The term “fanboy” is one most often associated with devout throwers of Innova Champion Discs. More than I’d care to admit, I’d consider myself one of Rancho Cucamonga’s disciples.
If the label is new to you, a fanboy (or fangirl) is somebody who – without any kind of gear-binding contract, mind you – feels the need to bag and throw ONE manufacturer’s discs.
Please don’t think this is limited to Innova, either: MVP, Trilogy, Prodigy, Discraft, Discmania and any other manufacturer you can think of are all capable of churning out brand fans.
Do you fit the bill?
See if any of the below strikes a bit too close to home …
1. You feel guilt when flirting
Flirting with other manufacturers, that is …
Not much guilt, but there’s a hint of it.
Though originally from Oklahoma, I graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. That’s where I met Lucas, actually – another Okie, believe it or not. As a BYU graduate, I can’t stand anything related to the University of Utah. The school makes my blood instantly boil.
Still, when Lincoln Riley bailed on the University of Oklahoma’s football program at the end of the 2021 season, I was bound and determined to bash on anything he was to accomplish at the helm of the University of Southern California. I had no idea what that would require of me …
Actively (though secretly) wanting Utah to beat USC in head-to-head Pac-12 action.
Gross.
In 2022, it worked – twice, in fact.
But that doesn’t mean I didn’t hate myself for it. I felt like a complete and total traitor. Within the bag-building realm in disc golf, if ANY part of this long-winded tangent about a lack of college-football loyalty feels familiar, you might very well be a frisbee fanboy …
Sorry.
2. You look for disc equivalents
Let’s say there’s a BIG hole in your bag you’re looking to fill …
Stable. Overstable. Understable.
Somewhere in-between.
It doesn’t matter.
Should you somehow stumble across the ideal golf disc for the job that gets beyond the one manufacturer with which you’re comfortable, instead of sticking with what’s working, you’ll look to fill the void with something from within your preferred brand’s lineup. If you don’t think this is a thing, take to Disc Golf Course Review – threads like this one are all over the place.
Remember the years-long temper tantrums countless Innova fanboys (cough, cough – yours truly) threw over Dave Dunipace’s inability to produce a proper Zone clone until the Toro came out? Yes, they’ve now got what they wanted all along, but inquiring minds can’t help but ask …
“Why not just bag a Zone?”
Logic can be brutal.
3. Your fanhood is driven by one team
It’s fun to watch professional disc golfers use the same discs you bag. This is why I’ve never thrown a hissy fit when Ian Anderson at least attempts to identify the frisbees guys are throwing on coverage. Seeing what they can do with MY gear gives me an idea of what’s possible …
Likely?
No.
Possible?
In theory, yes.
However, if your Pro Tour fanhood is limited entirely to the guys signed by your manufacturer of choice, let’s be real: You’re failing to get the most out of your Disc Golf Network subscription. Take a look at who you’re routinely pulling for: You could be a “fanboy” without knowing it.
There are TONS of quality Pro Tour peeps …
Root for those whose game you love – not the bags they carry.
Fanboy recovery takes time …
The best way to start?
Branch out.
Most manufacturers have five or six molds everybody on their team throws – start here. From there, get a bit more creative with what could potentially work, filling in some of your gaps. There’s no need to replace your entire bag, but if something manages to stick, so be it.
Más frisbees. Más fun.
Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
Editor’s Suggestions:
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- Why you should start with the ‘used bin’ at a disc golf shop
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I like Calvin because of his abilities, personality, sponsor, hair, epicness, and humor, but I like Paul McBeth because of his game, regardless of Discraft, which I do not like. I have my bag 100% Innova and don’t see that changing soon. But there are many good molds out there. But I used to throw a Buzzz, and switched to a Roc3. 🤯 So, anything can happen.
It’s an ever-changing thing, isn’t it?
BTW, if you like Calvin’s bag, give the Draco a try …
It’s like a less-beefy flat-top Firebird.
I’ll do a review on one soon.
Hey I used a Draco before I even used a Firebird. But after I adjusted to the Firebird, I used it more than the Draco. It is more overstable, so it works for more uses. I still bag my very well seasoned Quantum Draco besides my Champion Firebird. It just does it all. It is probably my most personally valued disc in my bag right now besides my well worn 2022 Jonesboro Open Champion Halo Destroyer. That thing is money on forehand power lines.
Great minds think alike, Benji …
Yours. Mine. Calvin’s.
We should be leading this country.
(jokes, of course)
After you try and bag one brand/company for any extended period, switching to an open bag kind of feels like a cheat code with limitless options…
Hahaha …
If you’re good, it doesn’t make that much of a difference.
Team Innova’s not killing it out on the Pro Tour, you know?
But for amateurs, that might mean something …
There’s an article somewhere in there.
Am i a fanboy if i only bag one company’s discs but do it cuz i like it keep it simple??? They less different plastic types i need to remember mid round the details on, the better. Plus i felt like flight numbers are only really measured against their company peers. Keep it simple stupid.
Fletch, now THAT is advice that’s hard to argue agains:
KISS: Keep It Simple Stupid
Common sense isn’t quite so common nowadays, is it?
Good advice for us all.
20 years ago it made sense. Innova did the 4 stages of flight, Discraft gave you an arrow with a single number, some other companies ya kinda just guessed. I threw mostly Innova and DC FOR 10 years, then got a SS Wizard from gateway and now after 20 years of play my bag has a ton of variety. Depending on when you started though, some have a good reason.
Very true, Kevin …
We’re working on a “language of disc golf” article right now, actually.
Depending on who you started with, you’re more accustomed to the language surrounding a specific brand’s disc lineup.
That plays a big role, too.