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

Disc Golf Accessories

Friction DG Gloves Review

Posted by randomtiz


bg_review_friction

Do you often find yourself losing grip on your discs when playing in humid, wet, or cold weather conditions?

To me, there’s nothing more frustrating than having your fingers prematurely slip off a disc sending your disc careening into the treeline at a mere 50 feet from the teepad.

Humid weather is very common here in the Georgia summers. If you’re like me, my hands tend to sweat a lot during summer rounds. Yes, towels and birdie bags help to a degree, but they can become cumbersome having to wipe down discs or drying off my hands after each throw.

Lately, we have also had lots of rain in the past month or two—a lot more than I remember in quite some time. We all know how bad your barehanded grip can be when the ground and your discs are wet. But does wet weather deter you away from the disc golf course during those weeks where it seems to rain every day? I hope your answer is “no.”  I would like to think that you’re a dedicated enough of a player that you wouldn’t let any inclement weather get in your way—that is, assuming it’s safe weather. But what if there was a possible solution to helping with your grip?

I’m sure I’m not the only one, but I don’t have the best circulation in my fingers and toes. This makes playing in frigid temps all the more difficult and uncomfortable when you can barely feel your fingers. Hand warmers and wearing gloves in between throws help to a degree, but when your bare fingers hit that air… yea, you know that feeling. Over the years I have looked for some sort of “throwing” glove that had decent grip on it as well as to keep my hand warm during winter rounds. The gloves I’d come across were either too bulky or had so much grip that I ended up griplocking the heck out of the disc. Regardless of the glove type, the gloves were still too thick. I was missing that feeling, that connection, of disc to my fingers—that grip of confidence.

Now fast forward to the last tournament I played in back in November. It was a cold, damp morning with temps in the upper 30s for the first round. My fingers were freezing! When my fingers are cold, I can forget having any kind of reliable grip to the disc. I made the lead card in my division for second round. I got paired with a few guys that were wearing these black gloves. I didn’t think much of it at first, because “Hey it’s freakin’ cold and lots of players here are bundled up in beanies and gloves, etc.”. But later in the round I noticed that three of the guys all had on what appeared to be the same brand of black gloves with an iconic yellow emblem. Ok now that observation piqued my interest, so I had to ask what they were. “Friction Gloves”, they said. 

That was the first I had heard of them. They swore by them and kept talking about how much they enjoyed the gloves and what an improvement they felt that gloves had made to their throwing. One of the guys offered to let me try the other glove. While I had struggled with keeping my drives in the fairway at the start of this round, I couldn’t chance trying out something new and different on my hands. My first thought was these things have got to affect my release. What if they were too grippy and I griplocked? I can’t afford for that to happen now, not on lead card, I told myself. He did admit that it took him a few throws to get used to them, but they were awesome.

Ok so yea, I really wanted to try it but after the tournament. I found him after the tournament and congratulated him on his 1st Place finish. He still spoke highly of the gloves and asked me if I wanted to try them. I took him up on the offer and did maybe 10-15 test throws in the field nearby. Still cold out and my arm was already pretty sore from throwing two rounds, but I still gave it a shot. It took me about 3 throws to get the right feel for them, but I was actually getting a bit more distance after several more throws than I had thrown all day! And this was after 36 holes. Hear me though, I’m not saying these gloves are going to give you more distance. I’m saying that these gloves can improve your grip during unfavorable playing conditions.

Playing in the dead of summer and your hands are sweaty? Try a Friction DG Glove.

Playing an early morning round with dew on the ground? Try a Friction DG Glove.

Playing in frigid temperatures and can’t feel your fingers? Try a Friction DG Glove (or better yet the Friction Warm version).

