Part of the fun in disc golf is that every player has their own preferences for what discs they like to throw, and we all have our favorite discs for various reasons.
They usually are our favorites because we know them inside and out and we know we can count on them for specific situations.
They could, however, also be our favorite because of sentimental value such being given as a gift or accomplishing a feat with them.
With extended use of any disc comes the expectation that someday, due to wear and tear, that disc will no longer be usable.
And when a disc is no longer usable, it is time to be...
Retired.
What does it mean to not be usable?
Usually, a disc is no longer "usable" because it no longer has its expected flight ratings to the point that it does not benefit your game anymore or its flight is so inconsistent and irregular that it cannot be trusted anymore.
For instance, one of my first drivers when I was just getting started was a DX Innova Wraith. While it was a great beginner disc for me, after extended use, the overstable driver became very understable and finnicky to throw, often times doing its own thing upon release.
So, it was retired.
Sometimes, you want to carry several of the same discs in your bag with varying degrees of wear because you like the gradual changes in flight characteristics. If this is the case, a disc is usually retired when it is too beat in and no longer consistent in its flight.
A disc could also take a hard impact and become disformed or disfigured to the point that it can no longer be thrown with any amount of trust.
As mentioned, a disc could also be deemed unusable due to other reasons and this stems from the risk of losing or damaging the disc. The disc is fine in function, but you fear losing it to the point where it is not used.
This would be known more as sentimental discs and can come in many different forms.
It could be a disc that you had signed by one of your favorite players, a first run Signature Series disc of your favorite player, or even a disc that was given to you by a close friend or player.
It could also be the disc you threw your first or any ace with, or a disc that won a special event for you. The possibilities of what makes a disc special to you are very individual and truly endless.
But every situation usually leads to you not wanting to use that disc anymore for fear of losing it.
So what happens when these discs are no longer usable?
Well, as mentioned, they get retired!
What does retiring a disc mean?
This answer all depends on the player and the disc's significance to them.
If the disc is just merely beat in beyond what you can use it for, some players opt to permanently add it to their collection, donate it to a new player, or toss it out altogether.
If, however, the disc is more than of physical value to you, consider displaying your disc in your home as part of a mancave space or in any room for that matter.
You can display these discs several different ways, but the most popular would be propping it up on top of your disc rack or by hanging it on the wall.
Displaying your discs on top of your disc storage system, such as the Hyzer Disc Rack, is a great way to show off your retired or collector discs!
How do I securely hang a disc on the wall?
The best way to to hang and display discs on the wall is by using a special bracket made just for discs. There are several options on the market, but few are as good as the ones made by Phoenix Discs.
You can find them at infinitediscs.com by clicking HERE.
They can be hung with screws or nails, just be sure to choose the kind you want!
Simply hang them on the wall and admire them as long as you'd like!
Disc Hangers by Phoenix Discs are a great way to show off your retired discs!
Click on the picture to check them out!
What do I do with discs that I never used?
If a disc is never or rarely used, then you probably can't consider it retired. They just simply weren't played with. But you still have options when it comes to what to do with them.
1. Store them for later
Just because you don't use them now, doesn't mean that you won't ever use them!
Many times I have kept a disc out of my bag because I didn't have a need for it, only for my skills and needs to change or me discovering a new use for the disc.
2. Build a second bag
You could build a small second bag to keep on hand for those random quick, unexpected outings or you could build a bag for when a guest disc golfer tags along.
Sometimes discs aren't used because your skill set has outgrown them. Use these more beginner discs to build a beginner friendly bag to use when you invite new players to the sport.
Looking for a small disc golf bag to build a second bag? Check out small bags options HERE at infinitediscs.com or one on Amazon by clicking the banner below.
3. Donate to another player or a new player
If you don't plan on ever using or bagging a disc, perhaps you could donate the disc to a player who will use it! There are also sometimes opportunities to donate such discs at tournaments that are used later to grow the sport.
4. Trade for a disc you want
Bartering has been around since the beginning of time.
You have something someone else wants, and they have something you want, so you trade!
Trade the discs you don't want to use but are in playable condition with another player who isn't using a disc that they own. Both players get a new disc that they may use and are getting rid of one they don't use, its a Win Win!
No matter what,
Retiring a disc can be very hard at times. Even when you get the same disc in the same mold, sometimes the new disc just doesn't fly as 'Old Faithful' did.
But when it's time to retire a disc, you'll know, and now you'll also know what to do with a disc once it is retired!
Change is a good thing! For all you know, you could end up finding a disc you like even better when it's all said and done!
Happy Disc Golfing!
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at infinitediscs.com by clicking on the banner below!
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