Tag: disc golf product reviews

Support Disc Golf Innovation: Preorder Idio’s V2 Footwear

by frisbeebrain, posted in DaLearning Curve, DeLaBlahg, disc golf, disc golf gifts, disc golf product reviews, frisbee golf, Jack Tupp, product reviews

What’s up, disc golf people! Today you have the opportunity to directly influence the future of our gear. I’m talking about shoes; about Idio Sports and their mission of pushing the boundaries of what disc golf footwear can be (thanks, Craig Kitchens!)

I’d like you to consider pre-ordering the next generation of their specialized footwear, the Syncrasy V2 and the Brawler V2 (Hi-Top) right now. Here’s why:

Idio is the only company making shoes truly from the ground up for our sport. And right now, they need the kind of community, grassroots support that the disc golf world has always been known for as they recently suffered factory theft and tariffs cut into their funding.

This isn’t an outside brand trying to buy your loyalty by paying Paul McBeth big bucks to endorse a generic “athletic shoe”. (By the way, don’t succumb to that age-old form of marketing favored by companies that can’t win on the merits of their products!)

Idio is a company that launched in 2020 and fought through the pandemic; a company that has listened to disc golfers and improved its products 3 times since then. I should know, as I’ve been reviewing them since the beginning.

By participating in Idio’s pre-order, you accomplish two crucial things: you lock in a pair of game-changing shoes, and you invest in a company that truly deserves our backing.

Ok, enough about the cause. Let’s talk about the shoes!

A person demonstrating a dynamic pose while playing disc golf, wearing colorful shoes designed for the sport, with an enthusiastic expression and surrounded by onlookers.
Ohn Scoggins. 2025 FPO World Champion and Idio Ambassador

Invest in the Bleeding Edge

I know firsthand the hurdles Idio faces as a “bleeding edge” innovator. Back in 2010, when School of Disc Golf was launching tailored, in-person instruction, we had no predecessors to imitate or follow in the niche field of disc golf instruction. Idio is doing the same thing with disc golf footwear.

Numerous companies have marketed shoes to disc golfers in the past. Idio designs and builds them.

They are tackling complex engineering problems that major outside brands would never touch. For instance, Idio figured out how to separate the mold—a technique usually used for cosmetic color changes (a “color dam”)—to implement a dual-hardness rubber compound in the outsole. This means the material in the front of the shoe (including the toe cap) is a harder compound than the back of the shoe. Why? Because while you pivot on the heel (the power plant zone), you use the front of the shoe to slow your speed, and all that spin and torque gets transferred into the front lugs. This targeted hardening ensures the shoe wears more evenly and gives you more lifespan. That is specialized performance functionality that only a company run from disc golf, for disc golf would implement.

Infographic detailing key features of shoes designed for disc golf performance, including waterproofing, drag-on toe design, power plant functionality, lightweight construction, X flex zone, and low drop.
The V2 Generation: Syncrasy V2 (EVO) and Brawler V2

Idio has taken their flagship product and the highly requested Hi-Top model and improved them across the board, focusing on durability, waterproofing, and style. By supporting this pre-order initiative (especially for the highly requested Brawler), you’re guaranteeing the success of these key product lines.

The Idio Syncrasy V2 (EVO)

The Syncrasy EVO is the newest model of Idio’s flagship product. They’ve really cleared the hurdle of making the shoe look fantastic, calling them “absolutely sweet” looking. But the performance is still king:

• Dig Toe Protection: The V2 features a completely overbuilt curl around the toe (the Dig Toe, or prominent Dragon toe cap). This feature means you won’t have to toss shoes just because the material wore through in one tiny place.

• Solid Foundation: The outsole is molded from one piece and cups upwards, creating a solid foundation.

• Proven Performance: Customers already rave about the traction and quality of waterproofing in the Syncrasy line.

