I’m The Pupster.  Frisbee is what I do -  and I’m good.  So -  I’ll tell you what I know about a quality disc.

1.  It’s gotta’ fly.
Your people have to like the disc too.  After all, you spend most of your time convincing them to go ahead and throw it.  People care about how the disc flies.  And let’s face it – we love our people, but as athletes, they pretty much suck. They need all the help they can get. 

2. It’s gotta’ be tough.
Sure, plastic lasts forever.  But be honest – it’s one of the best things to chew and shred.  It’s so satisfying the way your teeth sink into it!  

But once you’ve shredded your disc, it doesn’t fly too well.  Then your people will get bored with the game.  And, the rough edges of the disc can cut your mouth. I know, it’s only blood, but sometimes this freaks your people out.  When your people freak, they stop the game.  When they stop the game, you don’t get to play. 

So – bottom line - you have got to learn not to chew the disc.  But in case you forget - it helps to have an indestructible disc.   

3.  … but not too tough.
OK, you probably think a heavy, hard disc is a good idea.  What can I say - you’re wrong. Forget about chewing (if you can), you can put a hole in that kind of plastic just on a catch!  

So - the softer flexible discs are what you need. Trust me, I’m The Pupster. 

4.  It’s nice if it floats.
If you’re really into water like I am, you could lose a disc.  Here’s how it happens:  You’re playing with your people near a lake (stream, ocean, whatever).  You make a fantastic catch and go for your victory run.  Next thing you know you’re splashing through the water.  Now let’s say you let go of the disc  - just for a second – to check something out.  And then, when you remember the game again, the disc is gone!  Bummer. 

You would think your people could be helpful here, what with their opposable thumbs and all.  But I gotta’ tell you, people really aren’t that great in the water.  Sure, they always want to be near the water.  But when it comes down to it, they really don’t like getting their feet wet (they’re kinda’ like cats that way).

So anyhow, your people will expect you to find the disc, which as we all know is not so easy once it’s under water!  Dude!  Your people will blame you for the whole thing, and start talking about how much that disc cost (as if they’re gonna’ take it out of your allowance or something!).  Speaking of which…. 

5.  How much does it cost?
Some people just don’t get how important this game is.  If you’re like me, you live for the chomp – the chomp of the disc in your mouth, preferably while you’re airborne in a hero hang-20.

For me, money isn’t too important, especially when it comes to that kind of satisfaction.  But my people - well, they think about money a lot.  I never understood that attitude.  But hey, who understands people?  Half the time when they’re talking to you it’s just words strung together.  Dude….  

6.  Playing at night is cool!
People like discs that glow or light up. I know what you’re thinking – we can see it just fine without the twinkles.  But people loooove gismos.  And hey, if they get out to play at night, you’ll get to play more, and that’s the hooch, right?  So let them have some fun, and try not to gnaw off the LED that makes it blink, OK?

7.  People don’t dig dirt.
They're not into slobber either.  I don’t know why, but it’s true.  Your people will appreciate a disc that can be cleaned.

So with these things in mind, my people and I have reviewed our favorite discs.  Keep in mind that we’ve pretty much skipped the cheap, hard plastic ones that don’t last.  They’re inexpensive and probably great to cut your teeth on (literally), but if you get to be a serious disc dog, your people will hopefully spring for a disc that lasts a long time and doesn’t hurt your mouth.

Here’s the fav list, in reverse order (IE we saved the best for last, so read to the end!)

Flashflight Dog Discuit by NiteIze
This disc has a red LED in the center. Your people squeeze the center to activate the LED, which stays on for a period of time. It floats, and will even stay lit in the water. The manufacturer says you should dry out the battery compartment after it gets wet.  Since the LED is in the center, I didn’t damage it with my teeth when I caught it.  The disc itself is durable and soft, but the LED didn’t last too long under our grueling test conditions.  The batteries are supposedly replaceable, but we lost the disc before we could try (Note: That was my fault – I can’t blame the manufacturer.)

The other problem we had was that, because of the extra weight of the LED mechanism, the disc was heavy.  It only weighs 130 grams, but it flew poorly on short tosses.  For long, aggressive throws, it was fine.   

We had lots of nighttime fun with the LED – while it lasted.

• Available from:   
  Flashflight
  The Wright Life, Flying Disc Sports, Colorado
  Our favorite outdoor store, REI (they’ve marked it up quite a bit)
  
• List price: $13 online 

• Available from:     Well, see, we couldn’t figure that out – their web site didn’t say (!)  Nylabone treats are sold in many pet stores, though, so we’re guessing the Frisbee can be bought at the major pet stores. 
  
• List price: Anybody’s guess….

• Available from:  PetSmart 
• List price: $12.99 online  

Aerobie Squidgie
Despite it’s stupid name, this is a smart disc to have.  At 8 inches, it’s smaller than most, about the size of a golf disc.  It’s made of very soft, flexible material that doesn’t puncture, and it flies almost as well as a full-size, hard disc – except in wind.  It comes in bright colors, including glow-in-the-dark.  And it floats! 

And you can’t beat the price. 

• Available from:  The Wright Life, Flying Disc Sports, Colorado
• List price: $5.99 online

Soft Bite Floppy Disc by Aspen Pet Products, Inc.
This is a nylon fabric disc with floatation and weight around the rim.  It comes in 3 sizes (ours is 10 inch diameter) and prices vary considerably.   It’s hot pink and neon green, which makes it very visible to people when I misplace it (which I hardly ever do).  It’s lightweight and compact, so my people can stuff it in a day pack.  Best of all, it floats!   

It’s not quite as durable as my other discs, since I could shred the fabric if I wanted to.  Still, ours has lasted a long time because it’s not nearly as tempting to shred as plastic is (Did I mention I love plastic – I think it should be a food group).  Unlike plastic discs, you can’t wipe it clean, but my people can put it in the washing machine, which they think is great. 

Unfortunately – and this is the major drawback – this disc is not good in wind, so it’s not the best choice on a breezy beach day.  BUT it’s great for short tosses in confined yards.  It stays in the air longer than other heavier discs on a short throw.

• Available from:   Pet Mountain
                            Petco 
• List price: Seems to vary from $11.95  to $21.99 for the 10 inch diameter

Jawz by Hyperflite
Hyperflite makes cheap discs for competitions, but don’t be confused - we are not recommending those!  I tried competing once, and frankly, all those super-intense border collies were scary.  I won over the crowd though – made a hero catch and  took a victory lap - visited all the people – it was great!  Then they told me I’d used up all my time socializing and couldn’t compete anymore!  Oh well…. 

Back to the subject.  Hyperflite makes the Jawz, and the Jawz is paws down the very best dog disc we’ve found.  Incredibly durable – I’ve never busted through it  and my disc has lasted for years.  It flies as well as any disc on the market.  My people say it feels just like a people disc, so it’s the best disc we have for windy days and long throws.  As discs go, it’s a bit pricey, but we think it’s worth it. 

• Available from:    Skyhoundz
                             The Wright Life, Flying Disc Sports, Colorado
• List price: $15.95 online

“Life is short – play hard.”  

The Pupster lives in Marietta Georgia with his people, Suzi Beaumont and her husband (name withheld to protect husband from embarrassment). You can see a video of The Pupster on his web site.

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