Top 5 Fairway Drivers For Beginners! (According to Disc Golfers)

[@PastHisPrime336]

Agree with the River being voted #1. High glide, good hand feel, many plastic types to choose from, and it's great in Disc Golf Valley. Can't go wrong with the River.

[@ivax7636]

The only thing I’m confused on is like what weight I should get

[@WhoThaCazer]

my favorite beginner friendly disc is latitude 64° Maul. Its my favorite weapon on woods. (it just happen to be those i lose them more often and never get them back.)

[@FunkeytownYT]

River #1 seems good, but i feel like that should give an honorable mention to the Maul which is just a more flippy river. I could not flip a river when i was new and the maul is what helped me understand hyzer flips

[@jray7316]

As a 69-year-old beginner, I definitely agree about the Diamond and the River (in a light weight). Both are discs that I love throwing, and due to their lighter weight, are discs that I can throw well. Another that throws beautifully straight for me is the Latitude 64 Jade. Several comments below mention the Axiom Crave, which is another fave of mine.

[@discgolfmaniac]

Leopard 3 or leopard are a really good option

[@skeller61]

As a 62 year old…..you stole my post! Lol, the Diamond and Jade are definitely a good combination. There are so many discs that I would love to try, but simply aren’t available in lighter weights, so they don’t work well with slower speed throws (my drive averages ~290 ft).

[@JPnTX]

I just turned 68. It is almost impossible to find light Rivers since COVID. I have several with my beat in 152 as my favorite. I also love my 145 Diamond. Lately I am throwing Prodigy Air F7s. You can get them for less than $20 and since I started throwing mine a lot I hardly ever throw my River or Diamond anymore. I have several and the one I throw the most is a 152 that I call my 'Expendable'. 🙃 Knowing I can replace it for cheap gives me confidence in throwing it. Give one a try. 🤗

[@kevinpowers9024]

I've just started seriously playing DG about 6 months ago. The first disc I bought was the diamond. I don't have a big arm, so 235 feet is a good throw for me. As the diamond has become beat in, it has become very understable. I throw RHBH and if I release it flat, it will go left to right and it's not coming back. I have to release it with a good amount of hyzer and it will flip up, fly straight and fade left at the end. The glide on the diamond is beautiful to watch, unless it's going the wrong way lol. I have just bought the Essence and I really like it. I also bag the Leopard in the Star plastic and I've just bought the Mako 3. Both very good discs for beginners like me. I will look into the River now. Nice video, thanks.

[@ChayseGrizzell]

Surprised the Leopard 3 didn't make the list. Also, lowkey, the Kevin Jones F5 is worth checking out for this category. Kind of reminds me of an old flat G-star Leopard 3. Hyzer flip machine. I found one (no name of course) and was surprised how much I liked it until I lost it in the trees/Ivy on #5 at East Roswell. **Side note: F' that hole. The gap from longs is getting smaller by the day.

[@jordanaguirre5813]

That slot I think was taking over by the IT. Numbers difference is just 6 vs 5 glide so might have to try it out myself see what really is the difference at some point XD.

[@austinmeade7150]

F5

[@drewg3087]

Incomplete list without the Leo3.

[@BirdManAdventures]

I have 2 of those g-star leopard3s and you are so right

[@alanlundberg4534]

Lived this review! I took the plunge and bought a Lat 64 Diamond at 160g in Opto Ice Orbit plastic. I'm anxious to take it to the field to study it.

[@TedHollisterH4]

The F3 by prodigy is one of the most underrated discs on the market. For beginners it will give you a traditional teebird style flight. For intermediate players. Hyzer flips to flat and ride super straight. Furthest flying disc in my bag. Love the F3

[@jamesfarabaugh6669]

I'm still figuring things out. My go-to driver past few months has been the Genius (7 5 -4 1). This weekend I tried the Underworld (7 6 -3 1) and it performed really well for me. First time I've consistently gotten the S turn you would expect from such understable discs.

[@truce11]

Good list but.. Fission Crave baby! They do sell heavier weight Diamonds though. Shout out to base plastic Discmania Genius for cheap n fun timez!🎉

[@musicman2712]

Crave is love. Crave is life.

[@Railer61]

I throw the Passion and it was one of my first go to fairways despite not having the arm speed. I get it flat, it can go get a nice lil turn and finish with a slight fade

[@dangreen3844]

River & Diamond - they definitely worked for me in my first couple of years. And as your arm speed and touch improves the Diamond becomes a great turnover disc, or one for steep uphill drives.