Black disc golf shoe labeled Syncrasy V2 with waterproof feature and orange sole.
The Idio Brawler V2 (Syncrasy Hi-Top)

The Brawler V2 (code name “Syncrasy Hi-Top”) has been the most requested item of Idio since their start. It is designed to be the ultra-supportive, go anywhere, play any condition shoe. I was honestly surprised that I’d like high-tops disc golf, but after nearly a year and probably 100 rounds in mine, they are my disc golf shoe now!

• Adapt-A-Brace Compression Collar: This feature, which is patent pending, is a brace for the ankle that provides nice compression. It uses unique cutouts on the back to allow the ankle to flex naturally (fore and aft), while still providing very good support when flexing side-to-side.

• Ultimate Protection: The Brawler is made with the new, more breathable Sympatex waterproof liner. This membrane works using a physicochemical principle, utilizing water-attracting (hydrophilic) molecular chains to absorb moisture and emit it outward by evaporation. I tested them repeatedly—walking and standing in puddles—and they remained completely waterproof. The high-top collar also provides an unexpected benefit: keeping out dirt, rocks, little sticks, and thorns.

• Reinforced Construction: The Brawler is a duty-driven shoe featuring thicker, more reinforced TPU welding, which provides increased protection and waterproofing from the elements.

Black and gray disc golf shoe featuring a high-top design, labeled 'Brawler', with waterproof construction and a unique ankle support feature.
A Call to Action

Disc golfers, these V2 shoes represent huge value and specialized engineering built specifically for our athletic movements. Furthermore, Idio is a true disc golf pioneer that deserves our support. Being on the “bleeding edge” of innovation often refers to groundbreaking companies that pay a price for breaking new ground. Idio has put in the work. They’ve paid their dues. Let’s help them to keep pushing forward. After all, legitimate specialized footwear is a sign of a legitimate sport.

The Brawler and Syncrasy are currently available for pre-order. When you pre-order, you’re not just buying a great pair of shoes; you are helping an independent, highly innovative company continue to thrive and push the envelope for disc golf footwear. Give them a try—support the shoe brand that is truly from disc golf, for disc golf.

beacon disc golf

Lost Disc Anxiety No More: A Review of the Beacon Disc Golf Tracker

by frisbeebrain, posted in disc golf, disc golf product reviews, product review

Every disc golfer knows the frustration: You throw a perfect shot only to watch your favorite driver disappear into the woods or tall grass. Fifteen minutes later, you give up the search, your great round disrupted, and your bank account slightly lighter. Fortunately, The Beacon Disc Golf Tracker is here to solve that problem, as long as your round isn’t in a PDGA-sanctioned event. But don’t let that major caveat immediately write of the Beacon.

Based on my testing, I can confirm that the Beacon Disc Golf Tracker works exactly as its creator 2014 – a seasoned product designer, engineer, and avid disc golfer – claims. It has two essential functions that it performs well.

A close-up view of the Beacon Disc Golf Tracker, featuring a black circular body with a red button and the word 'BEACON' embossed on the top.

Once the button is pressed, it emits a clear beep every 10 seconds until it is pressed and silenced again. Furthermore, the attachment process is secure; once affixed to a disc using the supplied adhesive ring, no impact or scrape is going to knock or pry it off. And the device won’t turn on if the battery is too low, so assuming you remembered to turn it on before throwing, you’ll find that disc.

This product very effectively solves a universal disc golf problem: the inability to retrieve a disc you can’t see. If that disc has a Beacon tracker attached, simply walking within the vicinity should allow you to hear it.

Key Features and Functionality

  • A Clear Signal: The tracker emits a clear beep every 10 seconds.
  • Range: You can easily hear your Beacon up to approximately 100 feet away.
  • Universal Fit: It attaches to any disc or plastic type.
  • Durability: The device is Water-Resistant, capable of handling rain, wet grass, and brief dunks in water.
  • Customization: It features four unique sound settings to match your preference.
  • Battery Life: The easily replaceable CR2016 battery lasts up to 100 rounds.

