Miles Bennett
Disc golf baskets, also known as pole holes, are the most common type of target used in disc golf. The first disc golf basket, Pole Hole, was invented by Ed Headrick, who designed it to mimic catching a frisbee in your stomach. Headrick's original baskets were made using personal welding and hot-dipped galvanizing, where the steel frame and chains are dipped in molten zinc to ensure corrosion resistance and durability. Today, disc golf baskets are made from hot-dipped galvanised steel and other heavy-duty materials, and are available in permanent and portable options.
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What You'll Learn
- Permanent disc golf baskets are made from hot-dipped galvanized steel
- The Mach X is the most advanced disc golf basket on the market
- DIY baskets can be made from scratch using wood or metal
- The original disc golf basket was called the Flying Disc Entrapment Device
- The basket is placed on a pole that is 66 inches tall
Permanent disc golf baskets are made from hot-dipped galvanized steel
The first disc golf basket, the Mach 1 Disc Pole Hole, was invented by Ed Headrick and became the Technical Standard used by the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA). This invention marked a significant step in the transition of disc golf from object courses to the standardized game we know today. Headrick's initial designs, the Mach I baskets, were installed at Oak Grove Park in La Cañada, California, creating the first disc golf course with permanent chain baskets.
The process of installing a permanent disc golf basket involves digging a hole, typically 24 inches deep and 8-10 inches in diameter, and securing the basket with an anchor and concrete base. The Innova DISCatcher Pro 28 Permanent Basket, used in the US Disc Golf Championship, is a popular choice for permanent disc golf baskets. It features a DISCatcher Pole made of galvanized steel, measuring 74" x 17/8".
The DISCatcher Pole is inserted into an installation tube, which is also made of galvanized steel and placed within the dug hole. The installation tube has a locking tab at the top, which aligns with the locking tab on the locking collar attached to the DISCatcher Pole. Once the two tabs meet, a lock can be affixed to secure the pole in place. The basket (or cage) and the top with chains are then bolted into the DISCatcher Pole.
It is important to allow the concrete base to dry completely before installing the DISCatcher Pro 28 Basket into the installation tube. This typically takes at least 24 hours, and more drying time may be required amid wet weather. Once the basket is installed, the dirt removed from the hole is neatly shoveled around the base of the target, completing the installation of a permanent disc golf basket.
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$79.99 $114.99
The Mach X is the most advanced disc golf basket on the market
The Mach X is highly regarded and can now be found on many championship-level courses across the globe. It is designed to provide the highest level of basket performance and is known for its exceptional catching ability. The basket features a unique design that sets it apart from other options on the market. One of its standout features is its ability to consistently catch discs, even with light putts.
The DGA Mach X basket is built to last and comes with an impressive 25-year warranty. This not only provides peace of mind but also helps reduce the environmental footprint by reducing the need for frequent replacements. The basket is made with durable materials and is designed to withstand the rigorous demands of the sport.
The Mach X offers a combination of quality, innovation, and performance that has been pioneered by DGA for decades. Their attention to detail and commitment to creating reliable targets have resulted in the Mach X becoming the basket of choice for those seeking a top-flight, championship-calibre experience. The basket's design and functionality make it a true game-changer for disc golf enthusiasts.
The Mach X is a testament to DGA's innovation and their commitment to shaping the ever-evolving sport of disc golf. With its advanced features and exceptional performance, the Mach X sets the standard for disc golf baskets, offering an unparalleled experience for players of all levels. Its catching mechanism, durability, and stability make it a sought-after choice for those looking to take their game to the next level.
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DIY baskets can be made from scratch using wood or metal
Disc golf baskets can be made from scratch using wood or metal. There are three main parts to every disc golf basket: the pole and main basket, the chain, and the frame and lower basket. The rim of the basket must be around 21 1/3 inches wide, and the chain must not be lower than 22 inches below the rim. The lower basket should be 25.7 inches wide and 6.7 inches tall.
For a DIY disc golf basket, you will need materials such as round steel bar, a metal conduit, and a center post. The metal conduit will be cut into four pieces and bent at a 90-degree angle to form the basket legs. The center post's measurements are a matter of personal preference, but standard dimensions can be used as a guide.
