Which is the best portable disc golf basket? [Archive]

Sharky

May 30 2003, 08:30 AM

The Ching Skillshot is the best as far as portability, and ease of setup and breakdown, it is also a joy to throw too, catches pretty much everything.

However, I would not advise leaving it outside for an extended period of time. The fact that it is mostly made out of fabric is both why it is light and easy to set up AND why I would not want to leave mine outside for an extended period especially in wet weather.

neonnoodle

May 30 2003, 08:48 AM

Agreed, Ching Skillshot.

May 30 2003, 09:11 AM

What about the DiscCatcher? I too see the need to purchase a basket to learn how to putt better,
and although I like the Ching portable I was thinking that the Disc Catcher better simulates actual play in a tournament and would better teach what types of putts fall out and what stay in. I am pretty much a newbie though. What do others think?

tafe

May 30 2003, 10:42 AM

Ching all the way. In the winter, I put it in the basement. If I feel like throwing in the front or the backyard, I can easily pick it up even with 10 discs in it. I had it in the hotel room at Bowling Green, and it's quiet enough that it wasn't a problem. I'm probably going to get another so that I can putt back and forth. I have also modified mine by shortening the vertical chains one link, and the lower circle by fourteen! No cutting, just move the keychain rings. It still closes, and dosen't catch as many of the low, off-center ones. Definitely the best thing going for personal use.

May 30 2003, 10:55 AM

IF PRICE ISNT A BIG ISSUE, THE ONE WITH THE SOLAR DOME IS THE BOMB, FOR NIGHT PUTTING.

[*****] capslock......I think its DGA, and they arent the cheapest, but that basket is really nice, and cool to look at, even in the daytime.

For price, if not going the skillshot route, try StrokeSaver. pretty sure you can find them linked on {url}http://www.discgolfstore.com{/url}

May 30 2003, 10:56 AM

The best portable basket that can be left outside IMO is the Strokesaver.

http://www.strokesaver.net

I recommend the portable deluxe personally - I traded mine out at one point and ended up having to find another one. There is no better basket that comes apart in a few sec's and fits in your trunk (and no I don't work for strokesaver lol)

http://www.strokesaver.net/portable.htm

May 30 2003, 01:43 PM

da best portable basket,is da,aaaa CHING.
light weight for that unbelievable,tightas sweet,looking ohh my gosh/msgboard/images/clipart/happy.giftemp holes.
only one hundred dullahs$(6$ctp)/msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif

May 30 2003, 01:52 PM

yeah, but not Tournament worthy......

very nice, dont get me wrong, but I woudl rather have a prtable, that could be used in a tournament.

granted, a Skillsot COULD be used, but I woudnt think any serious TD would consider it.

May 30 2003, 02:18 PM

Of course money is no object. It's my birthday not hers(she never reads this board). I was concerned about the skill shot since I have never seen it used in a tourney. Down here in Texas we can throw all year so I don't think a fabric basket would work for me. I really appreciate all the input. Gotta do a little more research and make a purchase. Thanks guys.

rhett

May 30 2003, 02:30 PM

I like the Mach-V with the wheel base. It's big, heavy, and is what you will find on the course. The wheel makes it easy to wheel around the yard, but it is heavy enough to make you think twice about dragging it out to the park. It is, however, completely tourney worthy. I wish the Discatcher with the round base had a wheel option, but that wheel setup is probably patented or something.

We have a Mach-V in the backyard and two skill-shots in the closet or the trunk of the car.

quickdisc

May 30 2003, 02:35 PM

The lightest of course is the Ching portable.
On take apart, the strokesaver.
And the Coolest portable, a bit heavy, but strong
the Blue Mach V. Those are really sweet. I have Two now. They have a wheel to move around with.
If I go backpacking though , the Ching skillshot.
It has a carry bag and you can hike up in the snow
waist high and play with little effort. /msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif

May 30 2003, 02:48 PM

geez,i'll go with da mach V if it came down to pick one right away,no doubt about it/msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif

quickdisc

May 30 2003, 02:54 PM

Yes Sir !!! Have your lady buy you a Blue Mach V
from DGA. She can play on it too !!!! You'll be glad she did !!!

