As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
It’s common for ultimate frisbees players to encounter discs that are unstable, causing flight and control problems. Being the most essential aspect of the sport, the best Ultimate Frisbee Disc must have quality materials and design.
If you are ready to launch an Ultimate disc, we’re presenting this complete buying guide to help you grab the best frisbee for Ultimate. This article also includes some playing and cleaning tips to complete your quest to master the sport.
Contents
Our Top Ultimate Frisbee Reviews
Whether you want to participate in a competition or hold a friendly game with your friends, you still need the best Ultimate frisbee disc that will give you flight consistency and control. Here are the top models that will catapult your skills to great heights.
Discraft 175 Gram Super Color Ultra-Star Disc
Ultra-Star has set the standard for professional throw and catch discs in the world. Even so, it is the official and exclusive disc of the USA Ultimate Championship Series since 1991. Among its best frisbees for Ultimate is the Discraft Super Color Ultra-Star Disc.
It weighs 0.39 pounds, which is the standard in professional Ultimate tournaments. If you want to get familiar with using official measurements, then this model is a good starting point.
The model is made of premium, flexible plastic material that can retain the disc’s shape. The material also contributes to the aerodynamic design. The plastic is tough with a bit of flex and almost feels soft, which is nice for seizing.
While the hurl primarily depends on your skills, the frisbee can be aggressive in the wind. Hence, you won’t have to worry about speed and stability in the air. This frisbee even flew farther and more balanced than the rest of the models on this list.
Additionally, the Discraft Super Color Ultra-Star Disc optimizes flight rings to provide a good grip. As a result, you can launch the frisbee at high speeds, even in the rain.
If you’ve ever flown a frisbee before, you know how some models tend to drop and lift when there’s a breeze. This disc eliminates that kind of problem.
The curved rim is approximately 10.5 inches in diameter, encouraging the disc to fly very well. The rim is not too flimsy or thick either. Besides, the edges are smooth, so the frisbee moves effortlessly off the fingers.
Even though most of the mass is distributed along the outer rim, the edge sets the right balance for consistent aerodynamics. This model’s ability to fly faster and steadier makes it one of the best frisbees for Ultimate.
If you are particular about style and colors, you will find the full HD resolution prints very pleasing. Also, the designs won’t have any impact on the flight or feel of the frisbee.
First is the Good Livin’ that shows the vibrant colors in the sunset, giving the disc a more natural and carefree look. The second design is Paradise, which exhibits the most relaxing combination of yellow and orange, giving you a warm vibe whenever you play.
Finally, the Tiki Master is popular with both kids and young at heart because of its colorful and cheerful design. Whether you are playing in a field, in the snow, or at the beach, choose one that will stand out best against your surroundings.
Product Highlights
- Contoured grip for accurate throwing and grabbing
- Curved rim helps maintain balance during flight
- Made of flexible plastic for durability
- Full HD designs embedded into the plastic on the top side of each disc
- Flight rings on the edges for excellent grip
Pros
- Official disc of the Ultimate Championship Series since 1991
- Consistent aerodynamics
- Available in a variety of patterns and colors
Cons
- Cannot be used for disc golf
- Designs can be too reflective
- The world standard for the sport of Ultimate
- Official and exclusive disc of the USA Ultimate Championship Series since 1991.
- 179 grams
Innova Big Kahuna Heavyweight Ultimate Throw and Catch Disc
True to its name, the Big Kahuna Ultimate Disc is among the heavyweight models on the market, making it great for warming up. This is also the best Ultimate frisbee disc for all playing levels that value balance, clean release, a consistent flight, and great wind resistance.
Weighing in at 6.4 ounces, the frisbee is suitable for those who want to practice. When you are used to handling heavy discs, it will be way easier for you to balance lightweight ones.
If you are not playing for official Ultimate tournaments, you’ll find the Big Kahuna is also perfect for recreational games because the weight withstands strong winds and throws.
For those who have large playing spaces, the disc’s weight prevents it from faltering over long distances. The weight helps the frisbee fly faster than its lightweight counterparts.
Because of the extra weight, the edges have added thickness. Fortunately, this makes it easier for you to catch the disc using one hand successfully. Handling the rim may feel uncomfortable at first, but you’ll get used to the amazing grip.
