There are a wide variety of discs, divided into three basic categories: putters, mid-range discs, and drivers. Within each of these categories, each disc has its own distinct flight characteristics. There are golf discs designed to fly straight, turn left, or turn right, depending on how they are thrown by the player. The putters are designed similar to discs you would play catch with, i.e. a Whamo brand Frisbee®. They are designed to fly straight and predictably, and very slowly compared to the other two. Mid-range discs have slightly sharper edges, which enable them to cut through the air better. These discs are harder to learn to throw, but can fly much farther. Drivers have the sharpest edge and have most of their mass concentrated on the outer rim of the disc rather than distributed equally throughout. Drivers are the hardest types of discs to learn how to throw, in that their flight path will be very unpredictable without practice. There are several classes of drivers intended for different distances. Depending on a driver's stability it could be a straight or turning driver. Golf discs typically weigh between 150 - 180 grams, or about six ounces, and measure 21.7 cm in diameter.
The most common brands of disc are Innova, Discraft, Gateway, DiscWing, Millennium, DGA and 1080 Disc Golf. Discs also come in various types of plastic. For example, Innova, one of the most popular disc manufacturers makes discs in four types of plastic. Their "DX" line plastic is their most affordable model which wears most easily over time; the "Pro" line plastic offers increased durability, an enhanced grip and better glide; the "Champion" line is distinguished by clear or pearlescent plastic, they are designed to provide maximum durability while retaining flight characteristics for top level players; lastly the new and most expensive "Star" line offers the durability and high performance of the Champion plastic with the improved grip of the Pro plastic. Other companies such as Millennium offer discs in their "Millennium" plastic, their improved "Quantum" plastic, Their "Supersoft" line and their top-of-the-line "Sirius" plastic. It is important to note that the durability, glide, performance and cost of the discs are greatly influenced by the type of plastic. For example, a "DX" plastic disc is much more likely to become bent, and therefore change its flight characteristics, upon impact with a tree than is a "Champion" plastic disc.
Players often carry their discs in specialized bags designed to organize their gear. Manufacturers of disc golf specific bags include REVOLUTION Disc Golf, Innova, Discraft and Lightning.