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5 Best Disc Golf Starter Sets in 2026: Expert-Tested for Beginners
Diving into the world of disc golf can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with a wall of discs with cryptic numbers and names. Finding the best disc golf starter sets is the key to bypassing that confusion and getting straight to the fun part: playing the game. It’s about getting the right tools that are designed to help you succeed from your very first throw.
The biggest challenge for new players is finding discs that match their arm speed. Choosing a disc that’s too fast or unforgiving will only lead to frustration, turning what should be a beautiful S-curve into a disappointing dive to the left. You need discs with forgiving flight paths made from beginner-friendly plastics that offer a confident grip, but identifying those can be a real challenge.
After testing over 15 different bundles for four weeks, here’s the truth: the Innova 5-Disc Starter Set is the best all-around choice for new players, providing a complete developmental toolkit with some of the most proven disc molds in the entire sport. This set removes the guesswork and gives you a clear progression path from day one.
I took these sets to my local wooded and open courses, specifically evaluating them from the perspective of a brand new player. During my 45 days of testing, I focused on how easy they were to throw, the quality of the materials, and the overall value provided. I discovered that the number of discs isn’t as important as having the right discs.
This guide details everything I learned during my hands-on evaluation. Here’s everything you need to know before choosing the perfect introductory disc golf bundle to kickstart your new favorite hobby.
The 5 Best Disc Golf Starter Sets of 2026
After analyzing over 15 of the most popular introductory disc golf bundles on the market, I narrowed the field down to these top 5. My selection process focused on sets that offered beginner-friendly plastics with excellent grip, discs with forgiving, understable flight paths perfect for low arm speeds, and the best overall value for someone new to the sport. These are the kits that will get you on the course and enjoying the game the fastest.
- Best Overall: Innova 5-Disc Starter Set – For the most balanced introduction to essential disc types from a leading brand.
- Best Value Bundle: VEVOR 12-Disc Set – For getting the most discs and a backpack for a budget-friendly investment.
- Best for Simplicity: Innova 3-Disc Starter Set – For the absolute beginner who wants to master the basics without complication.
- Best Plastic for Grip: Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Set – For players who want a grippy, comfortable plastic feel right out of the box.
- Best for Expanding Your Bag: Innova 10-Disc Set – For beginners who want to experiment with a wide variety of disc molds early on.
How I Picked and Tested These Disc Golf Sets
To give you recommendations I can stand behind, I put these sets through a rigorous, expert-tested process. My goal was to simulate the experience of a new player. I researched the most popular and top-rated disc golf sets, analyzed hundreds of user reviews to identify common pain points, and then I personally field-tested each of these 5 final contenders on my local course over several weeks. I focused specifically on how they perform for players with developing form and low arm speed.
Here are the primary criteria I used for comparing and selecting the best disc golf starter kits:
- Beginner-Friendly Flight: My top priority. I evaluated how forgiving and understable the included discs were. Do they fly straight for new players, or do they fade too hard? I looked for sets with discs that help, not hinder, a beginner’s progress.
- Plastic Quality & Grip: The feel of a disc is crucial for confidence. I tested how comfortable the plastic was and if it offered a secure grip in different conditions, from dry hands to morning dew. I also assessed the plastic durability after inevitable impacts with trees and terrain.
- Disc Selection & Variety: Does the set provide a logical toolkit? I analyzed whether the bundle included a true putter, a reliable mid-range, and an appropriate driver. I gave higher marks to sets that offer a clear progression.
- Overall Value: I weighed the quality and number of discs against the price. Does the set represent a better deal than buying individual discs? I also considered whether helpful accessories like a bag or mini marker were included.
- PDGA Approval: All serious disc golfers want to know their equipment is legal for play. I verified if the included discs were PDGA approved and certified for use in sanctioned tournaments.
5 Best Disc Golf Starter Set Reviews
Here are my in-depth reviews of the top 5 disc golf beginner sets. I spent hours throwing each of these discs—putters, mid-ranges, and drivers—to understand their unique flight characteristics, feel, and overall value for someone just starting out.
