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MVP Black Hole Pro 24-Chain Portable Basket
A sturdy pro-like portable basket that matches PDGA height and size standards.
The number one thing that improved my game when I first began playing disc golf was getting a portable basket for practice. Having the ability to work on my putting form in my own backyard made a noticeable difference in how I played.
Without a practice basket, you can really be limited on when and how you can practice your game. It’s tough to improve on your form or on your putting if the only time you work on it is during casual rounds or during a tournament when you can’t attempt new things.
- Do you want to improve your putting form?
- Do you want to make more putts than ever before?
- Do you need a target that can be easily moved around?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you should consider getting a portable disc golf basket. All of the basket options that I go over below have been tested and decided on the three main factors of basket weight, assembly, and other additions like a bag for transporting.
Quick Answer: The Best Portable Disc Golf Baskets Are:
- MVP Black Hole Pro 24-Chain Portable Basket
- Dynamic Discs Scout Portable Disc Golf Basket
- DGA Mach Lite Portable Disc Golf Practice Basket
- YAHEETECH 24 Chain Disc Golf Basket
- Franklin Sports Disc Golf Target
Key Points in this Buyer’s Guide:
- Basket weight
- Basket assembly
- Carrying bag or case
Top 5 Best Portable Disc Golf Baskets
Image | Product | Weight | Price |
---|---|---|---|
MVP Black Hole Pro 24-Chain Portable Disc Golf Basket Target | 30 lbs | Check Price | |
24 lbs | Check Price | ||
25 lbs | Check Price | ||
31 lbs | Check Price | ||
7 lbs | Check Price |
1. MVP Black Hole Pro 24-Chain Portable Disc Golf Basket Target
Size: 26 x 8 x 26 inches
Weight: 30 pounds
Material: Metal Construction
Assembly: Assembles & Disassembles in Minutes
Chains: 24 Zinc Coated Heavy Duty
The Black Hole Pro is one of the best quality baskets that are on the market. You can go to a local course and find that it matches up pretty well with those permanent baskets.
Even though this might not seem like the “portable” type of basket, it can be transported without much difficulty. It comes in around 30 pounds when all of the pieces are together. Thankfully, it only takes a few minutes to break apart into 4 or 5 different pieces.
One major difference between this basket and other portable baskets is that it comes with 24 total chains, while most others have either 12 or 16. The chains are heavy duty and again resemble the type you would see on certain courses.
These high-quality chains come with a zinc coat which helps keep away rust, especially if it will be left outside. The additional chains also make it a much better basket because it reduces the change of your putter cutting through the chains or bouncing off the pole.
If you’re looking for a basket that can be moved around but will remain in the same location for the majority of the time, you can’t get a better deal than this basket from MVP.
Pros
- Easily transportable
- Heavy-duty durable and portable base
- PDGA APPROVED – Matches the standard PDGA height and size
- Lighter than permanent course baskets
- Ground stakes for added stability
Cons
- Chains have been known to rust after heavy use in rain
- Doesn’t come with any carrying bag
- Only one color option
2. Dynamic Discs Scout Portable Disc Golf Basket
Weight: 24 pounds
Material: Metal Construction
Assembly: Tripod base and basket lock into place from a collapsed position
Chains: 16 Zinc Coated
This basket from Dynamic Discs is my favorite for bringing around to different places. In terms of easily transportable, there isn’t a basket that is easier to move while also being such high quality and strong.
One thing I like about this option is that it’s really designed for those people who would prefer to have the basket travel with them. Whether you’re on the road or plan to bring it over to a friend’s house, it won’t take up too much space.
The tripod base and fold-out build allow you to grab it and move it with very little effort. They even provide a nice carrying case that you can use to store the basket in when not in use.
Now that we’ve considered the mobility aspect, let’s look into the quality of the basket. Just like the previous basket the chains are zinc-coated and of good quality. There are 16 chains in total, with 8 outer, 8 inner, and 2 on the cross-section.
Even though there are fewer chains than most other baskets, I found that it catches discs in a similar fashion. The two cross-sectional chains combined with the sturdy base let you really putt with some power without the disc cutting through.
The Scout basket is one of the best portable options with very little downsides. It is important to store it inside away from the elements when not in use for a while. But, even when inside you can still practice putting since it’s so easy to set up and take down.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Can easily be picked up and moved
- Comes with a carrying bag
- 2 cross-sectional chains help catch your discs
Cons
- Should be stored inside
- Not the highest quality chains
- Black is the only color option
3. DGA Mach Lite Portable Disc Golf Practice Basket
Weight: 25 pounds
Material: Steel Frame
Assembly: No Tools – Opens/Closes Like an Umbrella
Chains: 16 Total Over 2 Rows
One of the best portable baskets on the market, the DGA Mach Lite is modeled after the popular DGA Mach II which is more of a permanent target. Even though it isn’t built for courses, you can get some great putting practice in with this basket.