Technical Specifications

  • Weight: Approximately 7 grams (~7g).
  • Size: 1.41 inches (36mm) diameter and 0.28 inches (7mm) height.
  • Attachment: The Beacon uses 3M VHB double-sided tape specifically designed to attach to disc plastics.
An exploded view of the Beacon Disc Golf Tracker, detailing its components including the intuitive UI, replaceable CR2016 battery, two screws for battery access, and ultra high bond 3M VHB tape.

Who Needs Beacon? My Verdict on Utility

I believe the Beacon tracker will be a huge addition for casual disc golfers. For recreational players who hit the course regularly, the $15 price point (or less when bought in packages of 3 or 6) makes a lot of sense. These players might consider attaching trackers to most of their discs, reasoning that this will dramatically reduce their lost disc rate. This results in savings of time spent searching, money spent replacing discs, and a reduction in FDSA (favorite disc separation anxiety).

During testing, I quickly discovered a new experience while watching a disc I just launched soar into thick, overgrown brush and trees: Calm. I knew I wouldn’t be losing a disc, taking a lost disc penalty stroke, or spending time fruitlessly peering into dark spaces, armed with nothing but hope. This elimination of anxiety, even if it is only mild anxiety, kind of defines the word priceless. Recreational players (who, by the way account for the majority of all players) are out there to relax and have fun, after all!

A hand holding an orange disc golf disc with a small black tracker attached to its base, in front of a backdrop featuring a disc golf poster.
A person holding an orange disc golf disc with the name 'JACKT' written on it and a sticker on the top, in front of a promotional poster for disc golf.

(Top and bottom pics of my tester disc)

I can see some rec players sticking Beacons to all or most of their discs and eliminating one of the only detractions of this glorious, accessible sport. But for players who like to compete in PDGA events it’s a little more complicated, as PDGA rules prohibit anything being attached to a disc.

Also, while I believe the creator’s claim that the small device doesn’t noticeably alter a disc’s flight for most, it seems mostly directed at concerns about the device messing with the balance of the disc. In that he’s correct; I didn’t notice anything that looked weird or off axis about the disc’s flight. If a sophisticated player is used to throwing a technical shot with a 173 gram disc, though, and now that disc weighs 180, the formula for that technical shot is going to change. That hyzer flip will require a bit more speed or a slight angle or release point change, for instance.

The large majority of regular players don’t execute on that level and won’t notice the weight difference much, and this product is still quite useful in certain circumstances for all disc golfers (Golfers who DO notice a difference should be able to adjust):

  1. Exploring New Courses: They are ideal for road trips where you are playing courses for the first time and won’t be able to return later to possibly retrieve lost discs.
  2. Practice Rounds: They are paramount during practice rounds before a tournament, allowing players to efficiently learn the holes without losing key discs.
  3. Local Trouble Spots: They can be used on those holes on your local course that always pose a high risk for losing a disc.
  4. Snow rounds and glow rounds: Get rid of the ribbons and experience night rounds in a whole new way!

Get Yours Early: Kickstarter Campaign Details

The company website is http://beacondiscgolf.com/, but Beacons won’t be for sale anywhere except Kickstarter, and only until November 22nd. After that you’ll have to wait until early next year to get one. Don’t wait! $15 isn’t much to support a disc golf entrepreneur and check out a potentially (disc golf) life-changing product.

If you’re still on the fence, the Beacon Disc Golf Tracker was engineered by Kevin Glennon, a product designer, engineer, and avid disc golfer who previously spent eight years developing outdoor grills and electronics at Weber. And I noticed Kickstarter gave the campaign a “Project We Love” endorsement seal. So I think your investment is safe!

If you want to be among the first to feel that new, wonderful sense of calm when a drive goes rogue, the Kickstarter Campaign is open now.