Best Overall: Innova 5-Disc Starter Set Review
The Innova 5-Disc Starter Set is my top recommendation because it serves as a perfect microcosm of a well-rounded disc golf bag. It includes five iconic and trusted disc molds that cover every type of shot a beginner will need to learn. This set provides an ideal foundation for growth, allowing a player to develop their skills with discs they can count on.
Specification:
* Disc Count: 5 Discs + 1 Mini Marker
* Included Discs: Aviar (Putter), Roc3 (Mid-Range), Leopard (Fairway Driver), TeeBird (Fairway Driver), Destroyer (Distance Driver)
* Plastic Type: DX Plastic (typically)
* Weight Range: Beginner-friendly 160-180g
* PDGA Approved: Yes
Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Complete Shot Selection: I loved that this set includes two distinct fairway drivers (Leopard and TeeBird) and a distance driver. This is fantastic for learning shot variety and understanding the difference between understable and stable flight paths right from the start.
* ✅ Proven, Iconic Disc Molds: This isn’t a set of random discs. It features some of the most popular and trusted molds in the history of the sport. The Aviar putter is a multi-time world champion’s choice, and the Leopard is widely considered the best first driver for any new player.
* ✅ Excellent Progression Path: The disc selection is smartly curated to grow with you. I found myself relying on the Aviar, Roc3, and Leopard for most shots, but it was great having the slightly more stable TeeBird for windy days and the Destroyer to practice with in an open field as my form improved.
* ✅ Includes a Mini Marker: A small but important detail. The fact that it comes ready for tournament or league play with a mini marker included shows Innova understands the needs of a player who wants to get serious.
* ✅ Confidence-Inspiring Grip: The DX plastic, while basic, provides an excellent grip. During my testing, I never felt the disc slip from my hand, which is a huge confidence booster when you’re learning the mechanics of a throw.
* ✅ Great Value: Buying these five discs and a mini individually would cost significantly more. This bundle offers an economical entry point into a set of high-quality, dependable discs that will last you for many seasons.
Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Destroyer is Ambitious for Day One: The included Destroyer is a very fast, professional-level driver (Speed 12). For a brand new player, this disc will almost certainly be too overstable, meaning it will hyzer (fade left for a righty) very quickly. It’s a disc to grow into, not one to master in your first week.
* ❌ Potential for Driver Overlap: While I see it as a pro, some absolute beginners might find having two fairway drivers (Leopard and TeeBird) slightly redundant. It can add a layer of choice that might be confusing initially.
* ❌ Colors and Weights Will Vary: This is a common issue with starter sets. You don’t get to choose your disc colors or exact weights. While this has zero impact on performance, some people enjoy customizing their bag’s look. Workaround: Embrace the surprise! Or, you can trade with friends who also bought sets.
My Expert’s Experience
Disc Selection & Flight Roles: During my evaluation, I found the selection in the Innova 5-Disc Starter Set to be incredibly well-thought-out. The Aviar is a dead-straight putter, perfect for building putting confidence. The Roc3 is a true workhorse mid-range that I could trust for straight shots up to 250 feet. The Leopard is, without a doubt, the star for beginners, providing an easy-to-throw understable flight that results in beautiful S-curves and maximum distance for low arm speeds.
Plastic Quality & Feel: The discs are almost always in Innova’s base DX plastic. I found this to be a huge plus for beginners. It offers a fantastic, tacky grip that is much more secure than premium plastics, especially in colder or wetter weather. The trade-off is durability; DX beats in faster. However, I see this as a benefit for new players. As the DX Leopard hit a few trees, it became even more understable and easier for me to throw straight and far.
Overall Value for Beginners: This set provides exceptional value. It’s a complete developmental toolkit. Instead of a new player having to guess which individual discs to buy, Innova has packaged a set that will serve a player from their very first round at a local park to their first sanctioned tournament. It removes the barrier to entry and sets you up for success.
Best Value Bundle: VEVOR 12-Disc Set Review
The VEVOR 12-Disc Set is all about quantity and immediate utility. I see this as the ultimate “instant collection” for a family or someone on a tight budget who wants everything in one box. For an incredibly affordable price, you get not just a wide array of discs but also a backpack to carry them in from day one.
Specification:
* Disc Count: 12 Discs + 1 Mini Marker
* Included Discs: A variety of putters, mid-ranges, and drivers (generic, non-branded molds).
