Bead

A bead is a small raised ridge running around the underside of a disc's rim, most commonly discussed on putters, where it sits just above the flight plate. Discs are typically sold as beaded, with a noticeable ridge, or beadless, with a smooth rim from the flight plate down to the edge.

The bead matters mostly for grip and feel rather than flight, since it gives fingers a small ledge to hook under during the release, which some players find helps with a clean, consistent putting motion. Beadless putters tend to feel smoother and slightly more comfortable for players with a power grip style, while beaded putters are often preferred for a more precise, fingertip release.

There is no single correct choice, and the common mistake is assuming a bead or lack of one determines putting accuracy on its own, when grip style and practice matter far more. New players are usually best served by trying both styles in a starter set before committing heavily to putters of just one type.