Most Innova bags look the same: Aviars, Rocs, Teebirds and Destroyers. And while boring for some, their widespread use is a testament to the quality and timelessness of the molds …
They work.
Still, if the Innova fanboy within would like to shake things up a bit, with hundreds of molds in the manufacturer’s arsenal, it can be hard to know where to start. If you’re looking to branch out, but want to keep things close to Rancho Cucamonga, the following five frisbees can help …
Give ‘em a rip.
1. The Colt
It’s not the Roc3, Firebird or Destroyer …
According to Jeff Panis, the Aviar is Innova’s best-selling disc.
Which isn’t all that surprising, seeing as how there are a million-and-a-half variations of the thing. What’s weird about Innova putters is that, while options abound, some iteration of the Aviar is all you ever see out on the course – sprinkle in a few Whales for good measure, too.
Don’t let that fool you, though …
The Colt is money.
It’s a low-profile, straight-flying putter, which makes it the favorite of far too few golfers off the tee – Nathan Queen swears by his, however. But it also serves as a quality putting putter. During her time with Team Innova, Madison Walker was known for banging chains with the XT Colt.
Also, the Colt owns the BEST DX stamp in all of Innova …
You heard it here first.
2. The Hydra
Screw disc golf’s obsession with glow plastic …
More flotation devices, por favor.
The Hydra was originally marketed as a “multi-purpose” disc, if you can believe it. I bought mine (pictured below) about 15 or 16 years ago. It’s a beadless, bulky-feeling disc you could play a one-disc round with, if you’ve never seen one, felt one or even heard of one before.
It’s a putt-and-approach-type frisbee, but it’s no pushover …
She’ll hook-up for you real nice.
Again, though, the Hydra’s biggest selling point is that it floats. I rarely carry the Hydra with me, but when I do, it’s because there’s a hole I plan to play that’ll likely land me in water. And wouldn’t you know it, more than a decade later, I’ve STILL got the DX Hydra with me …
Today, R-Pro is your best bet for nabbing one.
3. The Whippet
The Whippet isn’t a Tilt, but it’s (kind of) close …
The biggest difference would be that it’s actually usable.
Still, the Whippet is a WEIRD disc …
For starters, it’s a six-speed – it can’t decide if it’s a fast, overstable midrange or a slow, overstable fairway driver. On top of that, it comes equipped with the pop-top to end all pop-tops.
Through and through, the Whippet is a utility disc: Spike hyzers, flex flicks, thumbers and tomahawks – it’s a Swiss Army knife. In my experience, the best thing the Whippet brings to the table, however, is its ability to skip the second it makes contact with the ground …
Like, REALLY far.
Bummer: They’re near impossible to find – if you see one, buy it.
4. The Monarch
I bought a used-bin Monarch to help with backhand rollers.
To date, I still suck at backhand rollers …
Thanks to the Monarch, though, I suck WAY less.
The most notable thing about the Monarch is the groove that runs directly along the underside of the rim – it’s a trip. I don’t know why it’s there, but I’m sure physics has something to do with it. Whether it plays a role or not, the Monarch is an innately understable 10-speed – you need one.
Also, this is weird …
If you struggle to hyzer-flip finicky discs on forehand lines, the Monarch might be EXACTLY what you’re looking for. This is a well-documented phenomena, too – I’m not making this up. It’s flippy, but not so flippy that it can’t handle a hefty dose of off-axis, forehand torque …
That’s rare.
5. The Archangel
The Archangel is only available in DX plastic …
This is a crime.
The cheap stuff works just fine, but I’d love one in a Star or Champion composite. Nevertheless, in DX form, the Archangel is a beater’s delight. Though only an eight-speed, it’s capable of some BIG distance – even for arms that aren’t used to getting their discs all that far from the teepad.
I’m talking EASY S-curve flights …
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been playing: If your hand’s not yet produced a full-flight frisbee, grab an Archangel – it’ll get you there. Really, it’s just a fun disc to Bomb.com …
Good enough for me.
There’s more meat on this bone …
Are there other Innova molds that could’ve made the cut?
Heck-to-the-yes.
But I’ve only tried a few dozen – I can’t spend all my cash on toys …
The above five get the job done in my book. And while I wouldn’t label any of ‘em a “staple” within my regular lineup, depending on the course in question, they’re no strangers to my bag.
Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
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I have to continue my championing of the Innova VRoc. It’s in no way an overstable disc, but it holds a line better than any other midrange I’ve found in Innova’s lineup. It can also handle some serious torque, which makes it great for full power straight shots, mellow turnovers, baby hyzers that hold and push all the way through the flight, and remarkable forehand drifters that settle down beautifully. I bag it in star and champion, star for calm days, champ for a little more stability in the wind. I don’t think any pros throw it, as its generally marketed as a beginner disc, but oh my god it’s so good.
Wow, Adam …
This is GREAT intel – haven’t really played around with one!
I might be mistaken on this …
But aren’t those kind of hard to find?
Especially in a wide variety of plastics?
Or, is it not that bad?
Thanks for chiming in on the conversation!
You don’t see them in shops all that often, but they’re certainly available direct from Innova.
I’ve definitely seen the DX version out in shops, but the star and champion versions are limited production from Innova (but there’s no shortage of them).
Got it – thanks, Adam!
Appreciate the help.
Agree on the colt. I dropped my aviar because I wanted to simplify my driving and putting putter. Chose the colt because classic “wings and rings” rock went OOP.
Proud to bag the colt.
Couldn’t agree more, Mike!
Do you putt with it in the DX or XT plastic?
And I take it you use it for your off-the-tee duties, as well!
GREAT mold 🙂
I love the whippet!! I always make sure to have one in my bag, I got lucky and found a third practically brand new at the farragut open last year. And I have literally dug through crates to see if I can find more. If they ever produce again i am loading up, another disc I live thats hard to find is the banshee, I have a champion that is super fun to throw
Woah …
Champion Banshees MUST be hard to come by …
Don’t think I’ve ever even seen one!
And glad the Whippet love is strong – keep on hucking ’em!
When I bought my Champ Banshee, I could find tons of them, but now I don’t see them at all.
Too bad. I like that disc. I find it to be my best fairway driver for windy conditions.
I ever see them again, I’ll buy more for sure.
I know it’s not ideal, but have you checked out eBay or anything?
Also, the Factory Store is known for doing runs of less-popular molds, too …
Both are GREAT options.