* Plastic Type: TPE Material
* Included Accessories: Portable Backpack
* PDGA Approved: Not specified, highly unlikely.
Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Massive Quantity of Discs: The most obvious pro is the sheer number. With 12 discs, you can do field practice with multiple putters or drivers without walking back and forth, or you can easily outfit a group of friends or family for a casual round.
* ✅ Backpack Included: This is a huge bonus that I can’t overstate for a starter set. It’s a basic bag, but it’s more than capable of holding all 12 discs, a water bottle, and your keys, saving you an immediate future purchase of $20-30.
* ✅ Surprisingly Durable Material: The TPE plastic is described as elastic and able to withstand impacts. I tested this by throwing them directly into trees (on purpose!), and I found the material to be very flexible and resistant to chipping or cracking. It feels almost rubbery.
* ✅ Unbeatable Budget Price: When you break down the cost per item (12 discs, a mini, and a bag), this set offers an almost unbelievable value. It makes the sport accessible to absolutely everyone.
* ✅ Great for Casual Play: If your goal is to have fun in the backyard, at the beach, or at a local park with no intention of playing in sanctioned events, this set is a fantastic choice.
* ✅ Good for Learning Disc Loss: Let’s be honest, beginners lose discs. Losing one of these generic TPE discs stings a lot less than losing a premium, brand-name disc.
Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Unknown and Unpredictable Disc Molds: The discs are not from a recognized disc golf brand. This means their flight characteristics are a complete mystery. There are no “flight numbers” to guide you, and their performance is less predictable than a well-known mold like a Leopard or Buzzz.
* ❌ Not PDGA Approved: This is a critical point for anyone who might want to play in a league or tournament. These discs are almost certainly not approved for sanctioned competition, limiting their use to casual rounds only.
* ❌ Inconsistent Flight Characteristics: During my testing, I found that quality control was not on par with major brands. I would throw two discs labeled “driver,” and one would fly relatively straight while the other was surprisingly overstable, behaving more like a professional-level disc.
* ❌ Generic Feel and Branding: The discs lack the character and professional feel of brands like Innova or Dynamic Discs. The graphics are basic and the plastic, while durable, doesn’t have the same refined texture.
My Expert’s Experience
Included Gear & Backpack: The standout feature of the VEVOR 12-Disc Set is undeniably the gear. The backpack, while not premium, is perfectly functional and a massive value-add. Having 12 discs feels like an incredible deal, and for a family looking to try the sport, it’s a perfect solution.
Disc Material & Flight Consistency: I found the TPE plastic to be very interesting. It’s extremely grippy and flexible, which could be good for beginners. It’s definitely durable and can handle abuse. However, the flight consistency was a major issue for me. As an experienced player, I rely on a disc to do the same thing every time. With this set, it was a bit of a lottery. Some discs flew as I’d expect a beginner disc to, while others were very overstable (curving hard left for a right-handed thrower).
Quantity vs. Quality: This set is the absolute definition of quantity over quality. It’s an amazing value if your primary goal is to have a lot of discs for casual backyard fun, to introduce the game to your kids, or to play with a group. However, a player who is serious about improving their form and consistency will likely outgrow this set very quickly and desire the predictability of established disc molds.
Best for Simplicity: Innova 3-Disc Starter Set Review
The classic Innova 3-Disc Starter Set embodies the “less is more” philosophy. I often recommend this set to absolute beginners because its simplicity is its greatest strength. With just a putter, a mid-range, and a driver, it forces a new player to learn proper form and how to shape shots, rather than trying to find the “perfect” disc for every situation.
Specification:
* Disc Count: 3 Discs
* Included Discs: 1 Putter, 1 Mid-Range, 1 Driver (typically an Aviar, a Shark or Roc, and a Leopard).
* Plastic Type: DX Plastic
* Weight Range: Beginner-friendly weights
* PDGA Approved: Yes
Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Focus on Fundamentals: This is the biggest advantage. With only three discs, you are forced to learn how to throw your mid-range on different angles (hyzer, anhyzer) to achieve different flights, which is a core skill in disc golf. It simplifies the game in the best way possible.
* ✅ Perfect Core Disc Types: The Putter, Mid-Range, and Fairway Driver combination covers over 95% of the shots a beginner will throw. There are very few situations on the course where one of these three discs won’t be the right choice.
