Ready for an upgrade?

If you’ve been playing with a starter set (or the same couple discs for years), you might be wondering: When should I upgrade? The good news is you don’t need a “pro arm” to level up. You just need disc golf discs that match how you throw right now.This guide is for beginners and casual players who want a little more distance, control, and confidence—without jumping straight into ultra-fast, hard-to-throw drivers.

5 signs you’re ready to upgrade your disc golf discs

Your putter flies straight when you throw it hard

If your putter isn’t wobbling much and you can throw it 150–200 feet (or more) on a clean line, your form is improving—and you’re ready to add a couple discs with more glide.
You’re outgrowing one “do-everything” disc

Starter sets are awesome, but eventually you’ll notice you want different flights: something that turns right (RHBH), something that fades left reliably, and something that handles wind.
You’re playing more often (and on more courses)

The more you play, the more you run into different shots: tight woods, open fields, uphill approaches, headwinds, and tricky greens.
You’re starting to notice your misses

If you can tell the difference between “I released early” vs. “that disc faded too hard,” you’re ready to choose discs on purpose.
You want consistency more than max distance

Upgrading isn’t about buying the fastest disc. It’s about getting discs that help you hit the same line over and over.

The beginner-friendly upgrade path (simple and affordable)

You don’t need 20 discs. A smart upgrade is usually 2–3 discs that fill gaps in your starter set.

Step 1: Add a straight midrange

A midrange is the easiest “upgrade” because it teaches clean form and gives you controlled distance.

Great midrange options

Leviathan: smooth, beginner-friendly flight that helps you learn straight shots. Shop Leviathan
Kapre: a touch more stability for dependable control. Shop Kapre

Tip: If you’re not sure what to pick, choose the one that feels best in your hand. Comfort matters.

Step 2: Add a fairway driver (not a distance driver)

Fairway drivers are where most casual players get their first “wow, that went farther” moment—without the wild unpredictability of high-speed distance drivers.

Beginner-friendly fairway/control drivers

Kraken: a great first fairway/control driver for easy distance. Shop Kraken
Minotaur: a bit more stability when you want a reliable finish. Shop Minotaur

Step 3: Add an approach disc for stress-free upshots

Approach discs help you save strokes because they’re designed for touch shots, short drives, and controlled landings.

StayPut silicone approach discs (for fewer rollaways)

Alpas (StayPut silicone): wants to sit where it lands—great for hills, islands, and greens where rollaways hurt. Shop Alpas
Golem (StayPut silicone): dependable approach option when you want a little more stability. Shop Golem

What not to do when upgrading

Don’t jump straight to a high-speed distance driver.Fast discs can actually go shorter if your arm speed isn’t ready.
Don’t buy discs only because a pro throws them.Your best disc is the one that flies well for your speed.
Don’t change everything at once.Add one disc, learn it, then add the next.

Quick upgrade recommendations (by goal)

Want straighter flights? Add a Leviathan midrange. Leviathan
Want easy distance? Add a Kraken fairway driver. Kraken
Tired of rollaways? Add an Alpas StayPut approach disc. Alpas
Need something more wind-resistant? Add a Minotaur or Golem. Minotaur / Golem