DIY Domination: A Comprehensive Guide to Building Your Own Beersbee Set

Beersbee, also known as Polish Horseshoes, Frisbee Golf, or Flimsee, is a fantastic outdoor game that combines skill, accuracy, and a whole lot of fun. It’s a staple at backyard barbecues, tailgates, and beach outings. While you can purchase pre-made sets, building your own Beersbee set is a rewarding project that allows for customization and saves you money. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, from gathering materials to perfecting your flick.

Why Build Your Own Beersbee Set?

Before we dive in, let’s explore the benefits of embarking on this DIY adventure:

• Cost-Effective: Pre-made sets can be pricey. Building your own is significantly cheaper, especially if you have some materials already on hand.
• Customization: You can choose the materials, colors, and even add personal touches to make your set unique.
• Durability: By selecting quality materials and using proper construction techniques, you can create a set that will last for years.
• Satisfaction: There’s a great sense of accomplishment that comes from building something with your own hands.
• Understanding: The building process helps you understand how the game is structured and may even give you a slight edge with your friends.

Materials You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the materials you’ll need to build a standard Beersbee set. Depending on your preferences and what you have available, you can adjust some of these items, but this is a good foundation to start with:

For the Poles (Targets):

• Two Poles: These can be 4×4 lumber posts, metal fence posts, sturdy PVC pipes (4-inch diameter), or even repurposed wooden signposts. The ideal length is between 4 and 6 feet. 5 feet is a good general guideline. Consider the ground conditions, if its loose you want more height to ensure that the top of the pole is around the 4 foot mark.
• Two Bases: Options include buckets filled with concrete or sand, large metal bases designed for posts, or even pre-made plastic pole bases. Consider the weight to ensure it doesn’t tip too easily.
• Optional – Caps for Posts: If using hollow poles, end caps can protect against water damage and prevent sharp edges.

For the Mounting Brackets (or similar):

• Two Mounting Brackets (or similar): These will hold the bottles on top of the pole. These can be purpose bought brackets, but often hose clamps, heavy duty rubber bands or strong tape works just as well, the goal is to attach the bottle to the top.

For the Targets (Bottles):

• Two Empty Bottles: Any glass or plastic bottle can work, but long-necked bottles like beer or soda bottles are most common. Ensure they are clean and dry. Consider the material as glass can shatter when being knocked off.

For the Game:

• Frisbee: A standard 175-gram ultimate frisbee is recommended.
• Measuring Tape: For setting up the correct playing distance.

Tools You’ll Need:

• Saw (if cutting posts): For trimming the poles to the desired length.
• Level: To ensure poles are straight.
• Shovel (if using concrete or sand): For filling the bases.
• Gloves: To protect your hands.
• Measuring Tape: To ensure the correct height and spacing.
• Marker/Pencil: To mark cut lines or measurements.
• Hose Clamp Tool (If using hose clamps): To tighten hose clamps on top of the poles.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your materials and tools ready, let’s get building!

Step 1: Prepare the Poles

1. Cut to Length (if necessary): If your poles are too long, use the saw to cut them to the desired length. A good starting point is 5 feet, but adjust based on your preference and the height of your playing area.
2. Sand any Rough Edges (if applicable): If using wood poles, sand the cut edges to prevent splinters. If you choose metal poles, deburr the cut edge so there are no sharp or snagged parts.
3. Clean the Poles (If applicable): If you choose to use pre-used material or something you have recycled then make sure that the posts are clean, clear from any dirt or debris.
4. (Optional) Apply protective finish: Depending on material used you can chose to apply paint or another kind of sealant to improve the longevity of the posts.

Step 2: Prepare the Bases

1. Concrete Bucket Base: If you’re using buckets, place the posts in the center of each bucket. Mix concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions and fill the buckets, ensuring the posts are straight. You’ll want a decent fill to make sure it’s sturdy. Let the concrete cure completely. You can also use play sand, for a more temporary set-up
2. Metal Base: If you are using a metal base, then secure the posts into the bottom using the provided screws. Make sure that all screws are fastened to ensure there is no wobble or any give.
3. Plastic Pole Base: Some bases have an insertion point that is made for the poles. Make sure it is a snug and secure fit before continuing.