Please come back and comment if you give it a try. Let us know what you think!

disc golf shoes Idio disc golf shoes

New disc golf shoes!

by frisbeebrain, posted in disc golf, disc golf gifts, disc golf product reviews, product reviews
  1. Intro- I needed new dg shoes!
  2. About Idio
  3. About the changes
  4. About my first trial (mention the difference, and what I learned about waiting too long)
  5. Update coming, not real soon.
  6. Links to past posts

A few days ago I received a package in the mail from Idio Sports. It contained a pair of shoes. Specifically, disc golf shoes.

My heart leaped! Both pairs of my current disc golf shoes have warranted replacing for two months, and it has rained nearly every time I tried to play in that period. I even strained a muscle slipping on the wet rocky slopes of DeLaveaga, not fully appreciating what the used-up soles of my old shoes would cost me.

Also, like any other disc golf junkie, the opportunity to use a new piece of equipment for the sport gets me excited. Especially when the products are breaking new ground, like TECHDISC, or in this case shoes designed from scratch for playing disc golf. We’re talking about specialized equipment, similar to soccer cleats or ballet slippers.

That is exactly what Idio is all about. They released their first such product, the Syncrasy, more than three years ago, and they are still blazing a lone trail to what should in time become a thriving sub-category of the athletic shoe market.

A pair of all-black 2024 IDIO Syncrasy disc golf shoes, posed to show disc golf-specific features on the toe cap, heel, and sole.

If you are not yet familiar with the numerous ways Syncrasy is designed differently than other shoes to specifically support disc golf play, here is a quick run-down. Go to the Idio website for more details.

  • A thick rubber toe cap to prevent disc golf-specific wear
  • A “Pivot Zone” built into the heel to assist plant foot pivoting on backhand drives
  • Strategically flexible soles tailored to disc golf situations and stances
  • Waterproof!
  • Lighter than hiking shoes or boots, tougher than trail runners
  • Minimal heel drop for optimal balance on all shots

I found that the first version of the Syncrasy delivered on all of those features, and just as importantly, mine held up great. I’ve posted some images below and will give a quick update to my original review at the end of this post. First, let’s see how the 2024 Syncrasy is different from the original version, and why IDIO says it is already a success.

The first version of Idio’s flagship shoe was a hit, especially when you consider it was conceived and executed from scratch. But I remember the CEO of Idio Sports, Craig Kitchens, telling me then that he expected the shoes would evolve based on customer feedback.

With a new model available now, it was time to put his promise to the test. Mr. Kitchens was ready when I reached out with the following list, and all items were the result of direct or indirect customer feedback.

  • Updated heel counter material for better adhesion of the midsole to the upper
  • Improved buffing and texturing of all bonding surfaces.
  • Improved gluing pressure, heat, and time to ensure proper bonding of components
  • Hardened outsole rubber to improve lifespan while not sacrificing grip.
  • Improved tongue gusseting to keep water from slipping in around the tongue area. 
  • Improved bonding of all TPU printed surfaces such as logo and mudguard. 
  • “Revised tongue material for finer feel of quality. “Although nothing was wrong with it before”

Many of the details listed above have to do with parts of the shoe staying together, and I do remember hearing from some people that that was an issue with the first Syncrasy shoes. I asked Craig about this and his answer deserves to be quoted verbatim:

“We had a great start with our shoes and made improvements across the board in order to address some minor warranty issues that we saw the first year. We maintained a warranty return rate of 3% which is right in line with the major brands, but now with the updates we sit at below 1% for the year. Proving that we are listening to the community and growing as a brand to always provide the best possible product for disc golfers.”

Craig Kitchens, CEO Idio Sports

Kitchens said all of the shoe improvements listed in those bullets above were the result of warranty issues that didn’t even occur at a higher-than-normal rate. That tells me two things: Users clearly validated the design of the shoes — their utility for the sport of disc golf — so Idio focused their upgrades on increased durability, comfort, and quality. I like that.

