Disc golf: New to Trilogy? Start with these 5 discs

Of all the manufacturers out there, Trilogy took me the longest to work with …

There’s nothing wrong with the gear coming out of Dynamic Discs, Latitude 64 and Westside Discs. It was just hard to break free from the stranglehold Innova had on me. I started with Rancho Cucamonga’s stuff. So, when it came to bag-building, I stuck with what I knew.

Thankfully, with the growth of Green Splatter, my knowledge of what different disc brands offer has grown, as well. And while I still wouldn’t consider myself an expert in the ways of Trilogy, I’ve got a good idea of where a newbie like the old me should start out with ‘em …

Let’s begin with the basics of a bare-bones bag:

Need No. 1 – You need a putter.
Need No. 2 – You need a midrange.
Need No. 3 – You need a fairway driver.
Need No. 4 – You need a beefy fairway driver.
Need No. 5 – You need a max-distance driver, too.

Let’s get into it:

1. Putter: The Dynamic Discs Judge

The Deputy, Warden and Marshal get some D.D. love …

Bypass all of ‘em for the Judge.

The Judge is found in a crap-ton of Dynamic Discs starter sets. At the same time, it’s ALSO found in a crap-ton of professional bags. You can’t say that about the majority of starter sets.

The Judge is a beaded, neutral-flying putter. Best of all, though, it’s fairly low-profile in nature. For many new players, deeper, more dog dish-type discs feel bulky and awkward – the Judge isn’t one of those. Also, available in many polymers, it doubles as a great approach frisbee.

* Note #1: The EMac Judge is a favorite, as well. It comes with a micro-bead, however.

2. Midrange: The Latitude 64 Compass

The EMac Truth ALMOST took this spot …

I’m writing this; I prefer the Compass.

The Compass is the epitome of a “workhorse” midrange. Similar to the Judge, it’s not too deep, but not too thin, either. It’s a straight-flier. People say this about too many discs, but in the case of the Compass, it’s actually true: It’ll hold the line you put it on – you’re the one in charge.

Also, Ricky Wysocki helped develop the mold …

Ever heard of him?

* Note #2: Interested in cycling the Compass like a KC Pro Roc? Try it out in Retro plastic.

3. Fairway Driver: The Latitude 64 Explorer

I’ve gone the “workhorse” route with this list for a reason …

Start with the best, right?

Similar to an Eagle or Teebird, the Explorer is the kind of disc you can build the entirety of your fairway game around – it’s THAT good. This is a working man’s disc, so you won’t find any frills here: It’s straight, glides well and finishes reliably – again, Rick’s big on these …

His name now graces the flight plate on many of ‘em.

When I think of the Explorer, though, Emerson Keith’s name is the first that comes to mind. Keith’s a calm, controlled and deliberate player. If you’d like to do the same, nab an Explorer.

* Note #3: If interested, Keith’s 2022 Team Series Explorer is of the Opto-X variety.

4. Fairway Driver: The Dynamic Discs Felon

I don’t care if you’ve been playing for 15 years or 15 minutes …

Screw conventional wisdom: You NEED an overstable nine-speed in your arsenal.

Many of us (yours truly) started with a Champion Firebird – the Lucid Felon is the same deal. Honestly, I wish there was something unique to say about the Felon, but its performance is well-known. It’s a wind-fighter. It’s a forehander’s delight. It’ll take all you can dish.

Also, assuming your shoulder can handle it, it’s rock-solid for thumbers and tomahawks.

One disc. Many uses. Gotta have it.

* Note #4: The midrange version of this disc is a gem, as well – the Justice.

5. Distance Driver: The Latitude 64 Grace

I struggled mightily with this one …

The Raider felt like it deserved this spot, but the end-of-flight dump is more than many can handle. Also, have you noticed that not a single disc from the Westside lineup has appeared? Regardless, I went with an 11-speed distance driver with fairway-driver workability:

The Latitude 64 Grace.

The Grace isn’t automatic distance, but it’s smooth distance. Likely tugging on a Grace, if you’ve ever seen Kristin Tattar get off the tee with ease, you’ll know what I’m getting at.

It’s nice to see a little turn out of the box – the Grace will give it.

* Note #5: If you spot a Royal Grand Orbit Grace in stock, buy it – they’re hard to come by.

* Honorable Mention: Westside doesn’t beat out many Trilogy staples, but the Harp is a classic.

The three-company crossover gives disc golfers a host of options …

The above five serve as a great foundation.

Work with what’s proven itself – branch out from there.

Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.

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