Innova Destroyer Review – Plastic Comparisons and Tips

The most popular disc golf distance driver in the world, the Innova Destroyer is great for beginners and advanced players alike. The Destroyer disc has been out for almost 10 years, and it has changed the game for countless disc golfers!

 It was released as the first ever 12 speed distance driver on the market. However, you might need to adjust the plastic type or weight of your disc to get the very best out of your purchase.  If you're interested in other disc reviews, check out our top ten disc golf discs guide.

Let's get into the Innova Destroyer Review!

The flight path is crazy. It’s a speed 12 disc that has a reliable fade at the end.It's a stable to over-stable distance driver. The Destroyer comes in different types of plastic. In fact, the Destroyer comes in every type of plastic Innova makes.

That's a ton of different plastic, and the Destroyer works differently in each plastic blend that it comes in.  Knowing this - I will be covering what plastic blend is most preferred for the majority of players as well as my personal favorites. At the end of everything, we should be able to help you find the perfect disc for your skill level and arm speed!

The Destroyer really isn't a beginner friendly disc. It's high speed will have most novices throwing 200-250 ft  meathooks. I don't personally suggest you start with this as your first distance driver. 

As we know, everyone buys plastic and discs that probably aren't best for them at the time, especially when you're starting out. That is why I'm writing this section regardless. To safeguard anyone that is going to buy one anyways.

DX plastic is the most basic plastic out there and tends to be more understable than other plastic blends. If you're still new to the sport and Paul Mcbeth has convinced you to buy a Destroyer, proceed with caution.  If you're going to buy a Destroyer, the safest bet would be DX plastic and a low weight.

If you've been playing disc golf for a little while now, than you most likely already own a Destroyer. However, certain plastics have slightly different flight paths.

For the most part, you've already chosen the plastic blend that fits your style already. But if you are trying to get the Destroyer to stay stable longer, I might be able to help you.

I've personally found a few domey Destroyers in Gstar plastic that I have found to be more flippy for a Destroyer. I can reach 390ft with it on a slight anny route. It gets me a nice, but often late S-curve.

Now, to be fair that's my max distance; but without the Gstar plastic I couldn't get my Destroyer to fly that far. You might be able to get away with a Champion or Blizzard plastic blend if you choose to lower the weights of your disc. 

I personally don't like getting max weight distance drivers. My Destroyer is a 167g and decently worn in. So, I'd suggest to go out and try a few different options.

Everytime I'm at my home course, I reach for my Destroyer. Longer drives pushing 400 ft will get me to circles' edge with the right release. I can throw my Destroyer on a relatively low line. It's served me well, and if you have the timing for it, I'd suggest giving it a try.  You can absolutely crush this disc with a reliable straight shot 300-350 ft before it slows with a reliable fade.

Reliable Fade is an understatement.

Have a big tree in your way? The Destroyer was made for this shot. Since it's a speed 12, it gets around obstacles pretty quick. 

The trick is getting the right hyzer angle as well as timing your release. I can personally Hyzer my Destroyer about 300-315 ft. It definitely does the job in those "situations" you just need to avoid.  You will lose distance on the higher angles too, so take that into account.

That's a lot of options. But we need to dive into the specific plastic blend to get a thorough look at what plastic is best for you.

For the sake of saving us all some time, I won't be going into how different runs can also have an effect on flight patterns. All I will say is that the manufacturing process isn't perfect.

I believe there are more consistent differences between plastic blends than by a "run-to-run" basis on those same discs. (My personal opinion)

I haven't found many places besides Ebay & Amazon to buy used disc golf discs from, but I was recently introduced to Discfinity.com. They have a full line of used discs from multiple manufacturers. 

Guess what else they have?  Used Champ Destroyers! 

The disc weight is something I had to consider when I first picked up a Destroyer. I've found my sweet spot to be around 167g.

You will have to experiment to find which weight works for you, but I suggest trying something lower than 175g, especially since the disc is already a speed 12.

Here's all the pros for the Echo Star plastic:

For this reason, I didn't come up with much to talk about. If you do like the feel of the Pro plastic, than the Destroyer might be for you.

Are you looking for an understable distance driver? Check out my full review on the Innova Daedalus.

Every new disc golf player should bag one of these and start getting used to it. Definitely one of the best disc golf discs for beginners to start gaining more distance out of their throws!

No matter what type of plastic you choose to go with, the Innova Destroyer is one of the most reliable distance drivers on the market today. 

If you are in the market for the last distance driver you'll ever need (ya right!), than head on over and check it out at Infinite Discs.

I choose to link to them because they are truly the CHEAPEST disc golf store online with the biggest selection.