What's the difference between a Frisbee and Disc Golf Disc

When was the last time you turned one of your frisbees upside down and let your dog drink from it? Probably more recently than many would realize, as certain items naturally tend to get used to quench the thirst of man’s best friend. If we had to put money on it, we’d guess that those pieces of plastic probably have a fair amount of teeth marks in them too, as specific dog discs are a pretty common thing.

While it’s clear that a dog bowl and a frisbee are two different things, what exactly are the distinctions between a frisbee and a disc? People who aren’t well-versed in the sport of disc golf tend to use the two interchangeably or even use the dreaded word “frolf.” Let’s get a better understanding of the nuances between all of these types of plastic, both from a design and functionality perspective.

A Brief History of Frisbee and Disc Golf Disc

The story about how we got to today’s current golf discs is a long one, but to give some context, it’s important to know the basics. Considered to be some of the original flying discs, at least in modern times, the pie tins from Frisbie Pie Company were seen being thrown in the early 1900’s. Fast forward a few decades and Wham-O developed the frisbee, an item that became a popular item for people of all ages.

When the golf disc first came into existence, there was some pushback from die-hard frisbee lovers. It seemed as if the emphasis on a more sporty style of throwing took away from the laid back and free-spirited nature of frisbee throwers at the time, but a look at current sports popularity certainly shows that people love their discs.

How Are They Different?

So what actually makes a frisbee different than a golf disc, other than the name? It all has to do with the design and manufacturing of the plastic. In general, a frisbee is a larger disc that’s lighter in weight than a golf disc. The edge of all frisbees are rounded, and while putters do carry that same attribute, most golf discs have a much more aerodynamic design. Even the weight distribution between frisbees and golf discs are different, allowing each to fly in a specific way.

The purpose of throwing a frisbee compared to a golf disc also plays a large role. With a frisbee, you’re most likely wearing sandals and packed a picnic lunch with the intention of gently throwing the plastic back and forth with a friend. Golf discs, on the other hand, are built as tools that are designed to be thrown with force at a specific target. Again, the features of drivers, midranges, and putters do vary, but all three of them are much different than a frisbee.

When man’s best friend needs a new water bowl, are you more inclined to reach for your speed 12 disc golf driver or the lightweight frisbee that’s in your garage? That distinction right there may be the most important one of all.