Putting Discs

I am new to the sport, been playing since August, just got my first negative score 2 days ago. Anyhow, one thing i've worked on from day one is my putting, because I know my driving will take longer to develop. I often look at the pros "What's in my Bag" and i have yet to see any of them or anyone on the course use the standard DX Birdie Innova disc that i have been using. My putts are getting longer and longer, now majority of the time i'm knocking them in at 30ft. However, I do seem to struggle in strong winds. I've been eyeing the Aviar, and have felt it my hands in stores, but i'm a little apprehensive about switching discs since i'm still experiencing growth in putting with it. That's of course until a gust of wind comes along. What are your thoughts?

[Jay Dub]

I use 2 putters, the one that glides (original 86 Softie) and a ching putter that's more stable. They both feel good in my hand. If the putter you're using works don't stop using it instead find another disc in your bag to use for wind shots. Roc or XD works for me in strong winds.

[Jeff Phillips]

Congrats on the negative score Jason. I hope to be there soon myself. The aviar is a disc I have always had and I have recently learned how to throw it properly and its great.

[Ian Macpherson]

A more overstable putter would probably hold its line better in the wind. From what I remember the birdie is a very straight flier, good for shorter putts. You might try using two putters, or just switch over to something overstable. I just use a single KC Pro Aviar for all of my putter shots, including drives. The extra stability really helps when driving.

The 2009 Discraft Ace race disc (Focus) is an awesome new beaded overstable putter. It seems to fly very similarly to the beaded aviar but it might fit in my hand even better.. Still trying to decide if I want to convert from my Aviars.

I tried an XD for a little bit, but I found it had problems with chain-outs and I went back.

[mark ellis]

Any putter which fits well in your hand and you have confidence in will work well for you. I putt with both Rattlers (Birdie-like) and Magnets (Aviar-like) and switch off depending on which is working better at the moment.

A disc only stays in my starting line-up if it is continues to earn its spot. All of my discs know I have a trunk full of back-ups waiting for their chance at the limelight. They all know the story of Wally Pipp.

In practice I have learned that although a Rattler is nowhere near as overstable as a Magnet, it still putts well in the winds. Even knowing that in most windy conditions I lean toward the Magnet.

Heavy winds are tough to deal with no matter what putter you use. You need to know your strengths well enough to judge when to be risky and when to be conservative.

[Disc-O Golf]

Like Mark said, add the Aviar (or Magnet...) and let it slowly find its place.
I carry a huge arsenal of discs for any challenge that may arise ("only in a tournament...")
No need to abandon discs that are working for you. Just add more that will eventually work for you.
You can learn what any disc does and apply it to the course somewhere. Any disc.
Don't compare it to your other putter, just practice with it and learn what it does and appreciate that.
You should like a putter, they are very popular, extremely accurate, and will cut the wind better with the lower profile edge compared to the birdie. Oh, after that back up and try and XD (Stands for eXtra Distance Putter) and stick some long range putts!

[[e-mail]]

Get a Pro Line Birdie if you can because it will grab chains better. It took me years of changing putters until I finally decided the Pro Birdie was the right fit... so darn straight. And so slow, that even if you miss completely, it won't leave you a very long 'come-backer'

and I agree with Mark about strong winds... it doesn't matter what putter you use then.

[ROBEY the one.]

a stable wizard or voodoo works good in wind, if it gets really windy i switch to a midrange for putting.

[Tino "SilverBack" Medina]

just experiment. I actually use a flx XL Driver for my putter. Been doing it for 3 years now. Its all about comfort, confidence and practice

[Peter Bonnel]

If you like a Birdie, try a Rhyno. Simlar shape but better in the wind and it's made in all of the differnt plastics.

[Rev. Bob Klingler]

I really like the Wizard. I started with DX Aviar's until I threw my first Wizard. Now I carry two - an SS Wizard and a SSS Wizard. I also putt with a FLX Buzzz for longer distance or wind.

[AndroidJonny]

I am the same with my FLX Buzzz. I Throw it for really Windy conditions. It will give a lil and still hold a decent line. As for putters I have a Star Aviar P&A, and I just invested in a Soft Magnet. I had thrown Magnets and Loved how grippy they are. But the best advice has been stated, Use what feels right to you. Ask your friends that you throw with what they use and see if they will let you throw some with it. Get a feel for what works best for you, then go get it. Congrats on the negative score.
"PEACE LOVE AND BANGIN CHAINS"

[Jeffery Nugent]

I use a Shark to putt with, it seems to work well for me, but like Mark said in really strong wind it doesn't make too much difference what you're using.I'd say stick with what you have. " if it ain't broke don't fix it"