Ideal Plastic

[fountg]

Im still really new to disc golf, and still loving every minute of it. I have a question for you guys though, What would you say is the "recommended" plastic(Star, DX etc.), and what are the differences performance-wise?

 

[garublador]

For beginners I highly recommend the low end (DX, D, S) for putters, mids and fairway drivers. The only disc I'd recommend they carry that's worth getting in the expensive plastic is a very overstable driver. The low end plastics are just so much easier to throw and control, they get easier to control and go farther as they beat up and it's good to see what beating in plastic is like. I even think intermediate players should keep those discs in low end plastic but it's worth considering the expensive stuff for moderately overstable drivers and distance drivers. They tend to be either discs you don't want to break in or discs that are more fragile and will beat in too fast and/or get squirrley when beat.

There is one exception and that's some of the KC Pro plastic. The KC Pro Aviar and Roc have the advantages of the low end plastic with better durability. Gateway's S plastic is the same way but it's normally grouped with the cheaper plastics.

 

[fountg]

Interesting. Right now ALL I have is DX. Is the plastic just a durability thing? Like is it just vital to how long it takes the disc to beat in, or is it a performance thing that would just be too hard for newer players to cope with?

 

[AJ_86]

I'd recommend sticking to DX or similar plastics (if you go outside Innova's line), but getting a Star driver, such as a Roadrunner or a Leopard and a soft putter like a Supersoft Omega or Soft Magnet.

It's partly performance and partly durability for the Stars and it's all about grip and chain-grab on the putters.

 

[wolito]

I would suggest DX plastics as well for new player. Pretty much what Garublador said. DX are cheaper and I think easier to throw then Star, I am not sure how else to explain it. A Star driver is probably a good idea at some point. High end plastics for putters don't make a whole lot of sense to me as they don't grab the chains as well as more gripper plastics do.

 

[Technohic]

I prefer the pro and elite-x over DX/D but if thats not available, D and DX are fine and serve a new player much better IMO than the high end plastic.

 

[fountg]

Ok, I think im starting to understand. So possibly A Star Leopard would be better than a DX leopard though?

 

[garublador]

Ok, I think im starting to understand. So possibly A Star Leopard would be better than a DX leopard though?

It depends. What skill level is the person throwing and how far are they throwing fairway drivers?

 

[toothyfish]

The whole subject of specific models (or molds, as they will be referred to) and the effects of different plastics can get a bit complicated. I wouldn't overwhelm yourself with learning all the details of it, as it's sometimes not so straight forward.

Since you are new, you main focus will be learning proper form. Having a putter and midrange are fine, just to start. The baseliine plastics are inexpensive and the details of difference won't matter as much to someone just starting out.

A DX Leopard is a good first driver. While the Leopard may be "better" in Star or Champion plastic, to learn, DX will be fine. It will save you some money, plus as you improve, you may wish to try additional molds.

While it was mentioned earlier that overstable and fast drivers tend to be better in the more durable plastics, you really don't want these discs too soon. Sticking with a putter, a midrange or two, and a speed 6 driver (Gazelle, Cheetah, or Leopard) will be fine.

But above all, don't think that if you throw a DX disc into a tree or rock and it gets bent, nicked, cut, and scuffed that it's ruined. Believe it or not, these "beauty marks" over time will actually change the discs slightly to an "improved" version. Many players will carry two or three of the same mold, in different wear stages. That's what Garublador was referring to above: you will get to experience how this happens.

 

[AJ_86]

But above all, don't think that if you throw a DX disc into a tree or rock and it gets bent, nicked, cut, and scuffed that it's ruined. Believe it or not, these "beauty marks" over time will actually change the discs slightly to an "improved" version. Many players will carry two or three of the same mold, in different wear stages. That's what Garublador was referring to above: you will get to experience how this happens.

Indeed. I got a four year old Viper that was always curving way left and watched it turn into a very long straight shooter over time, until it was my primary driver.

Then I threw it into a pond. :wall:

 

[BogeyNoMore]

The whole subject of specific models (or molds, as they will be referred to) and the effects of different plastics can get a bit complicated. I wouldn't overwhelm yourself with learning all the details of it, as it's sometimes not so straight forward.

Since you are new, you main focus will be learning proper form. Having a putter and midrange are fine, just to start. The baseliine plastics are inexpensive and the details of difference won't matter as much to someone just starting out.

A DX Leopard is a good first driver. While the Leopard may be "better" in Star or Champion plastic, to learn, DX will be fine. It will save you some money, plus as you improve, you may wish to try additional molds.

While it was mentioned earlier that overstable and fast drivers tend to be better in the more durable plastics, you really don't want these discs too soon. Sticking with a putter, a midrange or two, and a speed 6 driver (Gazelle, Cheetah, or Leopard) will be fine.

