The Innova Firebird disc is one of the very well-known discs in disc golf. And that’s down to its greater speed and stability, leading to many golfers referring to it as the “Champions Firebird.”
Being of the most reliable overstable drivers available, this might just be the ideal multipurpose disc for the forehand. With the disc, it’s possible to hurl drives into the wind with confidence. Overall it’s what we often consider one of the best disc golf discs for advanced players.
The Firebird has become a choice for elite (pro) players due to its excellence at long-range flex shots. And its ability to readily thrive in strong headwinds makes it an excellent forehand driver.
Manufactured by Innova Champion Discs Inc., known simply as Innova and established in 1983, the company is a standout disc golf brand in the US. It was one of the first to create disc golf gear. CEO Dave Dunipace is a disc golf coach who also competes in tournaments.
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Innova Firebird Specs and Features
The Innova Firebird is an overstable distance driver. Check out its specs and ratings:
- Ratings for Flight: Speed 9, Coast 3, Turn 0 and fade 4
- Available Plastics: Star, GStar, Champion, XT, R-Pro, Glow, DX
- Primary Use: Control Driver
- Stability: Very Overstable
- Recommended Skill Level: Advanced, Intermediate
- Plastic Type: DX
- Plastic grade(s): Basic (Cheapest), Durable, Premium
- Beadless: Yes
- Type: Driver
Firebird Dimensions:
- Diameter: 21.1 cm
- Height: 1.4 cm
- Rim Depth: 1.2 cm
- Rim Width: 1.9 cm
- Max Weight: 1758g
It’s no surprise that the Firebird is one of Innova’s most popular fairway drivers. It features a rim that is just the appropriate size for most hands, whether large or small. It also comes with a great deal of stability.
The Firebird can be counted on to resist wind and provide lots of fade. With a solid skip, you can get the Firebird out to +300 feet for forehand. The Firebird can withstand wind and power even at a reduced weight. Even with such power ratings, the Firebird will always be an overstable disc, whether you’re a novice or a pro. If you’re looking for understable discs, then look at our best understable distance drivers.
Innova Firebird Pros
- Great backhand and forehand disc
- Predictability
- Fades with a quickness
- Withstand torque on forehand
- Consistent strong fade with no turn
- Great for skip shots
- Easy to flick
- Good for headwinds and throws around corners.
- Best disc for anhyzer shots
Innova Firebird Cons
- May not be the most beginner-friendly.
- Not highly rated for strong/fast throw
- Relatively lesser glide ability
The Innova Firebird is one of the most consistent discs you can grab. And should you need a disc that won’t fade even in a stiff headwind, this is it.
If you need a disc to fade around a bend and give you a large skip or need to throw an accurate hyzer/spike hyzer, this could be your go-to disc.
Type of Plastics for Innova Firebird
Innova offers a diverse selection of discs, ranging from Disc Golf competition discs to bespoke discs for special tournaments, all of which are graded from beginner to professional.
Star, Champion, Pro, and DX are four separate plastic lines created by Innova, each with its flying characteristics. The varieties of plastic come with unique compositions better suited to specific throws or lengths. So it makes sense to go over the distinctions before deciding which is best for your game.
- DX: DX has the most alternatives when it comes to disc models and weight variations. This is Innova’s cheapest plastic, which will eventually wear out and assume a new flight path. This might be a good addition to your bag since it can give distinct lines than some other models.
- GStar: Provides the most comfortable grip and is ideal for cold-weather use. This plastic is just as tough as Star, but the disc is more flexible.
- Star: The Star model has almost the same level of toughness as the Champion plastic and provides more grip..
- Champion: Of all the plastic categories, this is the most stable. Champion is the most durable and consistent, making it ideal for quicker-throwing players.
The Firebird comes in DX plastics and is available in a broad range of disc models and weights. These discs are low-cost and provide good traction in virtually all types of weather.
DX discs tend to break in with prolonged usage and eventually take on new and different flight characteristics. Many professional players carry multiple DX discs of their favorites with them to give diverse flight patterns in different situations. Glow-in-the-dark discs are available on some DX discs. Custom hot stamping is offered on the majority of models.
Firebird Flight Ratings and Flight Pattern
Flight Ratings
Innova provides its clients with over a hundred disc alternatives, which is a large number. Every disc golfer ought to have a basic understanding of disc ratings because they show how well the disc will operate under ideal conditions. The Firebird has 9-speed, 3-glide, zero turn, and high 4-fade rating.
Flight Pattern
The Firebird boasts a large measure of overstability and performs better against headwinds.
You’ll notice it drifting to the left to around 300 feet after you throw it. Then, as it loses speed, you’ll see it fade quite quickly and that’s down to its high fade rating. The maximum flight distance a Firebird can achieve is pretty near 360 feet.
Who’s The Firebird Best Suited To?
This Firebird disc is designed for intermediate to advanced-level players as newbies are unlikely to have sufficient arm speed to allow the Firebird to follow its flight pattern accurately.
It may not be the most beginner-friendly because of its level of overstability. So if a newbie player attempts to attain a longer distance, the ball would either roll over or fade significantly while in the flight. An overstable driver is required for more experienced players with faster arm speeds, so the Firebird is suitable for Advanced players.
Final Thoughts on Firebird
The Firebird is an excellent backhand or forehand disc. It’s a fantastic bonus for anybody who discovers it. When launched at the appropriate angle, this disc will execute a lovely s-curve and fade back in towards the finish every time. This is particularly beneficial when you’ve got obstacles in your way trying to stop you from hitting the basket.
If you’ve been playing for quite a while, then the Firebird is a disc that you definitely should try. I hope you’ve enjoyed this Innova Firebird Review, and you’ll give this disc a shot!