Another option for a DIY basket is to use wood for the middle support, as it is easy to work with. Metal dowels can be used for stronger support instead of fencing. The wire can be used to form the basket, but it may not be strong enough to bear the weight.
To assemble the basket, place the basket support on top of the base, followed by the basket itself. Slide the chain rack into place, and secure it with a small piece of wood or a longer stake to allow the chains to sit higher. You can also use screws to secure the basket support to the base.
For the chain, you will need about 40 feet of chain. The minimum chain length per the PDGA is 9 inches, but you can add as many or as few chains as you like. For PDGA-approved baskets, a minimum of 12 chains is required, but baskets with up to 24 chains have been observed.
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The original disc golf basket was called the Flying Disc Entrapment Device
The Flying Disc Entrapment Device was a revolutionary step in the evolution of disc golf as a sport. Before its invention, people played disc golf using forms of golf with Frisbees. The device's design included a chain-hanger that held vertical hanging rows of chains out and away from a centre pole. The vertical rows of chains came together to form a parabolic shape above the centre pole, angling down towards a metal basket. This basket was attached to and surrounded the centre pole, allowing it to catch a disc from any direction.
Headrick's original design has been further revised and adapted by the company he founded, DGA, to fit and shape how the ever-evolving sport is played. The Mach III, for example, continued Headrick's search for the perfect disc golf target by experimenting with the length and diameter of the inner ring of chains. While the Mach III's bottom ring, which was nearly the same diameter as the top ring, created an eye-catching reverse parabolic shape, it wasn't ideal for catching discs. As a result, the Mach III moved to a more traditional ring size for the inner ring.
Today, there are over 7,000 disc golf courses installed worldwide, with the majority of them based on the DGA Disc Pole Hole baskets designed by Headrick. The sport has continued to evolve, with different basket designs, levels, and competitions emerging. The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), for instance, classifies baskets into three categories: championship, standard, and basic. These classifications are based on hierarchical criteria such as design, size, and colour.
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The basket is placed on a pole that is 66 inches tall
Disc golf baskets are placed on poles that are typically between 4.5 and 5 feet tall. The height of the pole is important as it ensures the basket is at the correct height to catch the discs. The basket itself is about 55 inches tall, and when installed, the entire basket system should be 58.27 inches tall, with a slight variance of +/- 3.54 inches.
The Innova DISCatcher Pro 28, a popular permanent basket, is installed in the ground and stands about 4.7 feet above the ground. This basket is PDGA-approved for tournament play and features 28 heavy-duty metal chains and a highly visible top.
When installing a disc golf basket pole, it is recommended to use a fence post that is 66 inches tall. A hole of approximately 11 inches deep should be dug, with a few extra inches for gravel to allow for drainage. A PVC pipe is placed in the hole, and quick-dry post cement is poured in, ensuring the post is level. Once the cement is dry, the PVC pipe is removed, and the basket pole is placed in the ground.
The basket is then assembled by sliding the parts over the top of the pole towards the bottom. A hose clamp is loosened and slid over the pole, followed by a galvanized floor flange, which is placed flat side down, resting on the rubber coupler. A whiskey barrel liner is then positioned, and holes are drilled through it using the floor flange as a guide. The remaining parts are then assembled, including the chains and the basket itself.
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Frequently asked questions
Disc golf baskets are made of metal, usually with a metal pole, a metal basket, and metal chains. The number of chains varies, but the minimum length of each chain is 9 inches.
The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) classifies baskets into three categories: championship, standard, and basic. Championship baskets are the highest level of quality, durability, and workmanship and are used in top-tier tournaments. Standard baskets have a medium grade structure and quality, and basic baskets are the lowest approval level and are made for those with smaller budgets.
To make a disc golf basket, you need to assemble the three main parts: the pole and main basket, the chains, and the frame and lower basket. The dimensions of each part must follow the standard measurements set by the PDGA. For example, the rim of the basket should be around 21 1/3 inches wide, and the chain must not be lower than 22 inches below the rim.