[@nathanielredd1252]

The diamond also comes in a 170K mold that’s 170+ grams, I bag one that is incredible in the woods

[@DylanKowalski123]

If the buzz was a fairway it would actually be the discraft stalker. That is what it is basically. And the discraft glide is understandable cousin. All same hand feel similar throw

[@ronbane5768]

The arrival was helpful and will purchase one of the disks based on video

[@Cristopher1976]

Solid list. I'm not a fan of the it personally because of the dome like you mentioned. I've had or have the rest. There is a max weight diamond available but they aren't easy to find.

[@ComatoseRat]

every time i threw an it, the thing burned into the ground immediately

[@timcarpenter9050]

DGA Vortex PL -- Easy distance for noodle arms, like myself. Great flip to flat, with some turn. 7 6 -3 1

[@musicman2712]

Any list that doesn't include the Axiom Crave is erroneous!! Haha! I do love the River though.

[@RobertHanz]

Crave

[@traviswhitworth6506]

Love my crave! I bought 3 more after using the first one and falling in love.

[@JerichoSprague]

Was excited to get the crave but it just super understable Flippy this was the PDGA model you got when you join

[@palrichardlilleseth9860]

I might have got a Monday version, but my River is stable and not straight at all. Kastaplast Falk is my preferred fairway. I'm a true beginner and 750ish rated and throw 250ft.

[@michaelborilla5438]

I agree with the River so much ❤

[@claytonrowe9124]

I always hand new players my streamline drift or ascend (depending on arm speed). Anyone can get a beautiful flight out of those discs by the end of their first 18 holes.

[@davidmcdaniel7466]

I've been playing for just over a year and the River is still one of my favorite fairway drivers.

[@thomasdaniel4256]

Legacy Patriot is another good one Cole Redalen said it's one of the most underrated disc

[@glindsho]

Great list, I have them all, but they just sit in the bag most of the time, as I usually choose to throw the Crave instead

[@kakarot842]

I'm kind of surprised that the leopard didn't even make the list, I was almost sure it was going to be #1. That being said, I agree with the list.

[@Dr_C_Smith]

I have no problems with this list either but also expected the Leopard to be on it somewhere…

[@RGMDG]

Your number two was my favorite beginner disc. It made disc golf fun when I couldn't throw much further than 75 ft.. Great Disc.. Highly recommend it..

[@bushlite333]

All great recommendations. For sidearm, I definitely recommend the Innova Caiman. Such a good disc.

[@TTVF4des]

I think the Discraft Cicada is very good for people who are a little past being a beginner, you can make some crazy shots because of how stable it is.

[@robertericks]

I like the Passion, but they are pricey. The Discraft Mantis or Heat in Z plastic are great choices for less money.

[@pavelrinn5714]

Got Essence and River from this list. They are both great. My favorite is Essence - its also my favorite disc from all my discs right now. My discgolf is basicly going out on a field and just throwing as fare as I can - its like 99% of my discgolf time. I love to watch the disc fly and I am really bad - like 260 ft is my maximum. Essence just flyes really nice and fare :-).

[@scatcat1194]

FD S-line from Discmania. Favorite disc, have an ace with it. Favorite disc for forehands. Decent under-stability when I rip it. Love the disc too much

[@bsmithhammer]

While I don't bag the Innova IT, I agree that it's surprising how overlooked that disc is, and that you seldom hear anything about. It's a great controlled fairway driver with impressive glide, esp. for lower arm speeds. In fact, there's not much reason to throw a Leopard 3 anymore, since the IT does everything better.

[@williamhubert6299]

IT is definitely better for beginners, but it doesn’t handle the torque of the leopard3 (only relevant for 400+ throwers)

[@joeconsford]

I have tried lots of disks as a beginner. The only disk that matches my arm speed is the Yuikon Jiao. I have one in Phoenix plastic, but the Dragon plastic is SOOO much better. I can get a full flex and I can shape shots with it. Every other disk just kinda goes left.

[@austino6710]

A bit off topic, but someone explain the purpose of a Midrange if you're throwing a stable & understable fairway? My current bag consists of 2 Envys, one for a putting putter, other for driving. Streamline Lift in Nuetron plastic, and Innova Star Wraith/Streamline Trace for Drivers.

[@NotSoFast71]

River is my go-to fairway disc. I have a Diamond in premium plastic, even a hyper flip turns into a roller and I don’t even throw that far. 290-300 feet max drive. I prefer the Underworld as my understable fairway.

[@triplespace007]

If you want the Diamond to fly, throw it softer/less spin. If it still rolls, just use it for rollers.

[@pibblesracing]

I bag both the river & diamond. They both get lots of use! {Playing about 9 months}

[@Akuudama]

My first fairway was a Discraft Stalker, still throw it sometimes, think it works great for beginners too

[@danielbrower8475]

The Lone Star Mockingbird is an awesome fairway driver for beginners. 7/5/-2/1. Carries forever with a moderate turn, and reliable fade. I’ve played for less than a year, and can already power this disc out to 350ft. I will probably always bag this one!