If you are an experienced player, you will benefit from this aspect because you can quickly launch the disc more than halfway across a field with ease. For newbie players, the weight gives muscle training when learning new throws.
The thickness also comes from the hard plastic material, and for a good reason. The material promises durability, helping the frisbee endure rough play and powerful hurls. Since the design is well-constructed and molded, there are no raised areas or rough edges that can harm your hands.
Furthermore, the Innova Big Kahuna has a diameter of 23.5 inches across, making it the brand’s biggest disc diameter. The wide diameter helps the frisbee stay in the air for longer.
The disc is rigid and stiff around the circumference, but these won’t limit the frisbee from having a decent fling.
This model comes in a wide variety of colors, from basic black to bright yellow, blue, red, and green. To top it off, each color shows a prominent pattern of a Big Kahuna.
Product Highlights
- Heavyweight disc designed to handle powerful throws and strong winds
- Grip and rim designs keep consistent flight
- Thick and durable plastic for long-lasting use
- Wide diameter delivers serious airtime
- Available in many bright colors
Pros
- Extra weight enables the frisbee to fly smoothly over long distances
- Ideal for recreational play and serious games
- Great balance, hang time, speed, and grip
Cons
- Not suitable for disc golf
- May be heavy for kids
- The Big Kahuna is here! Rocking our biggest diameter (23.5cm) and heaviest weight (200gm), this bad...
Discraft 175G Ultra-Star Sport Disc
The classic Ultimate design may initially draw your attention to the disc, but the aerodynamic engineering will keep you playing the sport for hours. Despite being one of the most in-demand discs in the world, the Discraft 175G Ultra-Star Sport Disc remains an affordable frisbee.
Like the Discraft Super Color Ultra-Star Disc, this model is an approved disc of the USA Ultimate Championship Series. Since its introduction in 1991, this frisbee has passed, and even sometimes surpassed, the rigorous quality standards of USA Ultimate.
The frisbee uses high-grade engineering plastic for durability. That being the case, the frisbee can withstand elements while playing outdoors.
Moreover, the material is soft and flexible enough to guarantee a smooth snatch. Despite having hard plastic, the disc only weighs 6.17 ounces.
Another thing you’ll definitely like about the disc is that the plastic is tested for skin-friendly composition. Therefore, you can ensure there are no allergens or irritants.
Besides that, the construction allows you to hurl the frisbee at a low angle while playing with children or pets. The nice thing is that the Discraft Ultra-Star Sport Disc also holds up pretty well with pet bites.
The heavy-duty frisbee contains flight rings on the edges for added grip, and subsequently, flight precision. The catch-friendly edge results in advanced aerodynamics, making it easier to throw the disc at all levels of play.
Similarly, the contoured edges make the frisbee fly further than any other Ultimate discs. In fact, you can hold, pass, or launch the frisbee over opponents within a span of a few seconds. You can also maintain the release angle longer than other models.
What makes the Discraft Ultra-Star Sport Disc one of the best frisbees for Ultimate is its superior balance, which enables the disc to enter the air at speed. Even so, the frisbee lands into your hands as if you are holding a cotton-weight item.
Another excellent feature is the rim structure that enables you to control the flight. The unique core construction also lets you increase the disc’s speed.
The combination of these two factors offers stability that can boost your confidence in seizing and throwing amidst the gales. The flight rings and strip band even lets you use high-backhands to add power to your throws.
Regardless of the angle of motion, the same features enable the frisbee to retain an accurate and straight flight-path. At the same time, you can increase the speed and the attack angle while playing with your friends.
If you want to improve your swings and speed, you can use the disc to vary lobbing angles and elevation.
As for the style, the foil color on the frisbee may vary. Yet, the six designs come in Ultra Violet (UV). This means the frisbee will turn purple in the sunlight for enhanced visibility.
All things considered, the Discraft Ultra-Star Sport Disc generates active sync between grip, aerodynamic momentum, and control. With the combination of stability, speed, and trendy looks, you won’t be disappointed opting for this affordable frisbee.
Product Highlights
- Skin-friendly plastic endures repeated rough play
- Flight rings enable easy catching and gripping
- Rim structure allows flight control
- Ultra Violet design for better visibility during daytime games
- Official Ultimate disc weight of 0.39 pounds
Pros
- Aerodynamically designed to fly straighter and further than the competition
- Maintains release angle longer than any other discs
- Rear-edge and rim structures offer quick grip onto the frisbee
Cons
- The design may not be ideal for children
- Not for disc golf courses
- The world standard for the sport of Ultimate
- Official and exclusive disc of the USA Ultimate Championship Series since 1991.