 

 

QUICK NOTES:

  • These gloves are allowed in PDGA play.
  • Comes in Men’s and Women’s sizes.
  • Available in Left- and Right-handed models.
  • Very thin, somewhat breathable material.
  • They are not tacky. A subtle grip that made a big difference to me.
  • Consistent grip in every playing condition
  • Great for playing in humid, wet, and cold weather
  • Single glove is around $17
  • A pair is around $25
  • They also offer an Ultimate Frisbee version glove

 

Don’t just take my word for it though, give Friction Gloves a try. 

I would love to hear from you guy’s if/when you use them and what you think.


Custom Zipper Pulls with an Edge!

Posted by randomtiz


Custom zipper pulls make zipping/unzipping pockets a breeze, with a unique twist! Thanks to Gone Discin Paracords, you can stylize your disc golf bags and backpacks zippers with an edgy, custom flare! These things rock!

Custom-made "Cobra" Zipper Pulls with Spikes from Gone Discin Paracords

Custom-made “Cobra” Zipper Pulls with Spikes from Gone Discin Paracords

[backstory]
If you’re like me, I love backpacks. But not just any backpack, I like backpacks with as many compartments and pouches as imaginable. Regardless of what I’m using the backpack for, I like having lots of storage knowing that I can store anything and everything I deem necessary to tote around with me. I like being prepared–prepared for any unexpected potential situation. Especially when it comes to disc golf and being outdoors. Aside from carrying all of my discs, minis, pens, towels, etc…I also like carrying essential camping/emergency accessories such as a flashlight, knife, paracord, drybags, band-aids, matches and an assortment of other stuff when I go play disc golf. Hey, you never know.

This leads me to my modified disc golf backpack that I use now. I wasn’t satisfied with a lot of the current designs and the associated hefty price tags that come with a lot of the pro disc golf backpacks out on the market today. I just couldn’t justify paying nearly $150 for a pro bag that had the adequate amount of storage space/pockets I needed when I could potentially modify my own for a fraction of the cost. So I browsed for weeks for a low price point bag that had enough pockets and compartments that suited my needs. I finally found one to hold everything that I could possibly want to carry along with me in my disc golf bag. I wanted it to almost be like a disc golf/survival backpack. I bought a FUL backpack on clearance for less than $15 that had ample storage and had a bicycle helment pouch attached to the front. A bicycle helmet pouch you ask? Yes, it would serve as a loose, quick-access pouch that was perfect for holding my 3 go-to discs. I even went as far as to build a custom PVC exterior frame for the bag to give it enough support to stand upright. But I digress.

So with that many zippered pockets on my new bag, I had to find a better way to keep track of where everything was stashed and which pockets I accessed the most each round. Discs make up three of the pockets and others house things like snacks or emergency stuff that don’t necessarily get pulled out or used on a round-to-round basis. For those of you that have played with me before, know that I like to play speedy rounds. I have to be able to grab discs quickly and efficiently. I found myself quite often fumbling with all the zippers trying to find the correct zipper to the correct pocket. It can get frustrating–especially when it’s super cold out and your fingers are numb.

So how do I keep track of where everything is? How do I quickly find what I’m looking for or where the most important pockets are? Well it’s a heckuva lot easier now that I’ve added custom-made zipper pulls from Gone Discin Paracords to those main pockets!

From hole to hole, it’s a breeze to quickly find the correct zippers to pull open and grab discs. And you know how difficult and cumbersome it can be reaching for those dang little zippers. But guess what, it shouldn’t have to be anymore. Welcome to Gone Discin Paracords custom-made zipper pulls. Add these badass, wicked little zipper pulls for quick access to those pesky minuscule zippers!photo4

Steve and Lindsay Wilmoth are the owners of the small Michigan business, Gone Discin Paracords. They are gracious and super nice! Please check out their Facebook page to see a variety of their zipper pull designs. Be sure to notice the double helix and the DNA knot ones too, they look sweeeet! Steve and Lindsay do completely custom orders to suit your needs.

photo6

These high-quality, durable zipper pulls and sets make great giveaways for tourneys or your club. The set I have shown here in the pics is the “Cobra” Set with skulls and spikes. I haven’t added all the pulls onto my bag yet, but the set comes with 6 pulls, birdie beads, and a bag tag/towel holder! You can select from 5 designs and nearly 30+ colors. Don’t like the skulls? Get the beads instead. Imagine the combination possibilities!