[@jheiliger]

I have an orbit River that is a little more stable, and it is SOOO versatile. Great disk... My wife throws a gold line Diamond, and it's also MONEY.

[@oly6460]

I think the kastaplast Stig would be a super good pick here as well 6 5 -2 1 really comfortable in the hand and the plastic feels fantastic

[@benjaminwingo1623]

F7 doesn't get enough love. Free distance for beginners, then you learn to throw smooth with understable discs for long hyzer flip to turn over shots. I still bag one now for when I can't seem to throw a side arm to save my life.

[@nickgeisler5409]

I would say the crave or f5 are my favorite fair way drivers

[@rhadamanthwick]

Diamond comes in carat weight too, 170g

[@joshbaker1639]

Came to comment this. The lighter weight is great for when you start out, but when your arm speed improves the heavier weight slots right in. Love my 170g Diamond.

[@mikewazowskiilluminati1284]

Never heard of the innova one but I think I’ll get one it seems promising

[@mikepitts8470]

Just happened to buy my 1st 1 last Sat on a recommendation from the disc shop owner. Very easy to throw & feels awesome in the hand

[@calebmcleod9004]

Leopard3 is certainly a great beginner disc.

[@drewg3087]

GStar lep3 is the secret sauce.

[@johnshepherd6925]

​@@drewg3087I agree!

[@Spartacus11]

Champ leopard 3 and teebird for me, good list though.

[@5stringaustin]

Leopard3 and Crave should be here. And the Passion is the most awful feeling disc I’ve ever owned. Bought a couple and the instant I held it in my hand, knew I’d never bag it.

[@allstargaming0377]

I believe the crave is cracked a great disc for all arm speeds really but I like the list and vid

[@Jeremy-cn1xk]

Love The river but they are SO different run to run. I have personally bought and thrown 2 rivers that were overstable

[@jonathankohut6779]

It's absolutely criminal that the Axiom Crave wasn't on the list. I also feel like Kastaplast gets forgotten about. The Kastaplast Stig with 6/5/-2/1 is a disc that will grow with you and feels amazing to throw.

[@Discsforbaskets]

Tried the Falk?

[@allenhuffman3380]

Amen brother, by far the easiest of the discs mentioned to learn to throw. I'm roughly a 9/10 speed disc easy, but I don't know what I would do without my Crave. It's so easy to shape shot

[@coryy8792]

Hard agree. I haven't tried the diamond or river personally but the Crave also has that crazy distance with minimal effort. Disc just seems to want to stay in the air. 6.5 speed so it doesn't take much power to get it going either.

[@nstanz]

I would put the streamline ascend or axiom rhythm over the crave for beginners. The crave I find more to be a stable disc that requires a bit more angle mastery. It's great to practice your angle and form on, but I have given it to beginners and watched them struggle with it.

[@allenhuffman3380]

Streamline Lift as well. But being that the Crave is only a 6.5 speed it's easier to control and still get good distance. Starting with something at a higher speed may turn someone off if they don't get the throw they like.

[@cjt1982]

I'm a fan of the Mint Discs Jackalope

[@ToddsDiscGolf]

I have the river and Diamond, yesss!! Subbed

[@Motorboatasaurus]

A little sad the Axiom Crave didn't make it. I have all but the Passion on this list and for me the 2 best flyers when I was starting were the Crave and the Diamond. I still bag both and use the Crave about 8 times a round and the Diamond about 4 times a round.

[@meister-t]

I bought an Opto Diamond, only throw 250 or so, and it turns turns turns - it's like a -5 , 0.5 If it turns over at my arm speed, brand new, I don't know how you can recommend it.

[@bradwurst8141]

Gotta shoutout the TL3 and FD

[@tbow8954]

Regarding the IT, dude I hate that thing. It is so flippy when I throw it. My distaste is personal, but man, I suck at getting it to go straight lol, but the Passion, the Passion is wonderful!

[@romius9391]

ya'll need to get hip the the DGA Catrina Allen Vortex

[@timcarpenter9050]

If only I could thumbs up this multiple times

[@leacarinaandmarccosico1229]

Surprised fd didn’t make the list

[@allenhuffman3380]

Y’all must be MVP/AXIOM/STREAMLINE haters(LOL, love guys really). They have so many beginner friendly discs. The Crave, the Relay, the Insanity just to name a few. I accidentally ordered a Streamline Lift it added almost 70 ft to my throw

[@Munchylego]

Thought Space Athletics Mantra, especially in Aura plastic! Maybe a 9-speed is too much? 9/6/-2/1…But so straight and manageable for easy distance and shots in the woods. Amazing disc!

[@musicman2712]

Mantra is money!!

