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Which disc golf driver is best?

Disc golf is far more nuanced than it may seem, requiring a fleet of specialized discs at the highest level of play. Among the most critical types of discs is the driver. It comes in a few varieties that can be used for the longest shots off the tee or for gliding farther down the fairway.

The best disc golf driver is the Discraft Buzzz Elite Z Golf Disc. It’s designed for use by anyone of any skill level and is sturdy enough to last but soft enough for gentle landings.

What to know before you buy a disc golf driver

Types of disc golf drivers

There are two types of disc golf drivers: distance and fairway.

• Distance drivers require the most skill to use efficiently, but they can also travel the farthest of any disc. However, they tend to curve during flight rather than stay straight.
• Fairway, or control, drivers require less skill to keep them gliding straight and far. They’re perfect for beginners in all cases and let pros closely control their game.

Flight numbers

Disc golf drivers have a set of four numbers that relay how a disc flies.

• Speed tells how hard you must throw a disc to maintain its intended flight pattern. Drivers typically have speeds of 7-14.
• Glide tells how long a disc can stay in the air. High glides can go the distance but are the most affected by wind.
• Turn tells how likely a disc is to bend one way and then hook toward the other way, making an S-curve. The lower the number, as low as in the negatives, the more likely turn is to happen.
• Fade tells how likely the disc is to curve toward the end of the throw. The higher the number, the more intense it can hook.

What to look for in a quality disc golf driver

Plastic

Disc manufacturers use a range of plastics to make drivers and frequently use special names, making it easier to examine the material in terms of hardness.

• Hard plastic is the most durable and glides the smoothest. However, it can be challenging to maintain a good grip.
• Soft plastic is easier to grip and maintain your control, but they fly slower and less far. They also skip less and don’t last as long.
• Rubber is rarely used, but it can be useful for those who struggle to keep a close grip on their driver. It’s moderately durable, too.

Weight 

Driver weight is most linked to your skill level.

• Light drivers of 150 to…