Disc golf in the wind can be one of the toughest rounds you will ever play. But it can also be fun and pretty interesting as well, especially when you’re trying to battle through the wind and the laughs with all of your buddies. Because no matter what disc you’re using, windy rounds are hilariously awesome.
But there are some discs that can help us in our constant battles with the wind. These discs have a couple of characteristics and similarities that allow us to keep our discs on their intended lines and help us crush it during those windy rounds.
Because it took me awhile to really find good information on the best disc golf discs for the wind, I decided to make this post with my top picks of drivers, mids, and putters in both Headwinds and tailwinds.
So check out my picks for the 11 best disc golf discs for the wind. The first eight discs are headwind selections and the last three discs are tailwind selections. If you’re looking for a crosswind disc, grab a good headwind disc and that should do the trick. If you want more detail about these picks, that will be a little bit farther down in a later section.
11 best disc golf discs for wind
Headwinds
My #1 pick – Innova Blizzard Champion Ape – Distance Driver
2. Innova Firebird – Control Driver
3. Dynamic Discs Justice – Mid-range
4. Westside Discs Harp – Mid-range putter
5. Innova Destroyer- Distance Driver
6. Discmania PD “Freak” – Power/Distance Driver
7. Innova Roc3 – Mid-range
8. Discraft Zone – Putt and Approach
Tailwinds
9. Dynamic Discs Sheriff – Distance Driver
10. Innova Valkyrie – Control Driver
11. Discraft Comet – Mid-range
Why You need discs for windy rounds
Before we go on, I want you to know that’s there are a couple of quick reasons why you NEED a good disc or two for your windy rounds:
- Wind happens: the wind is just a natural part of our rounds. And if you’re going to play any disc golf, you have to get used to that and have a disc ready to beat those gusts.
- Competitive rounds: the wind is natural, right? So that means we can’t control it and it also means you’ll have wind during a lot of your rounds including competitive rounds. If you can’t play in the wind, and this just happens to be a competitive round, you’re score is going to be blown short (pun intended). Buy some wind-worthy discs and learn to play in the wind so that you can beat the wind AND your competition if it’s windy during your competitive rounds. Don’t let the wind be an excuse.
- Discs built for the wind: you should get a few of these discs because some were just made for windy rounds. A couple of these discs will fly like there isn’t any wind on the course ever.
What you’re looking for in a disc for a windy round
Alright, so I’ve got an awesome list of disc recommendations below. But if you decide to shop around for your own discs to battle the wind, there are a couple of things you’re going to want to look for in a disc. These disc characteristics are SUPER important. Check them out below ⬇️.
- Overstability: having a good, overstable disc for the headwind is absolutely crucial. Why overstability? Well, to put it simply, because the wind makes a disc way less overstable. The wind increases a disc’s overall “effective speed” and makes the disc less stable (Read more about that here in discgolf.ultiwold.com’s article playing in the wind). The wind is going to make the disc more susceptible to turn, making it less stable. Stable and understable discs become very understable, making them poor choices for headwind.
- Low glide: having discs with low glide is important for two reasons – 1) low glide discs are less likely to be affected by high winds. 2) low glide discs are more likely to drop out of the air quicker and not hang up in the air for an extended period of time. Both of these reasons means that your disc is less likely to be thrown awry because of high winds and high glide.
- Heavier discs (in molds you like): it’s good to have overstable, low-glide discs in your bag. But if you don’t want those discs, a good rule of thumb for playing in the wind is to find the discs you like to play with already in heavier weights. They may not be perfect, but if they’re decently heavy, the wind won’t affect them as much. The best discs for wind are moderately heavy, overstable, low-glide discs. Those disc characteristics will help you demolish headwinds.
- Tailwinds?: if you’ve got a tailwind, we recommend stable to understable discs as the wind will make your discs more stable and less susceptible to turn. You can also use discs that are a little bit lighter and try to get the disc a little bit higher off the ground for each throw. All of those things will help your disc carry and crush the tailwinds.
Alright so let’s check out my recommendations for the 11 best disc golf discs for the wind!
11 best disc golf discs for wind
Headwinds
My #1 pick – Innova Blizzard Champion Ape – Distance Driver (13, 5, 0, 4)
The Innova Blizzard Champion Ape was built for headwinds and windy rounds. According to DiscsUnlimited.net, the Innova Ape is, “essential for windy conditions and headwind drives.” This Disc is lightweight, fast, and very overstable…almost exactly what you want in a disc to help you battle the wind. Grab one here on Amazon.
2. Innova Firebird – Control Driver (9, 3, 0, 4)
The Firebird is another perfect disc for windy rounds. This disc is very overstable, yet just a bit easier to handle than the Innova Ape. The Firebird is a very reputable control driver that’s been around for a long time and is extremely popular in the #discgolfcommunity. If you’re looking for a really awesome wind disc, but something easier than a distance driver, the Firebird should be your pick. Grab one here on Discgolfunited.com.
