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Which disc golf set is best?

A quality disc golf set includes everything you need to start playing and will likely serve you well for years to come. While almost every set includes a putter, midrange disc and driver, the number of discs per set and plastic quality can vary. Our top choice is a reliable set from a popular brand, the Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Disc Golf Starter Set.

What to know before you buy a disc golf set

When comparing disc golf sets, take note of the number and type of discs included. Most sets are intended for beginners and will include at least three versatile discs.

Putter

Honing your short game will save you a tremendous amount of throws over the years. A putter should be comfortable to hold and should fly fairly straight, floating as it approaches the chains of the basket. Many disc golf manufacturers include their most popular putter in their sets.

Midrange disc

When you are new to the sport, your midrange disc may be the disc you throw most. It should fly very straight for short distances but also be capable of throws like hyzers, rollers and hard fades.

Driver

Arguably the most exciting disc in any set, your driver is for powerful throws off the tee pad that hopefully land in the center of the fairway or even near the basket. Most disc golf sets include a fairway driver — a low-speed driver that doesn’t need to be thrown with much power for a smooth, predictable flight.

What to look for in a quality disc golf set

Discs vary in their plastic quality and appearance, and each brand has its own line of plastics and selection of disc molds.

Plastic quality

Most disc golf manufacturers offer a few different types of plastic. Often, the discs in their sets are made from softer, less durable plastic, but some sets are made from more rigid plastic that will last for several years. Some brands even offer discs made of plastic with a swirl or tie-dye pattern.

Disc golf brands

While there are dozens of disc golf manufacturers, a handful of popular brands stand out for their quality and prolific offerings.

• Innova is a hugely popular brand known for its Champion and Star plastics, both of which are highly durable and come in vibrant colors. 
• Discraft has a smaller selection of molds than Innova, but many of its discs are beloved by players of all skill levels, and it has a wide range of plastics to choose from.
• MVP discs stand out for their distinctive black edges, made of a softer plastic that feels good against your hand and can take more of a beating. 
• Latitude 64° is a Swedish brand offering a robust lineup of discs for all playstyles.

How much you can expect to spend on a disc golf set

The price of disc golf sets depends largely on the number of discs included. Most three-disc sets cost around $20, while sets with four to six discs usually cost $25-$50.

Disc golf set FAQ

How many discs do you need to play disc golf regularly?

A. Any reliable set of three discs has you covered. However, if you find yourself wishing for discs that behave differently, the only limit is the size of your bag. Eight to 12 discs is generally a good number for an intermediate player.

How do I know when to use each type of disc?

A. Generally, you use a driver on the tee pad, a midrange disc on the fairway and a putter for approaching the basket and, of course, putting.

Is it more cost-effective to buy discs in a set?

A. Sets are almost always more affordable when you consider the cost of each disc. Most individual discs cost from $8-$20, so five discs in a $35 set is a cost-saving option.

What’s the best disc golf set to buy?

Top disc golf set

Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Disc Golf Starter Set

What you need to know: With five discs and a mini marker disc, this set has any beginner covered.

What you’ll love: The Judge is a classic putter, and when paired with the straight-flying Truth, your short game is covered. With two fairway drivers and a distance driver, this is one of the more robust starter sets available.

What you should consider: You don’t know which colors will come with each set, and they may be less than vibrant.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Top disc golf set for the money

Innova Disc Golf Set 

What you need to know: This classic set includes three Innova favorites and is one of the best budget sets available.

What you’ll love: The Aviar in DX plastic is a favorite of professional and amateur players alike, and it will last you for many seasons. The Leopard is a reliable fairway driver that can reach impressive distances with a small amount of power.

What you should consider: The DX plastic is soft and prone to dings and dents, so the mid-range disc and the driver may only last a few seasons. 

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Worth checking out

Latitude 64 Retro Burst Disc Golf Set

What you need to know: This eye-catching starter set features three straight-flying discs and a mini marker disc.

What you’ll love: The plastic offers a good grip, and the burst patterns give your discs a unique look. Beginners will appreciate how reliably straight these discs fly.

What you should consider: This set is more expensive than many comparable starter sets, and the plastic may show wear fairly quickly.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

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Peter McPherson writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
 

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Which disc golf basket is best?

Whether you want to practice your skills away from the course or try to set a course up, there’s a disc golf basket for you. They come in a few types that are better for certain situations, and there are a few aspects, such as the number of chains, that separate the good from the great.