May 30 2003, 03:22 PM

Just checked out the Strokesaver web site and the DGA's. the Strokesaver appears to be what I was looking for and they make them here in Texas which will probably save on the shipping costs. I will say that if my lotto numbers match on Saturday I will buy the DGA model because it is sweeeeet!!!!

May 30 2003, 04:18 PM

The new Nick Kight Disc Supportor.

May 30 2003, 04:37 PM

For me price is a limiting factor -- I need to keep it under $200. Is a Discatcher better to practice with than a Ching Skill shot since it better simulates a tournament setting?

May 30 2003, 09:38 PM

Ching Skillshot. The height of the target area is adjustable, so you can make a SMALLER target area. Practice putting into a target area 6" shorter than on a regulation basket then head to the course: the basket looks HUGE!!!!

May 30 2003, 10:03 PM

Rob - I bought a Discatcher Sport for the reasons you stated and found it meet those expectations (permanent Discatchers at my home course). The Sport even makes the same noise when you hit the mini chastity belt on top! I'm very happy with mine and it has been used in tourneys until the permanent back nine is installed.

May 30 2003, 10:09 PM

Billy, I'll bring my Ching for you to toy around with on Sunday. I'm telling you, these things are a lot of fun and great for putting practice (or practise if you're an Aussie).

If there's any problem with them its that they may catch too well. They seem to $uck in everything, including shots that you know wouldn't make the grade on a standard permanent basket. However, the smaller target area is great for repetitive putting to a sweet spot and the fact that they catch so well also adds to my confidence. When I go out to a tourney after a week of banging home a high percentage in the backyard, I feel more relaxed when it counts.

These things are affordable, portable (moreso than any other portable, no matter what anyone says) and fun.

Keep in mind that this comes from a guy who has enjoyed owning a permanent double chain DISCatcher in the backyard for the last 2 years. /msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif The big permanent baskets are the best thing since sliced bread, but if you want to spend half the money and have perhaps even more fun, get the Ching.

May 30 2003, 10:35 PM

Thanks for the feedback. Is the Discatcher sport the one i've seem selling new for only $155.?
I like the Ching Skill shot but was worried that it catches too well. I didn't know I could reduce the size of the target -- but i guess i could also put a gardening stake in the ground with tape as a target and practice at that if i want a small target...

tafe

May 31 2003, 09:37 AM

For those that say the Ching catches too well, READ MY PREVIOUS POST!!! It can be easily modified. BillyB, just beacause you live in Texas, don't think that you have the monopoly on throwing year-round. I live in Illinois and I throw all-year long. I just take out all the white discs for a few months! When it gets horrible outside (too much falling snow to aim through) I pick it up and put it in the basement. So for those that want to spend more, go for it. I'm sure the manufacturer's won't mind.

May 31 2003, 02:55 PM

Take out all the white disc. Now that's funny. I don't think the skillshot would be my best option because the basket would stay up in the backyard all year unless I needed it for a tourney. Anyway all the posting are appreciated. It's 103 here today so I am going to take a break from throwing until tomorrow's mini at Lago. Later.

pnkgtr

May 31 2003, 05:17 PM

I added inner chains to a discatcher sport and it catches as well as the best permanent baskets. I played a tourney in Bakersfield and the course was entirely Ching Skillshots. After playing two rounds I had only good experiences with them. I was expecting the worst and I was pleasantly surprised.

rhett

Jun 01 2003, 12:10 AM

I like how my standard putt (the ole "nub rejection") slides right in on a SkillShot. /msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif

Jun 01 2003, 01:03 AM

Only 200 "yellow" SkillShots made? (first runs) I've got one here in Charlotte. Where are the other 199?

rhett

Jun 01 2003, 01:54 AM

#2 checking in. 198 to go...

dsglfnpool

Jun 01 2003, 08:26 AM

197 to go

xterramatt

Jun 01 2003, 10:14 AM

195, I have one, and so does Innova.

