Jeremy Koling’s name now graces the flight plate of the stock Star AviarX3.
Earlier this year, I remember seeing the promo video Innova produced sharing the good news. Of course, Koling’s mug features heavily in the three-minute viddy – and the dude gets emotional. Like, Big Jerm doesn’t quite get there, but the tears aren’t far from streaming down his face.
If Koling’s almost brought to public waterworks, this thing’s probably worth reviewing, right? Because that means the disc can either figuratively walk on water, or Koling’s knee-deep in the best marketing-motivated performance ever caught on camera – he’s THAT convincing.
Anyway, the results are in …
Have at ‘em:
The feel of the AviarX3
This is a comfy disc.
I’ve got two in my possession. I’ve handled a few others, as well. Based on what I’ve felt, the Star plastic isn’t rock-hard – it’s fairly flexible. For an approach putter, this is the good stuff. Should you hate any bend in your discs, however, I wouldn’t worry too much about it …
It’s nothing insane.
Perhaps my favorite thing about the AviarX3 is the intentional puddle-top. While not quite as extreme, it trends in the direction of the Yeti Pro Aviar’s flight plate. The thumb fits both nicely and naturally in the space provided by the puddle. It improves grip and ensures a clean release.
* Note: When you order an AviarX3, contact the retailer to ensure you get a puddle-top.
Next, this is an Aviar …
It’s NOT a low-profile putter.
Still, as someone who prefers thinner putters for approaching and throwing off the tee, this is hardly as tall and bulky as a Prodiscus Jokeri – it’s plenty comfortable for smaller hands. Also, forehand and backhand, I had ZERO issues with the disc’s in-hand feel – it’s a selling point.
Lastly, it’s beadless …
I’d prefer a bead, but to each his own.
The flight of the AviarX3
The AviarX3 is Innova’s most overstable Aviar.
It’s what Innova TRIED to achieve with the Aviar3 …
The Aviar3 isn’t a good disc; the AviarX3 is a great disc.
It flies straight and then dumps. It’s great in headwinds. And though technically a putter, assuming you don’t get insane with it, the AviarX3 can handle your dirty, OAT-heavy flick-form. Whether a sidearm or a backhand huck, as long as the flex-line is relatively gentle, it’ll come out.
Please note the following:
If you want the Innova equivalent, nab a Toro.
Though Koling’s on record saying he uses his for most shots under 300 feet, for an amateur like myself, 265 feet is about how far I’m able to stretch mine. As an approach disc, I’m not often looking to smash it, really. Because of this, I found myself reaching for it within 225 feet.
Set your expectations accordingly.
The aesthetic of the AviarX3
This is Innova’s most attractive stock disc …
And it’s not even close.
Jeremy’s logo is awesome. The signature is mighty fresh, as well. Put them together on a disc, and the sex-appeal is through the roof. The shiny, rainbow stamp with the white backdrop is clean. And the caramel-colored AviarX3 is one of a kind – never seen anything like it.
Don’t tell the wifey …
This one’s a looker.
Did the Innova AviarX3 make my bag?
It didn’t, but I’m gonna keep tinkering with this one …
I usually don’t do that.
As I’ve mentioned before, overstable approach putters are all the rage. And while I’ve test-driven a buttload of ‘em, the Champion Rhyno is gonna be hard to pry from the jaws of my Upper Park Shift. I putt with KC Pro Aviars. And while the idea of an all-Aviar putter lineup is great, the bottom of the Rhyno is pulled from the Big Bead Aviar mold – I enjoy the consistent feel.
Where the AviarX3 gives me pause is its forehand ability – it feels WAY better on a flick than the Rhyno does. As someone who likes to look at the basket when approaching, this is a BIG part of my game. To date, the Gator handles this shot for me, but the slower AviarX3 is tempting …
Time will tell.
The Final Green Splatter Grade: A
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Editor’s Suggestions:
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- You have to own one of these to get good at disc golf
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Couldn’t agree more. The AviarX3 is an A. It feels great, especially Star, and it’s flight is just different enough from a PIG. The AviarX3 especially shines during one disc putter rounds.
It’s a FH + BH, dual-threat putt – couldn’t agree more!