Disc golf can be tough to learn at first.
It’s a simple game, but there are a lot of rules, throws, terms and disc differences that you have to understand to eventually become a better player. It’s not overly complicated, but it does take time.
But if you’re still overwhelmed, we’ve got you covered. That’s what my site is here for. To help you learn.
So today, we’re going to be looking at a small piece of that overall disc golf knowledge: the differences between the mid-range disc and the putter in disc golf, why it’s important to know these differences, and the 3 best discs for both mid-range discs and putters in disc golf.
These two types of discs might seem similar, but the differences couldn’t be more staggering. And that’s what we’re gonna’ focus on today. So let’s get to it!
What’s the difference between a mid-range and a putter in disc golf?
While these discs are somewhat similar, in that they’re both disc golf discs, there are numerous differences between a mid-range disc and a putter in disc golf – so what’s the difference?
The difference between a mid-range and a putter is the type of disc, size of the disc, speed of the disc, distance potential, accuracy, and types of shots you will use the disc for. However, even though these two discs might be completely different, they’re both extremely necessary in your bag out on the disc golf course!
So here’s a short excerpt of each difference:
Mid-range discs and putters are two very different types of discs, with each disc intended to fly and perform differently. Mid-ranges are discs for medium-range shots and putters are made for short-range drives, short approaches, and putting (their main purpose, obviously).
Mid-range discs and putters closely resemble one another in size, with both discs being bulky and way less aerodynamically-inclined than disc golf drivers. But putters tend to be even bulkier than mid-range discs.
The speed of both discs vary as well. Putter speeds range from 1-4 and mid-range disc speeds range from 2-6, with most mids falling between the 4-6 speed range.
Another big difference is the distance potential of each disc. Mid-ranges have the distance potential to fly much farther than most putters.
Putters and mids aren’t much different in relation to accuracy. I’d argue that putters are a bit more accurate, but not enough for the beginner disc golfer to really notice.
The types of shots vary as well. With these being two different types of discs, mid-range discs are meant for short to medium throws and putters are meant to bang chains (actually putting into the basket).
So again, the main differences of these two discs are:
- Type of disc
- Size of the disc
- Speed of the disc
- Distance potential of the disc
- Accuracy of the disc
- Type of shots with each disc
All of the differences between the two discs (explained in detail)
Type of disc
Mid-range: like I’ve already said, mids are a bit different than putters. While they do offer accuracy for shorter approach shots, medium-range fairway shots, and shorter drives off the teepad, putters can provide a very similar function in a lot of throws. But mid-range discs do differ in that they’re simply a different type of disc.
Putter: again, while you can use putters to throw, they’re meant for short approaches and putting
Size of disc
Mid-range: the size of the disc is slightly different in mids than in putters. Mid-range discs are slightly thinner and more aerodynamic.
Putter: putters are usually thicker discs. Enough said.
Speed of the disc
Mid-range: while both of these discs are fairly easy to throw, their speed rating does differ just a little bit. Most mids come with a speed rating of between 2-6, with the majority falling between 4-6. They don’t need to be thrown hard at all to fly well and usually end up being the overall best disc golf discs to use for newer players. They’re a little challenging, but most mid-range discs are perfect for day 1 beginner disc golfers.
Common misconception: most newer players think a speed rating is how fast a disc can fly. This isn’t true. A disc’s speed rating isn’t how fast the disc flies, but how hard the disc must be thrown by a disc golfer to fly correctly.
If you don’t throw your disc hard enough, you’ll most likely end up with a poorly thrown disc when the disc fades hard or flies erratically. Now this shouldn’t really be too much of a problem with mid-range discs and putters, but you get the idea.
Putter: putters vary just a little bit in speed from mid-range discs. They’re usually slower in speed and are undoubtedly the easiest discs to throw. Putter speed ratings vary between 1-4, with most putters staying within the 2-3 speed range. But speed doesn’t really matter that much with putters as you’re mainly using these for putting. If so, the speed of the disc is fairly irrelevant.
Distance potential of the disc
Mid-range: distance potential in mid-range discs is a bit different than putters. Are there driving putters that can match some mids? Yes, but most mid-range discs max out at about 175-225 feet after being thrown.
Putter: you won’t get nearly as much distance with putters. But that’s okay because these discs are meant mostly for putting instead of throwing. However, like I said earlier, a lot of players throw putters in short range situations. So the distance potential of most putters about 150-200 feet.
To learn how to improve your distance on the disc golf course, check out this post – The 27 Best Disc Golf Distance Tips for Beginners.
Accuracy of the disc
Mid-range: accuracy doesn’t change much between mid-range discs and putters, but one could argue that mids are just a bit less accurate than putters.