But above all, don't think that if you throw a DX disc into a tree or rock and it gets bent, nicked, cut, and scuffed that it's ruined. Believe it or not, these "beauty marks" over time will actually change the discs slightly to an "improved" version. Many players will carry two or three of the same mold, in different wear stages. That's what Garublador was referring to above: you will get to experience how this happens.

:hfive:
Well said! Nothing more to add- just posting to 2nd this point of view should any begginers wonder what others think.

 

[srm_520]

DX may be a good place to start, but I personally never started throwing well until I threw champion or star plastic. It just felt much more consistent and stayed true even when I was smacking trees.

Could just be me, but if you don't know what you prefer - I would recommend going into an open field with the your choice driver in all plastics (if you have the money and really want to know) and give them a whirl for a while. Sometimes, something just feels right even if it's not the recommended plastic for your skill level.

 

[illuminatefreak]

Wow. I'm pretty new at this and didn't even realize that the plastic made a difference on performace, but was specifically about durability. Very cool thread for me.

 

[OKC444]

I'd recommend sticking to DX or similar plastics (if you go outside Innova's line), but getting a Star driver, such as a Roadrunner or a Leopard and a soft putter like a Supersoft Omega or Soft Magnet.

It's partly performance and partly durability for the Stars and it's all about grip and chain-grab on the putters.

That is definitely true about the putters in my case. I was so frustrated by my Aviar I started throwing mids as putters... then I got a Supersoft Omega and I have started putting from even further away with alot more confidence due to the additional grip and it's staying power in the chains.

 

[toothyfish]

Indeed. I got a four year old Viper that was always curving way left and watched it turn into a very long straight shooter over time, until it was my primary driver.

Then I threw it into a pond. :wall:

I lost a well-seasoned DX Roc over the summer...I was more upset about that then when I lost a brand new CFR Gazelle...

 

[Feli]

Putters and short mids in DX are fine; those discs don't usually take much of a beating from trees/fences/paved walkways/rocks/etc. I still use some DX for putters and short mids, even in tourneys. Once you find the putter and mids that work for you, you may want to switch to RPro, KCPro, or Star eventually due to more durability, but that's your call. Personally, I like RPro the best, and it's significantly cheaper than Star. Stay away from Champion for putters or short mids due to grip being poor and the fact that the putters are too stiff and will bounce out of baskets a lot (hence why most putters aren't even offered in champ plastic).

Your drivers will get beat up fairly fast just because they are thrown farther; they will get away from you and they obviously hit things like trees/rocks/pavements/etc at higher speeds. I'd go DX drivers while you're learning what you like, but switch to Champion plastic as soon as you realize you like and do well with certain disc flight patterns. It will save you a lot in the long run due to supreme durability.

Further info on Innova plastics (but keep in mind they are trying to sell the high end):
http://www.innovadiscs.com/home/disc-golf-faq/plastic-types-overview.html

 

[fountg]

Thanks for all the replies. I originally asked because my Aviar DX has seen its share of trees, and is getting pretty beat. I didn't know if that was just poor quality or what. I get kinda worried about it "breaking". the "sides" are covered in knicks and deep scratches.

 

[BogeyNoMore]

Thanks for all the replies. I originally asked because my Aviar DX has seen its share of trees, and is getting pretty beat. I didn't know if that was just poor quality or what. I get kinda worried about it "breaking". the "sides" are covered in knicks and deep scratches.

I'm sure we've seen worse. Don't wory about it unless you can't control it - and then, make sure its the disc and not your form - have someone more experienced watch you.


yes more expensive plastics take more abuse, but its' not like DX is gonna explode if it hits some trees.

Some guys only putt with base plastic.

 

[AJ_86]

Thanks for all the replies. I originally asked because my Aviar DX has seen its share of trees, and is getting pretty beat. I didn't know if that was just poor quality or what. I get kinda worried about it "breaking". the "sides" are covered in knicks and deep scratches.

I used to have a Discraft #2 Roller in bas plastic that's almost exactly like Innova's DX. I nicknamed it 'Ugly' as there was no area of the edge that was not damaged in some way. It was my favorite disc for two years straight, until I lost it. I spent almost an hour searching through sticker vines for it, gaining over a dozen wounds.

I still miss it, to be honest. Some of the the most beat to hell disks can be the most useful, because they are your most predictable. Why? Because if a new disk hits a rock and gets a chunk taken out of the edge, that could radically change the way that disk flies. A well worn disk can get the same damage and still fly pretty much the same, because of the surrounding damage.

Golf discs rarely break, though. I've seen so many Frisbees shatter... but never seen a disc golf break.

 

[kachtz]

based on my little experience...the other equasion that comes in is... where do you play?? if its a lot of fields and grass and not many trees or roads, DX will probably be good, if you like the feel of them. i find Pro plastic the easiest to grip.

for me..
Midrange discs - Pro/Star
Fairway Drivers - Star
Distance Drivers - Pro

I would definitely reccomend either DX or Pro plastics for drivers though