Step 3: Mount the Bottle Brackets

1. Hose Clamps: Use a hose clamp on top of each of the poles, tighten enough to hold the bottle but loose enough to insert the bottle.
2. Rubber bands: If using rubber bands, put 2-3 bands on top of the posts then slide the bottle in between them. Make sure it fits snug, if its loose it will fall over too easily.
3. Mounting Bracket: If you have purpose built mounting brackets, make sure that they are secured to the top of the posts.

Step 4: Attach the Bottles

1. Carefully Place the Bottles: Place a bottle into each hose clamp, rubber band, or mounting bracket so that is rests snugly and does not easily fall off,

Step 5: Set Up Your Playing Field

1. Choose a Flat Area: Find a flat, open space with minimal obstacles like trees or uneven ground.
2. Position the Poles: Place the two poles parallel to each other, with about 15-20 feet between them. Adjust the distance based on your skill level and preference, generally further distances for those more experienced.
3. Ensure the poles are straight: Use the level tool to make sure that both poles are standing straight up.

Playing Beersbee

Now that your set is built, it’s time to play! Here are the basic rules:

1. Teams: Beersbee is typically played with two teams of two players each, though one-on-one is also possible.
2. Throwing: Players take turns throwing the frisbee, attempting to knock the bottles off the poles.
3. Catching: Teammates must try to catch the frisbee and the bottle (if knocked off) before they hit the ground.
4. Scoring:
   • 1 Point: If the frisbee hits the bottle, and the bottle is knocked off the pole and hits the ground.
   • 2 Points: If the frisbee hits the bottle and your team does not catch the frisbee or the bottle and they hit the ground.
   • 3 Points: If the frisbee directly knocks off the bottle, and you don’t catch the frisbee or bottle as a team and they hit the ground
   • No Point: If the frisbee does not hit the bottle, and hits the pole or doesn’t hit any of the game pieces.
5. Winning: Typically, the first team to reach 21 points, with a lead of 2 points, wins the game,
6. House Rules: Feel free to add your own variations and rules, thats half the fun!

Tips for Success

• Practice Your Throw: Getting good at beersbee takes practice. Experiment with different throws, grips, and release points to improve your accuracy.
• Communicate with Your Teammate: Yelling where the disc or bottle is going, makes it much easier to catch.
• Vary Your Throws: Try both forehand and backhand throws to add variety to your game. Change up your shots, some times a slow and arcing throw is what is needed.
• Pay Attention to the Wind: Wind can significantly affect the flight of the frisbee, so make adjustments as needed.
• Use the Right Materials: Using cheap materials can result in damage over time or the game set falling apart.
• Ensure proper height: If the poles are too short then its extremely easy to knock them off, if they are too tall then it becomes extremely difficult to play.

Safety Considerations

• Keep a Safe Distance: Make sure people are not standing too close to the poles and they aren’t likely to be hit by a frisbee.
• Be Aware of Surroundings: Be mindful of children, pets, and other people in the area when playing.
• Don’t Play in the Dark: Playing at night increases risk of injury.
• Use Proper Equipment: A frisbee is safer than other thrown objects.
• Avoid Playing Around Unstable Terrain: The surface should be level and free from large holes or other trip hazards.
• Be Careful With Glass: If using glass bottles, be extra careful to avoid breakage. Use thicker glass bottles to reduce risk.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best parts of building your own set is the ability to customize it. Here are a few ideas:

• Different Bottle Types: Experiment with different sizes and shapes of bottles to change the difficulty.
• Custom Colors: Paint your poles and bases with team colors or fun designs.
• Personalized Scoreboards: Create a homemade scoreboard for added fun.
• Glow-in-the-Dark: Add glow-in-the-dark paint to the poles and frisbee for nighttime games.
• Different Materials: Try using different materials such as PVC posts, or a rubber type material.

Conclusion

Building your own Beersbee set is a fun and rewarding project that will provide hours of entertainment. With a little time, effort, and creativity, you can create a custom set that’s perfect for your backyard, beach trips, or tailgating events. So, gather your materials, follow these steps, and get ready to enjoy countless games with your friends and family. Remember to play safe and, most importantly, have fun!