The best disc golf basket is the Axiom Discs Pro 24-Chain Disc Golf Basket. It has a sturdy base and 24 chains to ensure your perfect shot falls into the basket as it should.

What to know before you buy a disc golf basket

Disc golf basket types

There are four main types of disc golf baskets.

• Heavy-duty baskets are the closest you can get to having an official course-type basket for traveling. They use heavy metals, such as stainless steel, and are durable enough to be left outside for months. However, they are usually expensive.
• Light-duty baskets are best for beginners or casual enjoyers. They’re sturdier than a foldable basket but built for maximum portability. 
• Narrow baskets are meant for practicing your accuracy. They have smaller baskets and chains to force you to throw better.
• Foldable baskets are best only for occasional and casual fun. They are usually made of canvas with metal supports and can fold down into a carrying bag.

Flags

Some disc golf baskets include flag toppers. These aren’t necessary, though they can make a basket easier to see from a distance. They also add a touch of flair.

What to look for in a quality disc golf basket

Stand

The stand is the base of the basket in charge of keeping the whole thing upright. Most use metal loops that you can secure by driving rounded stakes down over the loops. Better baskets include these loops, while others will need to be purchased separately. Other stands use three or four foldable legs to remain upright. These aren’t as stable, but they are less likely to wobble.

Basket

Disc gold baskets are typically made of metal or some weave.

• Metal baskets are more durable and steady but heavier and harder to transport. Most are stainless steel using a latticework of thin but solid wires. Official baskets are always metal.
• Weave baskets are usually canvas or mesh and are rarely found outside the foldable basket subtype. They can have issues holding onto discs if the basket is loose or blown around by the wind.

Chains

Chains exist to snatch discs out of the air to ensure they land in the basket to score. Most disc golf baskets have 12 to 28 chains with more chains making it more likely you’ll score. Some baskets split these chains between an outer and inner layer, matching what most professionally approved baskets use. The best chains are stainless steel, but other metals are possible.

How much you can expect to spend on a disc golf basket

Disc golf baskets typically cost $50-$200. Light and easily portable baskets cost $100 or less, while heavier-duty options cost $100-$150. The best baskets for high-level play and practice start at $150.

Disc golf basket FAQ

Can a disc golf basket be used for anything else other than disc golf?

A. Yes, with a caveat: There aren’t any other recognizable sports or games that use them. However, there’s always the chance of finding something fun and kooky online you can try. You can also be the one to think of something fun and inventive to try yourself.

How can I tell if a disc golf basket is approved for professional use?

A. The Professional Disc Golf Association is in charge of approving baskets, and they place a seal on approved packages. 

Does it count if the disc lands on top of the basket rather than in it?

A. No, the disc must land inside the basket or be caught up in the chains for it to count.

What’s the best disc golf basket to buy?

Top disc golf basket 

Axiom Discs Pro 24-Chain Disc Golf Basket

What you need to know: This has a great mix of quality parts.

What you’ll love: It’s approved for professional use by the Professional Disc Golf Association, and it comes in six colors. It can be set up and taken down in a minute, and the all-metal construction is sturdy on its base. The 24 chains let no disc pass through them.

What you should consider: A few consumers received baskets with bent or broken pieces in the thinner sections or at weld points. Some of the colors don’t look like the picture.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Top disc golf basket for the money

Yaheetech Portable Metal Disc Golf Basket

What you need to know: This is perfect for casual fun.

What you’ll love: It’s designed to be collapsible for quick and easy transport, plus it only weighs 18.3 pounds. The 12 chains are spaced wide enough to catch most discs, and it includes a flag topping for better visibility from a distance.

What you should consider: A few purchasers had issues keeping it upright despite the inclusion of stakes, especially on slightly uneven ground. It isn’t approved for professional use.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Worth checking out

Dynamic Discs Scout Portable Disc Golf Basket

What you need to know: This is ultra-rugged though pricey.

What you’ll love: It’s built with maximum portability in mind, thanks to a collapsible tripod base and basket and an included carrying bag with shoulder strap. It uses 16 chains, eight inside and eight outside, to ably snatch a disc from the air.

What you should consider: It’s among the priciest baskets. The shoulder strap isn’t as comfortable as some would have preferred. The chains have some rough edges.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

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Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.