Why on earth would anyone drive with a putter? It seems counterintuitive, right? Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s one of the best decisions I ever made for my game.

I noticed a considerable improvement in my overall scores, the further I extended my driver selection to include more putters and approach discs. What’s more, my throwing form started to flow more smoothly. It’s worth mentioning the putters also have less ground play on upshots, which can be a game-changer.

Benefits of Having A Throwing Putter

While you can keep it simple and use just one putter, I found that having a dedicated throwing putter offers multiple advantages.

• Speed: When on the green, a slower putter is your best friend. A faster putt can exaggerate even the tiniest mistakes, leading to misses like sliding through chains, hitting off the pole, or overshooting by an extra 10 on landing. For a throwing putter, a bit more speed is advantageous. Typical inside-the-circle putters have a speed of 1 or 2, but the ones I recommend for throwing fall in the 3 or 4 range.
  
• Stability: A stable putter gives you more shot-shaping options off the tee. A putter with minimal turn and aggressive fade can be employed for short flex lines, spikey approaches, and headwind upshots. I’ve found that higher stability also means better resistance to torque on full-power backhands and high-spin forehands. All the putters I’ll recommend will demonstrate this feature.
  
• Rim Shape: Everyone has a unique way of gripping the disc for putts vs. throws. What feels comfortable for a 15-foot pitch-putt may not feel the same for a sidearm flex approach. This aspect depends largely on individual preference, but in general, I’d suggest putters with a shallow rim and low profile.
  
• Durability: The putter’s rim often bears the brunt of a lot of damage, especially in softer baseline plastics. I found that stiff premium plastics perform better off the tee and on the approach. Not only do they fly more stably, but they also withstand a lot of punishment while maintaining their flight characteristics. All the putters I’ll be recommending will be available in durable plastic blends.

Alright, enough chit-chat.

Here’s my field-tested list of the best throwing putters on the market!

Axiom Envy

If I had to pick one disc to play with for the rest of my career, it would hands-down be the Axiom Envy.

There’s not even a close second.

From my experience, the Axiom Envy’s flight numbers are pretty accurate. The Envy is a stable disc that can handle power well and provides a predictable finish. With its consistent fade, I find this disc perfect for upshots and maintaining control in various wind conditions in addition to driving with it on short holes.

Flight & Stability

Flight Numbers:

• Speed: 3
• Glide: 3
• Turn: 0
• Fade: 2

Skill Level

In my opinion, the Axiom Envy is suitable for literally anyone. Its predictable flight and strong fade allow players with various skill levels to utilize it for different shots.

Primary Use

I’ve found the Axiom Envy to be a versatile disc that excels at approach shots and driving putts. Its stability makes it a reliable choice for upshots, while its glide allows for accurate throws.

• Straight drives and approaches (I can easily control this disc for straight shots)
• Hyzer shots with predictable fade (I often use it for hyzer flips in the woods, too)

Pros & Cons

While the Axiom Envy is excellent for both beginners and advanced players, true beginners might find its fade to be a bit challenging at first. If that’s the case then guess what? It makes an incredible forehand throwing putter!

Pros:

• Stable flight with predictable fade
• Versatile for various shots and situations
• Comfortable feel in the hand (I love the shallow rim)
• Available in glow plastic for your next night round

Cons:

• Fade might be challenging for true beginners (except for sidearms)

Discraft Zone

As an overstable putter, the Discraft Zone features a slim design with a thick rim. I’ve found that it holds up exceptionally well in headwinds, making it my go-to disc for strategic fades, forehand throws, and other situations that require a reliable finish.

Flight & Stability

Flight Numbers:

• Speed: 4
• Glide: 3
• Turn: 0
• Fade: 3

Skill Level

In my experience, the Zone is excellent for advanced players or those looking to incorporate a reliable, overstable putter into their arsenal. While true beginners might want to start with a disc that has less fade, intermediate players can frequently find value in the Zone’s versatility and shot-making capabilities.

Primary Use

The Discraft Zone is an incredibly reliable approach disc and throwing putter for a wide variety of situations, including upshots, headwind putts, and flick approaches. It excels at forehand touch shots and is crucial when I need to shape my shots around obstacles or into chains.

• Forced anhyzer shots (I rely on the consistent fade to bring the disc back toward the target)
• Dogleg approaches (the fade helps the disc navigate around obstacles and find the basket)

Pros & Cons

The Discraft Zone has a lot to offer for advanced and intermediate players looking to improve their approach game. However, its overstable nature may pose challenges for beginners still developing their technique.