Still looking for Christmas gift ideas? These zipper pulls can also make great gifts or stocking stuffers (there’s still time)! Actually, this month they’re even running a special sale so grab the deal while it lasts!

[from their Facebook page]

December $ale of the month!!!!

Full Sets will be $15 Shipped on all designs! Includes 6 pulls, Birdie Beads, Bag Tag Holder, and FREE Towel Holder

  • $1 pulls for all designs. (30+ colors) (5 Designs)
  • $4 Birdie Beads with beads or skulls.
  • $2 Bag Tag Holders.
  • $2 Towel Holders.
  • Shipping Starts at $3
  • 50% off customization including Spikes Available in Cobra only, Numbers/Letters Available in Cobra, DNA, and Double Helix.

Visit Gone Discin Paracords on Facebook.
-jt


Gear Review: Putter BeadZ

Posted by Tricia Lafferty


If you ask almost any player what their least favorite part and weakest part of their Disc Golf game is, the answer is usually putting. Putting is the part of the game where you actually score, and can drastically raise or lower your score. If you are a consistent and accurate putter, your scores can drop drastically. If you’re like me, you’re still inconsistent and need a lot of work on that part of the game. The only way to get better at putting is to practice it. A tweak in thumb placement, release point, grip, and technique can make a difference, but you will only know if you practice. Putting needs to become automatic, and over thinking creates mistakes. IMG_1156

So how do you practice? I tried a few methods, and what seems to work best for me is starting close, and gradually moving back. I used to take a measuring reel out and put flags down at certain distances, and putt inside the circle. This was a pain doing it every time I went out, and when I wanted to move the basket to a different location. My yard has some hills and different terrain, so it’s great for practicing uphill and downhill putts.

Problem solved! Megan Ramsey who does Disc-Lexia Disc Golf Art came up with a great product for putting practice called Putter Beadz! Putter Beadz are circle’s length (10 meters) cord with beads placed every foot. Every 5 feet has a distinguishing bead as well. Now when I go out to practice, I can place the basket down, loop the Putter BeadZ cord around the pole, pull the cord out to length, stake it down and I’m ready to go! IMG_1143

I usually start out on the level ground, and start at 10 feet back with a stack of 5 putters. If I make all 5 putts, I move back another 5 feet. If I make all of those putts, then I move back again. If I miss even just 1 of those putts, I move back up. This is an easy way to identify the distance where you are making all of your putts, and where you are getting inconsistent. When I first started using the Putter BeadZ, I was inconsistent starting at 15 feet. Now that I have been using them for awhile, I am pushing out to about 25 feet. I can work in foot increments on my trouble areas. IMG_1144

With the Putter BeadZ, I know where I am at distance wise but visual, and by actual footage. This translates on the course when you walk up to the basket, your brain registers how far you are away, and how hard to throw. This helps great a relation between visual recognition and muscle memory.

The best thing about having the Putter BeadZ is I can move the basket easily onto a hill, pull the string out and stake it down, and then putt uphil or downhill in the same manner. On downhill putts I was overshooting the basket a lot. Now that I have had practice using the Putter BeadZ, I am sinking those putts that used to sail over the top of the basket. Same with uphill shots, I was hitting the cage a lot, now I bring my release point up further based on the grade of the hill and distance. IMG_1145

Overall, using the Putter BeadZ has made me a more confident putter, as well as a better one. Since I can easily move the basket and string around, I am more likely to actually move it and practice all of the variations. It has saved a lot of time as well not having to measure and flag every time I go out, or move the basket.