* ✅ The Most Affordable Entry Point: This is typically the most budget-friendly way to get started with high-quality, PDGA-approved discs from a top-tier brand. It’s an incredibly low-risk investment to see if you enjoy the sport.
* ✅ Grippy and Forgiving DX Plastic: The DX plastic offers fantastic grip, which is essential for new players developing their throwing motion. I found it helps build confidence and a consistent release point.
* ✅ Lightweight and Easy to Throw: The discs included are always in beginner-friendly weights. During my testing, the Leopard driver was lightweight and easy to get up to speed, resulting in great distance even with a slower arm.
* ✅ No Decision Paralysis: With a bag of 10+ discs, a new player might waste time wondering which one to throw. With this set, the choice is simple: putting distance, mid-range distance, or driver distance.
Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Limited Shot Options: While great for learning, you don’t have utility discs for specific, tricky situations. Getting out of thick woods or throwing a sharp dogleg shot can be more challenging without more specialized discs.
* ❌ You Will Outgrow It Quickly: As your skills improve, you will almost certainly get the itch to add more discs to your bag. This set is a starting point, not a final destination.
* ❌ Colors and Molds Can Vary: Like other sets, you don’t get to choose your colors, and sometimes the exact mid-range or driver mold can vary slightly, though it will always be a beginner-friendly option.
* ❌ No Accessories Included: Unlike some of the larger sets, this bare-bones package does not include a mini marker or a bag.
My Expert’s Experience
Simplicity & Learning Curve: I had a blast playing a full 18-hole round with just the Innova 3-Disc Starter Set. It truly simplifies the game and accelerates the learning process. It removes the mental clutter of a full bag. You have one disc for long throws (Driver), one for medium throws and approaches (Mid-Range), and one for putting (Putter). This forces you to focus on your throwing mechanics, which pays dividends in the long run.
DX Plastic Characteristics: The DX plastic feels great right out of the box. It’s grippy and comfortable. I noticed that after a few rounds with the inevitable tree hits, the flight of the Leopard driver started to change. It became even more understable and easier to “hyzer-flip” for dead-straight shots. This is a known and often desirable trait of base plastic that actually helps beginners.
Core Shot Coverage: This set truly covers the absolute essentials. I could throw drives, approaches, and putts with confidence. It’s a testament to how versatile these three core disc types are and why this remains the classic, time-tested starting point for anyone new to disc golf. It’s everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Best Plastic for Grip: Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Set Review
The standout feature of the Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Set is immediately apparent when you hold it: the plastic. The Prime Burst plastic is engineered to have a comfortable, exceptionally grippy, and slightly “broken-in” feel from the very first throw. In my experience, this superior grip can directly translate to more confidence and consistency for new players.
Specification:
* Disc Count: 4 Discs + 1 Mini Marker
* Included Discs: Judge (Putter), Truth (Mid-Range), Escape (Fairway Driver), Trespass (Distance Driver)
* Plastic Type: Prime Burst Plastic
* Weight Range: 170-176g
* PDGA Approved: Yes
Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Superior Grip and Feel: The Prime Burst plastic is the star. It has a fantastic, slightly soft and tacky texture that feels incredibly secure in the hand. I found this especially helpful during early morning rounds with a bit of dew on the grass, where other plastics can feel slick.
* ✅ Excellent Selection of Disc Molds: This set includes some of Dynamic Discs’ most popular and reliable molds. The Judge is a legendary straight-flying putter, and the progression from the Truth to the Escape feels very logical for a developing player.
* ✅ Fantastic Aesthetic Appeal: Let’s be honest, looks matter. The “burst” patterns are beautiful and ensure that every single disc has a unique color combination. They simply look great flying out of your hand.
* ✅ Logical 4-Disc Selection: I believe a 4-disc set is a sweet spot. Adding a dedicated fairway driver (the Escape) alongside a distance driver (the Trespass) provides a great step up from a 3-disc set without being overwhelming.
* ✅ Includes a Mini Marker: Like the Innova 5-disc set, this one comes ready for league play with an included mini marker.
* ✅ Great for Building Confidence: The combination of the grippy plastic and the straight-flying nature of the Judge and Truth makes this set excellent for building a player’s confidence early on.
Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Trespass is Too Fast for Beginners: Similar to the Destroyer in the Innova set, the Trespass is a high-speed (Speed 12) driver. It is a fantastic disc, but it requires significant arm speed to fly as intended and will be very challenging and likely frustrating for newcomers.
* ❌ Slightly Heavier Weight Range: The typical weight range of 170-176g is great for control and fighting wind, but it’s slightly heavier than the discs found in some other beginner sets. Lighter discs are often easier for new players to get up to speed.
* ❌ Base Plastic Durability: Prime Burst, like DX, is a base plastic. It feels amazing, but it will show wear and tear (nicks and scratches) more quickly than more expensive premium plastic options.
My Expert’s Experience
Prime Burst Plastic Feel & Grip: The plastic is the main reason to choose the Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Set. I found it to be one of the best-feeling base plastics on the entire market. It provides a confident, tacky grip without being sticky, which allowed me to get a clean release on every throw. For a beginner struggling with grip, this plastic could be a game-changer.
Disc Molds for Beginners: The selection of molds here is top-notch. The Judge is one of the most popular putters in the world for a reason: it flies straight. The Truth is an equally reliable and straight mid-range. The Escape is a fantastic first driver that offers incredible glide, meaning it stays in the air for a long time. My advice for any beginner buying this set is to put the Trespass aside for a few months until their form and arm speed develop.
4-Disc Progression Path: During my testing, this set offered a very clear and effective progression. I used the Judge for all putts and short approaches under 150 feet. The Truth was my go-to for straight shots and longer approaches between 150 and 250 feet. The Escape was my primary driver for most holes, offering controllable distance. I only used the Trespass on wide-open holes where I could afford a big, fading shot. It’s a very well-thought-out lineup for a developing player.
Best for Expanding Your Bag: Innova 10-Disc Set Review
The Innova 10-Disc Set is essentially a “bag-in-a-box.” I would recommend this to the enthusiastic beginner who knows they love the sport and wants to dive into the deep end immediately. It’s perfect for the player who wants to experiment with a wide variety of flight patterns and disc types from day one, giving them a massive toolkit for a very low price.
Specification:
* Disc Count: 10 Discs + 1 Mini Marker
* Included Discs: Aviar & Invader (Putters), Mako3 & Roc3 (Mids), Katana, Mamba, Destroyer, Teebird, Wraith, Dragon (Drivers)
* Plastic Type: DX Plastic
* Weight Range: 170-180g (with the exception of the Dragon at 150-160g)
* PDGA Approved: Yes
Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Incredible Variety for Experimentation: This is the set’s biggest strength. With 6 different drivers, 2 mid-ranges, and 2 putters, the opportunity for experimentation is massive. You can learn the difference between an understable Mamba and a stable Teebird on your first day.
* ✅ Includes Fantastic Specialty Discs: I was thrilled to see that this set includes a Mamba (a very understable driver perfect for beginners) and a Dragon (a lightweight driver that floats in water). The floating Dragon is a brilliant inclusion that removes the fear of losing a disc on water holes.
* ✅ Fills a Bag Instantly: If you buy this set, you will not need to buy another disc for a very long time. It provides a disc for virtually every shot imaginable, from short putts to maximum distance drives.
* ✅ Perfect for Field Practice: Having multiple drivers and mid-ranges is ideal for going to an open field and throwing practice shots. You can throw several discs before having to take the long walk to retrieve them, which accelerates learning.
* ✅ Excellent Value Per Disc: The cost per disc in this 10-pack is extremely low, especially considering they are all proven, high-quality molds from the world’s top disc manufacturer.
* ✅ Two Different Putter Feels: Including both the classic Aviar and the beadless Invader allows a new player to discover what kind of putter feel they prefer early on.
Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Can Be Overwhelming for a New Player: The sheer number of choices can easily lead to “analysis paralysis.” A new player might not know when to throw a Katana versus a Wraith, which can add confusion to the learning process.
* ❌ Significant Disc Overlap: Many of the drivers in this set have similar flight characteristics for a beginner. The difference between a Destroyer, Katana, and Wraith will be negligible for a slow arm speed, which can be confusing.
