We've looked into the bags of the top 15 professional disc golf players (as ranked by the Professional Disc Golf Association, or "PDGA") to find the discs most commonly used by the best players in the world.
In the article below we'll review the two most popular discs in each of four categories:
- Distance Drivers
- Fairway Drivers
- Midrange Discs
- Putters
The World's Top 15 Players
Source: PDGA.com
Data Integrity and Sponsorship Implications
The players we researched averaged 18 discs each, providing a statistically significant sample size of n=270 total discs.
Concerns over potential data skew from monetary sponsorships were greatly minimized by the fact that multiple major disc brands were well represented by several different athletes.
Additionally, several players reported the use discs from more than one manufacturer.
Note: Eagle McMahon sponsored by Discmania; Nikko Locastro currently using discs from multiple manufacturers. Players marked with * are former/current PDGA World Champions
With this sample size and diversity, we consider the data to be highly representative of all professional disc golf players and largely free from sponsorship bias.
Disc Stability Analysis
Individual disc selections varied, but the preferred level of disc stability by disc type was very consistent:
PREFERRED DISC STABILITY BY TYPE
As you can see in the graphic above, as the speed of the disc decreases, the preferred level of stability increases.
Why?
Overstable discs deliver the most consistent flight patterns, the most specific flight distances, and the most predictable performance in the wind. As the players get closer to the basket and the need for precision increases, the more overstable their disc selection becomes.
For a complete explanation of "Turn" and high-speed stability, watch this VIDEO.
Plastic Selection
The top pros overwhelmingly preferred hard, rigid plastics for two reasons:
- Rigid plastics have the highest torque resistance, thereby increasing flight consistency
- Rigid plastics typically produce the more overstable versions of a specific mold
For more information on the impact of disc plastics, watch this VIDEO.
Top Professional Distance Drivers
Innova Destroyer
Plastic: Star
Weight: 165-169g
The Destroyer is best known as the "go-to" driver for 4-time PDGA Champion, Paul McBeth.
It has the proven -1 Turn / +3 Fade used by the world distance record holding Boss, but rather than throwing a lightweight Speed 13 disc the pros preferred a mid-to-heavy weight (165-169g) Speed 12.
Get a Destroyer with These Exact Specifications Here
Prodigy D1
Plastic: 400
Weight: 170-175g
The D1 is Prodigy's second-most overstable distance driver, designed to provide consistent flight patterns for pros with extremely high release velocities.
The durable 400 plastic also ensures the D1 maintains "out of the box" performance for a long time.
Top Professional Fairway Drivers
Latitude 64° XXX
Plastic: Gold Line
Weight: 170-176g
If you have a cannon for an arm, the XXX is the Fairway Driver for you. The XXX is ideal for longer shots requiring high overstability including Hyzers, Flex Shots, and headwind throws.
In the +170g class this disc will provide superior consistency for any player, but throwing it for distance requires extremely high release velocity.
Get a XXX with These Exact Specifications Here
Innova TeeBird
Plastic: Champion
Weight: 165-169g
The TeeBird has been used to win 19 World Championships and is more popular than ever with today's top pros.
Overstable high-speed flight produces consistent flight patterns (even on windy days), which are further complemented by pairing it with Innova's most overstable plastic, Champion.
Get a TeeBird with These Exact Specifications Here
Top Professional Midrange Discs
Innova Roc
Plastic: DX
Weight: 165-169g
Not only is the Roc the single-most commonly used disc in this analysis, when viewing older "In the Bag" content you'll discover the Roc was also previously used by several of the other Top 15 players before they changed brand sponsors.
If there is one disc on this list that is a consensus #1 choice, this is it.
Get a Roc with These Exact Specifications Here
Latitude 64° Claymore
Plastic: Gold Line
Weight: 175-180g
The Claymore is a relatively new disc (2014), positioned as a more overstable version of the popular Fuse. Compared to the Roc, the Claymore is slightly less overstable and has lower fade.
If you want a longer, straighter flying midrange, the Claymore is for you. If you are looking for the most predictable flight paths and superior distance control the Roc is the better option.
Top Professional Putters
#1: Innova Aviar
Plastic: R-Pro
Weight: 173-175g
The Aviar has stood the test of time better than any other disc. Introduced in 1984, the Aviar has not only won more championships than any other putter, it has also won four of the last five.
The Aviar is also the disc of choice for the most accomplished putting champion of all time, Jay Reading.
Get an Aviar with These Exact Specifications Here
#2: Dynamic Discs Judge
Plastic: Classic Hard
Weight: 170-176g
The Judge provides a very similar flight performance to the Aviar, but with more Glide and Fade.
Comparing the two, the Judge is better positioned as a throwing/approach putter, with the Aviar being the better pure "putting" putter inside the circle.
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Bart Bird | Site Manager