Disc golf is a great sport that’s been around a long time. One of the best things about disc golf is that anyone can play. It’s not as easy as simply throwing a frisbee, but it’s definitely something even young players can pick up on with a little bit of practice.
Disc golf involves a lot of walking and exercise with a minimal amount of equipment. All you really need is a bag full of discs and a course to play on. Courses are available in a lot of public parks.
There’s no green fees or schedule, you can just show up and play. But if you want to practice or set up a few holes of your own, buying a portable disc golf basket is a great option.
You can make a small course for you and your friends on the beach or while camping or just set up a simple hole in your backyard to work on your putting game.
Disc Golf Basket Buying Guide
The disc golf basket was invented when the sport of disc golf was first recognized around 1975. In technical terms, it’s called the “disc pole hole” but it’s commonly known by some other names: hole, target, catchers, chains, and bucket.
A disc golf basket is a series of chains in the shape of a basket that is attached to the top of a long pole.
On a public course, the pole will be cemented into the ground. If you’re looking to buy your own and aren’t able to cement a pole into your yard, portable options are the answer to your problems.
The disc golf basket is to disc golf what the hole is to regular golf. The entire game is focused on getting the disc in the basket. The disc will hit the chains and (hopefully) drop into the basket.
Scoring is done by counting how many throws the player made before landing the disc in the basket.
For the disc golf player looking to set up a practice hole or two, a portable basket is the only realistic option, unless you’re willing to dig a hole in your yard and cement in a pole. Portable baskets are generally a little different than permanent ones.
They’re designed to be easily portable and so are made of lighter materials and have fewer chains creating the basket.
They don’t stand up to the elements quite as well as permanent baskets do and most of them will need to be brought inside when they are done being used.
However, there are some portable baskets that are made pretty tough and can be set up permanently outside.
If you want to practice on your own and work on your disc golf skills, particularly putting, then a practice disc golf basket might be just what you’re looking for.
Before we take a look at the nine top disc golf baskets of this season, let’s spend some time finding out the details you need to know before buying one of your own.
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Types of Portable Baskets
There are generally four kinds of practice baskets available:
Foldable
Foldable baskets are the most portable. They collapse so that they can be easily taken from place to place. Some even fold down like an umbrella for easy portability.
Light-Duty
Light duty baskets have fewer chains, are made of lighter materials, and are less expensive. They don’t fold up and travel quite as easily as a foldable basket, but they’re the next best choice. These are a great option if you’re on a budget.
Heavy Duty
These are as close to professional baskets as you can get while still being somewhat portable. They’re the most expensive of the group, but are made very well and will last a long time. Some can even be mounted outside permanently.
Narrow Target
If you want to improve your putting, a narrow target basket is a way to go. Because they are smaller than a normal basket, putts are a little bit harder to make.
This kind of basket will really help amp up your technique so that when you go back to a normal basket, you’ll be prepared to easily sink your shot.
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Material
There are two different kinds of material for disc golf baskets.
Metal
Metal baskets can be left set up most of the time and can tolerate the rain and bad weather.
If you want something that is semipermanent that you don’t plan on taking down regularly or if you just want something that closely resembles a permanent basket, this is the choice for you.
Most of them are composed of steel that has been powder coated with a zinc compound to help keep them waterproof.
Hybrid
Hybrids are less weather-resistant but much lighter and more portable. Most come with a carrying case and will easily fit into your car and can be set up and taken down in under a minute.
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Other Things to Keep in Mind
Some baskets have some special features that might influence your decision as to which one will be best. Some of these include:
Storage bag
Some portable baskets will come with a storage bag that is designed to hold the basket when you’re not using it. The bags also typically have handles or straps which will help you carry it when it’s time to set it up.
Double Rows of Chains
Portable disc golf baskets aren’t usually as substantial as permanent ones, but if you’re looking for something that’s close to what you’ll find on a course, a double row of chains will help your portable basket hold the disc a little better.
Portable and Permanent
Some of the higher quality portable baskets can also be installed permanently. If you’re someone who has the outdoor space and is willing to cement one into your yard, you can set up your own private, permanent practice space.
Now that we know some of the things to look for, let’s check out some of the best disc golf baskets of this year.
Best Disc Golf Basket Reviews
1. DGA MACH LITE PORTABLE DISC GOLF PRACTICE BASKET
This offering from DGA weighs only 25 pounds. It’s easily collapsible and easy to set up. Storing and transporting is easy with the carrying bag with a strap so you can easily sling it onto your shoulders or across your back.
It has patented links that slide and chains designed for catching. It also comes with its own carry bag.
This basket is composed of a zinc-plated frame and a heavy nylon shell. This basket cannot be kept outside for long stretches and should be taken down and put away after every practice session. It won’t hold up to harsh weather.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Portable
Cons:
- Cannot be permanently installed outside
2. INNOVA DISCATCHER TRAVELER TARGET
The DISCatcher Travel Target is from Innova, one of the most popular brands of disc golf drivers and putter. It’s a safe bet they know what they’re doing when it comes to all things disc golf.
This travel basket is extremely light and portable, coming in at only 15 pounds. It is easy to quick to put up and take down and comes with a tote bag to help you carry it around easily.
The extra large mesh basket tray is made of mesh fabric, which is lightweight and quick drying so it’ll stand up to some rainy weather just fine.
There are twelve chains to simulate permanent baskets which are steel and also water-resistant. There are five legs to keep it stable and anchor rings and stakes keep it secure against the wind.
There’s even a flag so you can see where you’re aiming from far away.
While you shouldn’t leave this basket outside permanently to avoid unnecessary wear and tear, it will withstand some extended rain, wind, and sun.