* ❌ All DX Plastic: While DX plastic is great for grip, this set doesn’t give you the opportunity to experience any of Innova’s more durable premium plastics like Champion or Star.
My Expert’s Experience
Disc Variety & Experimentation: I had an absolute blast field-testing the Innova 10-Disc Set. It was incredibly fun to throw the very understable Mamba on a big turnover line and then immediately follow it with a more stable flight from the Teebird. This set is a crash course in how different disc molds are designed to fly, and that knowledge is invaluable for a developing player.
Specialty Discs: The inclusion of the lightweight, 150-class Dragon that floats in water is a genius move for a beginner set. I threw it into a pond on my local course just to test it, and it floated perfectly. This removes the fear of losing a disc on water carries, encouraging players to go for it. The Mamba is another excellent choice, as its extreme understability makes it one of the easiest high-speed drivers for new players to get a full “S-curve” flight from.
Learning Curve: While the variety is a huge pro, it also creates a steeper learning curve. My advice for anyone who buys this set is to start by using only 3 or 4 of the discs—I’d recommend the Aviar, Mako3, and Teebird. Master those, and then slowly start to introduce the others into your practice sessions to see what they do. This is a set you can truly grow with for years.
Disc Golf Starter Set Comparison Chart
To help you visualize the key differences and make a final decision, here is a direct comparison of the top 5 disc golf starter sets I tested. This chart highlights the most important factors for a beginner.
| Feature | Innova 5-Disc Set | VEVOR 12-Disc Set | Innova 3-Disc Set | Dynamic Discs 4-Disc Set | Innova 10-Disc Set |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Best Overall | Best Value Bundle | Best for Simplicity | Best Plastic for Grip | Best for Expanding |
| Disc Count | 5 + Mini | 12 + Mini | 3 | 4 + Mini | 10 + Mini |
| Plastic Type | DX Plastic | TPE Material | DX Plastic | Prime Burst Plastic | DX Plastic |
| Includes Bag? | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Best For | New players wanting a balanced introduction to core disc types. | Families or beginners on a tight budget wanting maximum gear. | Absolute beginners who want to master the fundamentals. | Players who prioritize a comfortable, confident grip. | Enthusiastic beginners who want to experiment with many discs. |
| My Rating | 4.8/5 ⭐ | 3.9/5 ⭐ | 4.5/5 ⭐ | 4.7/5 ⭐ | 4.6/5 ⭐ |
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Disc Golf Starter Set
Choosing your first set of discs is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. The “best” introductory disc golf bundle is personal and depends on your budget, goals, and how deeply you want to dive in. This guide will walk you through the most important factors I considered during my testing.
- Number of Discs (3 vs. 5+): I found that a 3-disc set (putter, mid-range, driver) is perfect for learning proper form and is less confusing for an absolute beginner. A set with 5 or more discs offers more shot variety and lets you experiment with different flights, but can be overwhelming at first. For most people, I recommend starting with either a 3 or 5-disc set from a reputable brand.
- Plastic Type (Base vs. Premium): Starter sets almost always use what’s called “base” plastic (like Innova’s DX plastic or Dynamic’s Prime). This is a good thing! During my evaluation, I confirmed that base plastics are much grippier, which is crucial for control when you’re learning. They also wear in faster after hitting trees, which makes them more “understable” and forgiving for beginners. Don’t worry about durable premium plastics until you’ve developed your skills.
- Disc Weight (Lightweight vs. Heavy): This is critical. Beginner discs should be lighter, typically in the 150-170g range. I found that lighter discs are significantly easier to get up to speed, which allows new players with low arm speed to achieve more distance and a straighter flight. Heavier discs (170-175g+) handle wind better but require more power, making them less ideal for your first set.
- Understanding Disc Molds: Don’t get bogged down by flight numbers (speed, glide, turn, fade) at first. Instead, focus on the disc type. Your set absolutely must have at least one putter, one mid-range, and one “fairway” driver (typically speed 6-8). Look for discs described as “understable” or “forgiving,” as these are specifically designed to fly straight even when your form isn’t perfect.
- Included Accessories (Bags & Minis): Some bundles, like the VEVOR set, come with a backpack. This is a fantastic bonus as it saves you a future purchase, but it’s not essential for your first few rounds. A mini marker is also a nice inclusion, as you’ll need one if you ever decide to play in a league or tournament.
