DisCatcher Pro versus Mach V

[srm_520]

Okay, so we're looking into buying baskets and my brother and I disagree on what baskets we like playing. He is a Mach V guy, and said most people who have played for a while prefer it over the DisCatcher because they don't like the top ring.

Personally I enjoy the DisCatcher Pro since I enjoy the top ring for visability sake. Also, that are standard heights, so my thought has always been a high putt will get knocked down versus just overshooting with the Mach V.

Could just be me, but before we buy I wanted to get a flavor from the disc golf community on what people would rather play. Majority rules!!!

[srm_520]

Sorry, here the technical stats if anyone is interested. Thanks for your vote!

http://www.pdga.com/files/documents/PDGA_approved_targets_012609.pdf

[splash_4]

I like the Discatcher because it is much easier to see from a distance thanks to the band.

[_.-Dut-._]

I prefer the Discatcher Pro. Seems to be a much nicer goal, also, I bought one and cemented it into the yard, very easy to assemble and obviously they hold up great.

[biscoe]

i like the discatchers, imo they catch better. i actually prefer the mach 3 to the mach 5 as well. i do think the dga baskets tend to age better.

[thatguy]

I agree that the discatcher is easier to see than the mach 5 but I think the mach 5 catches better, and I have heard that they last longer but I don't know that first hand. I do agree about the disc catcher, I do have a tendency to bounce off the band rather than go over the basket which sets up a gimme rather than a 10 - 15 foot putt.

[Three Putt]

People hate change. Old player prefer the Mach V because that is what they are used to, and since the older players often are the better players, they convince new player that they are the best.

The Mach V has a dead spot, high and off-center. It's an off-center putt, so when the Mach V spits it a lot of folks will just shrug that it wasn't a good putt. However, the DisCatcher Pro or Titan will catch that putt. So purely as a catching basket, I think the Mach V could stand some work.

I do hate that damn strip at the top of the Innova basket! However, it is easier to spot from a distance.

If I was deciding between the two, I'd WANT to buy Mach V's, but in the end I'd convince myself to get DisCatchers.

[Three Putt]

The age thing comes from the first-generation DisCatchers. They were cheap! They only had one set of chains and they started rusting within a year. They also had really sharp edges on some of the top strips. I remember cutting my hand on the top strip of one once. However, they were $100 less per basket than DGA baskets at the time, so they went in a lot of parks. Innova has improved them a lot over the years, so I don't think the durability of the baskets is an issue any longer.

[progprowl]

I prefer the Mach because I think it catches better and I am one of those guys that hates the top ring on the DisCatcher. It makes the goal feel smaller. I also think it is harder to make those drop shots when you have to go over an obstace and drop it inthe basket from above. If you put a bright yellow of Orange flag on a Mach basket it can be just as easy to see.

[giles]

To clarify, you guys are talking about the cheep baskets not the top of the line Discatcher or Mach III.
For my opinion I bought a Chainstar. My girlfriend won (actually Yeti won it for her) a DB 18. I think the DB 18 is a great basket purely for practice. It isn't expensive and you don't need a truck to take it places.

[srm_520]

The DisCatcher Pro and Mach V are approved by the PDGA just like the Chainstar. The Pro is the top of the line DisCatcher version and the only real difference between the Mach III's and V's is the marker on top of the basket. I wouldn't rule out Chainstar, but what do you find is difference between it and the Mach V??

[Fore]

I voted for the Discatcher Pro because of the top ring. I like the visability of it and it catches well.

[valkyriefb11]

has anyone else heard of that top ring on the discatcher refered to as the chastity belt?

[Fore]

has anyone else heard of that top ring on the discatcher refered to as the chastity belt?

I have seen people type it on different boards and have heard people at the courses say it.

[ERicJ]

My $0.02 (and I've talked to David about this) is that it depends on where you're installing the course. If you're putting it in a forest or with lots of foliage then the Discatcher and its bright yellow "chastity belt" are a no brainer. Much easier to see even vs. a flag on top or a neon orange sticker around the pole on a DGA basket. But a lot of people let that yellow band get inside their head when putting.

Don't overlook the Chainstars either. I've probably thrown more playing round putts at Chainstars (@ The LINKS) than any other baskets and don't have any complaints there.

