The 11 Best Disc Golf Discs For Intermediate Players
Have you been putting in the work lately? Feeling like you're making good progress out in the field? Maybe you've hit the course a few times recently and have shocked yourself with some well-executed shots.
If you still consider yourself a somewhat newish disc golf player but have quickly picked up some momentum, it might be time to consider yourself more of an intermediate player. Time to start looking for discs to add to your bag that can take you to the next level!
Buying disc golf discs doesn't have to be overwhelming- to make things easy, we've chosen a range of discs with varying stabilities to you to check out.
There are a few distance drivers on here, some fairway drivers and midranges that make for great learning tools, and a couple of putters that can help dial in your putting technique.
How To Define "Intermediate"
For beginners, we recommend sticking to understable discs as they're easier to handle and much more forgiving than overstable discs. If you've felt you're ready to graduate to the intermediate players club, it doesn't necessarily mean you should go out and pick up the beefiest disc on the market.
You've probably started thinking strategically about different types of throws and exploring disc stabilities. You might find yourself googling "Best discs" lists and reading up on different disc golf brands.
You may also be interested in dabbling with a new disc golf weight, higher speed distance drivers, or some overstable control/fairway drivers.
Nervous that you're not quite there yet? It can be in your best interest to get better at throwing fairway drivers and understable "learner" distance drivers to develop your game rather than immediately start cranking on a high-speed maximum distance driver (although we know it's super tempting.)
Things To Consider
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Amount of time spent: If you've been playing disc golf consistently for about 2 to 3 years, you're probably throwing at an intermediate level with enough disc golf skills to have fun at your local disc golf course!
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Consistent distance: Typically, if you can hit 300+ feet drives and feel confident throwing midranges and fairway drivers, you're definitely an intermediate player.
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Putting skill: Putting ability is what can make or break a game. Do you feel good about your putting skills? If you're making at least 75% of your putts (or better), you're in good shape to try some new discs!
- Mindset: Confidence is essential here. It's easy to get frustrated, especially when so many recreational players seem to kill it- but remember, everybody started somewhere.
Being honest about your skill level will save you some future frustration!
To put it simply, the PDGA defines intermediate amateurs as: "Developing players who have played 2-3 years with improved consistency and accuracy. Throw 250-350 feet, make 5-7/10 putts from 20 feet." Of course, YMMV, and everybody develops at a different rate. Just keep throwing!
Without further ado, here are our 11 best discs for intermediate players.
Discraft Hades
Discraft Hades Flight Numbers:
- Speed: 12
- Glide: 6
- Turn: -3
- Fade: 2
Dimensions
- Height: 1.6 cm
- Diameter: 21 cm
- Rim Depth: 1.1 cm
- Rim Width: 2.3 cm
Popular Plastics
- Big Z
- ESP
Paul McBeth's latest driver, the Discraft Hades, is a super comfortable max distance driver with a shallow feeling rim. It has a slight dome, which is suitable for disc golfers wanting a disc with gratuitous glide- it's a tad glidier than the Thrasher.
This disc is excellent for intermediate players because of its controllability and straight to understable nature.
In ESP plastic, it will feel great in hand and will be highly durable. Are you in for the win? Grab your Hades here.
Innova Wraith
Innova Wraith Flight Numbers:
- Speed: 11
- Glide: 5
- Turn: -1
- Fade: 3
Dimensions
- Height: 1.4 cm
- Diameter: 21.1 cm
- Rim Depth: 1.2 cm
- Rim Width: 2.1 cm
Popular Plastics
- Star
- GStar
- Champion
The beloved and highly popular Innova Wraith barely needs an introduction. Pros and recreational players love this exceptional distance driver- with great accuracy, a stable flight, and the ability to soar.
Be sure to have your form dialed in before tackling the Wraith because it's entirely too easy to pick up bad habits that'll be tough to quit later on.
But if you're there: the Wraith is excellent for building more confidence and is comfortable for both forehand and backhand drives.