Jun 02 2003, 01:09 AM

I was lucky enough to win a discatcther in the last tourney I played in and I am very happy with it. It catches alot better than I thought it would and is also suitable for tournament use. It may be less portable than the skillshot and not catch as well as the skillshot, but overall is probably a more realistic choice for replicating actual course play. And you can add inner chains to make it catch even better, although I'd prefer the most unforgiving basket over something that catches bad putts.

pnkgtr

Jun 02 2003, 02:55 AM

Bryan, I felt the same way, but so much of putting is mental I found when good putts fell out I got discouraged and lost confidence. I wanted my Discatcher Sport to be as much like a course basket as possible for just that reason.

exczar

Jun 02 2003, 11:28 AM

194, I have one. Thank you, Holgate!

Jun 04 2003, 09:44 AM

I own a pay-per-play (Fly 18) course in Indiana and I want to promote the game/course by setting up at local street fairs, festivals, etc. Any thoughts on which portable basket would be best for demonstration purposes (resemble the actual game)? I've only played twice so any help would be appreciated.

Jun 04 2003, 10:04 AM

CHING Skill Shots are cool. They are the most portable (they fold up in a bag like a nylon lawn chair). They are economical (around $100 a basket). They are also easier to sell for those reasons (people might want to buy one if they see them). I think one of Ching's ads in the DGWN showed a guy holding like 9 or 18 of them at once, taking the "course" with him.

rhett

Jun 04 2003, 11:21 AM

The SkillShot is the best for players to tote around and practice on, but you might want a more traditional looking basket. One that looks like what you have on your course. If you have the yellow Discatchers then the Discatcher Sport model is no doubt the way to go as it looks and sounds like the big basket, but is lighter and easier to move around.

If you have the silver Mach-III or Mach-V baskets on your course, then I'm not sure what to suggest as the M-14 isn't, in my opinion, that great of a "looker" and all the other options are pretty heavy.

orotter

Jun 04 2003, 12:17 PM

Down to 192,

I have 2. I have one in the original yellow skin and one in red replacement. Not to mention a blue second run and a green second run. What a basket geek I am I am.

The first run with yellow cotton skin can be popped up from the bottom to give a smaller target in altitude. Since I seem to go low or high when I start yipping it helps to focus the sweet spot.

bruce_brakel

Jun 04 2003, 01:58 PM

If you want to best resemble the game, a full weight Mach V with a wheel on the base would work best. The lighter weight wire baskets don't have the sound or feel of the real deal.

If you want light and portable, the cloth covered Ching Skill Shots are as cute as a VW Bug and light enough that my junior girls can tote them on and off our temporary course.

bruce_brakel

Jun 04 2003, 02:00 PM

Is there any cheap lodging near your course? Jon and I might get down there this Friday. Our NoKidsNoWivesDiscGolfVacation is this weekend.

drdisc

Jun 04 2003, 11:55 PM

Over the years I have found that the easiest pole hole to carry around that looks like the real thing is the best.
People that don't know any better, don't care.
When they get to the park and play a few times , they won't even remember your portable model.
The M14 is light and looks like the real thing.
You can carry it with one hand and take it apart quickly.
For demonstrations, it is just fine.

tdwriter

Jun 05 2003, 01:14 AM

I have a pair of Tri-State Pole Holes that were modified with real chains, plus a set of inner chains. They catch good, they sound great and they break down easily. They're in the back yard right now. RwC

playtowin

Jun 05 2003, 10:50 AM

M-14 has my vote, especially if ya add some chains to it. It's just like a M-3 to me, minus 7 chains.

Jun 05 2003, 01:38 PM

I added 7 additional chains to the outer ring of my M-14 for about $20 and it catches great (I call it my M-21). Not as portable as a Skill Shot though, but perfectly usable for a temporary basket at tournaments and it does have that "Ching". This was one of the original 50 (?) M-14s produced and it is still going strong, a little rust but everything else is still in good shape. I am not a big fan of the Skill Shot for tournament play just because of the reduced target area.

Jun 05 2003, 02:57 PM

M-14 is ONLY tournament worthy, if it has extra chains added to it. otherwise, it may as well be a Skillshot....

Dont get me wrong, both are great for practice, but NOT a tournement round.

reddman

Jun 05 2003, 03:35 PM

So where can you get additional chains to add to a M-14?

quickdisc

Jun 05 2003, 03:47 PM

If you don't want the chains to rust ,make sure they are galvinized or plated with a rust inhibitor. It does make a difference. Check the link length you want and link size. Chains can be
purchased at Home Depot stores or Hareware stores.

