Every disc golfer should have a dependable distance driver in their bag. Unless you’re out for a putters-only round, assuming the course works for it, you’ll likely have the chance to mash on something somewhat overstable as far as you can – maybe an S-curve or a hyzer-flip bomb.
For a long time, the Innova Destroyer fit the mold (pun intended) for most players. Its high speed, reasonably wide, yet grippable rim and balanced combination of turn and fade make the Destroyer a staple in the bag of many amateurs – and just about every Innova-sponsored pro.
Thanks to an increase in disc golf’s popularity, however, other manufacturers have started to chip away at the Destroyer’s stranglehold on the workhorse distance-driver slot in bags everywhere.
One of its main competitors?
The Discmania DD3.
To date, runs of the DD3 have been produced in several plastics. Since Discmania’s sudden split with Innova as a manufacturing partner in 2021, though, the swirly S-Line version of the disc has proven a favorite of many. In swirly S-Line plastic, the DD3 is known as the “Cloudbreaker.”
On both forehand and backhand lines, for distance, power and accuracy, Eagle McMahon’s game leans heavily on ‘em out on tour. As such, the disc is part of his Creator Series with Discmania.
For this review, courtesy of Disc Golf Deals USA, I got my paws on the latest line of Cloudbreaker: the Eagle McMahon Creator Series Special Blend S-Line Cloudbreaker.
Talk about a mouthful, huh?
Let me break it down for you …
The feel of the Cloudbreaker
There’s no doubt about it: The Cloudbreaker feels powerful in the hand.
Its understated lip at the edge of the rim allows for a sure grip – and I’m a sweaty hands guy. Forehand or backhand, once you’ve got ahold of it with a power grip, it’s not going anywhere.
There’s more to the grip of the disc, though …
The plastic is similar to Discmania’s standard S-Line stuff in that it’s shiny, as well as moderately malleable. However, this Creator Series disc is sold for its “Special Blend” S-Line polymers. To me, it’s more rubbery – more tacky, really. In the hand, it’s secure and safe-feeling …
And Swedish.
Lastly, I’m digging the slight dome the Cloudbreaker offers – it’s not board-flat, but I wouldn’t call it a true “pop-top,” either. It’s the happy medium you look for in an every-course driver.
The flight of the Cloudbreaker
The following are the Cloudbreaker’s flight numbers: 12 (Speed) 5 (Glide) -1 (Turn) 3 (Fade)
Though minimal in difference, the Cloudbreaker soars like a less overstable stock S-Line DD3. If you’re new to the Discmania lineup, though outliers certainly exist, the general consensus is that a stock S-Line DD3 is a touch less overstable than a stock Star Destroyer. In other words, the Cloudbreaker won’t comically dump out on you, but it won’t easily flip to flat, either.
Given that it’s got Mr. McMahon’s name on the flight plate, most fans of the professional disc golf scene will be tempted to pick one up. Do note, however, that slower arms will need to release the CloudBreaker with a hint of anhyzer to see a full, S-flight path – it’s beefy.
If you can spin a disc, though …
Man, this puppy will go places – and fast.
Assuming you’ve got the arm to get it to fly flat, the Cloudbreaker is heavy on glide – I prefer this in a distance driver. And while good on glide, the innate overstability of the mold makes it more than trusty in a headwind. In fact, unless you’ve got an Eagle-type arm attached to your shoulder, barring a literal tornado on the fairway, throw it normally into a headwind …
It can take it.
If you’ve got a huge arm, the Cloudbreaker should hyzer-flip into some turn for you without much issue. If your wing is more mortal, however, it’ll need to take a hefty beating before it’s your farthest-flying frisbee. Until then, it’ll probably be more of a utility flier in your bag.
Still, the truth of the matter is pretty clear-cut …
The Cloudbreaker is an EXCELLENT stable-to-overstable distance driver.
The aesthetic of the Cloudbreaker
This thing is a smokeshow …
And I mean it.
Regardless of run, each CloudBreaker features a bird of prey on the flight plate – it’s a birdwatcher’s delight. All across the board, the CloudBreaker stamp has been consistently attractive. It’s my opinion, though, that THIS (the fourth) Cloudbreaker is the sexiest of the lot.
I love that the chicken’s beak bursts directly through the center of a cloud wave. Also, the Discmania shield at the top and “Cloudbreaker” lettering at the bottom both pop like mad.
It’s a pretty frisbee.
Lastly, for what it’s worth, the underside of the disc lays claim to a few swirls. And it’s not intentional, but the look they create feels like a back-alley TriFly design from HukLab …
Without the ungodly price tag, of course.
Did the Discmania Cloudbreaker make my bag?
The Discmania Cloudbreaker made my bag.
It’s a useful, reliably overstable distance driver for all kinds of situations – not to mention it’s easy on the eyes. Seriously, what’s not to love about it? Granted, if you’re already all-in on the Nuke, Raider, Outlaw, Destroyer or something else similar, you probably don’t need one …
They all do the same thing.
But if you’ve tried out a bunch, and the trusty, Jack-of-all-trades 12-speed continues to elude your bag, pick up a Cloudbreaker – there’s a dang-good chance you’ll love it. Or, you could just buy one to support Eagle, too. Whatever you do, though, PLEASE don’t hang it on a wall …
The Cloudbreaker was meant to fly.
The Final Green Splatter Grade: A-
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