For the love of the sport. A place for DG enthusiasts to share their thoughts.

Retrieve Discs Easily and Safely with DiscGator!

Posted by randomtiz


I recently was able to get my hands on a DiscGator disc retriever prototype. I was enthusiastic about receiving it in the mail after all the positive things I had read about it a few weeks prior. Could this finally be my solution for grabbing discs out of heavy brush and debris-filled ponds? I was about to soon find out.

A brief backstory. A few years ago I was introduced to the Golden Disc Retriever [review here]. To say the least, I was not a slight bit impressed with it. It was hard to aim and was completely useless in ponds with heavy submerged plants or either you couldn’t see your disc. It seemed to only be effective in water hazards with smooth bottom surfaces where you could actually see the disc underwater. Anyways, if you want to read that review to compare it with the DiscGator, by all means.

Out of the Bag:

The DiscGator comes in a pull-cord 24″ mesh bag. Inside the mesh bag is the telescopic pole that can extend to nearly 5-ft. Also included is the clamp—the second main element to the DiscGator. The clamp is what will screw onto the end of the telescopic pole. The mesh bag also comes with two aluminum clasp hooks which make it easy to snap to the outside of your disc golf bag. discgator1

They’re easily removable as well if you need to expand the width between the two to fit your bag accordingly. One thing I wish–or hope–the final version will have is for some way for the clamp to attach (or hang) from the pole when not in use. The pole itself condenses down to 24″. But this leaves you with the big clamp hanging outside of the mesh bag. May not be an issue for most, but could become cumbersome if you’re constantly swinging your bag on/off your shoulder.
Attaches nicely to the straps on your bag!

Attaches nicely to disc golf bag’s straps!

*Keep in mind this is the prototype, so some “flaws” might be fixed on the final version of the DiscGator.

How it Works:
1) Remove the DiscGator from the mesh bag.
2) Screw on the clamp to end of the telescopic pole.
3) Untwist the telescopic pole to extend to full length.
4) Place the trigger hook into the notched position.
5) Reach for edge of disc and align with DiscGator’s clamp.
6) Once edge of disc is between the clamps fingers, jab forward to trigger.
7) Chomp! You got it.

The DiscGator Gets Put to the Test:
Watch the video below to see the Dogleg crew test out the DiscGator in streams, heavy brush, trees, ponds and deep ditches. See for yourself just how easy it is.

*If the video does not load, click here to watch the DiscGator in action!

Final Thoughts:
In a completely unbiased opinion, the DiscGator is BY FAR the most convenient, practical, versatile and “best worth your investment” product that I have reviewed here to date on the blog. As far as retrievals, it has yet to fail me. If you and your buddy both have one, combine both telescopic poles to one another to get over 10-ft of length! This will really allow you to reach further into a tree or out into the water.

It has exceeded my expectations and I can’t believe how simple the concept is. It’s amazing. Like I mentioned earlier, the only minor flaw I saw is that I wish there was a better way for the clamp part to attach to the mesh bag (or if the mesh bag had a separate pocket) when not in use. Now I’m having to keep the clamp in my side drink pocket of my bag—which means I can’t fit my tasty beverage of choice =P. Another minor issue that Dogleg Destin encountered was with the clamp on his DiscGator. He mentioned that the trigger seemed a bit stiff—to where it took a slightly harder jab at the disc to release the trigger mechanism. He was going to try to loosen the tightening screw a little to see if that would help.

All in all, this DiscGator is well worth the investment. Think about how many discs you can save/retrieve and never have to get wet, dirty, scratched or even have to come into contact with Poison Ivy or other such poisonous plants. According to their website, DiscGator.com, they hope the DiscGator will be available for nationwide sales by early 2014. I can’t wait to see how the final version will turn out. If I’m that amazed by the prototype, I can only imagine. Here’s to a well-designed product, Now Go Get Chompin’!

Please share this post!
-jt


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