There’s a pretty sizable difference between the Eagle-X and Eagle-L …
Here’s what’s weird about it, though: Innova does NOTHING to indicate to buyers which one they’re getting. The branding’s the same. The marketing’s the same. In fact, the stock hot stamp on both of ‘em is the same, too. Want to throw Eagles? You’ll need to know the difference.
Oftentimes, the difference is penned on the underside of the disc:
- I’ve seen it both ways, but “E” or “E-X” means the disc’s an Eagle-X.
- For the Eagle-L, however, “E-L” is usually what you’ll find.
Also, each disc has a distinct profile.
The Eagle-X has a sharper, more defined lip. From bottom to top, however, the rim of an Eagle-L forms a straight line. BIC pens aside, this is the most sure-fire way to know what you’re getting.
Keep this image in a safe place – you’ll want it at a later date:
Knowing how each Eagle looks is cool, but it’s the flight you care most about …
This should bring you up to speed:
The Innova Eagle-X
As of 2022, this is THE Eagle you’ll get from Innova – more on that in the next section.
The Eagle-X is the more overstable of the two Eagles. I’ve thrown and bagged a number of them. In my experience, though compared to the Teebird, they’re noticeably different …
At least fresh out of the box.
The Eagle-X isn’t as much of a point-and-shoot disc as the Teebird – it’s more overstable. If yours is an arm speed that’s not yet easily hitting 325 feet, it’ll hook pretty quickly for you.
It’s also harder to get distance out of a new Eagle-X than a Teebird, so keep that in mind.
As I see it, the Eagle-X is the more workable of the two Eagles. It might lack the glide or distance of a Teebird, but due to its stability, it’s great for shorter, more controlled flex lines.
I’ve also never loved forehanding Teebirds – the Eagle-X is awesome for this, though. If your Felon or Firebird just feels a bit too heavy on the dump, the Eagle-X will get the job done.
The Eagle-X beats in beautifully, too: more glide and distance with time.
Calvin Heimburg bags Champion Eagle-Xs – you’ve seen what he can do with ‘em.
* Note #1: The more dome your Eagle-X has, the more glide it’ll have as a new disc.
* Note #2: Conversely, the flatter your Eagle-X, the more overstable it’ll behave.
The Innova Eagle-L
The “L” in Eagle-L stands for “less stable.”
The Eagle-L is still an overstable disc – by no means is it an FD, TL, Leopard or Maverick. Thrown hard, it’ll flip to flat, maybe turn a bit and then fade hard at the end, as is the Eagle’s calling card. With the Eagle-L, essentially what you’re getting is a “beat-in” Eagle-X …
If you’re short on time or lose discs frequently, it’s a great option.
* Note #3: The same rules for the Eagle-X’s “dome” and “flatness” apply for the Eagle-L, too.
To date, the Eagle-X is Innova’s stock Eagle – it’s what you’ll get when you order a newer run from the company. Years ago, though, it was a bit of a toss-up as to which would show up …
The reason for this has to do with Innova’s partnership with Infinite Discs – they manufacture the retailer’s line of golf frisbees. Though I’m not privy to the specifics of what that relationship looks like on paper, this much I do know: The Infinite Discs Exodus IS the Eagle-L …
Like, it’s LITERALLY the same mold – it’s the same disc.
By no means does that negate the importance of knowing the difference, though. From time to time, the Innova Factory Store will release a run or two of factory-second Eagle-Ls. Also, with supply chain issues being what they are, eBay and Facebook are solid options for new plastic.
Before you buy an Eagle, ask for pictures – they’ll get you what you need.
Vinny’s famous for throwing flat-top Eagle-Xs in various stages of wear. Gregg Barsby does the same thing, only he goes for the older, more expensive stuff in Champion Edition (CE) plastic. He’s working with both Eagle-X and Eagle-L molds – Jeremy Koling follows suit.
Really, you can’t go wrong with either option …
Just make sure you know which Eagle you’re getting.
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Editor’s Suggestions:
- Simon Lizotte is back
- Paul McBeth should dial back the post-loss complaints
- The Innova Whale: Putt and drive with the same putter
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