Disc golf: Max-weight putters (and mids) are the ONLY way to go

I’m by no means an expert …

But if I could give ONE piece of bag-building advice, it’d be as follows:

Avoid max-weight discs like mad.

Actually, let me get more specific with that – avoid max-weight drivers like mad. I get that the Pro Tour raves about them. And I understand that retailers load up on ‘em, too. Also, unless it’s got Philo Brathwaite’s name on it, most Tour Series discs are of the max-weight variety …

Don’t be fooled.

The faster you swing, the more energy you inject into a disc’s rotation. The faster the disc spins, the farther it goes. There are some drawbacks, but slice this thing however you like …

It’s easier to hammer on lighter-weight drivers.

Of course, max-weight drivers DO serve a purpose: They battle wind like nobody’s business. But I’m talking about lighter-weight discs – not paper plates. On average, there might be more bite on a 175-gram Star Destroyer, but compare its overstability with that of one weighing in at 168-grams, and the difference is negligible – and you can STILL rip on it without worry.

Load up on max-weight drivers, and you’ll (likely) regret it …

But putters and midranges?

The heavier, the better.

Generally speaking, for putters, that means 175 grams. And for most midranges, that’s 180 grams. Without a gun pressed to their head, why anybody in their right mind would buy a 150-class KC Pro Roc or Aviar is beyond my comprehension – if this is you, seek help.

* Note: If you need a crazy flippy utility putter or midrange, I’ll let this slide – that’s it.

Actually, let me walk that back just a bit …

These peeps qualify:

• Group No. 1 – Many junior-aged golfers need featherweight plastic.
• Group No. 2 – Some smaller women stand to benefit, as well.
• Group No. 3 – The elderly – like, Don Shinn-aged dudes.

As for the rest of you – and yes, this includes newbies – stick with the heavy stuff.

Consider what slower-flying discs do: 1) They’re precise, and 2) they’re controllable – distance isn’t the objective. Garrett Gurthie hucking a Champion Roc3 450-plus feet off the tee is more a parlor trick than a useful golf shot. Putters handle C1X duties, lengthy bids and short-range approaches and drives. Mids do much of the same, but stretch things out a touch farther.

Due to the shorter distance being traveled, for putters and midranges, not as many mid-flight factors need to be accounted for – they’re not in the air as long. Neutralize the wind as much as possible. And take charge of the one variable that’s easy to own – disc weight.

When distance isn’t a concern, choose consistency above all else …

Max weight makes that possible.

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