No matter your age, it’s hard to resist going outside and throwing a frisbee when the weather is nice. Though all frisbees ultimately serve the same purpose, subtle differences in design greatly impact user experience.
Explore our top frisbee recommendations, compare various key features, and get your burning frisbee questions answered below.
Compare the Top Frisbees
Top 5 Frisbees
- Most Versatile: Discraft Sport Disc
- Best For Nighttime: Nite Ize Light-Up Flying Disc
- Best Starter Option: Franklin Sports Flying Disc
- Best For Kids: Activ Life Kid’s Flying Rings
- Best For Dogs: ChuckIt! Dog Frisbee
Most Versatile: Discraft Sport Disc
Pros and Cons
✔ Comes in a wide range of colorways✔ Approved and used by the United States Ultimate Frisbee Championship Series✔ Maintains throwing angle over great distances
Discraft Ultra-Star Sport Disc
- $12
Prices taken at time of publishing.
With great aerodynamics, this versatile frisbee works for whatever level of activity you want, whether that’s casual throwing or intense competition. It weighs 175 grams and measures 10.75 inches, so it’s easy for almost any teenager or adult to handle.
✘ Has a stamped design that varies from order to order✘ May be hard to see some of the colors in dim light
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers said that this frisbee was easy to throw. They also said that it flew well. However, a few users took issue with durability and indicated that its thin profile made the disc vulnerable to warping.
Best For Nighttime: Nite Ize Light-Up Flying Disc
✔ Has a water-resistant design, even with the electrical components✔ Offers six color settings✔ Uses replaceable batteries that last 20 hours
Nite Ize Light-Up Flying Disc
- $25
This light-up disc allows for frisbee in the dark. It comes with two replaceable batteries that provide light in six colors for up to 20 hours. One side also has a swirl pattern that’s made from shiny foil to further increase the frisbee’s visibility.
✘ Requires that you have replacement batteries on hand✘ Has one button to cycle through all of the colors
Many customers mentioned that this disc had an even weight distribution and a unique design. However, the light-up feature caused issues for some users. They noted that the batteries were difficult to change and could cause the lights to fall out.
Best Starter Option: Franklin Sports Flying Disc
✔ Features durable polypropylene that resists scuffs, scratches, and cracks✔ Dogs can chase and handle the disc without destroying it✔ Is light enough for kids but dense enough to cut through wind
Franklin Sports Flying Disc
- $10
This basic flying disc weighs 140 grams, which is balanced for both control and ease of use. The edging of the disc has molded grooves to enhance the user’s grip when playing ultimate frisbee, frisbee golf, or simply a game of catch with a friend or family member.
✘ The design and white color are bland and uninspired✘ Some users found the rim of the disc to be too sharp
The vast majority of customers were satisfied with this flying disc, stating that it was strong, durable, and balanced. They also valued its entry-level price. Conversely, unsatisfied users said that the disc felt awkward to throw and was wobbly during flight.
Best For Kids: Activ Life Kid’s Flying Rings
✔ Weighs only 33 grams for easy handling✔ Can float on water ✔ Engineered to fly straight every time
Activ Life Kid’s Flying Rings
- $28
Uniquely designed with a hole in the middle, these two frisbees fly straight every time and weigh less than 35 grams each, which is 80% less than the average disc. Though they’re designed for kids between the ages of 3 and 12 years, adults can enjoy them as well.
✘ Not meant for dogs or high winds✘ Can’t fly as far as heavier frisbees
Those who left positive reviews for these frisbees liked that they threw accurately and easily and came in numerous colorful options. However, some weren’t pleased when their thin plastic broke after minimal use.
Best For Dogs: ChuckIt! Dog Frisbee
✔ Gradually descends in the air to give your dog time to catch it✔ Has rubber edges that are soft on dog teeth✔ Comes in other sizes and colors
ChuckIt! Dog Frisbee
This frisbee has several elements that accommodate dogs. It features rubber edges that give your dog something to grip onto without hurting their teeth or gums. It also has a small, lightweight, and breathable design that keeps it in the air for longer to give your dog time to grab it.
✘ Can tear if your dog has strong teeth✘ Not meant for humans
Positive feedback for this frisbee included that it flew easily and liked its soft fabric construction. However, some pet lovers were disappointed by the dog toy’s lack of durability. Dog teeth ripped through it, and water washed its paint off.