Pros:

• Overstable, reliable in windy conditions
• Versatile for various shot types
• Excellent for forehand and backhand throws
• Multiple plastic options for different preferences (I find ESP the most comfortable)

Cons:

• Fade and overstability might be challenging for true beginners

Kastaplast Berg

The Kastaplast Berg is a stable to overstable approach disc and throwing putter with very little glide and a unique rim. I find that it consistently holds its line and doesn’t turn over when thrown with power. Although it may not be for everyone, I personally love the Berg’s predictability and unique rim feel.

This disc immediately fights to get down to the ground, which is why it is such a popular throwing putter/approach disc.

Flight & Stability

Flight Numbers:

• Speed: 1
• Glide: 1
• Turn: 0
• Fade: 2

Skill Level

The Berg is fantastic for players of all skill levels, particularly those looking for a dependable approach disc with minimal ground play. The Berg does require a bit of adjustment due to its unique flight and rim design, but once you’re used to it, it becomes an essential part of your bag.

Primary Use

I typically use the Kastaplast Berg for upshots and drives that I need to sit down quickly, usually in the 200-260 feet range. When I need a point-and-shoot disc that goes dead straight, I find it works well with both forehand and backhand throws.

• Straight approaches (I can trust it to go straight without turning over)
• Windy putts

Pros & Cons

The Kastaplast Berg is one of my favorite discs, but I know that its peculiar rim may not appeal to everyone, especially those who dislike thumb tracks or a different feel in hand.

Pros:

• Predictable flight, stable to overstable
• Minimal ground play, allowing for accurate placement
• Excellent for both forehand and backhand throws
• Fantastic in K1 Soft and K3 Line plastics (K1 Soft has the best hand feel, in my opinion)

Cons:

• Thumb track may not be comfortable for everyone
• Non-existent glide could require adjustments
• Not as versatile as other discs (due to its unique flight numbers)

Despite these considerations, the Kastaplast Berg remains one of my go-to discs for straightforward approaches and tournament play. I strongly recommend giving it a try and seeing if it can also become a staple in your disc golf bag.

Discraft Luna

The Discraft Luna first caught my attention as the signature putter of 6X World Champion Paul McBeth. Contrary to what the flight numbers suggest, I’ve found it to be less overstable and more versatile, suitable for both putting and throwing. It has a lower glide, making it ideal for confident throwing off the tee and approach shots.

Flight & Stability

Flight Numbers:

• Speed: 3
• Glide: 3
• Turn: 0
• Fade: 3

Primary Use

Its rounded rim and lack of a bead contribute to a comfortable and secure fit in the palm of my hand. Expect a straight flight with a small but reliable fade, accompanied by minimal ground action.

• Straight drives (when thrown with the appropriate release angle, the Luna flies straight to the basket)
• Windy putting situations (I find its stability effective in handling headwinds during putting)

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Straight flight with a small, reliable fade
• Excellent grip, boosting confidence during release
• Comfortable rounded rim and no bead
• Versatile inside and outside the circle, holding up in windy conditions

Cons:

• Special Blend plastic may be susceptible to dents and scratches from impact
• Flight pattern could be less overstable than anticipated based on flight numbers

In summary, the Discraft Luna quickly earned top marks as one of favorite throwing putters that I field tested for this review. The combination of straight flight, minimal ground action, and comfortable grip makes it a solid addition to any disc golfer’s arsenal.

Axiom Proxy

The Axiom Proxy is an exceptionally neutral and forgiving throwing putter, thanks to its low-profile design and straight forward-fading finish. Sharing the same mold as the Axiom Envy, it distinguishes itself by having a little more high-speed turn potential and a straighter flight when thrown with power.

Flight & Stability

Flight Numbers:

• Speed: 3
• Glide: 3
• Turn: -1
• Fade: 0.5

If you are looking for the little brother to the Envy, this is it.

Skill Level

The Axiom Proxy is an excellent disc for players of all skill levels. As a noodle arm myself, I can trust it to be laser-straight even with less power thrown on it, making it perfect for medium to hard throws off the tee. Its low profile rim makes it comfortable for various grips, which is great for forehand throws and people with smaller hands.

Primary Use

The Proxy shines as my go-to throwing putter, providing maximum control and a predictably straight flight. I’ve enjoyed success using it for understable meandering woods shots and consistent, accurate approaches.

• Straight drives and approaches (Effortless control and predictable straight flight)
• Anhyzer shots (Responsive and holds the anhyzer line for low ceiling turning woods shots)

Pros & Cons

While the Axiom Proxy holds a special place in my heart due to its versatility and control, it may not be ideal for all situations, particularly when it comes to C1 putting due to its forward fade and glide characteristics, which can result in more challenging recovery shots.