Jun 05 2003, 03:49 PM

Cong:
When I said good for a tournament round, I meant my modified M-21 /msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif. I would never suggest a standard off the rack M-14 for a tournament, too leaky.

ReddMann:
Home Depot or Lowes has everyting necessary. I am not a hardware guy so I don't know the terms for all the hardware, but they have these little U-bolts used for putting eylets into cables that you can use to secure the chain to the the upper assembly, 14 1-inch s-hooks, and 7 pieces of chain 19 or 20 links in length is all it takes. About $20 worth of hardware if you get the zinc coated chain and not the galvinized.

quickdisc

Jun 05 2003, 03:54 PM

Should be "Hardware stores". /msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif

scottknapp

Jun 05 2003, 11:03 PM

The Skill Shot is cool for portability, but the M-14 gets my vote, I do have both. The M-14 in the yard and the Skill-Shot in my trunk/msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif

Jun 06 2003, 01:36 AM

You can also add chains to the M-14 by connecting a small chain from each sliding hoop via a "S" shaped hook all the way around the basket. Then hang your verticle links from this smaller chain. Catches great!

rhett

Jun 06 2003, 02:18 AM

You guys really prefer the M-14 to the Discatcher Sport??? I really don't see it myself.

Jun 06 2003, 09:22 AM

Rhett:
I have never seen one of the portable discatchers so I really can't say one way or the other. Most people in my area seem to be buying the Skill Shots right now. I don't know anyone that has purchased a discatcher nor have I seen one as a prize at any tournaments (lots of skill shots given away though).

The M-14 was the first affordable practice basket (for me that is) and I snatched it up as quick as possible. Played with it for a while, noted its weaknesses and modified until I was happy with it. The portable discatchers do look like nice targets though.

I have been wondering about the new baskets from Lightning and Gateway. Anyone tied either of these yet. The Lightning basket looks particularly nice, almost like a "real" basket /msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gif.

Jun 06 2003, 11:46 AM

Check out the Lightning Web-Site...they are building a new basket...BD-5. I hear it is supposed to be priced competitively...

http://www.lightninggolfdiscs.com/basket.html

Jun 07 2003, 07:09 PM

Bruce-there are a couple of cheap hotels about 15 minutes from Indian Springs:
Land-O-Nod 317-738-9001 $30 for 2 beds
Tearman Motel 317-736-9066. $30 for 1 bed, $33 for 2
I've never been to either one, so I don't know the quality.
If you decide to come, e-mail me at debbie@haguegolf.com or call 317-878-5926 and I'll give you directions.

Jun 07 2003, 08:56 PM

I started this thread to get some good advice on a portable basket. I want to thank everybody for all the input. I ordered the Discatcher Sport from Cheapdiscgolfbaskets.com. I paid $159 including shipping, handling and the tax.I will post info on how well this transaction goes. I considered several different baskets but chose the Sport because it is the same brand on my home course and the price was competitive. Thanks again.

bruce_brakel

Jun 10 2003, 02:09 PM

Jon and I played the Hagues' course in Trafalgar, Indiana, on Friday and enjoyed it immensely. www.indianspringsgolf.com. (http://www.indianspringsgolf.com.)

The course is placed on a mature "executive" ball golf nine-hole course, par 32 for nine holes. The disc golf course has two tees and two baskets on each hole making 18 holes with long and short tees. The baskets look like Dr. Fred's standard symetrical basket, but their pedigree is uncertain. They catch well and have a nice ring.

The course routing generally plays right down the golf fairways. There are two holes that run parallel to the corresponding ball-and-stick hole making it easy for discers to play through ball-and-stickers without either group feeling inconvenienced.

In spite of its length, 10,000 feet for the pro-18, Indian Springs is not a roller course. Several of the long holes have creeks or ravines that would gobble up a roller. The shorter holes in the 350-450 range are placed close to o.b. ball golf greens making rollers very risky. Rollers also run the risk of rolling off into very thick woods on several holes.