[@DavidClaibourn]

GATEWAY's Amphibian (floats at full weight), Assassin (Scott Stokley's roller) , Spear and Cyborg are all great beginner fairway drivers

[@jackdonkey22]

The passion is similar to the Eclipse i bought in 2001

[@nmkloster]

I've had my eye on the Innova IT. I bag the old Discmania FD and the new FD is not the same. Innova reused the FD mold to release the Dark Rebel but it was perhaps not well received that the mold was reused and the Dark Rebel was labeled "The original FD". I was kinda expecting that they then changed the mold very very superficially to call it "Innova Tech" (IT fo short) and put it back on the market. Maybe it's a conspiracy theory but I want to check it out for sure...

[@niclaslinton5001]

It and Dark rebel is not the same

[@nmkloster]

@@niclaslinton5001 I'm not saying they're exactly the same. How do they differ? I can't find proper profile images.

[@niclaslinton5001]

@@nmkloster dark rebel is more like eagle-straight and the It has super round edge and is doomey, very understable

[@Gauchograd99]

Sorta shocked to not see the FD or Maverick in there. Then again, it is only 5 spots. I’d be shocked it they weren’t top 10.

[@nickensss]

I absolutely hate the feel of the IT

[@drewg3087]

Passion esp is much money!

[@juiceboxxtm9848]

Tried all these discs i’ll take the crave over all of them. That disc bombs.

[@derpderpin1568]

It's weird to me the River is rated so highly. It's one of the most uncomfortable discs I've ever held personally. I bag a Fuse, Sapphire, and Glory but my River always ends up staying home. I just can't figure it out.

[@wowfrolfisbigcool8033]

crave #1

[@bsmithhammer]

Yup. Surprised it didn't make the list.

[@musicman2712]

Between all the plastic types and if you cycle them to different stages of wear, you can have a crave for every shot you need.

[@codyevans9835]

As a beginner I feel the axiom crave is amazing

[@ellisj98]

I don’t like my river because it’s extremely under-stable. It’s definitely not reflective of its numbers

[@anthonythurston6103]

I say the best starter disc is the saint the big brother to the river

[@redragon1136]

archangel was my favorite for a while

[@ohmgstav]

Oh yeah! Got 3 aces with my archangel before it got too beat up to be comfortable to throw. Shame they only makes it with dx plastic.

[@redragon1136]

@@ohmgstav tis a shame

[@dblevins343]

The 3 I definitely recommend are the River, Diamond (for very low arm speeds), and the Crave. All are great for beginners. The Leapord is fantastic in premium plastic too. The Ascent from Streamline is anoyher amazing beginner fairway disc.

[@understableaces]

the crave is my top fairway for sure

[@gabemelendez5601]

There are some heavier Diamonds… I have 2 of course 😅

[@MK-ql1yn]

Clash soda is a option 👍

[@CJsnarsty]

Passion is goated

[@mikkokallioniemi7325]

I agree, Passion just feel good in fingers

[@mikem4521]

They actually make/made some max weight diamonds. I think they called them 1ct diamonds or something.

[@triplespace007]

Ahh, the river. That's where all my fairway drivers end up. Maybe I should buy the disc.

[@MultiSilversalmon]

The Jade would be a much better choice than diamond. The diamond is way for more overstable.

[@cameroneastham1462]

Prodigy F3

[@NorfarPS3]

Diamond over the river

[@romius9391]

how tf was the Heat NOT on this list...?!?!

[@patnope6344]

surprised the crave didn't make it lol

[@how_am_i_not_myself]

QJLS hands done favorite fairway driver

[@anonymous-dk3um]

Diamonds come in 175g as well just fyi

[@Rew123]

Westside Discs Stag

[@theTNyouthwrestler]

Diamond carat is 170+ on weight

[@darkndeed6311]

The diamond comes in full weight

[@Flint_Hyzermatic]

When I want to hyzerflip with ease I’m Lovin’ IT, like Mickey D’s Uh, yeah, word to your mother.

[@OmegaSlice108]

Diamond is a legit roller disc

[@trueethics6190]

the pipeline by DGA is one of the best fairway drivers. end of.

[@JesseJ588]

All us Banshee throwers chillin in the background like 🙄

[@AndrewHipskind]

Undertaker not making the list makes me question the validity of this list 🧐

[@DiscGolfDemastus]

Lima Mockingbird.

[@DormBros152]

no MVP??

[@ComatoseRat]

“discraft plastic is second to none” maybe second to the worst but yanno… just innova and trilogy and kastaplast… and mvp… and discmania producing better plastic

[@toddkauk6099]

Agreed, their plastic definitely feels the worst.

[@drewg3087]

Discraft plastic is one of the most durable. Hold up a long time compared to MVP.

[@justinowen9537]

Underworld and maul Crave and drift