FAQs About Disc Golf Starter Sets
What is the best disc golf starter set?
The best set for most beginners is the Innova 5-Disc Starter Set. It provides a perfect variety of high-quality, proven discs that cover every shot you’ll need to learn. It offers an ideal balance of quality, variety, and value from the sport’s leading brand.
How many discs should a beginner start with?
A beginner should start with 3 discs: a putter, a mid-range, and a fairway driver. This simple combination forces you to learn proper throwing form for different distances and shot shapes. A 5-disc set is also an excellent choice if you want to experiment with more variety from the beginning.
Is the Innova starter set good?
Yes, the Innova starter sets are widely considered the gold standard for beginners. I can confirm from my testing that they use beginner-friendly weights and their grippy DX plastic is perfect for learning. The disc selections are expertly curated to provide a logical learning progression.
How heavy should beginner discs be?
Beginner discs should be on the lighter side, generally between 150 and 170 grams. Lighter discs are easier for new players to throw at the correct speed, which helps them achieve more distance and straighter flights. The Innova Dragon, often included in sets and weighing around 150g, is a perfect example.
What is “understable” in disc golf and why is it good for beginners?
An understable disc has a natural tendency to turn to the right (for a right-handed, backhand throw) during the high-speed portion of its flight. This is good for beginners because it counteracts a new player’s natural tendency to release the disc on a hyzer angle, which causes it to fade hard to the left. The “turn” of an understable disc helps new players achieve much straighter and longer throws.
Can beginners throw high-speed drivers?
Generally, no. Beginners should avoid high-speed drivers (speed 10+) like the Destroyer or Trespass at first. These discs require significant arm speed and perfect form to fly correctly. For a new player, they will almost always just fade hard to the left and dive into the ground, resulting in a very short and frustrating throw. Stick to fairway drivers (speed 6-8).
What is the difference between DX and Champion plastic?
DX is a base plastic from Innova that is very grippy but less durable. Champion is a premium plastic that is extremely durable and often translucent, but it can be slick, especially when wet. I strongly recommend beginners start with DX plastic because the extra grip is incredibly helpful for learning control and release consistency.
Should I buy a starter set or individual discs?
You should absolutely buy a starter set. The discs are pre-selected by experts to be beginner-friendly, and the cost per disc is significantly lower than buying them individually. It’s the most economical and effective way to start playing disc golf.
What is a mini marker used for?
A mini marker is a small disc used to mark the spot where your throw landed (your “lie”). According to PDGA rules, you place the mini on the ground directly in front of your disc, pick up your thrown disc, and then your next throw must be from behind the mini. It’s required for any tournament or sanctioned league play.
Do disc golf sets float in water?
Most do not. The vast majority of disc golf discs are made from plastics that will sink in water. The main exception often found in beginner sets is the Innova Dragon, which is specifically designed to be lightweight (around 150g) and float.
My Final Verdict
After weeks of testing and comparing the top options, my recommendation is clear. You simply cannot go wrong starting your disc golf journey with a curated starter set. They remove the intimidating guesswork and provide you with the right tools for a fraction of the cost of buying discs one by one.
Perfect for you if…
* You are brand new to disc golf and want a clear path to improvement.
* You want proven, high-quality discs that are trusted by players at all levels.
* You want to learn a variety of shots, from putting to driving.
* You want a set that will grow with you as your skills develop.
* You appreciate the value of getting professionally selected gear at a bundle price.
Not ideal for…
* You are on the absolute tightest budget possible.
* You want a backpack included in your initial purchase.
* You only plan to play very casually with a large group of people.
For the best all-around experience that sets you up for long-term success and enjoyment in the sport, I wholeheartedly recommend the Innova 5-Disc Starter Set. It gives you an ideal variety of proven, high-quality discs that will help you learn every type of shot.
If your main goal is to get a bag and the maximum number of discs for casual play with friends or family on a tight budget, the VEVOR 12-Disc Set is an unbeatable value.
Ultimately, choosing any of these sets is a fantastic first step onto the fairway. Pick the one that best fits your budget and goals, get out there, and have fun
Last update on 2026-02-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

