After figuring out what flight numbers on a disc mean, its time to select your first discs. Through browsing the internet, personal experience, and asking around the disc golf community, I came up with this list just for you.
Drivers
For beginning disc golfers, a low speed driver is going to work best. Your arm speed isn’t up to par yet, so look for a 9 or lower. Here are some options:
Innova Archangel 8-6-(-4)-1
My dad, who used to play league with a 12 speed Innova Destroyer or 14 speed Westside Discs King, finally took my advice and set his ego aside. He now throws this 8 speed Archangel.
“I like the Archangel because it flies straight for me,” he said. “I don’t have to throw it very hard and it will go a decent distance.”
On their website, Innova wrote that the Archangel is “a turnover driver that maximizes distance for less powerful players. One of our easiest drivers to throw.”
So, for those starting out, this disc is great for distance, even if you have a weaker arm, and it won’t get away from you because of a nasty fade.
Innova Leopard 6-5-(-2)-1
The Leopard was one of the firsts discs I bought when starting out, and to this day, it’s one of my go-to discs.
I use the Leopard when I have a longer shot but don’t want to use a distance driver. It has given me the most birdies to date.
I also gave it to my nine-year-old cousin to use when playing with my dad, brother, and I, and he got some good distance with it, too. I think I’ll get him one for Christmas.
Chris Sprague, winner of the Mid America Open Pro Masters 40+, also recommends this disc to beginners.
“The Leopard is a great all around control driver I always recommend to newer players,” Sprague said on Innova’s page. “Faster than a mid-range, but with a similar flight characteristic. I often use it in place of a mid-range disc on low canopy shots. The Leopard is also great for long turnovers and shots that need to finish straight.”
Mid-Range
The common thread with these suggestions is their flight path; both the Buzzz and Truth are straight, reliable mid-ranges.
Discraft Buzzz 5-4-(-1)-1
I found my Discraft Buzzz in the brush at Riggs Park and had no idea what a gem I stumbled upon.
I use this disc as a midrange and putter because I trust its flight path. If there is a longer putt I need to save par, I reach for this disc.
Discraft takes pride in the Buzzz as its best disc, hands down.
“More players agree: Buzzz™ is the best golf disc you can buy, period,” Discraft wrote. “It’s an ultra-dependable, straight flying midrange that you’ll reach for again and again. Throw it hard and versatile Buzzz™ will hold any line you put it on. Discraft’s 30-year reputation for consistency means that if you lose it, just pull out a new one and you’re back in business.”
Not only do people use this disc on the course, but many people also collect them.
Dynamic Discs Truth 5-5-(-1)-1
My brother, who normally forehand flicks his discs, loves the Truth. He struggles with his backhand, but this disc makes it look good.
“It’s always straight for me and doesn’t have a hard hook at the end like I’ve had with some other mid-ranges,” he said. “I use it for putting as well. I can throw it at a bunch of different ranges too.”
Inspired by the Buzzz, this disc combines reliability and versatility.
“The best midrange disc in the game,” Dynamic Discs wrote. “The Roc and the Buzzz showed us how versatile and trusted a midrange can be. We took the best of all worlds and the Truth has been revealed. Hyzer, straight, anhyzer, distance, approach, low ceiling power shots, high floating drop shots, all have been accomplished with the Truth. Beginners and World Champions love this disc and lower their scores with it and you will, too.”
Putters
Putting is key to the game; you can either add or subtract strokes based on your skill level. Find a disc that gets you there.
Innova Aviar 2-3-0-1
As one of the most recommended putters in the disc golf community, the Aviar is a no-brainer for this list.
Part of the Innova Disc Golf Starter Set, the Aviar is Innova’s most popular disc for its dependability.
Matt LaCourte Jr., winner of the Lost Valley Open Preview for Pro Masters 40+, praises this disc.
“Hands down the best disc produced,” LaCourte Jr. said on Innova’s page. “Dependable and a sure grip will lead to many birdies.”
As you can tell from the list, I’m a bit biased toward Innova. If you find a disc that works better for you that’s not on this list, that’s okay! Each person has their own preferences and should feel comfortable with whatever disc they are throwing.
Got any other discs you feel should make the list? Let me know in the comments.
One Toss at a Time 
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