Compared to the over-used dirt fairways I am becoming used to, the course is visually stunning. Hole one plays over a valley and up a hill with dense mature oaks on the right. Holes 3 and 4 also play around dense stands of oak. The fairways are green and rough is greener. Three of the first four holes feature impressive elevation changes. The fourth hole is a true par 5 which I bogied both times around. We won't embarrass Jon by mentioning his scores.

If you walk, the green fees are reasonable. Riding the cart was fun, but I will walk it next time for the exercise. This is a course designed for pros and advanced amateurs who tire of deuce-or-die Roc-and-putter golf. I hope the Indianapolis golfers appreciate this gem and give it the support it deserves.

----------------

Highlight of the day. Jon and I were tooling up to my over-the-hill second shot on hole 3 when the ladies on hole 1 yelled something to us. We drove closer to hear, "Are you playing a Top-Flight Pro-D?" to which I immediately responded, "No, we're both playing Discraft Elite-X!"

flyboy

Jun 10 2003, 03:34 PM

Bruce thanks for the great revue on the course it sounds like you both had a great time.The course must look great with the sun shinning on it and everything green.I put this one in during winter and could only imagine it in summer!!!this course is worth the drive you will have lots to talk about on your ride home or stay for the weekend/msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gifI hope to get back there soon to play this GEM it is one of my favorite designs for all levels of play...Fly 18/msgboard/images/clipart/happy.gifReese

Jun 11 2003, 09:26 AM

Nice review Bruce!

Jun 11 2003, 11:06 AM

billybman,

I also ordered a DisCatcher Sport from cheapdiscgolfbaskets.com. Mike Barnett (also sunkingdiscs.com) , who runs the store, is a stand up guy and went out of his way to track one down for me since Innova East was sold out at the time.

I had borrowed a friend's stock M-14 for a couple of months and putted on it regularly. Without doubt, the DisCatcher is a better quality basket for only slightly more money ($10 in my case).

Have Fun,

-Kary

Jun 16 2003, 07:22 PM

This was an email I sent on how to hang chains with a chain onto an M-14. I know some people don't like these things but if you got one you might as well add chains. besides I would much rather have this metal basket then that cloth thing. PS

Joe, I don't own a digital camera, I only own those "snap and throw" types so I'll try to be more descriptive. I bought some 3/4 in. wire chain that is about 1/16 in dia. (you know, chain that was made from 1/16 in. wire stock), a few 7/8 in. "s" hooks 3/32 in dia.(similar to but much smaller then the ones used on the baskets) and 1 5/8 in. galvanized chain cut to 20 links apiece. You could probable use different sized stuff and it will work. Now with pliers twist the hooks 90° and open on one end large enough to connect to the small chain and the other end enough to wrap around the upper inside portion of the sliding loop on the basket. This can be a little tricky. Attach the modified hooks to the small chain every 14 links and to all seven sliding loops. Remember that you need to tie the chain together so start a few links from the end, buy your chain a little long and cut off the slack. Make sure the chain is tight but not to tight. Now use more small "s" hooks to hang the 1 5/8 galvanized chain from between the existing outer chains to the large "s" hooks provided with the basket. This can be really tough with just pliers. I did have an "s" hook come undone one time when I threw a driver into the chains almost as hard as I could to test it. It was easy to repair and under normal conditions (putting) I haven't had a problem. I did want to try the nuts and bolts thing because I was afraid it might mess up my discs or the zinc plating on the basket. I hope this helps. Paul

Jun 17 2003, 07:35 PM

I recieved my DisCatcher Sport from CheapDiscGolfBaskets.com on Friday. Shipping time was one week from order date. I had to tighten four screws and hooking up the chains went fast after I got the hang of it. The basket looks sharp and catches great. I am very happy with my choice. Now has anyone ever added inner chains to one of these bad boys?

pnkgtr

Jun 18 2003, 02:21 AM

Good choice. If you want it to catch even better, take off the rubber grommets and bend the chain loops together (use "S" hooks to attach the existing chains to the loops). It gives the chains more travel when a disc hits them. I added inner chains by evenly drilling 9 holes at the base of the band on top and attaching chains to ring for the bottom and I used "S" hooks to attach chains to the band. It works very well.