- Listed among the 31 things all men should own by Esquire magazine
Nite Ize Flashflight LED Light-Up Flying Disc
If you are on the hunt for a disc that can withstand endless hours of fun, then the innovative design of the Nite Ize Flashflight LED Light Up Flying Disc is perfect for you. Its patented fiber-optic array technology extends to the rim, illuminating the frisbee from every angle.
This model may not be among one of the approved discs by the USA Ultimate Championship Series, yet that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a popular frisbee disc for a lot of people.
For starters, the brand employs a mesh of fiber optics that reaches the edge of the disc. The frisbee then remains illuminated, making it visible in every orbit. The lights transition through five to six colors, with the red being the best for night games.
Even though the disc illuminates from every angle, you can ensure it won’t compromise the tactful balance. Whether it’s for serious tournaments or casual games, the lights make sure you never lose sight of the frisbee.
The Nite Ize Flashflight LED Light Up Flying Disc weighs 9.9 ounces, which makes it heavier than the official regulation weight. The extra weight won’t impact the performance, making sure the disc can maintain a long, straight flight.
This frisbee is durable plastic yet flexible enough to survive hard crashes. The plastic also achieves an aerodynamic design, aiding the disc in flying high.
Aside from that, the flashlight is strategically placed in the center, so it does not take hard hits directly. The location guarantees both the disc and the LED lights can endure a decent amount of collisions.
Likewise, the material turns the Nite Ize Flashflight Disc water-resistant and capable of floating on water. However, it’s not advisable to play near pools since you don’t want to damage the batteries.
The special grippy material delivers stability and power in each launch and catch you make. At first sight, the disc looks as if it has an odd grip because of the LED lines around the edge. In reality, the lines reinforce the grip, helping your fingers grab the frisbee.
In addition, a slim rim produces a consistent balance. This feature lets you make long, straight flights so that your teammates can easily snatch the frisbee.
Note that the battery life is only good for 20 hours. After that, you have to replace the lithium batteries. Make sure to pop the battery cap, and not twist it; otherwise, you may damage the optic nerve center. Also, you can turn off the lights during daytime games.
Finally, because of the disc’s quality materials and craftsmanship, Nite Ize brags a Worry-Free Guarantee.
To sum it up, the Nite Ize Flashflight LED Light Up Flying Disc is ideal for lawn, beach, and park games. It’s also the best Ultimate frisbee disc when you want to play in the late afternoon or early evening.
Product Highlights
- Non-toxic and flexible plastic to reduce impact damage
- Slim rim for ease of balance, throw, and catch
- Aerodynamic design
- Fiber optic array that illuminates every angle of the disc
- Comfortable grip for effortless catching
Pros
- Color-changing LED lights make the frisbee both aesthetically pleasing and visible
- Can float on water
- Combination of material, grip, and rim makes the disc glide smoothly in the air
Cons
- A bit pricier than other glowing discs
- Water may damage the batteries
- LED FLYING DISC - With its innovative design and super-bright illumination, this floating...
- DESIGNED BY A PRO - Designed by a professional player, this disc is 185 grams and truly balanced for...
- PATENTED LED TECHNOLOGY - With a patented fiber-optic array that extends all the way to its rim,...
Aerobie Pro Ring
For countless hours of fun, the Aerobie Pro Ring does not demand any expert playing skills to function fully. This is one of the best frisbees if you want to hold a match for amateur and professional Ultimate players.
Kids as young as 10 years old can experience flinging this disc up to 450 feet. This is not surprising since the ring was able to soar up to 1,333 feet, setting the Guinness World Record for the farthest throw.
Such a feat lies in the fact that the product only weighs 5.1 ounces. Even if the disc is lightweight, it still follows the high-performance manufacturing and design standards in the USA.
Moreover, the rim measures two inches wider than its competitors. The patented rim design also includes flexible polycarbonate edging, which makes this model incredibly stable and soft. As a result, the ring is easier to catch even if you’re receiving the hardest of throws.
