Review: The Innova Croc

Eight weeks ago, I texted Jeff Panis, complaining that it’d been an eternity since Innova did a run of Crocs. He immediately called me to tell me about an experience he’d had with Hailey King as her caddie at the 2022 United States Women’s Disc Golf Championships in Madison, Wisconsin.

While toting King’s bag, he noticed that she went to the same overstable approach disc over and over again – he couldn’t quite tell what it was. It wasn’t a Pig, though she does toss one quite frequently. It wasn’t a Toro, either. Stumped, when the moment was right, he asked her …

It was a Star Croc.

Hailey went on to win USWDGC, thanks in large part to her Croc. On the phone, Panis estimated she threw it for a whopping 15% of her shots. The problem, however, was that she only had one – no backups. Upon returning to California, Panis let Dave Dunipace know …

Star Crocs are now readily available online at the Innova Factory Store.

I picked one up. I bagged it for a month. I threw it like mad.

Here’s what I discovered:

The feel of the Croc

Since first bursting onto the scene as a prototype in 2019, the Croc has only been available in Star Plastic. The first one I tinkered with back in 2019 came in a firm version of the Star stuff. Similarly, the one I recently purchased was no different whatsoever – it feels great to me.

If you like Star plastic, boom-shakalaka …

And if you hate it, sorry – this thing isn’t for you.

The signature trait of the Croc is the aggressive, shelf-like rim found along the outside edge. When you pick up a Croc, it feels like it’d be pure beef – it then delivers on that promise.

Beadless, the midrange will prove to be a favorite for forehand-dominant disc golfers. Or, for disc golfers who prefer to look at the basket when approaching from short-range – that’s me. 

It’s worth mentioning that this is a low-profile disc, as well. It’s not tall; it’s not bulky.

This is also a flat disc – a REALLY flat disc. All of the Crocs I’ve held or thrown were board-flat, without being puddle-topped. I’ve spoken with others who’ve received somewhat domey Crocs, so that’s worth mentioning. Should you decide to order a Croc through the Factory Store, include a small note at checkout, clearly stating what you’re looking for: flat, domey, etc.

It’s great for forehands, but I love it on backhand lines, too. Without fail, I fan grip 100% of my backhand midrange shots. Because of it, I find that I prefer beaded midranges. I’ve likely tricked myself into believing this, but I feel like a bead prevents the disc from slipping out of my hand.

Again, this is a beadless disc. I didn’t notice, however, as the concave shape of the rim is really exaggerated. So no, technically, there’s no bead. If you like ‘em, however, you should be fine.

The flight of the Croc

If you know Innova plastic, this’ll make sense …

Read carefully:

• Fact No. 1 – The stock Gator is Thunderbird-ish in its stability.
• Fact No. 2 – The flat-top Gator is stock Firebird-like in its stability.
• Fact No. 3 – The stock Croc is flat-top Firebird-esque in its stability.

If none of that makes sense, THIS should bring you up to speed:

The Croc flies like a Justice.

It goes straight for a bit. Then, it hooks and dumps.

It flights out of flexes like a boss, too.

The biggest difference between the Croc and the ever-popular Justice, however, is the glide of the Croc – it’s got more of it. And if you’re coming from Gators like me, it’s more of the same.

In my experience, the Croc doesn’t produce near the groundplay of the Justice, either. When it hits, it hops and sits. Yes, the actual surface itself plays a role, but Justices seem to skip more.

Given that the Croc is offered exclusively in Star plastic, in theory, it will beat in quicker than something of the Champion variety. Don’t let that deter you, though – this thing is pure anger.

The aesthetic of the Croc

Sorry, I wish I had more for you on this …

There’s not much sex appeal.

It’s a stock Star frisbee: crisp, clean and classic.

If you’d like to change that, at the time of this post’s writing, the Factory Store has a number of Crocs available in white. I’m not much for dying discs, but from what I understand, white Star plastic serves as a premium canvas for doing something cool. Get freaky with it, Picasso.

The Croc is a tool to be used, though …

NOT a collector’s item.

Did the Innova Croc make my bag?

Yes, and here’s what’s crazy about it …

It kicked out (for now) one of my all-time favorite molds: the Gator.

Here’s how good the Croc is …

This entire time, I’ve written this article to make it seem like I bought one to try out. Initially, that was true. But after a mere two weeks with the thing, I immediately ordered four more.

The feel is on-par with what the Gator has to offer. Yeah, it’s different, but I’m fine either way.

Personally, it’s the Croc’s flight that gives it the final nod. My forehand is serviceable, but I’m hardly the second coming of Andrew Marwede. The added glide (2) and speed (5.5) means that it’s easier for me to get it to go somewhere. Also, it’s more overstable – it was an easy decision.

Act quickly on this one … maybe

My biggest knock on the Croc (rhyme) is how infrequently Innova produces new runs.

When Panis told me about the forthcoming drop, I watched the Factory Store’s Twitter account like an insane person. After buying one, bagging it and learning I loved it, I bought four backups, anticipating that I’d be on the verge of death before Rancho Cucamonga ran another batch …

Two months later, there are STILL Crocs available on the Factory Store website.

It’s almost like Innova knows what it’s doing.

The second I reach the Pearly Gates, I’ll ask St. Peter about the whereabouts of Amelia Earhart’s plane. After that, I’ll inquire about the inexplicable lack of popularity surrounding the Croc. Make no mistake about it: The Star Croc is one of Mr. Dunipace’s hidden gems …

Buy one. See for yourself.

The Final Green Splatter Grade: A

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Editor’s Suggestions:

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• Disc golf: New to cycling discs? Start with the R-Pro Pig
• Jeff Spring: How important is ‘standardization’ in pro disc golf?

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