If you're building a mostly open course, which from David's preliminary map it looks to be, then my opinion is go with whatever baskets you can get the best deal on.

ERic

[giles]

The DisCatcher Pro and Mach V are approved by the PDGA just like the Chainstar. The Pro is the top of the line DisCatcher version and the only real difference between the Mach III's and V's is the marker on top of the basket. I wouldn't rule out Chainstar, but what do you find is difference between it and the Mach V??

are you sure the number plate is the only differance? I think the number plate are an option on any DGA bakset (like a base vs sleeve) and the number of chains and configuration is the differance.

[srm_520]

True, only 3 of the 9 are tree holes, and even then it is open. I plotted the course with actual coordinates last night - did David show you the updated vresion yet. Similar, just some yardage changes. By the way Eric - you didn't really say what you preferred - are you a Chainstar man based on the evil course I have come to know as the LINKS? :)

[Miller]

I suppose another point in the Discather's favor is that they come in at $300 a piece (when you buy 9) and that includes the locking collar. I may be converting...

[srm_520]

Yessss... I knew you'd succumb to the Dark Side.... :)

[ERicJ]

True, only 3 of the 9 are tree holes, and even then it is open. I plotted the course with actual coordinates last night - did David show you the updated vresion yet. Similar, just some yardage changes.

Haven't see the latest versions, I'd be interested. Please forward.

By the way Eric - you didn't really say what you preferred - are you a Chainstar man based on the evil course I have come to know as the LINKS? :)

When it comes to actually playing on them, I don't have a preference either way. I guess my philosophy is that I'll play all sorts of courses with all sorts of baskets so as long as they're "PDGA Championship" ;) quality I don't really care. But like I said the Discatchers are great for first timers finding their way around a course, or in heavy woods. But personally I think they look slighly less professional than the Chainstar or Mach X baskets. If I were doing it my decision would probably be based on price of Championship quality baskets and use the saving for nicer tee boxes & signs.

BTW, drop me an e-mail of what you lost at The LINKS and I keep an eye out in the Lost & Found.

ERic

[solomon.trenton]

[QUOTE=srm_520;31161] a high putt will get knocked down versus just overshooting with the Mach V. [QUOTE]

this happened to me about a month ago when i was playing a course with both baskets. on put hit the yellow band and just dropped straight down and a similar put on the mach v sailed right over and landed 15 from the basket on the other side.

[Discwog]

We just installed 12 Chainstar baskets at Leverich Park in Vancouver, Washington, USA. They have been in the ground for about 4 months now and so far everyone I have talked to likes the baskets. I have had a few putts that bounce out that I would have to blame on the basket, but that happens on any basket from time to time. Overall the basket plays very consistently and you can't beat the price.

Those of you that have done your homework know that the Chainstar is a Mach V with a couple of minor modifications.

[ERicJ]

The Mach V has a dead spot, high and off-center. It's an off-center putt, so when the Mach V spits it a lot of folks will just shrug that it wasn't a good putt. However, the DisCatcher Pro or Titan will catch that putt. So purely as a catching basket, I think the Mach V could stand some work.
Is that anecdotal or is there some scientific data behind it?

It'd be interesting to see some sort of experiment like that done. But you'd have the problem of the disc variable. The throws would have to be done by machine for consistency. But then any experiment with enough data, i.e. throws/catches, to be significant would have the problem of discs wearing... especially from a machined throwing apparatus.

ERic

[Tarazarr]

I like the discatcher pro, because they put the specs on their web page and I was able to take that info and weld together a perfect replica except in heavier grade steel...so now whenever I see a discatcher pro I think of it's beefy bastard child living in my subdivision and a little tear forms in the corner of my eye .I'll post a picture soon

[phishbrained]

In a game where I know the course, I like Mach V simply because I think they look better in nature. I guess I don't like the big yellow belt on the DisCatcher. However, when playing new courses or ones that are heavily wooded, it's nice to be able to actually see the basket and I prefer DisCatcher in that situation. I guess it depends on the visibility of the course and like someone said before, you could always get a neon flag for above the Mach V.

[StPaulie]

I like the Discatchers also. That bright yellow band helps these old eyes find the basket. You can't hit what can't find.