MVP Wave
MVP Wave Flight Numbers:
- Speed: 11
- Glide: 5
- Turn: -2
- Fade: 2
Dimensions
- Height: 1.4 cm
- Diameter: 21.1 cm
- Rim Depth: 1.1 cm
- Rim Width: 2.2 cm
Popular Plastics
- Plasma
- Neutron
- Fission
The MVP Wave is an excellent tool for intermediate players to practice shot shaping. At an 11 speed, it doesn't take a massive amount of arm speed to throw. More advanced players can see beautiful s-curves and long hyzer flip shots.
This disc is super versatile, and any player worth their salt would be wise to bag one.
Innova Valkyrie
Innova Valkyrie Flight Numbers:
- Speed: 9
- Glide: 4
- Turn: -2
- Fade: 2
Dimensions
- Height: 1.4 cm
- Diameter: 21.1 cm
- Rim Depth: 1.2 cm
- Rim Width: 1.9 cm
Popular Plastics
- Champion
- Star
- G Star
As far as control drivers go, the Valkyrie makes a lot of disc golfers' lists of favorite drivers. With a speed rating of 9, this disc is useful for various skill levels as a learning tool.
It has a reliably straight flight and will hold any angle it's put on. For hyzer flips, the Valkyrie truly shines on wooded courses where you're facing a tunnel shot.
As your Valkyrie beats in over time, it can be a useful roller disc in the future. If you're eyeing the Star plastic, it'll be a while before your disc beats in- that premium plastic is insanely durable. Tidy up your form with a brand-spankin' new Valkyrie, currently available in Orange and Blue Halo Star plastic here.
Discmania Instinct
Discmania Instinct Flight Numbers:
- Speed: 7
- Glide: 5
- Turn: 0
- Fade: 2
Dimensions
- Height: 1.8 cm
- Diameter: 21.2 cm
- Rim Depth: 1.1 cm
- Rim Width: 1.7 cm
Popular Plastics
- Neo
If you want to strengthen your fairway game, the Instinct is a straight-stable disc that feels incredible in Neo plastic. It's super controllable and will have a nice forward fade at the end of its flight.
There are many fairway drivers that the Instinct gets compared to, but one of the things we like about it best is the smaller rim.
Make this glidey your next go-to fairway driver when you're out on the course. Trust your instincts, and grab an Instinct today.
Innova Eagle
Innova Eagle Flight Numbers:
- Speed: 7
- Glide: 4
- Turn: -1
- Fade: 3
Dimensions
- Height: 21.2 cm
- Diameter: 1.6 cm
- Rim Depth: 1.2 cm
- Rim Width: 1.7 cm
Popular Plastics
- Champion
- DX
- Star
Innova's O.G. Eagle: it's hard to mess with the blueprint. If you're looking to push the envelope with arm power, you can't really turn the Eagle over. It's a great choice if you're looking for an overstable fairway driver that will beat in slowly over time.
Many professional disc golfers love the Eagle, and after spending some time with it, you'll see why.
Make the Eagle your next workhorse, and try one today. We've got the Gregg Barsby Swirly Star Eagle in various colors!
Discraft Buzzz
Discraft Buzzz Flight Numbers:
- Speed: 5
- Glide: 4
- Turn: -1
- Fade: 1
Dimensions
- Height: 21.7 cm
- Diameter: 1.9 cm
- Rim Depth: 1.3 cm
- Rim Width: 1.2 cm
Popular Plastics
- Big Z
- ESP
- Titanium
Considered one of the most popular midrange discs ever made, this is a must-have for any player looking for a versatile disc that can do it all. Everybody can stand to benefit from working with a Buzzz, but we think intermediate players stand to gain the most.
This disc will serve you reliably and will go wherever you want it.
Working on your upshots? Buzzz. Facing a shorter, technical hole from the tee? Buzzz. Need a hyzer-flip midrange for your bag? The third time's a charm. Let this disc show you what's possible- pick one up, and you won't regret it. We have it in ESP, Z, Cryztal Sparkle, and more.
You can find loads of Discraft Discs available in our store.
