This is just one person’s opinion.
But not long ago, I was in the same situation myself. And friends and players kept recommending the same thing:
Start with a putter (or a midrange) disc.
Some will name specific putters and midranges. I think it only confuses those new to the sport. That’s because every disc feels different. If you recommend a disc to a buddy, it might feel wrong for their hand/grip configuration. Or the plastic is too gummy. Or (fill in any host of reasons)…
So why putter and midrange discs? In one word, technique.
When throwing a disc, upon release it should go on the “line” you want it to go. Not a general “it goes way off but fades back and happens to land close enough” or a “it goes straight at the trees but ‘got skinny’ and didn’t hit any branches and, well, par on this hole isn’t the end of the world” but rather, exactly where you need it to go.
And, by the way, discs always hit trees so that second scenario is just a lie. Disc = tree magnet.
Instead, you want to step up every time and hit your line.
You may turn over a driver, but it will fade back, making it seem kinda-sorta okay. A putter won’t. It’ll be brutally honest as it flies straight, away from the fairway without turning back. Midrange discs have some fade but are generally, also, straight.
Sometimes, you don’t want that harsh an assessment of your abilities. The sun is shining, the flowers are out, you are getting exercise, amirite? That’s okay, too. Find any excuse to be outside!
But if you want to increase the fun being on the course and decrease the frustration, pick the putter and get in the work.