3. Dynamic Discs Justice – Mid-range (5, 1, 0.5, 4)
The Justice is a really overstable, perfectly capable mid-range for your approach game and short drives. Here’s what Infinite Discs has to say about the Justice in the wind: “Strong winds will make the most experienced player look like a novice…..no longer will you throw a good shot into a headwind only to see your disc flip over. Let the Justice get you what you deserve.” The Justice is one of the best mid-range discs for the wind. Grab one here on InfiniteDiscs.com.
4. Discraft Zone – Putt and Approach (4, 3, 0, 3)
The Zone was one of the most recommended disc golf discs for wind by the disc golf community on Reddit, Facebook, and the Discgolfscene.com forums. That’s why it’s my top pick for a putter in the wind. Grab a Zone here on InfiniteDiscs.com.
5. Innova Destroyer- Distance Driver (12, 5, -1, 3)
Moving back to awesome wind-resistant distance drivers, the Destroyer makes an appearance on this list for multiple reasons: 1) it’s one of the most popular distance drivers ever made and 2) it’s a really awesome disc for the wind. A ton of players have already bagged this disc and bragged about this disc. If you don’t have one, get one here on Discgolfunited.com.
6. Discmania PD “Freak” – Power/Distance Driver (10, 4, 0, 3)
The PD “Freak” is an extremely popular disc golf disc and is an excellent crossover power and distance driver. It’s a high flier and a crusher of headwinds. Grab yours here on InfiniteDiscs.com.
7. Innova Roc3 – Mid-range (5, 4, 0, 3)
The Roc3 is awesome. It wasn’t really made for the wind, but has been utilized in a ton of different scenarios on the course including trudging through tough, windy rounds. This is one of the most versatile mid-range discs available and isn’t really that difficult to throw for semi-new players. If you want a Roc3, grab one here on Discgolfunited.com.
8. Westside Discs Harp – Mid-range putter (4, 3, 0, 3)
I’ve been a huge fan of the Harp for a long time. Pretty much since I was a beginner. Even though it’s a fairly overstable mid-range putter, this is an easy disc to control for those who have played just a little bit of disc golf. It’s also a really good wind-fighting disc. So if you’re fairly new to disc golf, and you need something to help you battle headwinds, the Harp has the ability to help you crush your windy rounds. Get yours here on InfiniteDiscs.com.
Tailwinds
9. Dynamic Discs Sheriff – Distance Driver (13, 5, -1, 2)
If you’re on the other side of the wind, and the tailwind is pushing you along, you’re going to want stable to understable discs. The Dynamic Discs Sheriff fits the mold of a great tailwind disc. It’s also an all-around fantastic distance driver and one of my all-time favorite disc golf discs. If you need something good for tailwinds, grab a Sheriff here on InfiniteDiscs.com.
10. Innova Valkyrie – Control Driver (9, 4, -2, 2)
The Valkyrie is an excellent control driver and tailwind disc for those looking for something a little bit easier to throw than the Sheriff. The Valkyrie is a perfect step up disc and a true tailwind-fighting control driver. Grab one here on Discgolfunited.com.
11. Discraft Comet – Mid-range (4, 5, -2, 1)
The Comet is a whopper of disc and can be a really great addition to your bag for a bunch of different reasons including being great for tailwinds. If you want a Comet, grab one here on InfiniteDiscs.com.
3 tips for your windy rounds
1. Understand wind direction: this is huge on windy days. Not knowing what direction the wind is blowing can absolutely crush you on each individual hole. If you’re a serious player, and it’s seriously windy, you need to know exactly what direction that wind is going before every throw on every hole. Usually you can tell, but just keep this in the back of your mind when playing in the wind…because it’s ridiculously important.
2. If possible, practice more on windy days: if you have the ability to get out and practice rounds or field work in the wind, do it. It will help you assess the wind better and help you learn how your discs fly in the wind for you. Then when you play your more competitive rounds, you’ll already know how you play in the wind. Piece of cake.
3. Throw low: when in doubt, keep your throws low. Normally, tailwinds don’t affect you as much as headwinds and crosswinds. So if you’re not sure which way the wind is blowing, just keep your disc a little bit lower than normal and you’ll guarantee that it doesn’t catch the wind and fly all over the place.
Having trouble in the wind? My guide can help
So there you have it. I’ve given you some good recommendations on the best discs to beat the wind and a couple of tips on how to find your own discs. But if you’re looking for more tips on playing in the wind, check out my disc golf in the wind guide here.
Related content
For more awesome content, check out my posts below!
How Does a Disc Golf Disc Fly Through the Air?
How to Play Disc Golf in the Rain
How to Play Disc Golf in the Heat
How to Play Disc Golf in the Winter
Don’t forget about the book!
Before you go, don’t forget to check out the best beginner disc golf book on the planet, “The Disc Golf Player’s Manual.” This ebook is packed with over 200+ pages of the best tips, tricks, and advice for new players!