I consider myself a reasonable person.
That doesn’t mean I’m perfect, but I’ve got a long fuse. Yes, the “gripe” posts are fun to write and all, but their subject matter isn’t keeping me up at night. Furthermore, though nobody’s as open-minded as they think, I’m generally somewhat able to see multiple sides of an issue.
There IS one sizable exception, though …
Lids.
In disc golf, a “lid” is the term used to refer to a putter that’s more frisbee-like than disc-like, if that makes sense. Think of a beach or KanJam frisbee, for example. The name comes from the fact that a true lid-esque putter could double as a literal lid for a pint-sized trash can. Popular, modern-day lids include the likes of the Sonic, Glitch, Birdie, Polecat and Armadillo.
For as much disdain as I have for them, though …
There are some (potential) selling points.
The good of the lid
You know what’s similar to a beach or KanJam frisbee?
If you’re a disc golfer with a background in Ultimate, there’s a chance your throwing hand feels right at home with a Makani in it. Speaking of the Makani, thanks to its blunt-shaped rim, even a known lid-hater like myself can admit it’s an ideal mold for a quick, pre-round session of catch.
Here’s where that gets strategic …
Though putters, most lids are used for soft approaches or short drives – not putting. After 20 minutes of warm-up catch with a nearby buddy, approaching or driving at the basket from under 200 feet feels natural, as you’re now just playing catch with it – it’s beautifully simple.
Lastly, lids are known for their unreal glide and ability to hold a line. Largely available in baseline polymers, once they beat-in a bit, they’re capable of flipping, riding and achieving all kinds of weird-n-wacky golf lines. So no, bagging one isn’t the equivalent of social suicide.
But lids aren’t all peaches-and-cream …
The bad of the lid
How much time do you have?
I kid you not, a baby cactus feels more comfortable in my hand than a Bite. If you’ve never test-driven a lid before, try hucking a cereal bowl across the living room, and you’re there.
And while I concede lids have it in their DNA to produce some out-of-this-world flight paths, it’s not like they’re the ONLY golf discs making them a reality. Seriously, whatever your preferred putting putter is, nab it in a cheap, workable plastic, throw it for a week or two and voilà …
You’re there.
* Note: With some seasoning, the Pure and Tomb are excellent options for this exact need.
Next, wind …
It exists.
And while discs like the Glitch are WAY more beefy than most disc golfers realize, lids are known for turning over when someone sneezes somewhat strongly. So it’s less an issue of lid usage being limited in wind as it is lids being affected by ANY kind of air movement …
Hard pass.
Finally, there’s an insufferable culture surrounding lid use. It was once more a subculture, so if you wanted to avoid it, you could. Nowadays, however, what used to be cute and kitschy has become so mainstream it’s inescapable – not exactly how Mr. PDGA Rodman drew it up.
And don’t even think about coming at me with the “But Simon Lizotte bags a Glitch” thing …
He sells them on YouTube.
End of rant.
The ugly of it, too
I mean, just look at this monstrosity …
Need I say more?
Lids are butt-ugly.
It’s in their nature.
In case you didn’t notice, lids aren’t for me – they might be for you, though. And if they are for you, feel free to toss aside everything I’ve written in this article. Next time I see you out on the course, I look forward to the whooping you (and your lid) will most assuredly inflict upon me.
Just pray there’s no wind that day.
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