Backhand throws are the foundation of most players’ disc golf game. But even with solid form, things can go wrong.
The disc might turn too early. It might fade too hard. It might feel off in your grip. And then the throw does not go where you want it to. The problem often starts before you even step on the tee pad.
Using the wrong disc for your backhand can ruin your chances of control, distance, and consistency. It can lead to poor releases, early fades, or unwanted turns.
It feels frustrating when you put the effort in but the disc does not behave how it should. That loss of trust in your discs can throw off your entire round.
The right disc changes everything. It gives you better grip, smoother releases, and consistent flights. Suddenly, your throws feel more natural. You gain control. Your distance improves. You start to trust your shot.
In this article, we will help you find the best backhand disc golf discs for your style and skill level. By the end, you will know exactly what to look for and which discs deserve a spot in your bag.
What Makes a Great Backhand Disc?
Before diving into recommendations, it is important to understand what makes a disc great for backhand throws. The key lies in its flight ratings and physical feel.
Flight Ratings: Speed, Glide, Turn, Fade
These four numbers printed on discs tell a lot. Speed refers to how fast a disc must be thrown to fly properly. Glide measures how well it stays in the air. Turn tells you how much it curves right (for right-handed backhand). Fade shows how sharply it curves left at the end.
A disc with the right balance of these four traits will fly the way you expect.
Grip and Rim Design for Smooth Releases
A clean release is essential for backhand. The shape of the rim, the depth of the disc, and the texture all affect how the disc feels in your hand.
A disc that fits comfortably allows you to focus on the throw, not your grip.
Stability and Throwing Speed
Not all arms are the same. Some players throw with high power. Others rely on smooth technique. Stability measures how resistant a disc is to turning over.
Understable discs work better for slower arms. Overstable discs handle more speed and wind. Knowing your speed and matching it with the disc’s stability is key to better backhand throws.
Best Backhand Discs by Skill Level
Let us look at the best options based on how long you have been playing.
Beginners: Easy-to-Control Understable Discs
When you start out, control matters more than power. You want discs that are forgiving and fly straight with low effort.
Discraft Heat – Great glide and turn. Easy for slower arms to throw far. It has a small rim for a clean release. The glide adds distance with low effort. It is great for hyzer flips and soft turnover shots.
[product=discraft-esp-flx-heat]
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Innova Leopard3 – Smooth, straight flights with gentle fade. The Innova Leopard3 is easy to handle. It is fast but still easy to control. Holds a straight line well, and is good for learning angles and touch shots.
[product=innova-champion-i-dye-leopard3]
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Axiom Hex – Flies like a longer putter. This disc is very beginner-friendly. In addition, it feels great in the hand, stays straight on most lines, and is perfect for short drives and long approaches.
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Intermediate: Balanced Stability for More Distance
Once your throwing technique has improved, you can handle discs with more speed and less turn.
Discmania FD – A fairway driver with neutral stability and lots of glide. It flies straight with little fade, so it is easy to aim. Plus, it holds many angles well, which helps you shape your shots. It is great for controlled drives.
[product=discmania-c-line-fd]
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Innova Roc3 – Reliable midrange with great control for shaping lines. It holds lines with little effort, which makes it useful in tight spots. In addition, it feels solid on both backhand and forehand throws. This makes it a trusted disc for technical courses.
[product=innova-champion-roc3]
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MVP Trail – A controlled driver for growing arms. It flies straight with a soft fade, so it gives you control without turning too much. Also, it bridges the gap between fairway and distance drivers. Hence, it is a good pick for players ready to level up.
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Advanced: High-Speed, Overstable Discs for Power
Advanced players need discs that can handle speed and fight wind without flipping over.
Innova Destroyer – One of the most trusted high-speed drivers for backhand. It flies far with a strong fade at the end, so it handles power well. Also, it stays stable in headwinds, which makes it great for tough shots. That is why many pros rely on it for distance.
[product=innova-baby-halo-destroyer-bradley-williams]
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Axiom Envy – Though a putter, it handles power and keeps lines tight. It flies more like a midrange, which gives it extra range. Plus, it stays straight even on full-power throws. It works well for both approach shots and short drives.
[product=axiom-cosmic-electron-firm-envy]
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Discraft Athena – A stable, predictable fairway driver made for shaping shots. It flies straight with a soft, consistent fade. This makes it easy to control on different lines. Also, it performs well in the wind, so it is useful in many conditions.
