Disc golf: What I look for in a used-bin golf disc

Fresh plastic is hard to beat.

But you know what can beat it?

And far more frequently than you’d think …

Used-bin discs.

Usually, you can find them at your local disc golf retailer. Disc golfers sell them to the shop for cheap. The store then upcharges for a small margin. Collect and move enough of ‘em, and there’s at least some money to be had – not much, though. And for the buyer, the benefit is obvious …

Affordable plastic.

* Note #1: Some online retailers sell used discs, but not many – click here for one that does.

Here’s another benefit you might not’ve considered …

Used discs fly like a dream.

No, not all of them, but many of them do. So, to ensure I don’t accidentally nab a total dud of a future flier, there are a few specific things I look for when hunting for used-bin treasure.

First, I have no interest in baseline plastic. This is my go-to method for instantly eliminating at least half (if not more) of a used bin’s stash. Most entry-level, starter-pack discs are of the baseline variety. And while they might very well fly great, they’re already inexpensive.

Furthermore, I only need two or three rounds to beat them in on my own. For my game, this disqualifies all putting putters and most midranges, as I prefer (and never lack) the softer stuff.

On to more promising prospects.

To that end, I’m focused exclusively on finding premium-plastic fairway and distance drivers.

My reasoning?

Time.

It’s what’s required to make a new Champion Eagle fly like the years-old Champion Eagle you’ll see Calvin Heimburg throw on the Disc Golf Pro Tour. I lack patience; I want the buttery flight now. Every day, I’m one step closer to death, as well as the end of my disc golf career …

Why wait?

Though used, your hometown brick-and-mortar (likely) won’t let you take a possible purchase out for a test-drive – you’re already getting it at a bargain. Commit with some cash. Otherwise, get lost. To avoid buyer’s remorse, look for discs with clear-cut signs of wear and tear:

• Dents
• Gouges
• Scratches

And bonus points if they’re on the bottom of the outermost edge of the rim. The gradual, but incessant beating of this area of the disc is what makes a frisbee more understable in the air.

There are aesthetic signs you’ve found a time-tested flier, too. Faded stamps, sun-dyed designs, warped flight plates and even owner ink from three or four different people are all rock-solid indications that the disc in your hand has seen some serious misconduct in its lifetime.

As far as success stories are concerned, I tweeted about one earlier this week:

The best fliers always look something like this … pic.twitter.com/MTekg0Tvfg

— Green Splatter (@GreenSplatter) February 20, 2024

I purchased the above Champion Monarch three or so years back for five bucks – I found it in a used bin. I kid you not, a second-cousin of the Groove, this Monarch is the single-most thrown driver in my bag. Forehand or backhand, she’ll flip to flat, turn a good bit and fight out of it.

This thing does it all.

And it’s stupid easy-to-throw, too.

I’ve never found another disc like it.

And I might not, either.

* Note #2: Read the comments under the above tweet for more proof of used-bin greatness.

This strategy works for me when flipping through a used bin. It might not work for you, though. Everybody’s different. But don’t think it’s just a coincidence Gannon Buhr’s “new” Discmania bag is purportedly filled to the brim with nothing but old, Innova-era Discmania molds. If Gannon sees the value in resurrecting old frisbees, there’s something in it for you, too.

Save your money.

Give used-and-abused discs a second chance at life.

Best of all, discover new, freaky lines in the process.

It’s a beautiful thing.

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

Editor’s Suggestions:

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• Remember: Playing disc golf > Watching disc golf
• DGPT: Changes to post-produced disc golf coverage in 2024

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