saying that someone shouldn't throw their drivers because they're TOO FAST for said player's skill level. If it works for you, use it...but also understand that unless you build solid fundamentals, you will not improve or become consistent.

/end rant

[deBebbler]

First a wine now a disc. I'm deeply honored.;)

Loved your handle when I first saw it. :thmbup:

[deBebbler]

1) Katana - (Start the flames) - if he can get 300' why not let him really get some Distance and learn distance driving with the king.
2) Teebird - Best all purpose disc. It will make you learn snap, and give you precision in the process.
3) Leopard - Great all purpose approach disc.
4) Aviar
* Note, this bag set up is more for precision, finesse and straight shots. There are little, no overstable (meathook) shots.


I really hope the highlighted portion is a joke.

If it wasn't it will certainly solve that lack of meathook shots :)

[deBebbler]

No apology needed. Unless you were apologizing for liking Def Leppard. If that's the case, I accept your apology.

I, however, do not. :D

[volmed10]

If it wasn't it will certainly solve that lack of meathook shots :)

Or unless Innova makes a 140g Katana.