As you can see in the pictures of my first Syncrasy’s alongside a pair of Saucony Peregrine GTX’s, the Idio shoes didn’t break down in the most common disc golf-related areas for me and most disc golfers. Both shoes’ kept my feet dry until the end, but the soles and sides of the Saucony’s ended up in tatters.

IDIO Syncrasy on the left, Saucony Peregrine GTX on the right. It’s hard to see, but the uppers on both Saucony’s developed holes.

The bottoms are even more telling. The lugs wore normally with use on both shoes, but the Saucony’s developed holes ultimately exposing the Goretex liner.

IDIO Syncrasy on the left, Saucony Peregrine GTX on the right.

Silver Lining to a Rainy Round

It didn’t take long for a chance to test my new black Syncrasy’s in the rain. This shot from the parking lot at DeLaveaga, past the Hole 27 basket to the Hole 1 teepad shows what most of the course looked like.

After that one round, here is what I can say for sure. They felt great, and despite the saturated ground with puddles everywhere and off and on rain and wind, no water got anywhere near my feet. I put it that way because on a day like that, even if the waterproof liner does its job moisture can get in from above. Not the case with these. The tongue looks like billboard vinyl! (I’m sure it’s not).

My other initial observation is, the difference in traction between that round, wet ground and all, and any round during the past two months, was shocking. The soles work great on and off the pad, but that’s not my point.

As mentioned at the start of this post, I recently sustained an injury that is going to sideline me for a while (playing, not coaching). It was an injury that didn’t have to happen!

I was waiting until my current disc golf shoes either fell apart or stopped being waterproof to replace them. I paid little heed to the worn-down lugs because, until the ground was wet enough to be dangerous, I didn’t feel the loss of traction. Even though it was there.

The author trusting his plant foot during the 2023 Enduro Bowl.

The moral of that little tangent is to check your disc golf shoes and make sure they are still adequate to safely play wherever and however you play. I play technical courses and tend to put myself in all kinds of weird throwing positions. The shoes make a huge difference.

Idio disc golf shoes seem made for every terrain except sand (and what shoe is?), and I suggest all disc golfers give them a try, but the main thing to remember is shoes are an important piece of disc golf equipment. Wear something that gives you good traction and support, and pay attention to signs that either is breaking down.

I’ll try to update this post down the road, but it’ll likely be awhile. We’re supposedly done with the rain for the most part here until after the summer. I’ll believe that when I see it!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.

The Shift bag by Upper Park: a sweet mix of form and function

by frisbeebrain, posted in disc golf, disc golf product reviews, product reviews

I am a sucker for novelty, and compared to all the other disc golf bags on the market the Shift bag by Upper Park Disc Golf is certainly novel. When the company asked me if I’d like to check one out and write a review my answer was an emphatic yes as I’ve admired them from afar for years and relished the opportunity to experience such a unique take on the disc golf bag.

The disc slots and pockets of the Shift hold 2-3 discs each, allowing for quick access and strategic organization- if you’re the organized type.

Let’s start with this bag’s primary differentiator. The design element of having numerous disc slots that can each hold one, two, and even three discs securely has always seems very cool to me.

I dislike the quandary with the main storage section of most bags; if it isn’t full or nearly so, the discs fall onto their side like books without bookends to keep them upright. This often leaves a less than desirable choice. Carry more discs than I want or need that day, deal with having to dig around a cavernous area to find the disc I need (discs in half-full bags inevitably settle into a semi-vertical stack), or having a separate, smaller bag just for those days when I want to carry far less discs than normal. The latter option has been my move for years, but sometimes that other bag isn’t handy.

I loaded discs into my new Shift with what I thought was a good plan. Putters in the top slot, mids and utility discs in the internal slot below that, and drivers in the four elasticized side pockets (2 pockets/sleeves on each side).

