There are 4 main types of disc golf discs: distance drivers, fairway drivers, midrange discs, and putting discs (or putters). The main difference between these four types of discs is the distance the disc is meant to be thrown.
Even though any disc can be used for most shots, some discs are simply better suited for certain shots than others. The main characteristic that sets one type of disc from another is how fast it can “fly”. This is known as the speed rating and it gives us an idea of how fast the disc can fly through the air. For a full analysis of disc ratings, check out our in-depth guide.
| Disc Type | Best For | Speed Rating |
| Distance Driver | Very long throws with minimal accuracy | 10 or higher |
| Fairway Driver | Long throws with decent accuracy | 6 to 10 |
| Midrange | Long/medium throws with good accuracy | 2 to 6 |
| Putter | Putts/short throws with great accuracy | 1 to 2 |
Distance Drivers
Speed Ratings: 10 or higher
Distance drivers (sometimes called maximum distance drivers) are ideal for very long-distance throws. They have a flat, streamlined profile that allows them to cut through the air very quickly while traveling long distances. When thrown correctly, these discs have the potential to travel very far – up to 400 ft (122m). When not thrown incorrectly, these discs are hard to control and don’t fly far. This can lead to frustration for beginner players or those with weaker arms.
Use these discs when throwing off the tee on very long holes where control is not an absolute must. Check out our distance driver recommendations if you’re looking to add one to your bag.
Fairway Drivers
Speed Ratings: 6 to 10
Fairway drivers are very similar to distance drivers, but they do not fly quite as fast or far. However, they tend to fly straighter and are easier to control than distance drivers. They have a streamlined shape but are also slightly thicker than distance drivers.
Overall, fairway drivers offer a great balance of control and distance, especially for newer disc golf players. Unless you are going for absolute raw distance, a fairway driver is probably the best option for most drives off the tee.
Midrange Discs
Speed Ratings: 2 to 6
Midrange discs are ideal for medium or short throws that require good accuracy. Midrange discs have a thicker profile than distance or fairway drivers and don’t offer as much speed or distance. However, some can fly almost perfectly straight making them the ideal choice for throws that require pinpoint accuracy and placement.
Generally, midrange discs are used to get good placement near the basket in anticipation of the final putt or approach throw. However, they can also be used off the tee on shorter holes, or holes that require very accurate first throws.
Putting Discs
Speed Ratings: 1 to 2
Putting discs (or putters) are ideal for very short, accurate shots – like putts. They have very thick profiles and are the slowest flying discs out there. However, they offer maximum control and accuracy. They are not only good for landing in the basket, but also for approaching the basket to set up for an easy putt – thus they are sometimes called putt and approach discs.
Looking for a new putter or not sure which one to choose? Check out our recommended putters list.
How many discs do you need to play disc golf?
Now that you understand the different types of disc golf discs, the question is how many do you need? The number of discs needed will vary depending on the person. Some people will even tailor their discs to the course they’re playing while others just bring every disc they own. There really is no “best” answer. If you’re a beginner, you’ll be fine with 3 discs – a fairway driver, midrange, and putter.
As your game grows you’ll probably want to add a distance driver or two and another midrange. Eventually, you might even add another putter. We’ve found that nine discs are about the max most intermediate player will ever need. That’s three for each distance category which means you’ll have a variety of flight characteristics to choose from depending on the throw you need to make.
Types of disc golf discs: Final thoughts
It’s important to have a general understanding of how a disc should be used, but don’t be constrained to using a disc in only one scenario. For instance, a putter may be a better disc to throw off the tee than a distance driver in some scenarios. Or, maybe you have a long putt opportunity and need to use your midrange.
The point is that it’s important to have an overall understanding of the game and how to use the 4 types of discs together to cut strokes off your score and elevate your game. Get a feel for the four different types of disc golf discs and you’ll start to see the course in a whole new light!
