Review: The Millennium Draco

You need an overstable nine-speed.

I’ve heard the whole “don’t bag beefy discs” argument for new disc golfers. Truth be told, my face has turned blue on more than one occasion from having had it vomited into my ears.

I don’t care if you’re Paul McBeth or Pablo McGriddle:

Put one in your bag.

Upon its approval by the PDGA for sanctioned-tournament use in 2000, the Firebird set the standard for what an overstable fairway driver should fly and feel like in disc golf. Incredibly, for as much as I love all things Innova, could it be that there’s a better option for the Firebird slot?

As I see it, there is …

The Millennium Draco.

The feel of the Draco

This is BIG for the Draco.

The feel of the mold is its top selling point.

Truth be told, every manufacturer produces a reliably overstable nine-speed. If you don’t like Innova and the Firebird, close your eyes, say a prayer, throw a dart at a list of disc manufacturers and you’re bound to find something that’ll work just as well for you and your disc-golf game.

It’s because of this that feel is where a fade-heavy nine-speed needs to make a name for itself. The advantage the Draco has over many of its rivals can be summarized in two words …

Flat. Top.

I’m a flat-top snob.

Years ago, before I got my hands on my first FAF Firebird, I was the guy at Academy Sports comparing the dome on stock Star and Champion Firebirds. Still, for as solid as the FAF Firebird is, it’s not without its issues. Not only are FAF Firebirds rarely in stock through digital retailers, but when you do find them online, the price-hikes are enough to have you losing your lunch.

* Note #1: If you don’t know what “FAF” Firebird is, click here for more details.

Good news …

The Draco is an ultra-flat disc.

I’m sure there are Dracos out there with some kind of mild dome on ‘em, but I own five, and they’re all flat as a table-top. I have buddies who bag ‘em, too. And again, they’re pancakes.

In addition to being flat, it’s important to mention the Draco is ONLY available in Quantum plastic. Manufactured by Innova, Millennium’s Quantum plastic is Innova’s Champion plastic. Seriously, apart from the flight-plate branding, there’s no difference between the two polymers.

So to recap:

• The Draco is always flat.
• The Draco is always firm.
• The Draco is always available.
• The Draco is always affordable.

Talk about killer consistency.

There are few better-feeling frisbees than the Draco.

The flight of the Draco

Without further ado …

The obligatory flight numbers: 9 (Speed) 3 (Glide) 0 (Turn) 4 (Fade)

If those look at all familiar, it’s because the Firebird’s are exactly the same.

Calvin Heimburg’s name is on the disc.

Screw words …

See how it flies for him:

As stated above, on both forehand and backhand lines, Vinny reaches for his Quantum Draco when he needs an overstable finish ranging anywhere between 300 and 370 feet. I am not Calvin, so while our uses for the disc are the same, I’m tossing mine more in the 250- to 290-foot range.

Similar to a stock Champion Firebird, the Draco will quickly become a staple for golfers who like to use one mold for both forehand and backhand hucks. Given some oomph, it’ll fly straight, but will waste no time in hooking up halfway through its flight. It dominates hyzers. It’s a master of the flex. Grenades, thumbers and tomahawks – it’s the captain of ‘em all. And randomly, I’ve had a great deal of success throwing forehand rollers (gasp) with the Quantum Draco, as well.

Weird.

Next, if you take ZERO from this article know THIS …

The FAF Firebird is a normal, everyday disc with an ungodly amount of overstability. Getting beyond Rancho Cucamonga, the Lucid Felon is another nine-speed that performs similarly.

While offering the feel (see above) of both these discs, the Quantum Draco is WAY more user-friendly. The feel is the same, but the flight is longer, glidier and more manageable.

I carry a FAF Firebird for utility purposes.

I carry a Quantum Draco for more workhorse duties.

There’s not much overlap.

The two molds make for a dynamite one-two punch.

The aesthetic of the Draco

This is a stock stamp.

Jeremy Koling has the best signature in disc golf.

Heimburg’s is pretty solid, too.

Bonus points.

Also, I dig the “Draco” name. If you’re unaware, in Greek mythology, Draco is the dragon slain by Hercules. Naturally, as constellations, it’s for that very reason both Draco and Hercules are positioned next to each other in the sky. While dragons are cool and all, the look of the lizard atop the Quantum Draco feels like it belongs inside a hole-in-the-wall karate studio …

NOT a world-class disc.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder …

Meh.

I don’t see much here.

Did the Millennium Draco make my bag?

It did.

About a year ago, in fact.

And it’s still in there.

Usually, when I do a disc review, it’s a mold that piqued readers’ interest or one an affiliate sent me to throw around for a bit – not this one. The marketing worked on me. I’m a fan of Calvin’s game. I see him toss it all the time, so I bought one and hucked it, because I wanted to …

I’m glad I did.

* Note #2: If you’re wondering, the Draco replaced a domey Champion Firebird in my bag.

Without reinventing the wheel, the Draco is a disc that will appeal to disc golfers obsessed with the feel of a firm, flat-top disc, while also wanting something that’s going to actually fly.

The Draco delivers.

The Final Green Splatter Grade: A+

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Editor’s Suggestions:

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• Why the thumber is a straight-up cheat code in disc golf
• Disc golf: How playing holes ‘backwards’ can lower scores

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