Innova Roc3
Innova Roc3 Flight Numbers:
- Speed: 5
- Glide: 4
- Turn: 0
- Fade: 3
Dimensions
- Height: 21.7 cm
- Diameter: 1.6 cm
- Rim Depth: 1.3 cm
- Rim Width: 1.2 cm
Popular Plastics
- Star
- Champion
- DX
The overstable Roc3 is a godsend in those headwinds. If you're looking for an approach disc that is super consistent and will give you some solid distance, the Roc3 is where it's at.
This disc can handle the torque from more advanced players and will still hold true to its flight pattern. The Roc3 will quickly become your trusty midrange and possibly a game changer.
We've currently got the Henna Blomroos Tour Series Champion Roc3 in stock in various colors!
Discraft Zone
Discraft Zone Flight Numbers:
- Speed: 4
- Glide: 3
- Turn: 0
- Fade: 3
Dimensions
- Height: 2 cm
- Diameter: 21.1 cm
- Rim Depth: 1.3 cm
- Rim Width: 1.2 cm
Popular Plastics
- Titanium
- Z Glo
- Cryztal FLX
We had to include the funky Discraft Zone disc on our list, as it's one of those discs called a putter (a Discraft technicality, as a speed 4) but behaves more like a mid-range disc.
This is a disc that will force you to utilize the disc in a way that makes the most sense to you. As a slim putter with a thick rim, this overstable putt & approach disc is excellent for headwinds and sidearm flicks.
In premium Titanium plastic, you can guarantee that the Zone will keep you "in the zone" (sorry) for longer. This high-performance blend gives you ultimate durability with an excellent grip. If you're looking for something to fit that overstable slot, the Zone is a wonderful addition to any bag.
We've got the Zone in Titanium, Z Glo, Big Z FLX, Metallic Z, and ESP Swirl FLX. Check out our Discraft discs collection today.
Innova Firefly
Innova Firefly Flight Numbers:
- Speed: 2
- Glide: 3
- Turn: 0
- Fade: 1
Dimensions
- Height: 2.1 cm
- Diameter: 21.1 cm
- Rim Depth: 1.5 cm
- Rim Width: 1.0 cm
Popular Plastics
- Nexus
Nate Sexton's putter of choice was made for players who want a glidey, stable putt and approach disc that can tackle headwinds.
In Nexus, the Firefly is firm and grippy even in wet/cold conditions while being more durable than DX plastic. Its beadless rim and the flat top are comfortable for putting, and it will feel similar to a Discmania P2 but better overall.
Regardless of your putting preference, the Firefly will land where you want it to. For intermediate players looking to improve their putting game, the Firefly is a great addition to your bag.
Dynamic Discs EMAC Judge
Dynamic Discs EMAC Judge Flight Numbers:
- Speed: 2
- Glide: 4
- Turn: 0
- Fade: 1
Dimensions
- Height: 2.0 cm
- Diameter: 21.2 cm
- Rim Depth: 1.4 cm
- Rim Width: 1.1 cm
Popular Plastics
- Classic Soft
- Classic Burst
- Prime Burst
Eric McCabe's take on the Judge is one glidey putt and approach disc. Having this balanced disc in your bag means you'll feel confident every time you putt. It's got a microbead and is comfortable in the hand.
This disc shines on longer putts, and regardless of your preferred putting style, this disc will find the chains over and over again.
The EMAC Judge can be used by beginners and more advanced players as a throwing putter. Grab an EMAC Judge today!
Summary
With so many popular discs on the market, it can be dizzying to learn the ins and outs of the big, wide world of discs. Most disc golfers started right where you are, wanting to get more distance out of the discs they had.
With a little bit of patience and practice, you'll quickly settle into your status as an intermediate player.
Practice in different weather conditions to see how the plastics feel in the rain and cold. Do your research, and maybe you'll find another disc golf brand that intrigues you. And as always, stay tuned to our disc reviews.
Are you looking for the best discs for advanced players or the best disc golf distance drivers for beginners? We've got you covered.
Thousands of awesome intermediate drivers are available in our online store right now. Now get out there and throw!
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