My preferred method for purchasing new discs is Infinite Discs. Their inventory’s sizable. There’s a picture of each individual disc. The prices are also pretty competitive. Best of all, they’re stationed in Utah – I place an order, and that thing’s on my doorstep in about 48 hours.
I’m also a massive Innova fanboy, and I don’t care who knows it. When I’ve got an Innova itch that needs scratching, I go to Disc Golf United. Similar to Infinite Discs, it’s more of the same, with one MAJOR exception: With those guys, the customer service is as good as it gets.
Seriously, if you’ve got an issue or are looking for something specific (flat, dome, gummy, etc.), email Todd – he’ll get you the hookup you need. And tell him Green Splatter sent you, too.
And, of course, shopping local’s ALWAYS a great idea – you can handle the disc before making a final decision. Also, supporting small business owners is great – we need more of that stuff.
With supply chains being what they are, however, more people are buying discs on secondary markets: I’m talking about online marketplaces, social media and forums. eBay, Facebook and Disc Golf Course Review come to mind as great places to make hard-to-find disc purchases:
- eBay is best for finding rare discs, but you might not get amazing deals.
- Facebook is great for brand-loyal buyers – find a group, join it and buy discs.
- Disc Golf Course Review is awesome for connecting with knowledgeable disc golfers.
* Note #1: New? Start with Facebook – try these groups: MVP, Innova, Discraft and Discmania.
Here’s where we get to the whole “Sleepy Scale” side of things …
Based on 1-to-10 scale, the Sleepy Scale is a well-known, community-wide system for rating new and used discs online. If you’re going to buy or sell discs via a secondary market, you must know what it is and how to use it – the following will get any “newb” what they need:
- 10) As stupid as it sounds, NEVER rate anything a 10/10 – you’ll be blackballed for it.
- 9) Given the above, these are largely brand-new, never-before-thrown golf discs.
- 8) The disc’s seen a few throws during field work – minimal wear and light ink.
- 7) Plastic’s clearly used, but only has minor scrapes, scratches and gouges.
- 6) This is a well-seasoned disc; the flight’s not what it was when new.
* Note #2: BTW, it’s kosher to use decimals – you can claim something’s a “9.5/10,” if you like.
Generally speaking, don’t bother buying or selling anything rated less than a six …
9.5 out of 10 for oxygen exposure.
— Bryan Martin (@b_mart22) May 6, 2022
At that point, you’re dealing with “used bin” or Goodwill-type plastic.
Should you be on the hunt for or possess something rare, autographed or historically significant, dipping below the six-point line might not be worst thing in the world – here’s that side:
- 5) The thing’s plenty beat with noticeable wear – much of the original stability’s gone.
- 4) The frisbee’s obviously seen better days, as we’ve now entered “turnover territory.”
- 3) Fido chews on this thing when out for a stroll on the course – likely a Polecat.
- 2) Nothing to see here, folks – move along …
- 1) Seriously, go home.
First-Time Buyers: Generally speaking, the greater disc golf community is loaded with honest, hard-working people – there are a few “bad apples” out on the interwebs, though. Read reviews. Check out a seller’s history. Examine their social profiles to see if they look real and used. Ask for pictures or videos: That’s not an abnormal request. Proceed with caution, and you’ll be fine.
First-Time Sellers: When using the Sleepy Scale, err on the side of caution when rating your inventory. There’s a reason the illustrious “10/10” doesn’t exist. The belief is that nothing’s perfect, even if it’s a bag-kept, fresh-out-of-the-factory item. I’m far from one of them, but people get mega-paranoid about expectations and reality: underpromise and overdeliver.
Don’t get me wrong – hucking plastic is great and all …
But buying, bagging and collecting rare, unique or cool-looking discs is half the fun.
Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
Editor’s Suggestions:
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