For assembly, there are no tools required in order to set it up. As you can tell from the image, the steel frame is built as a tripod and folds out to make a strong sturdy base. This one is a great deal because it’s a full-size collapsible basket that still catches just like other championship baskets.
Much like the Dynamic Discs basket above, there are two rows of chains, having 16 total. My least favorite thing about this basket is the quality of the chains. They do a comparable job in catching discs to the other options, but they are smaller and can break down much quicker.
Overall, there is great value in getting this basket that can easily be thrown in the carrying shoulder bag to be moved or stored away. The Mach Lite is not a suitable basket for permanent installation, but it remains one of the DGA’s best selling baskets.
Pros
- Comes with a durable carrying and storage bag
- Very lightweight and portable
- Easily collapsible (like an umbrella)
Cons
- Smaller chains than other baskets
- Can’t be left outside
- Nylon mesh can wear down
4. YAHEETECH 24 Chain Disc Golf Basket
Weight: 31 pounds
Material: Metal Construction
Assembly: Allen wrench required to assemble and disassemble
Chains: 24 galvanized
This basket really stands out from the other options above. I enjoy all of the little additions that it comes with, from the nice carrying bag to the flag on top of the basket. It feels like YAHEETECH made a complete basket that’s perfect for home use and putting practice.
One reason this basket falls lower on my rankings is because it isn’t as easy to assemble as the other baskets. There are 6 total pieces, the base, base rod, basket, top rod, chain belt, and top ring. Each of the pieces has to be screwed into the others, which requires a little more effort to set up.
There are no real downsides to how this basket performs. It comes with 24 chains that feel heavy and sturdy, and have no issue catching putters. The frame is built well and can withstand most weather conditions, which is nice to have the option to keep it outside for months at a time.
Because of the need for the Allen wrench, I think this is a good option if you’re looking for a basket that will most of the time stay in the same location, but has the ability to be moved without too much trouble. It isn’t quite as moveable as other options, but this basket is dependable and will last well with repeated use.
Pros
- Heavy-duty and anti-rust material (weather resistant)
- Comes with a durable polyester carrying bag
- Has a red flag on top to improve accuracy
Cons
- Heavier than other portable options
- Paint on the basket will flake off
- Can strip the holes if over tightened
5. Franklin Sports Disc Golf Target
Weight: 7 pounds
Material: Metal Construction
Assembly: Easily folds out
Chains: 12 steel
This Franklin target is definitely designed to be easy to move and use at any location. It takes no tools to set up and the only requirement is to unfold the legs at the base of the basket. If you’re looking for something that’s very simple for practice, this would be the basket to check out.
As mentioned above, transporting this basket is a piece of cake. Coming in at only 7 pounds total, it can be tucked away in the car and moved to a park or backyard of a friend. This target also comes with a carrying case which simplifies transporting it even more. It’s also a great way to store it away for the winter if you don’t plan on using it inside the house.
The chains on this basket work pretty well for the cost of the basket. I do wish it came with a few more chains, as it can have some issues with spitting out the disc or not catching it if it isn’t a putt directly in the center. They also are very lightweight chains, so it is possible that they could wear down from daily use.
If you’re looking for a simple and lightweight basket, the Franklin Disc Golf target provides everything you’ll need. When you want to practice some putting, fold out the legs and the practice basket will be usable almost anywhere!
Pros
- Unique umbrella shapes fold out to play anywhere
- Comes with a carry bag
- Easily moved between locations
Cons
- Isn’t that sturdy in high winds
- Cheaper construction material
- Could use more chains to increase catch chance
How to Choose the Best Portable Disc Golf Basket – Buyer’s Guide
- Basket weight
- Basket assembly
- Carrying bag or case
Because there are so many options on the market, the focus should be on how easily transportable the basket is. That’s why the three things I consider when choosing a portable disc golf basket are weight, assembly requirements, and if it comes with a carrying case.
Basket Weight
You’re here looking for a portable disc golf basket, so the basket weight is one of the most important factors in choosing the right target. Most permanent baskets that you see out on the course and heavy-duty, and therefore weigh a lot since they won’t ever be moving.
As you can see from the listings above, most portable baskets come in around the 30-35 pound range. This is a good range to aim for when looking, and I wouldn’t recommend getting one much heavier if you do plan on moving the basket around regularly.
Basket Assembly
Assembly is another thing that can make whether a basket is worth it. If you plan on bringing the basket with you to multiple places, it’s very nice to have one that requires no tools and can just be folded out when in use.
The easiest and most simple baskets are the ones that have a tripod for a base since the entire basket stays together and folds in or out just like an umbrella. The second easiest type of baskets are those that have a few pieces that simply screw into the other pieces. No tools are required, but they often have to be taken apart when you want to transport that around to a new location.
Carrying Bag
This is a feature that isn’t required but is definitely a major plus to have. Having to lug around a basket without a proper carrying case can really be a struggle and often leads to a higher chance of damaging the basket during transport.