Putter BeadZ come in a lot of different colors and varations! Hit up the Facebook page to see photos of all the options that are offered. You may also email Megan directly to place your order at disclexiadgart@yahoo.com
Facebook:
Putter BeadZ

Also check out Megan’s awesome art work!
Facebook:
Disc-Lexia Disc Golf Art (more…)


The “Towch” Review by Dogleg JT

Posted by randomtiz


As the end to Valentine’s Day Weekend draws near, I would like to share with you guys a new love that’s in the air. Something that I hope you guys will end up loving as much as I have.

A few weeks ago I was searching for a new towel to clip onto my disc golf bag. I stumbled across this thing called the “Towch®” and was like whaaaaaaaat? Weird name, right? This was something unlike I had ever seen or heard of before. For those of you that know me, I am huge proponent and fan of new technology—especially when it relates to disc golf.

Towch1

It’s Called a…What Now?:
What exactly is the Towch® you might ask? Well let me tell you. The Towch® is a pouch that also doubles as a towel. Before I dive too much further into the review, I’d rather you watch the video review we put together. Watch the video below and see the Towch® in action!

*If the video does not load, click here to view it on YouTube!

How it Works:
1) Using the 2 carabiner clips, attach to your belt loops, belt or bag.
2) Insert 3-5 discs to use as a carrying pouch.
3) Insert 1 disc and spin the disc around within the pouch to dry it off or to remove dirt/mud.

Final Thoughts:
This thing has so many different uses! Lately I’ve found myself using it more as a putter carrier attached to my belt loops. I haven’t had 5 discs maxed out in it yet while playing, so not sure if it affects my throwing. But 1-3 discs do not affect my throw. I like keeping my putter(s) in there for super quick access for putting. This would be a great solution for frolfers that only carry a handful of discs anyway.

During this cold spell these past few weeks, I’ve found myself even using it as a handwarmer pouch. Put a “Hot Hands” packet in there and keep that throwing hand warm! You could also use it to carry snacks, maybe a cold drink or two, camera, etc. Hahha or even use it as a hat to keep your head and ears warms! (See me being ridiculous towards the end of the video where I demonstrate the hat use). Possibilities are endless!

Get this, they’re 100% made in the USA! That’s awesome.

I want one! Where can I buy one?:
Please visit their site at TowelPouch.com to learn more! Towches® currently come in a variety of 8 colors. The standard, one-color Towch® has an MSRP of $11.99. Be sure to “like” their FB page at www.facebook.com/TheTowch! Mention you read the Towch® review on DoglegDiscGolf.com.

Share the Towch® love this Valentine’s!
-jt


the blog: doglegdiscgolf.com
follow us on twitter: twitter.com/doglegdiscgolf
like us on facebook: facebook.com/doglegdiscgolf
subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/doglegdiscgolf
join us on google+: dogleg google+


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


the blog: doglegdiscgolf.com
follow us on twitter: twitter.com/doglegdiscgolf
like us on facebook: facebook.com/doglegdiscgolf
subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/doglegdiscgolf


Keep Your Score with ScoreBand!

Posted by randomtiz


What do you keep track of your disc golf scores with?

Do you find yourself fumbling through your disc golf bag in search for that dang pencil or constantly pulling out your smartphone after each hole to keep track of your scores?

Well what if I told you that there is a much easier, and simpler way to keep up with your scores? There is, and I was fortunate enough to come across it via Women’s Pro Disc Golfer/Model Holly Finley on Twitter. It’s called the ScoreBand®.

The ScoreBand® is a slick, portable, and convenient silicone wristband that allows you to track your scores in three different modes! Not only is it a watch too, ScoreBand® has a Tennis mode, Golf mode and an All Score mode. Since I’m a disc golfer, this review will mostly go in-depth about the Golf mode because it closest relates to our sport.
Untitled-1

The Look:
IMG_1766sm
The ScoreBand® is sweat & water-resistant and made of a grippy, non-slip silicone material. Normally I’m not one to wear things upon my wrists while playing because my mindset is that I feel like they mess me up. =) But this on the other hand, is very comfortable and does not slide up and down when I throw. It has a very slim, modern design to it which I find pretty cool and stylish. It comes in two band colors (black and white) and has four button colors (green, orange, pink and grey) available to choose from—making 8 different possible color combinations. Each wristband is available in four size options from Small to X-Large as well.