Putter: ever so slightly more accurate than mid-range discs. But you probably won’t even notice the difference.
To learn how to improve your accuracy on the disc golf course, check out this post – The 7 Best Disc Golf Accuracy Tips to Always Hit Your Line!
Type of shot with each disc
Mid-range: mid-range discs are meant for approaching and accurate shorter throws. Mid-range discs can work well off the tee as long as you’re not trying to sling it 300 or more feet. If so, you need to use a driver. Otherwise, mids work fine. Use them until you’re less than 50 feet out. And no putting with mids. I don’t care how much you like your disc, use a putter for putting.
Putter: putters can be thrown, and some work well for short drives, but putters work best for putting. As they say, “drive for show, putt for dough.”
3 Reasons why knowing the difference between drivers is important
1. You’re a beginner: if you’re brand new to disc golf, it’s important to start out right. You’re a beginner, so understanding the difference between discs is a basic concept. You have to know this so that you can build your knowledge, understand what discs to begin with, and what discs you’ll be working toward playing with in the future.
So start understanding the difference between all the discs. Not just fairway drivers and mid-range discs, but distance drivers, fairway drivers, mid-range discs, and putters. Along with that, you should also be learning the flight ratings (with this flight ratings post) and learning how to improve (with this disc golf tips post).
2. Different discs for different situations: I won’t go too deep into this concept, but you need to understand the differences between these two discs to know when to use them. Each type of disc has its own purpose and reason to be thrown on the disc golf course. Learn your discs and when to throw them.
3. If you want to be a great disc golfer: as you continue to grow your skills, every single thing you learn helps to mold you into a better disc golfer. The information in this post is just a small part of that knowledge, but still very important nonetheless. Learn these differences and then continue learning as much as you can about disc golf. If you do that, you’ll be an elite player in no time.
The 3 best mid-range discs in disc golf
1. Discraft Buzzz
The Buzzz is hands down one of the best mid-range discs ever made. It’s easy to throw and will hit any line you throw it on. Get one here on InfiniteDiscs.com.
2. Dynamic Discs Truth
This disc is the truth! No, seriously, it’s the Dynamic Discs Truth…an amazing, very beginner-friendly mid-range disc. Grab yours here on InfiniteDiscs.com.
3. Innova Roc
If you’re an intermediate to advanced disc golfer, this disc needs to be in your bag. The Roc is one of the most popular disc golf mid-ranges ever made and has reigned at the top for years. Fantastic mid-range. Grab yours here on Discgolfunited.com.
The 3 best putters in disc golf
1. Dynamic Discs Judge
The Judge is hands down my favorite disc golf putter. There are a couple of close seconds, like the Tomb on this list of the Viking Discs Rune. But the Judge has been my go-to putter since I started playing in 2016. So seven years of consistent putting should tell you something: this is a great disc. Grab yours here on InfiniteDiscs.com.
2. Innova Aviar
The Aviar is probably the most popular disc golf putter in the world. Not my favorite, but this disc is a fan-favorite of almost everyone else. It is a great disc, but for some reason, I’ve never thrown these well. All my buddies love them, though, so it’s worth a shot. Grab yourself one here on Discgolfunited.com.
3. Infinite Discs Tomb
The Tomb is one of Infinite’s most popular putters and is highly underrated in my opinion. If I’m not using my Judge to putt, a Tomb is in my hands. Highly recommend this disc. Get one here on InfiniteDiscs.com.
Know the difference!
Disc golf is pretty tough when you first start. But as you play and learn the game, you’ll start to understand that it’s more about discipline, consistency, repetition, and practice than anything else. Over time, the game will become simple. With that being said, if you want to become a better disc golfer, you’ve got to put in the effort to get there. And you can start with this post.
So let’s review what we’ve learned so far:
Mid-range discs and putters are completely different discs. One is meant for medium-range shots and the other for putting.
Mids are usually thinner discs. Putters are thicker.
Both discs are fairly easy to throw, but mids do have to be thrown with more speed than putters.
Mid-range discs win in the distance category. Putters just don’t fly as far.
Putters win with accuracy, but you won’t usually notice a big difference here.
So there you have it. You know all the differences between these two discs. Now get out there and crush it on the course!
Related content
Distance Driver vs. Fairway Driver: What’s the Difference?
How to Play Disc Golf: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
101 Disc Golf Tips to Take Your Game to the Next Level
Don’t forget about the book!
If you’re looking for more tips and tricks on how to play disc golf, check out my book, “The Disc Golf Player’s Manual.” This ultimate beginner’s guide is loaded with over 200 pages of content, helping you to improve your game AND lower score on the disc golf course. Check it out here on my site.