Since the Aerobie Pro Ring has an open center, it will be easier for you to grip the ring. The combination of soft, rubber ring and hard plastic spine prevents your hands from getting bruises.
However, throwing the disc can be unpredictable at times since the wind can affect how it adjusts in the air. On the bright side, this will prove challenging for your opponents to catch the ring.
Even if it has low drag, excellent stability enables you to throw the ring farther. When well-tuned, it can also fly in a straight line. Throwing with the wind makes the ring fly lower, while hauling into the wind will cause it to fly higher.
A word of caution: this model tends to zoom in the air fast, and it may end up on hard-to-reach places. Worse, you can lose it on a beach because the disk can’t float.
Therefore, it’s advisable to play Ultimate using the Aerobie Pro Ring if you have a large field. While it may take some time before you can master how to throw and catch the disc accurately, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to fling it smoothly across the air.
When it comes to design, there are three available colors: vibrant pink, red, and yellow. Such colors enhance visibility when the disc lands on grass or during the flight across the sky.
Product Highlights
- Soft edges for easy throwing and catching
- Assorted colors for increased visibility
- Open-center design for a more comfortable grip
- Lightweight design for long-distance throws
- Flexible rubber material for durability
Pros
- Flies great distances
- Ideal for kids and beginners
- Suitable for large spaces
Cons
- Does not float on water
- May get stuck on elevated spaces such as roofs or trees
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Package dimensions :1.0" L x33.0" W x38.5" H
- Package quantity :1
What is Ultimate Frisbee?
Ultimate is a fast-paced, non-contact team sport played using a flying disc. Although the sport is popularly called Ultimate Frisbee, the term frisbee is actually a registered trademark of the Wham-O toy company.
Whether for professional competitions or casual play, Ultimate has become increasingly popular. Over seven million people across the globe, including three million from America, enjoy playing the sport. The International Olympic Committee has even recognized Ultimate to be eligible for the 2024 Olympics.
Basic Rules of Ultimate Frisbee
There are two teams in each game of Ultimate. The only way to earn points is by passing the frisbee to a teammate in the opposing end zone. It’s important that players do not take steps while holding the disc, doing incomplete passes, and making interceptions.
The game begins with a ‘pull’, during which the defensive team throws the disc as far back as they can, towards the offensive side. The frisbee has to make it to the end zone for a team to score.
You have to catapult the disc to the end zone and have one of your teammates catch it. After receiving the frisbee, you can pivot and throw it to another teammate in any direction. However, you’ll only have ten seconds from the moment you hold the disc to lob it again.
Things to Consider When Buying an Ultimate Disc
| Features | Importance |
|---|---|
| Weight | It might affect the way it travels |
| Material | It might affect the way it travels, and its durability |
| Durability | It can break and start traveling incorrectly |
| Grip | It affects how easy it is to grab it |
| Rim | It affects how easy it is to hold it |
| Throwability and Forgivability | It can affect your accuracy |
| Disc Control and Functionality | Important to give the frisbee power and trajectory |
| Style | Important to give the frisbee visibility |
To help you snatch the right disc, you should understand the crucial features such as weight, throwability, durability, grip, and material. Assessing each factor will make it easier for you to find the model that meets your playing requirements.
Weight
The best frisbee for Ultimate must have evenly distributed weight, so it can glide smoothly and balanced via air whenever you throw it. Most discs follow the USA Ultimate regulation weight of 0.39 pounds. If you’re getting into competitive play, you must follow the standard weight.
At 5.1 ounces, the Aerobie Pro Ring is lighter than the recommended weight. The two frisbees from Discraft both follow the 0.39 pounds standard weight. Nite Ize is 0.35 oz heavier, while the Big Kahuna model is heavyweight at 7 oz.
You may opt for a slightly heavier one if you are warming up as an occasional player. On the other hand, it’s unwise to choose big and bulky discs if you are going to play with kids. However, even a little breeze can change the flying course of lightweight models.
Material
The build material is another key aspect that impacts balance and flight. Nearly all discs use hard plastic such as polypropylene, PC, or ABS. These materials are lightweight and damage-resistant.
Hard plastic does not corrode or rust, making frisbees resistant to weather. Discs will also float when they land on beaches or pools. Still, you have to be cautious because some types of hard plastics are prone to cracking during freezing temperatures.
