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Kirk

Myths Busted: Should New Players Throw High-Speed Discs?

Should new players throw high speed drivers banner

“New players shouldn’t throw high-speed discs.”  If you’ve been around disc golf for a while, you’ve heard it before.
There’s a grain of truth there—but it leaves out the part that matters for most real players. The reality is, new players shouldn’t throw most high-speed discs. Big brands like Innova and Discraft build and market a lot of wide-rim bombers around the highlight reels of sponsored pros. That’s how they do their marketing to get die hard fanatics to buy more discs. If you don’t have that kind of power, those molds often fly like meathooks, steal your distance, and just aren’t fun to throw.But here’s where the myth breaks: the right understable high-speed disc can actually help newer and lower-arm-speed players get a full S-curve and more distance—without needing tour-level power. Give a flippier speed-12 driver enough height and clean release, and it will turn, ride the glide, and settle with a gentle finish instead of stalling out early.

The Key Is Full-Flight, Not Max Power

High-speed doesn’t have to mean “only for crushers.” It means the disc is designed to carry speed with a wider rim; your job is to pick a stability that matches your power. If you’re still building form or typically land in the 225–325 ft window, a workable high-speed (read: understable) driver can unlock flights your mids and fairways can’t touch.

Basilisk beginner driver flight path

Two Tools Built for Real Players

That’s exactly why we made the Basilisk. It’s a speed-12 driver purpose-built for newer and lower-power throwers who want to see that long, satisfying S-curve. If you’re stepping up in power or the Basilisk feels a touch too flippy, move to the Lawin. It’s the next rung on the ladder—still friendly, but tuned for controlled full flights right around the 300-foot range.

The Truth

The truth is, most of us are never going to throw 400 feet—honestly, even a lot of touring players don’t hit that number every time. So instead of forcing yourself to throw discs built for someone else’s arm, bag something that matches your game. That’s why we made the Basilisk—so developing arms can finally see those big, full flights. And if the Basilisk turns a little too much for you, step up to the Lawin. These aren’t about chasing somebody else’s numbers; they’re about getting more distance, more fun, and more confidence out of your throws.

Myth Busted—Now Go Throw

Ready to test the “no high-speed for newbies” myth yourself? Start with the Basilisk for effortless S-curves. If you’re turning it too much or your power is climbing, grab the Lawin and keep the full-flight magic with a touch more stability.

FAQ

Should beginners throw high-speed drivers?

They should avoid most overstable high-speed molds. But understable high-speed drivers (like Basilisk) can help newer players achieve longer, full-flight S-curves, and get more distance without having faster arm speed.

What if my high-speed disc just dumps left?

It’s likely too overstable for your power. Try an understable option, and make sure that your release is level and you keep the disc nose down.

What if my disc turns into an accidental roller?

If Basilisk is too flippy, step up to the Lawin. If the Lawin is also too flippy, you may want to try the MaxLife Lawin, make sure you aren’t rolling your wrist, or check out high speed discs from other manufacturers.

What’s an S-curve?

A flight that turns right at high speed (RHBH) and then fades back left as it slows, maximizing distance.


By Kirk

Kirk Salisbury founded Divergent Discs in 2019. His disc golf journey began more than two decades ago playing courses like Ann Morrison Park in Boise and Solitude Mountain Resort with his brother. A former contributor and writer at DiscGolfReviewer.com, Kirk co-founded Infinite Discs in 2012 after a spontaneous round of disc golf during a power outage at work. He helped turn that business into one of the largest disc golf retailers in the world.

During his two years building Infinite Discs, Kirk was fully immersed in the competitive disc golf scene, playing tournaments across the region—including the Glass Blown Open. But as his family grew (including twins!), his lifestyle and priorities shifted. He rediscovered disc golf not as a competitive obsession, but as a fun, recreational activity shared with friends and family.

That shift inspired the creation of Divergent Discs—a brand built to offer high-quality, affordable discs for everyday players. Divergent Discs is a brand for the casual disc golfer; providing them with discs that are easy to throw, fun to use, and made for real-life play—not just elite competition.