Innova: What’s a ‘FAF’ Firebird?

Not all Innova Firebirds are created equal …

Within the mold, this is intentional.

Weird.

Regardless of plastic, some Firebirds are flatter than others. Most have moderate dome on ‘em, while others are table-top flat. Per reader request, it’s the flat Firebirds I’ll be talking about today.

If you’ve spent any time at all hunting for the perfect Firebird, you’ve seen the “FAF” acronym. And in spite of what you’ve read on random disc golf forums, it doesn’t stand for the following:

“Flat as FiretrUCK.”

There’s really no debate on this …

FAF stands for “flat and firm.”

Here’s what finding one (often) looks like:

• Trait No. 1 – They come in Champion plastic.
• Trait No. 2 – As the name implies, they’re rock-hard.
• Trait No. 3 – It will be the flattest Innova disc you’ve ever seen.
• Trait No. 4 – Most of the time, they’re max-weight – or close to it.
• Trait No. 5 – It’s not abnormal to find a sweet, tourney-specific stamp.

* Note #1: Yes, FAF Firebirds with the stock, 12X stamp exist – they’re just not as common.

Also, please note that it’s possible to find a close-to-perfectly-flat Firebird that’s NOT a FAF Firebird. In my own collection, I’ve got a few Star Firebirds that are pretty freaking flat. Year after year, even the ever-illustrious Sexton Firebird is on the flatter side of the spectrum …

Trust me on this, though:

When you hold a FAF Firebird, you’ll feel the difference.

They’re THAT flat.

Now, for as much fun as FAF Firebirds are to own, they’re not all giggles and rainbows. For starters, they’re near-impossible to find. And oftentimes, when produced, they’re not labeled as “FAF” or being of the “flat-top” variety – things can be a bit luck-of-the-draw with retailers.

* Note #2: Some shops will note the distinction, however. Disc Golf United does it here.

Also, if you don’t nab one directly from an online or in-person retailer at an appropriate price, expect to pay an ungodly amount on eBay or Facebook Marketplace to get one – so stoopid.

In my experience, the Axiom Fireball is VERY close to offering the same sort of feel and flight. Just make sure to pick one up in Proton plastic. The Quantum Draco by Millennium is another option. It’s perhaps a touch less stable, with a hint of more glide, but the top is F–L–A–T.

My own bag includes one beat-to-death stock Champion Firebird. I go out of my way to find one not shaped like the Superdome, but that’s hardly flat. For me, this is a more workable fairway driver, that’s still plenty overstable. It pairs well with a FAF Firebird for more utilitarian stuff.

To find your own overstable fairway setup, you’ll need to do some experimenting.

Know this, though …

It’s hard to go wrong with a FAF Firebird in the lineup.

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