[product=discraft-paul-mcbeth-jawbreaker-athena]
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Best Discs by Type
Now, let us break it down by disc type. Each serves a different purpose in your backhand game.
Distance Drivers: Max Distance, Built for Power
Innova Destroyer – Handles torque well and gives huge distance for experienced throwers.
It has a strong fade at the end, so it stays reliable in the wind. Many power throwers use it as their main distance driver.
MVP Trail – Great choice for those stepping up from fairway drivers. It offers control with added distance, so it is easy to trust. The rim feels comfortable and helps with clean releases.
Discraft Heat – Easy for all arm speeds to get distance without turning over too much. It has a lot of glide, which adds effortless length to your throws. Great for hyzer flips and long turnovers.
Innova Shryke – High glide, slight turn, and a mild fade for long S-curves. It works well for players with less power. The flight is smooth, so it feels easy to control even at full speed.
[product=innova-champion-shryke]
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Fairway Drivers: Controlled Flights, Great for Accuracy
Discraft Athena – Consistent and stable, perfect for tight fairways and tunnel shots. It holds the line well and fades gently at the end. You can trust it in both calm and windy conditions.
Innova Leopard3 – Understable enough for shaping, with reliable finishes. It turns smoothly before fading, so it is great for learning angles. Many use it for rollers and long turnovers too.
Discmania FD – Straight flights with control, great for hyzer flips and low ceilings. It glides well and handles touch throws. This makes it useful on wooded courses or for shaping smooth lines.
Midranges: Versatile for Approaches and Shorter Drives
Discraft Buzzz – The go-to midrange for straight, controlled throws. It holds any angle you put on it. Many players trust it for both short drives and approaches.
[product=2021-tim-barham-tour-series-buzzzss]
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Innova Roc3 – Stable and reliable, it handles wind and power well. It fades at the end but stays on line. This makes it useful for shaping controlled shots.
Axiom Hex – Very straight flight with a comfortable feel in hand. It glides well and holds angles with ease. Many like it for smooth, backhand lines.
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Putters: Consistent and Precise Near the Basket
Axiom Envy – Firm and torque-resistant, perfect for backhand approaches. It can handle power without flipping. You can also use it for short drives and forehands.
MVP Glitch – Glides forever, great for long floaty backhands and warm-ups. It is easy to throw straight. Many use it for putting, a game of catch, and even approach shots.
Discraft Kratos – A beadless putter that flies stable, ideal for confident releases. It feels clean on release and holds its line. Great for both putting and short approaches.
Improving Your Backhand with the Right Disc
Your form matters, but your disc matters just as much. Match the stability of the disc to your throwing style. If you have a slower throw, choose something understable. If you throw fast, look at stable or overstable discs.
Weight makes a difference. Lighter discs are easier to throw far but can turn over more. Heavier discs fight wind better and are more consistent for controlled throws.
Many players throw backhands with the wrong grip or poor wrist snap. These mistakes cause early fades or nose-up throws. Practice a flat release and smooth follow-through. Pair that with a disc that matches your form, and your results will change.
Course Conditions and Disc Choice
Backhand throws react differently depending on where you play. Knowing how to adjust your disc choices can save strokes.
Wind calls for more stable or overstable discs. Use something like the Innova Destroyer or Discraft Athena. In wet weather, grippy plastic helps. Consider softer blends like Jawbreaker or Electron.
In hot weather, discs can feel softer. Use stiffer plastics to keep your release clean. In wooded courses, lean on fairway drivers and midranges with less speed and more control. In open fields, bring out the distance drivers.
Elevation also plays a role. At higher altitudes, discs fly more overstable. In low elevations, they fly understable. Bring discs that suit the air you are playing in.
Key Takeaways
Choosing the best backhand disc golf discs helps your game in many ways. It gives you better control, cleaner releases, and more confidence.
Start with discs that match your skill level. Beginners need easy-to-throw discs. Intermediate players can use more stable discs with more distance. Advanced throwers should look for high-speed discs that can handle power.
Think about where you play and how you throw. Consider weight, plastic, and course conditions.
Most of all, try different options. Throw them, feel them, and pay attention to how they fly for you. The best backhand disc is the one that makes you feel confident every time you step up to throw.