Pros:
- Water-resistant
- Lightweight
- Simulates permanent baskets
- Reputable brand
Cons:
- A little pricey
3. MVP BLACK HOLE PRO 24 CHAIN PORTABLE DISC GOLF BASKET TARGET
This portable basket was designed to give a realistic putting experience wherever you set it up. It has two sets of twelve strong chains so it can stand up to putt after putt.
This is a really high-quality portable basket that is regulation size when setting up and could easily pass for a basket on a public course.
It takes about 5-10 minutes to set up, which is longer than some other options, but this one is extremely solid and looks like an official basket.
This one is not as portable as some of its competitors and a little bit heavier to carry around, but its benefits outweigh the heavier weight because it does provide a real course experience.
It’s not made to be placed permanently outdoors, but it will definitely withstand a summer season set up as your practice round.
Pros:
- Strong
- Durable
- Real course experience
Cons:
- Heavy
- Price
- Longer time to set up
4. AXIOM DISCS PRO 24-CHAIN DISC GOLF BASKET
With assembly taking less than a minute, the Axiom Discs Pro 24-Chain basket is exceptionally portable and convenient. Featuring 12 outer and 12 inner chains, this basket reduces cut-throughs and pole bounces.
The chains are perfectly spaced evenly around the circumference making no allowance for weak spots. It’s PDGA approved and built to standard PDGA size and height regulations.
Axiom is known for its visibility, and the Pro 24-Chain model comes in 8 very bright color options. You can see them HERE.
Pros:
- Super quick assembly
- Easy to transport
Cons:
- A little bit pricier than most
5. MVP Black Hole Precision 12-Chain Portable Disc Golf Basket Target
Here’s our second offering from MVP, in the Black Hole Precision line. This one is a 12-chain training basket that helps improve throwing accuracy and confidence on the course.
The high-visibility zinc-coated chains are the same as those on the 24-chain model but because they are fewer, your shot needs to be sharper to get tangled in the chains and fall into the basket.
It’s a great option for the park since it assembles and disassembles in less than a minute. It’s also built to the standard height and size regulations of the PDGA and it’s approved by the association.
Pros:
- More affordable than the 24-chain version
- Regulation size
- Improves confidence and accuracy with regular use
Cons:
- Not designed to be kept outside permanently
6. INNOVA SKILL SHOT TARGET
The Innova Skill Shot Target claims to be the most portable target in disc golf. It weighs only 26 pounds and collapses down to be the same size as a golf umbrella.
It pops open as easily as a golf umbrella as well, making it extremely easy to put up. It comes with a flag for visibility and to judge the wind direction and has its own carrying case so you can easily take it with you wherever you want to play.
It’s polyester/mesh skins come in a few different colors – red, green, black, and blue. The sturdy base helps it stay level even on hillsides, which gives you a little more flexibility when setting up your shot.
There are even stake rings on each foot for when you need extra stability. It has 16 zinc-plated chains and a powder-coated base to give it a little more durability.
The mesh basket and lightweight chains don’t catch the disc as well as some other baskets on this list.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to put up and take down
- Stable
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- Light chains and mesh basket don’t catch the disc very well
7. Remix Deluxe Practice Basket for Disc Golf
Here’s a good option if you really don’t have an extra $20 to pay for the MVP Black Hole Precision, which is identical to this knock-off except for the paint color. It’s a decent fake, but I still think for extra $20, you should go for the MVP.
Having said that, it’s made pretty well with 2 rows of zinc-coated chains and sturdy steel construction. It’s fairly sturdy and the basket weighs 26 pounds. It’s also built to standard PDGA height and size regulations.
It’s easy to assemble and overall, it’s a good option for a portable practice basket.
Pros:
- Regulation size
- Weather-resistant
- Built pretty well because….
Cons:
- …it’s just a knock-off of the MVP Black Hole Precision
8. YAHEETECH PORTABLE DISC GOLF BASKET
This is a basic and really affordable portable disc golf basket from BestEquip. It’s easy to assemble, lightweight, and durable.
There’s a removable base if you want to move it from place to place, but it’s also designed to install permanently in your backyard if you choose to. The 12 chains are extra thick to help grab onto any shot.
However, because there are only 12 chains, the weight is a bit more bearable if you’d like to use it as a portable basket at the local park.
This is the least expensive option on our list and, even though it can be set up permanently if you want it to last as long as possible, it might be best to bring it in after you’re finished with it.
For the price, it’s a great option for anyone who wants some extra putting practice.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Designed to be portable or installed permanently outside
- Thick chains
Cons:
- May not hold up for a long time if left outside permanently
FRANKLIN SPORTS DISC GOLF SET
Admittedly, we have not tried this set yet, but owners of this set have given it high marks and good reviews.
Franklin is a ubiquitous name in a broad cross-section of sports worldwide, and this disc golf set is another solid performer in Franklin’s vast portfolio of sports gear.
This set comes with 3 discs sporting bright colors and as expected, it’s very portable. Keep in mind that this set is best for casual, non-competitive use at a backyard social or barbeque.
Pictured, is a steel-chained version of the basket, but there is also a plastic chain version. In our opinion, it’s the best value for anyone looking for casual fun or for a very inexpensive introduction to the sport.
Pros:
- Great reviews
- Good brand
- Comes in an all-inclusive package
- Is offered in a steel-chain and much less expensive plastic chain version
Cons:
- Only one layer of chains
- Not built for serious competition
Those are the nine best golf disc baskets for this year. We’ll look forward to new innovative designs for next year, but til then, enjoy your new basket!