Everything was up front and visible, but over the course of the round I realized that my organization strategy wasn’t detailed enough. With the outside sleeves allocated for drivers in general, I found myself having to scan all of them to find a disc when I wanted it. Were the Shift my go-to bag, I would assign a specific slot to each disc and be sure to return it to that specific slot.

The other feature that sets the Shift apart from other bags is its similarity to a daypack for a serious all-day hike. Let’s say you are playing a course that is long, with lots of trekking and climbing between holes. By the back nine you’ll be glad your bag is a Shift. It feels significantly lighter than other bags, and the ergonomics are amazing.

It has a latch to connect the shoulder straps in front, which some other bags have as well, but it also features a nicely padded belt-like strap at the bottom. Connect both of these, and you can barely feel any drag on your shoulders at all. But wait, there’s more! Both sides of the belt strap have small zippered pockets which would really come in handy if you used this bag to caddy for someone else since you can access them without taking the bag off your shoulders. The extra straps work great for what they are designed to do, but in a typical round, I can’t see myself connecting and undoing them between throws.

But here’s the thing: I don’t own a serious daypack. The next time the need for one arises, I will simply empty this bag of everything but a disc or two (my hike will likely include at least a couple spots that scream for a majestic throw) and Shift it into hiking mode. I assume the name has something to do with this double use, but Upper Park’s marketing doesn’t mention it. I’d consider playing this up, were I them. A disc golf bag that doubles as a daypack brings with it many selling points.

You can check out the Shift page on Upper Park’s website to see the full list of features and benefits. The material and construction seems top quality, and the company is clearly dedicated to a superior customer service experience.

I only identified two drawbacks, and one of them has more to do with me than Upper Park or the Shift’s design. I use a Rovic cart most of the time and had already set the cart up for my round when I remembered that I had planned to use my new Shift. Something about the two designs didn’t mesh, making it hard to get it all connected and secure and equally difficult to unhook. But unless you plan to use this bag with a cart (which is not it’s targeted use) this is a non-issue.

The only little annoyance was the bag’s stability when I set it down before each throw. Most backpack disc golf bags store the bulk of your discs at the bottom, giving them the advantage of a weighted base regardless of other aspects of design. Since the Shift spreads the weight out evenly, it tips over much more easily on less than flat holes. If you’ve played my home course, DeLaveaga, you know flat is not the norm. This is a clear tradeoff for the superior lightness and comfort, and under the right circumstances I’d happily make the trade. In fact, my Shift will see regular use when I’m giving on-course lessons. I can load it up and keep it on my back for long periods at a time and not feel back fatigue after a couple hours.

My Shift on “Top of the World” at DeLaveaga, riding a cart like one of those bulkier, lazier bags.

Is the Shift the right bag for you? Consider my quick rundown below.

Reasons to get a Shift
  • You want to lighten your load
  • You typically play with 15 or less discs but still want a “top line” bag
  • You like standing apart from the masses and love the cool factor
  • You like being organized- very organized
  • You often play extreme disc golf
  • You love the idea of a disc golf bag that can double as a serious daypack
Reasons to just the admire the Shift from afar
  • You’re looking for the most disc capacity on a tight budget
  • You play with 20+ discs
  • You don’t need the extra comfort straps
  • You plan to attach your bag to a cart a good deal of the time
  • You don’t like being extra-organized
  • Your home course is the opposite of flat

Before wrapping up, I’ll add caveats to a couple of the limitations I mentioned. If you love the idea of ultra-accessible disc storage slots, and/or admire Upper Park’s refined aesthetic but simply must have more disc capacity than the Shift is designed to provide, consider the Rebel. It may be the perfect combination what you want and what you need. Also, if you’re like me, you justify buying disc golf goodies with the knowledge that the sport is in most cases free to play. Even if it isn’t a perfect fit as your One Bag, The Shift is a great extra bag with singular versatility. I listed several reasons, and you might come up with a couple of your own.