The staples of the typical disc golf bag:
- Slot No. 1 – Putters
- Slot No. 2 – Midranges
- Slot No. 3 – Fairway Drivers
- Slot No. 4 – Distance Drivers
And depending on who you talk to, “control drivers” are a thing, as well. This is news to me, but if you’re curious, allegedly, control drivers are a step up in speed. Fairway drivers are between six and eight in the speed category, while control drivers nestle between nine and eleven.
The above are legit disc categories, but there are more ways to divvy up the discs in your bag. For starters, you likely rock a few workhorse discs on the course. Regardless of speed or distance potential, these are discs you feel really comfortable with – you look for reasons to toss ‘em.
When I can approach with a Champion Rhyno, there’s no second-guessing on my end – I do it. And while I might not have the greatest flick on the planet, I like my odds with a Glow Gator.
Let’s lump one more disc label into the mix …
Utility discs.
No bag is complete without a couple.
Utility discs are discs that serve VERY specific purposes. Because of it, they don’t see as much action during a round as your more tried-and-true fliers. But when a situation arises in which they’re called into action, you’re plenty pumped you made space for ‘em in your bag.
Because utility discs are niche in nature, their flights tend to occupy territory on extreme ends of the stability spectrum – mega-overstable and mad-flippy. And while utility discs exist in putter, midrange and driver form, due to the unique action that’s needed, they’re often faster frisbees.
Here are a few basic examples:
- The Tilt isn’t good for much, but it’s incredible for aggressive, overhand hucks.
- The Captain’s Raptor is more overstable than workable – it’ll skip for you, too.
- The Tumbleweed is a rock-solid, out-of-the-box hyzer-flip and roller machine.
* Note: Don’t be afraid to test the limits of your utility discs – see what they can do for you.
In my own bag, I rock a FAF Champion Firebird for thumbers and shots requiring INSANELY overstable action. My Luster Whippet is capable of Firebird-like lines, but due to its dome, I find its ability to flare-skip around corners is second to none. And lastly, I’ve got a 158-gram (gasp) SP-Line Sail that’ll roll for ANY noodle arm – if you suck at rollers, this’ll help fix that.
Also, another tidbit worth mentioning …
Depending on your skill level, what qualifies as a “utility disc” for most might not work for you. When I first started playing, a stock Felon might as well have been a cinder block. So though tons consider the Thunderbird a staple of their bags, for my then-arm, it was a utility disc.
It’s the same thing in the OPPOSITE direction, too.
Anthony Barela might roll Star Destroyers on ball-golf courses, but the more amateur amongst us (yours truly) has no business even attempting such a feat. No, it’s not the “norm,” per se, but there’s no shame in buying a DX Beast and beating it like crazy – you’ve found roller gold.
Eagle McMahon might swear by the Splice. And James Conrad might devotedly bag a Fireball. But take their recommendations for utility discs with a grain of salt – you know your game.
Utility discs will rarely be the “stars” of your D.G. rounds, but man …
They can save you BIG strokes in KEY moments.
Don’t leave home without ‘em.
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Editor’s Suggestions:
- In defense of the Discmania Tilt …
- Disc golf: What does ‘glide’ even mean?
- Disc golf: What’s flashing? (and how to get rid of it)
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