Getting Started:
Ok, the ScoreBand® is very easy to use. No fancy screens. No unnecessary buttons. No wacky user interface. It’s simple. It’s functional. That’s all we’re looking for here. Great for the active person that just wants a solution to quickly track scores in a convenient manner.

On the wristband, you simply have two buttons on the face—an up and a down arrow. This is how you’ll enter your scores. First, let’s get to the mode that we’re going to use. By default, the Time (watch) mode is displayed first. To toggle through the other modes, press the silver button on the right side. If you’re a disc golfer, use the Golf mode. You know you’re in Golf mode setting when you see the small “G” in the center of the screen.

Entering Scores: GOLF Mode
You’ll use the up and down arrows to your record your throws for each hole. The top digit is your hole score while the bottom digit is your round score. For example, you make it in the basket in 3 throws on the first hole. You would tap the up arrow 3x until “3” is displayed. Now that your number of strokes is displayed on top, next hold down the down arrow for 3 seconds to “enter” that score. The entered score “3” will now show in the bottom spot as your total round score. Then say you get a “4” on Hole 2. Arrow up 4x, hold the down arrow for the 3 seconds to enter that score and you’ll notice the bottom number then changes to “7”. You get the point, right? Easy!

If you go past your number while arrowing up, just tap the down arrow to count back down. And what I like about this, is how easy it is to hit the buttons. You can still be walking & talking and not really have to pay attention to entering in the numbers—unlike trying to track it on a cellphone when you have to make sure you’re on the correct screen. You’ll be at the next teepad in no time while you’re buddy’s back there fiddling with his smartphone score tracking app. This is great for the social disc golfer.

Using the All Score Mode:
The All Score mode can be used to your advantage if you would like to track more statistics. Try using it in tandem with the Golf mode while you’re playing to record things such as fairways hit or putts made. Toggling between different modes does not erase or interfere with the scorekeeping.

I know fairways in disc golf are a little different than ball golf, but you might be interested in keeping track with how many of your drives land in the “fairway” when you play. Think about it, have you ever really thought about what your driving accuracy was when playing? Maybe you record how many putts it took you total in a round. For those that want to increase their putting accuracy, try using the All Score mode to tally those. You could even use the All Score mode to track your Birdies in a round. Another option would be to track a friend’s score using it while you use the Golf Mode. There’s numerous possibilities here, use it to your advantage my friend.

My Experience and Final Thoughts:
I have thoroughly enjoyed the month and a half of testing I’ve put the ScoreBand® through. With its stylish, slick appearance, I wear it as my everyday watch. It’s extremely lightweight and I forget it’s even on my wrist sometimes. When playing disc golf with it, I never have to worry about not keeping a round score because my cellphone battery is low.

Don’t get me wrong, I would never give up some of my smartphone scoring apps. Because there definitely are times that I like to track lots of my stats and/or post them to social media. But like I said earlier, it’s great for people that are looking for a simple, easy way to track score without the hassle of smartphone scoring apps and keeping up with score pencils. It would make a great gift for a child too to keep score while they’re playing. If there’s one thing I would change about the ScoreBand®, is that I wish it would indicate the hole number you’re on. On a few occasions my first day testing it, I couldn’t remember if I’d recorded the hole or not. But I did hear that that feature is coming. I also read where they had custom logo printing available on the bands, sweet!

All in all, if you’re looking for a stylish, lightweight wristband watch for yourself or an athlete in your family, I would recommend looking further into the ScoreBand®. They retail for around $24.99 and can be found in Golfsmith stores, Brookstone and several other stores listed on their website www.ScoreBand.net.