All models on the list use durable yet flexible plastic. Note that they all have a rugged design, so the material remains sturdy and balanced.
The playing conditions of Ultimate expose the discs to elements that may cause wear, tear, and scuffs. Higher quality frisbees are crafted to have consistent flight despite minor flaws.
Durability
If the disc’s material is less durable, it will likely chip or crack. In effect, the frisbee will alter the way it flies, making it less predictable for you to follow its flight.
Grip
The ability to make great throws and catches also depends on the grip. If the disc’s gripping edge is difficult to capture, you may not acquire the frisbee. Consequently, the frisbee will fall to the ground.
The best Ultimate frisbee disc must have a comfortable grip that enables you to hurl and catch with more ease. At the same time, this makes it less painful when the edges come in contact with your skin.
Both the Discraft Super Color and Discraft Sport Disc use flight rings on the edges for a secure grip and catch. On the other hand, the Big Kahuna frisbee has the next best grip because of its thick edges.
Rim
There are no standard specifications for the side or edge, although it’s preferable to have a deep one. The rim around the exterior should be deep enough, so you can easily hold onto the disc.
As seen in the review portion, different rim designs result in various performances.
For instance, the Nite Ize’s slim rim produces a consistent balance. On the other hand, Aerobie’s open-center design provides total control over the grip. Meanwhile, the Discraft’s side structure lets you control the flight.
Throwability and Forgivability
May it be a backhand or forehand, throwability is the disc’s capacity to be flicked to where you want it to go. Forgivability means after you fling the frisbee, it must be able to adjust itself in the air.
Discraft Sport Disc and Discraft Super Color optimize their weight to balance speed and stability during throwing and catching. The Big Kahuna model also depends on the weight and diameter in making a clean release and retaining a straight flight path.
Aerobie can achieve long and precise throws because of its weight and design. Lastly, Nite Ize utilizes a mesh of fiber optics to make sure the disc can adjust itself when zooming into the air.
Disc Control and Functionality
The rim and grip work together to generate the disc’s spinning rotation. This movement keeps the frisbee from flying without collapsing to the ground during the flight. When you throw the frisbee, it must rotate continuously and keep a straight flight path.
The trajectory and velocity may vary depending on your angle or force. The disc may fly an upward movement, which also results in an increase in distance covered. Remember, your momentum also contributes to the power and speed, posing a challenge for your opponents to grab the frisbee.
You can estimate the frisbee’s speed, direction, and distance. However, the amalgamation of material, design, and construction can impact how you handle, control, launch, and catch the disc.
Style
Style is the least important factor to consider, although it has a visual impact. Some frisbees have bright colors, which makes it easier for you to spot the frisbee on the ground. There are models that have LED lights, providing visibility when you need to play late in the afternoon.
If you are fond of playing after work or school hours, no doubt that the LEDs of the Nite Ize disc will help your vision. Meanwhile, the Discraft Sport Disc and Super Color Disc rely on their high-resolution prints to improve visibility. Lastly, only the Aerobie Pro Ring has an open-center design.
Related Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the best ultimate frisbee.
Are Ultimate Discs Safe to Use?
They are, indeed, safe to use. Of course, minor incidents do occur when playing, which is entirely natural. There is always the possibility of an impact injury even when merely running. In the case of Ultimate Frisbee, there are rules and regulations in place to keep all players safe.
Also, the main risk would typically come from frisbees that did not stick to the proper size and weight limits. The concern of clashing with another player is higher, however, this rarely occurs.
Do I Need USA Ultimate Approval?
If you merely want to play informal games with your friends, there’s no need to carefully follow USA Ultimate’s regulations. On the other hand, if you want to level up and join high school, college, and leagues, you must adhere to the USA Ultimate rules. International contests have their own set of rules that must be followed.
What Is the Best Way to Clean a Disc?
A simple rinse with water is usually enough. If your disc is really dirty due to mud or dust, add dishwashing liquid to the water and soak it overnight. Finally, remember to dry the frisbee with a smooth cloth and p lace the frisbee in a safe place with no additional weight on top of it.
Conclusion
For you to achieve uninterrupted fun, you need to invest in the best frisbee for Ultimate. The best ultimate frisbee must combine balance, right weight, and disc control, so that you can pass, launch, and catch frisbee confidently.