Pros:

• Versatile, neutral putter for both putting and throwing
• Responsive to a wide range of throwing power levels
• Suitable for players of various skill levels
• Comfortable low-profile rim

Cons:

• Perhaps not suitable for C1 putting in all situations

Overall, the Axiom Proxy remains one of my favorite putter and approach discs, earning a permanent place in my disc golf bag. Its neutral, glidey flight, and the ability to serve various shot types have made it an essential disc that I recommend to players of all skill levels.

Innova Pig

The Innova Pig is an overstable putter with a thick Thumtrac rim that shines in hyzer putts and wind situations. It shares similarities in flight and feel with the Kastaplast Berg, but flies faster and has more glide.

Flight & Stability

Flight Numbers:

• Speed: 4
• Glide: 1
• Turn: 0
• Fade: 3

Skill Level

Suited for experienced players looking for an overstable and consistent putter, the Pig may be challenging for beginners due to its low glide.

• Shot Type 1: Hyzer putts (high fade and thumtrac rim)
• Shot Type 2: Windy putts & upshots (holds up well in headwinds)

Pros & Cons

The Pig offers predictability and reliability, though its overstable nature and quick break-in period could be challenging for beginners.

Pros:

• Predictable flight and thumtrac rim
• Great for headwind shots and hyzer putts
• Suitable for cycling (R-Pro plastic)

Cons:

• Low glide not ideal for beginners
• R-Pro plastic breaks in quickly

The Innova Pig is a unique addition to any disc golfer’s bag, especially if you prefer a thumb track design and R-Pro plastic. Brought to popularity by Ricky Wysocki, this disc is a staple in the Innova lineup.

Discmania P2

The Discmania P2 is easy to throw straight, but is also slightly overstable, which makes it excel in handling headwind throws and longer approach shots. Made specifically for pro players like Eagle McMahon and Simon Lizotte, it is also incredible for disc golfers of all skill levels. If you are looking for a deep-rimmed putter that offers a reliable and accurate flight, this might be your new favorite throwing putter.

Flight & Stability

Flight Numbers:

• Speed: 2
• Glide: 3
• Turn: 0
• Fade: 1

Skill Level

The P2 was designed with pro players in mind, but I believe it can be valuable for players of all skill levels. Its stability allows for consistent flight, even in windy conditions, and it has the perfect balance of glide and a forward fading finish for accurate c2 putts.

Primary Use

The Discmania P2 has become one of my favorite throwing putters due to its versatility and reliability and Discmania’s new D-Line plastic. Its straight-overstable flight is great for drives and approaches, while its depth provides an excellent option for those who prefer a deeper putting putter with more grip control.

• Straight drives (The P2 maintains a consistent flight and finishes with a gentle fade)
• Overstable putting (Great for those who prefer a deeper putter with more fade for accurate putts)

Pros & Cons

While the P2 has a lot to offer, its deeper feel might not be ideal for everyone, especially people like me who usually prefer shallower rimmed putters. However, its performance and versatility make it a fantastic addition to any golfer’s bag.

Pros:

• Reliable and accurate flight
• Stable for headwind throws and long approaches
• Variety of plastics to suit different preferences
• Suitable for both putting and throwing

Cons:

• Deeper feel may not appeal to those who prefer shallower putters
• Less glide can be challenging for some beginners

The Discmania P2 is a wonderful throwing putter and a solid option for overstable putting. If you’re seeking a reliable, slightly overstable putter with a deeper profile, I highly recommend giving the P2 a try. Its consistency and flexibility make it a great option for 75% of players.

TL;DR

Topping our list, we’ve got the Axiom Envy. With its dependable flight and predictable fade, the Envy earns its spot as the ultimate pick for players of all skill levels. Beyond its stable flight, it offers a range of features that make it a standout:

• Versatility: Adapt to a variety of conditions and styles with ease.
• Comfort: Shallow rim feels incredible in the hand.

For those seasoned players out there, the Discraft Zone might be your perfect match. Deemed as the top choice for the advanced, this disc brings to the table a set of enticing characteristics:

• Overstability: Reliability that keeps you in control.
• Strategic fades and forehand throws: Ideal for those tough upshots when you need dependability.

Take a swing at exploring these supreme disc options. Whether you’re a beginner just getting the feel of the game, or a seasoned player looking to up the ante, these top picks can help you reach new heights. Remember, the perfect disc isn’t a one-size-fits-all – it’s one that elevates your game, aligning with your unique skill set and play style.

Happy throwing!