You’ve heard the term tossed around (pun intended) before, haven’t you?
Guys are always talking about the “workhorse” disc in their bags: What it is, what it does and how they happened upon its brilliance. It might not be a “meet cute” story, but it’ll do …
Besides, we’re disc golfers.
If you’re new to this concept, a workhorse disc is a golf frisbee a player goes to over and over (and over) again. The manufacturer doesn’t matter. The disc type doesn’t matter, either. What DOES matter is that you love how it both feels and flies: It’s a “comfort blanket” of sorts.
The disc doesn’t ever get squirrely on you – there are no surprises. The two of you have been together long enough that you know WHAT it’s going to do and HOW it’s going to do it …
Hang on tight to these relationships, friends – they’re a beautiful thing.
Within the Pro Tour, there are TONS of real-life examples:
- Workhorse No. 1 – Alex Russell has the Star Boss.
- Workhorse No. 2 – Simon Lizotte has the C-Line P2.
- Workhorse No. 3 – Garrett Gurthie has the Star Sonic.
- Workhorse No. 4 – Adam Hammes has the Z Glo Zone.
- Workhorse No. 5 – James Conrad has the Electron Firm Envy.
* Note: There are so many of these, it’s scary – pick any well-known pro, and you’ll see it.
Professional disc golfers are one thing, though: You finding your ideal disc-pairing is what actually matters. If you’ve yet to meet the right disc, the following three tips will help out:
1. Define your style of play
One of my favorite things about disc golf is how many different ways there are to play the game. The way Eagle McMahon plays differs wildly from how Matt Bell goes about things. Think of how Sarah Hokom attacks a course – it looks nothing like what you get from Madison Walker.
Your PDGA number doesn’t matter. Your rating doesn’t matter. Neither does your ability. You have a unique way of playing. Fortunately, there’s a manufacturer out there with plastic to fit it.
If you’re a power thrower, the more overstable stuff will work. If your arm speed’s not (yet) elite, hyzer-flip frisbees will do awesome. Build, hand size, athleticism: Take it ALL into account.
Yes, this is only a single piece of the “workhorse puzzle,” but it’s an important one.
* Pro Example: Michael Johansen bags the ESP Comet – nobody throws it quite like him.
2. Identify what feels good in your hand
I can’t overstate this enough: This is a REALLY big deal.
Seriously, screw how great a disc flies: If it doesn’t feel good in your hand, there’s no point in tinkering with it. Back in the 90s, you might’ve needed to make do with what was available – it’s 2022, though. Dozens of quality manufacturers produce thousands of incredible discs …
You can 100% get the right flight, without having to skimp on “feel.”
And vice-versa, of course.
BTW, here are a few key “feel factors” to consider when hunting for your workhorse:
- Flat vs. Dome
- Beaded vs. Beadless
- Smooth vs. Puddle-Top
- Low-Profile vs. High-Profile
Trial and error is going to be best for figuring out what works: Take to your local “used bin,” borrow from a buddy or spring for a few Factory Second discs to zero in on what you need.
* Pro Example: Thumbtack and all, Calvin Heimburg leans heavily on his Champion Rhyno.
3. Pay attention to what gives you confidence
A good workhorse disc instills IMMEDIATE confidence in its thrower.
I’ll give you an example …
I’m not great at disc golf. On an open course with a bunch of newbies, I probably look like I know what I’m doing – that’s about it. What I DO do (haha – poop) well is throw 150- to 250-foot upshots accurately. Similar to Heimburg, I go to the Rhyno every single time …
That’s where the similarities between our games start and end: Let me have this, please.
As you look for the workhorse disc in your bag, pay attention to the frisbee you LOOK for reasons to throw, even if the shot doesn’t necessarily call for it – you’re doing it for a reason.
* Pro Example: Nate Sexton’s throwing of Firebirds on straight holes is mind-boggling.
As is the case with everything in disc golf, this is a process: Enjoy the ride.
Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
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