Best Disc Golf Discs for Beginners: Starter Sets Compared
Almost every disc golf brand sells some version of a "beginner set," and they can look nearly identical from the product photo - three discs, a driver, a midrange, and a putter, usually under $40. But the plastics, weights, and stability ratings inside those sets vary a lot, and that variation matters more for new players than it does for experienced throwers.
Below we compare six of the most popular starter sets so you can pick the one that actually matches how you're learning to throw, not just the cheapest box on the shelf. If you'd rather build your own bag disc-by-disc instead of buying a set, see our full Best Disc Golf Discs guide.
🏆 Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall Innova Disc Golf Starter Set
- Best Soft Plastic Dynamic Discs Beginner Set
- Best Value Discraft Starter Set
- Best Premium BeginnerLatitude 64 Starter Set
- Best for Forehand MVP Starter Set
- Best for Groups 12-Disc Value Pack
Innova Disc Golf Starter Set
This is our default recommendation for a reason: a fairway driver, midrange, and putter from one of the most trusted names in the sport, all in forgiving base plastic. The discs are light enough for slower arm speeds but durable enough to survive a season of tree strikes and rocky lies. If you only read one section on this page, this is the set to buy.
Pros
- Trusted brand with consistent molds
- Forgiving flight at beginner arm speeds
- Widely available, easy to find replacements
- Great all-around value
Cons
- Colors and exact molds vary by listing
- Base plastic gets slick when wet
Dynamic Discs Beginner Set
Dynamic Discs' beginner-focused plastics tend to run softer and grippier than other brands' base lines, which makes a real difference for players still building confidence with their grip. The slightly tackier feel helps reduce early-release misfires - one of the most common reasons beginner throws fly off-target.
Pros
- Softer, grippier plastic than most starter sets
- Comfortable in hand for smaller hands
- Good fade control for new throwers
Cons
- Softer plastic wears down a bit faster
- Slightly less durable on cart-path or rock strikes
Discraft Disc Golf Starter Set
Discraft's starter sets are routinely some of the cheapest three-disc sets from a major manufacturer, without feeling like an off-brand knockoff. You're getting Discraft's proven molds (often including a Buzzz-style midrange) in entry-level plastic - a smart way to "try before you buy" the premium versions later.
Pros
- Lowest price among major-brand sets
- Includes proven, well-known molds
- Good entry point before buying premium plastic versions
Cons
- Plastic blend is firmer, less grippy when new
- Disc selection can vary between batches
Latitude 64 Starter Set
If you've already played a few rounds on borrowed gear and know you're sticking with the sport, this set is worth the extra few dollars over a basic starter bundle. Latitude 64's beginner-friendly molds are designed with forgiving stability but use slightly better plastic blends that hold their flight characteristics longer than the cheapest entry-level sets.
Pros
- Better plastic durability than budget sets
- Forgiving, beginner-tuned stability
- Feels like a step up without jumping to full premium pricing
Cons
- Costs more than basic starter sets
- Less common in stores - mostly online availability
MVP Disc Golf Starter Set
Most beginner sets are tuned with a right-handed backhand thrower in mind, but MVP's neutral, gummy-grip plastic tends to behave more predictably for players learning a forehand (sidearm) throw first - which a lot of new players actually find more intuitive than backhand. If forehand feels more natural to you early on, this set is worth a look.
Pros
- Gummy, grippy plastic feel
- Predictable flight for forehand throwers
- Unique "gyro" rim design aids consistency
Cons
- Feel takes getting used to vs. standard rims
- Slightly pricier than basic sets
12-Disc Value Pack
Taking a group of friends or family out for a casual first round? A bulk pack of a dozen generic discs is the cheapest way to make sure everyone has something to throw without buying six individual sets. These won't fly as predictably as name-brand discs, but for a backyard game or a group that's just trying disc golf for fun, they get the job done.
Pros
- Lowest cost per disc by far
- Enough discs to equip a whole group
- Good "beater" discs for water/OB-heavy holes later
Cons
- Inconsistent flight characteristics
- Not a substitute for a real starter set if you're sticking with the sport
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Set | Plastic Feel | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innova Starter Set | Standard base plastic | Most beginners | $25–35 |
| Dynamic Discs Beginner Set | Soft, grippy | Smaller hands, grip confidence | $25–35 |
| Discraft Starter Set | Firmer base plastic | Tightest budgets | $20–30 |
| Latitude 64 Starter Set | Improved base blend | Players staying in the sport | $30–40 |
| MVP Starter Set | Gummy, neutral | Forehand-first throwers | $30–40 |
| 12-Disc Value Pack | Generic, varies | Groups, casual play | $25–35 for 12 |
What Actually Matters in a Beginner Set
Every set on this page covers the same basic idea - a driver, midrange, and putter - but the details below are what separate a set you'll enjoy throwing from one you'll replace within a month.
Plastic Softness Affects Grip More Than You'd Think
Harder plastics are more durable but slicker, which can make new throwers grip the disc too hard or release early. Softer, grippier plastics (like Dynamic Discs' and MVP's beginner blends) are more forgiving while you're still developing a consistent grip and release.
Weight Matters for Slower Arm Speeds
Most starter sets ship in the 150-165g range, which is lighter than max-weight tournament discs (up to 175g+). Lighter discs are easier to throw fast and far at beginner arm speeds - don't feel like you need to "size up" to heavier discs until your form and power develop.
Stability Should Be Forgiving, Not Flashy
Skip any set marketed around "max distance" or "tour-level" stability. Beginner sets are intentionally tuned to fly straight and predictable at lower speeds - exactly what you want while you're learning to read flight paths. For more on how stability works, see our full discs guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to buy a set or individual discs as a beginner?
A set, almost always. Sets are cheaper per disc, and the driver/midrange/putter combo is exactly what new players need without overthinking it. You can add individual discs later once you know what your bag is missing.
Do beginner sets work for kids?
Yes - lighter-weight discs (under 165g) in a beginner set are usually easier for younger or smaller players to throw. The 12-disc value pack is also a popular option for families since it's inexpensive enough that lost discs aren't a big deal.
How long will a starter set last?
With normal play, a starter set's discs can last a full season or more. Soft plastics wear down a bit faster and become more understable with use, but that's a normal part of "breaking in" a disc - many players actually prefer the flight of a slightly worn-in disc.
What's the difference between this page and your main Discs guide?
This page compares complete starter sets for brand-new players. Our Best Disc Golf Discs guide covers individual disc picks - drivers, midranges, and putters - for players building or upgrading a bag disc-by-disc.