Buyer’s Guide
Depending on your age, intended use, and more, certain frisbees make work better for you than others. Here are the top factors to consider before you make a purchase.
Purpose
Think about how you want to use your disc. If you’re an ultimate frisbee player, you need a high-quality, aerodynamic, highly durable frisbee that offers a long flight path and can cut through wind. However, if you’re only using one to throw around your backyard, you may prefer a basic, affordable option. Some manufacturers also make frisbees that are specifically designed for kids or dogs.
Material
Most frisbees consist of a plastic disc, making for easy throwing, catching, cleaning, and flying. Hard plastic is best for intense players who subject their frisbees to more wear and tear. Frisbees made with soft plastic, foam, cloth, or silicone are better for children and dogs.
Weight
Frisbees for adults usually weigh between 150 and 200 grams, while dog and kid frisbees weigh under 50 grams. Light discs are easy to pick up and throw, but they may not travel as far as heavier discs or may fly astray on a particularly windy day. Heavier discs tend to perform better in the wind than lightweight alternatives.
Visibility
Glow-in-the-dark frisbees or discs with an LED light are easy to spot when playing at night. Users can better track their throw or receive an inbound frisbee much easier when the disc is illuminated.
Durability
Most frisbees will collide with trees, bushes, and structures during their lifetime, so make sure yours can withstand regular wear and tear. Long-distance throws also lend themselves to potentially hazardous impacts. Hard plastic frisbees are the most durable option. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly disc, make sure to check for pet-safe materials that are non-toxic and capable of standing up to chewing.
Games To Play With Your Frisbee
Maybe you’re looking to do a little more than toss your frisbee back and forth. There are tons of games you can play with it depending on your skill level and desired intensity. Here are some popular frisbee-centric activities.
Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate frisbee is a competitive game that combines frisbee, soccer, and football rules. The objective is for your team to make it to the other team’s goal by throwing and catching the frisbee with your teammates. Once your teammate catches the frisbee you threw their way, they must stand still until they find another open teammate and throw it to them. Ultimate frisbee is typically played in five-on-five iterations, but you can also play with larger or smaller teams. USA Ultimate is popular for competitive play.
Disc Golf
Just like in real golf, your goal is to make it to the destination in as few shots as possible. Instead of whacking a small white ball with a club into a hole, the objective is to maneuver your discs into a basket. This game is fun for those who want to practice their long-distance tosses with high-quality frisbees that get a lot of air. Most disc golfers have a collection of highly specialized frisbees, similar to a golfer’s club collection.
Kan Jam
Kan Jam sets typically come with a pair of frisbees, but you could use any frisbee if you already own one that you like. Kan Jam involves two teams of two. The objective is to toss the frisbee to your partner to have them spike it into or off of the can for points. If you’re a true expert, you can hit the frisbee into a small hole in the can—a maneuver that wins the game for your team.
Frisbee Tic-Tac-Toe
Frisbee tic-tac-toe is a popular yard game take on traditional tic-tac-toe. There are a number of frisbee tic-tac-toe sets for sale or you can make your own version using chalk or hula hoops to create the grid and several frisbees to represent the Xs and Os.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best weight for a frisbee?
The best weight for a frisbee usually ranges between 150 to 170 grams. Heavier discs are designed for serious users who play disc golf or ultimate frisbee. Alternatively, lighter discs are easier for children to catch and throw. Many standard discs offer a reasonable weight balance to appease all types of users, including beginners.
Where can you play frisbee?
You can play frisbee in any outdoor area where you have the space for it, including in your yard, in the park, and at the beach. Even if you have a spacious garage or basement, we don’t recommend throwing your frisbee in there, as it could hit and break items.
How do you throw a frisbee?
Hold the frisbee with your thumb on the top and your pointer finger along the edge. From there, flick your wrist, and step forward in the direction you want your frisbee to go. Standing with your feet at a 90-degree angle helps you maintain your balance and throw accurately.
Which frisbees work best in the wind?
Throwing and catching discs may be tough in windy weather because they can blow in different directions. To help combat this, try a heavier frisbee, as it’s less likely to be influenced by the wind.
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