[olydiscgolf]

I am a mach V guy! I can't say which one catches better, because I've missed puts on both, but I like the chain pattern on the Mach V.

[scarpfish]

I've had a number of players tell me that they don't like the Discatchers precisely because the bright yellow color presents a visual distraction to them while putting. I do notice that I tend to squint my eyes more when looking at one versus a more silvery DGA basket.

[LStephens]

We call them the 'Yellow Rings of Death'....however...you can now purchase them in custom colors to match the tee signs or course logo or whatever. While the yellow ones may not look 'professional'...one with a custom color and a custom graphic of the course name and hole number looks highly professional.

The only time I ever blame the basket is when someone has damaged the basket due to their obvious lack of anger management. If you putt too hard, too much spin...too much hyzer...or just hit the wrong spot...it is going to cause you a lot of mental frustration until you realize...it isn't the basket..but you.

[t i m]

I agree with the folks who say that placement matters. Tight woods, get some yellow discatchers to make them easy to see. Out in more of a field, get the MachVs, IIIs or Chainstars -- they blend in better with the environment, and -- especially when you get them hotdipped in a color like blue or red -- they are the sweetest and most professional looking baskets out there.

I think one of the biggest advantages to the discatchers isn't just visibility, but advertising/sponsorship potential. You've got that big band begging for sponsor lettering which is dollars for the course if you do it right. Some of the custom-colored discatchers (like the black ones out at Hawk Hollow) are incredibly sweet looking.

IMHO, all the baskets catch pretty well. And even if they don't, we're all playing the same baskets. Single chains or shallow baskets add to the challenge and make you more careful with your putts, so I have nothing against different baskets. I'm more concerned with wayfinding, aesthetics and budget -- those should be your biggest concern, IMHO.

On a related note: has anyone tried Titans' yet? The look sweet, but I've never played a course that has them. According the the DGCourseReview search, they only have them on a dozen courses so far, and the closest one to me is over 800 miles away.

[zenbot]

Support a DGCR member. Buy 18 Aspen baskets.

[srm_520]

Support a DGCR member. Buy 18 Aspen baskets.

If I had 20 Grand - I totally go with the Aspen baskets!

After much debate - I say heck with them all - I want these baskets (Hole #1 pic)
http://www.dgcoursereview.com/gallery.php?id=2488&mode=gal#

[DGtourist]

I still like the mach 3. I THINK it catches the best! (if it does or not).

[Chucktown]

I am not really partial to either, but I do like the Innova Discatcher because it is yellow and easier to spot in the woods. I just played at a new course this weekend that had the DGA Mach V and had no idea where the pins were. Steel is surprisingly hard to see through the woods, and all I had to look for is the little red sticker.

[Meast918]

I would agree that the Discatcher is easier to see from the teepad, however when it comes down to putting (the most important part) I would much rather be putting at a Mach V. Personally, the Discatcher's yellow belt makes the chain area seems smaller and a bit more difficult to hit, but that may just be a mental block I have.

[Winger]

After much debate - I say heck with them all - I want these baskets (Hole #1 pic)
http://www.dgcoursereview.com/galler...2488&mode=gal#

What kind of basket is that? Looks cool.

[ERicJ]

What kind of basket is that? Looks cool.
Really sweet custom baskets made by a guy local to Denver area. I'd say they were probably the nicest non-big-name baskets I've played so far.

[billnchristy]

I got a guy here in town that said he would powder coat the baskets for about $25-30 a piece. Safety yellow...florescent colors...you name it.

Problem solved.

[billnchristy]

Oh...and obviously most are not local to me. Just check out fabrication shops...this guy builds go-karts. Powder comes in 6500 different colors and he said it can baked right over the galvanizing.

[innova]

I cannot count the times I have seen folks hit that yellow band on Innova baskets.

I prefer Mach baskets, but we have Innova Yellow Tops. We added a second set of chains years ago.
That was a huge difference. I remember when we installed them some folks whined. wtf.

They came around.

[Flies to the Left]

I prefer Mach baskets, but we have Innova Yellow Tops. We added a second set of chains years ago.
That was a huge difference. I remember when we installed them some folks whined. wtf.

They came around.

I'm glad all the new Innova's come with 3 sets of chains. I need all the help I can get.