First Impressions of Franklin Golf Discs
The Franklin Golf Discs are marketed as an accessible entry point into the world of disc golf, a sport that’s exploded in popularity. Franklin, a name more commonly associated with batting gloves and sports equipment for kids, has thrown their hat into the ring, offering a complete set of discs for beginners. I was intrigued to see if they could deliver a quality product at an attractive price point or if they were merely capitalizing on the sport’s growing popularity without the performance to back it up.
I was looking for a set of discs to introduce my kids to disc golf without breaking the bank. I wanted something durable, easy to throw, and forgiving enough for beginners. I’d previously considered individual discs from established brands like Innova and Discraft, but the cost quickly adds up when buying a full set.
Upon unboxing the Franklin Golf Discs, I was immediately struck by the lightweight feel of the plastic. The discs have a smooth, almost slick texture that, while potentially comfortable, raised concerns about grip in wet conditions. The build quality appeared adequate for recreational use, but the discs lacked the premium feel of more expensive options. Compared to the Innova starter set my friend owns, the Franklin Golf Discs felt less substantial.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The price point of $39.99 is certainly attractive, but I was concerned about the long-term durability and performance of the discs. I hoped that Franklin had managed to strike a balance between affordability and functionality.
Real-World Testing: Putting Franklin Golf Discs to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Franklin Golf Discs to a local disc golf course, a relatively flat and open course ideal for beginners. The conditions were dry and sunny, perfect for an initial test. I focused on testing the driver and mid-range discs.
The driver proved challenging to control. Its lightweight design made it susceptible to wind, and it tended to turn over easily, resulting in unpredictable throws. The mid-range disc was more manageable, providing a straighter flight path with less effort. After a few throws, my kids struggled with the grip on the putter.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of casual use, primarily with my kids, the Franklin Golf Discs are showing signs of wear and tear. The edges of the discs are becoming nicked and scratched, especially the driver, which has taken the brunt of errant throws. The plastic is holding up decently overall, but I doubt it will last for years of heavy use.
Cleaning the discs is straightforward; a simple wipe down with a damp cloth is sufficient. The discs don’t seem to stain easily. Compared to the premium discs I’ve used in the past, the Franklin Golf Discs definitely underperform in terms of durability and flight characteristics.
Breaking Down the Features of Franklin Golf Discs
Specifications
The Franklin Golf Discs set includes a driver, a mid-range disc, and a putter. According to the provided specifications, the length is 16 inches, the weight is 1.61 lbs, the height is 9.5 inches, and the width is 2 inches. The manufacturer is Franklin.
These dimensions and weight suggest that the discs are designed for ease of use, particularly for beginners. However, the generic plastic construction lacks specific performance characteristics often associated with professional-grade discs. This lack of specialized design impacts distance and control, especially in windy conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Franklin Golf Discs perform adequately for casual recreational use. The putter is relatively predictable for short-range shots, but the driver requires significant finesse to control. The mid-range disc is the most reliable of the set, offering a balance of distance and accuracy.
The main weaknesses are the driver’s instability and the overall lack of grip, especially when the discs are wet or dirty. The discs meet the basic expectations of getting the disc from point A to point B, but they don’t offer the performance needed for serious disc golf play.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Franklin Golf Discs is simple and functional. The discs are lightweight and easy to grip (when dry), making them suitable for younger or less experienced players. However, the plastic material feels cheap and lacks the ergonomic feel of more premium discs.
There’s no significant learning curve involved in using these discs. Anyone who has thrown a Frisbee before can pick these up and start playing. The basic design and light weight makes learning the sport easy.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the Franklin Golf Discs is questionable. The plastic is prone to scratching and nicks, and I suspect the discs will eventually warp or crack with prolonged exposure to sunlight and harsh weather. Maintenance is minimal; simply wipe them clean as needed.
These discs aren’t designed to be repaired. Once they break down, they’ll need to be replaced. Franklin Golf Discs do not seem to be a reliable long-term disc golf investment.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Franklin Golf Discs set doesn’t come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available. They are sold as a complete, pre-packaged set.
Due to the generic design and materials, these discs are unlikely to be compatible with aftermarket accessories designed for professional-grade discs. Therefore, there are no customization opportunities.
Pros and Cons of Franklin Golf Discs
Pros
- Affordable price point, making it accessible for beginners.
- Lightweight design, easy for younger or less experienced players to handle.
- Simple and functional design, no significant learning curve.
- The mid-range disc is relatively reliable and predictable.
- Good starting point for a family wanting to try disc golf.
Cons
- Low-quality plastic construction, prone to scratching and wear.
- Driver is difficult to control, especially in windy conditions.
- Lacks grip, particularly when wet or dirty.
- Limited durability, unlikely to last for years of regular use.
- Not suitable for serious disc golf players.
Who Should Buy Franklin Golf Discs?
The Franklin Golf Discs are perfect for families looking to try disc golf casually, children learning the sport, or anyone on a tight budget. This set offers an inexpensive way to get started without a significant investment.
Serious disc golf players or those seeking professional-grade performance should skip this product. The Franklin Golf Discs lack the precision, durability, and control needed for competitive play.
A must-have accessory would be a disc golf bag or backpack to carry the discs and other essentials. Although the plastic can be easily damaged, it will benefit from having a secure carrying method to extend its life.
Conclusion on Franklin Golf Discs
The Franklin Golf Discs offer a budget-friendly entry point into the world of disc golf. While they lack the premium feel and performance of more expensive discs, they are adequate for casual recreational use and beginners. The price of $39.99 is justified for what you get: a complete set of discs to get you started.
I would personally recommend these for families or individuals looking to try disc golf without breaking the bank. However, be aware of their limitations and don’t expect professional-grade performance. Get out there, have some fun, and see if disc golf is for you.