IMG_3panel

The ScoreBand® even won the “Best Product Concept Award” at the 2012 PGA Merchandise Show.

Four Modes:
-TIME: Displays Hour and Minute
-ALLSCORE: Keep Score, Statistics & Counts
-GOLF: Keep Hole & Round Score
-TENNIS: Keep Game & Set Score

The ScoreBand® Features:
-Water-resistant
-Comfortable & lightweight
-Fashionably designed for everyday wear
-Available in 8 colors and 4 sizes
-Infused with negative ion emitting minerals
-Conforms to USGA/R&A rules
-Eco-friendly silicone wristband
-Comes with 1-year manufacturer’s warranty

+Read more about ScoreBand on their website, www.ScoreBand.net.
+Follow ScoreBand on Twitter @TeamScoreBand.

Please share this post!
-jt


the blog: doglegdiscgolf.com
follow us on twitter: twitter.com/doglegdiscgolf
like us on facebook: facebook.com/doglegdiscgolf
subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/doglegdiscgolf


dgNOMAD Glow Chains/Portable Disc Golf Glow Target Review by JT

Posted by randomtiz


Good evening!

Do you enjoy night disc golf? Have you ever wanted to get into night disc golf? Or do you simply wish you just had a super lightweight practice target that you could easily tote around and set up in minutes?

Just about everyone could use some practice on their short-game, right?

Well I might just have an idea—or solution if you will—if you answered “yes” to any of the above questions.

A few weeks ago I posted a teaser video for this upcoming review here on the blog. Let me just preface this by saying the filming of this 13 minute video review took longer than anticipated to cut, edit and produce the music track in it. But several weeks later and many late nights put into it, I can proudly say IT’S FINISHED!

Just in case you missed the teaser, the guys at dgNOMAD were grateful enough to send a set of their new UV Glow Chains for us to review right here on Dogleg. While I was at it, I also bought one of their Ultralight Portable UV Disc Golf Glow Targets to include in the review as well. Both of these products are awesome I must say!

OK enough of the suspense already, just watch the video review!

Once again, special thanks to Jeff at dgNOMAD for hooking us up and a BIG thanks to fellow Doglegger Justin for filming and producing this video. You guys rock!

To get your very own dgNOMAD Glow Chains or dgNOMAD Ultralight Portable Disc Golf Target, check them out at dgNOMAD.com. Tell them DoglegDiscGolf sent you! =)

-jt


follow us on twitter: twitter.com/doglegdiscgolf
like us on facebook: facebook.com/doglegdiscgolf
subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/doglegdiscgolf



Golden Retriever, Not Always a Man’s Best Friend

Posted by randomtiz


Golden Retriever
Today I’m reviewing the “Golden Retriever” by Disc Diver. I bought a “Golden Retriever” about two years ago after I started losing more and more discs to ponds and lakes on disc golf courses that I was frequenting at the time. Reality is, losing discs suck. Especially on repeated occasions, because plastic “ain’t” cheap. I had even switched to discs such as Innova Dragon’s that float, but their super light 150g weight severely affected my distance from the box.

After multiple attempts with sticks, fishing rods and the occasional “swim” for a disc, I got tired of trudging through  algae-infested mud-ridden ponds retrieving my weary discs. I knew there had to be a better alternative to fish out discs without having to actually swim with them in hopes to find my sunken disc and not catch some disease…

Then I found Disc Diver’s “Golden Retriever” and what seemed to be a clever invention–a disc retriever for discs sunken in the water. I watched the video on their site and was immediately sold. (Currently ~$25-30 on several disc golf websites out there.) I had just lost two discs a week earlier, so I was ecstatic about getting this thing in the mail. Almost considered rush shipping because I wanted those discs back that bad. Seems like a handy tool to frolfers everywhere, right? I’ll let you be the judge of that.

First you might ask What exactly is the Golden Retriever or How does the Golden Retriever work?

According to their website, DiscDiver.com, it is a fold-able device that’s “designed to retrieve sunken golf discs from the bottom of water hazards. It only takes a few seconds and is exceptionally easy to operate. The Discdiver ‘Golden Retriever’ is small enough to fit in any disc bag or back pocket.”

  • Simply tug on the Golden Retriever’s throw rope to unfold it.
  • Then toss it beyond the golf disc and pull across to retrieve.
  • As it skims across the bottom of the hazard, it will scoop and retain the disc.

Seems easy, right? The concept of it is, yes, a fact very easy. Actually successfully throwing it and retrieving the disc? Not so much. Now let me explain; and this is why I named this post the way I did.

The Disc Diver “Golden Retriever” only successfully works under very specific conditions. If you watch the video on their site and notice, you can clearly see the disc sunken in the bottom of a shallow creek. The “Golden Retriever” works really when you can actually see your disc. I don’t know about you guys, but the ponds and lakes around here are both murky and have muddy bottoms. You’re S.O.L. trying to use one of these things around here as you throw blind into the water. The “Golden Retriever’s” back bar frame is barely as wide as the disc itself. With that said, you must have the “Golden Retriever” lined up almost perfectly behind the disc as you drag it over it. Just think if you can’t even see the disc?! Now you understand.

The goal is to throw it so it lands behind your disc. Let it hit the bottom, then carefully drag it towards you as you pull on the supplied 15-30 ft. line (TIP: Make damn sure you have the other end of your line tied to your body or bag. I’ve thrown the whole thing—line and all—into a pond before and spent another 30 min trying to retrieve that too!). As the “Golden Retriever” approaches your disc, the lip of the frame should catch on the underside of the rim of your disc. The disc somewhat “locks” into place in the back of the frame. Don’t try to lift up on it or you might drop the disc, just keep pulling straight towards you.

retriever
But what I’m not sold on is how effective it is in a variety of scenarios. Yes, it works wonderfully in a clear body of water with a smooth ground bottom. I would simply suggest actually observing the different bodies of water around your local courses before considering one of these. Like I mentioned earlier, here in the Southeastern states—where I play most of my disc golf–ponds are very murky, have muddy bottoms that often covered with algae, slimy plant life and debris. And I’m going to be perfectly honest with you; If your local ponds have any characteristics like the aforementioned pond descriptions, I do not see this product being of any help to you. Check out this picture to the side, this is what I “retrieved” with one throw into a disc golf pond while playing in Mississippi. If the pond has any kind of grass/weeds like that, there’s no way you’re returning anything that you hoped you would be. If you’re into kelp or need weeds for your home aquarium, go for it. =)

retrieverdog
Another thing, this really only works if the bottom of the pond/lake/river is near flat. If there’s debris, large rocks, or limbs then you might be in trouble. The bottom floor needs to be near flat in order for the retriever to “scoop” up the disc. It does have a slight learning curve with getting it to fall and line up with your disc though. Don’t get me wrong, the “Golden Retriever” does have several great features as well as being super compact and portable! Its lightweight design has a high-vis color paint that helps visibility in slightly murky water. The ones I’ve seen online now actually come with up to 50 ft of line. Just keep in mind, it’s all about lining the retriever up with the sunken disc and being able to actually see the disc in the water. If these two conditions apply to your sunken disc, then you have a high chance of being able to recover your lost disc!

Honestly I’ve retrieved more of my friend’s discs than any of mine. It does work to a degree. I finally feel like I’ve gotten my money’s worth two years later. I take it with me every time I go out on the course just in case. But in most scenarios, this might not be your best friend when trouble arises.

Would love to hear anyone else’s stories and/or feedback if you own/or have ever used a Disc Diver “Golden Retriever”?

-jt


Follow

Get every new post on this blog delivered to your Inbox.

Join other followers:

%d bloggers like this: