Innova Plastic Types: Charts, Stability, Grip + Reviews
Choosing between Innova plastic types can be quite daunting.
Luckily, we have thrown them all and are here to help.
Here are our reviews, data, and charts of every type of Innova plastic based on 10+ years of experience throwing them.
Innova Plastic Types
Halo Star Plastic
Durability: Halo Star plastic is known for its outstanding durability, essential for discs that endure frequent and intense play. This ensures that the disc's flight characteristics are preserved over time, making Halo Star a reliable option for consistent performance.
Grip: The grip provided by Halo Star plastic is superior, offering an excellent balance between stickiness and smoothness. This grip is particularly effective under varying weather conditions, aiding players in maintaining control and precision during throws.
Flexibility: In terms of flexibility, Halo Star plastic offers a moderate level of give, enhancing the grip and making the disc more comfortable to hold. This facilitates a controlled release for players.
Halo Effect: A distinctive feature of Halo Star plastic is the 'Halo' effect created during the molding process. This unique coloring method results in eye-catching patterns and vibrant colors, making each disc not only performance-oriented but also aesthetically pleasing.
Stability: Halo Star plastic is known for its overstability and beefiness when compared to other Innova plastics.
Comparative Analysis: When compared to Star plastic, Halo Star feels similar but offers a bit more grip, making it a preferred choice in wetter conditions. Compared to Champion plastic, Halo Star provides slightly more flexibility, advantageous for players seeking a more comfortable grip without compromising stability.
Overall Performance: Combining durability, grip, and a moderate degree of flexibility, Halo Star plastic suits players who seek both functionality and style in their discs. Its unique Halo coloring effect adds to its appeal, making it a popular choice among players who appreciate visually striking discs.
Innova Star Plastic
Durability: Star plastic is known for its good durability. It effectively resists wear and tear, making it a solid choice for players who play frequently. This resilience helps the disc maintain its flight characteristics for a longer period compared to less durable plastics.
Grip: The grip on Star plastic is commendable, offering a secure hold that aids in control and precision. This level of grip is maintained in various weather conditions, contributing to consistent performance across different playing environments.
Flexibility: Star plastic offers moderate flexibility, striking a balance between being too stiff and too pliable. This balanced flexibility contributes to a comfortable feel in the hand, aiding in effective releases and comfortable play over extended periods.
Flight Stability: Star plastic discs are known for their stable flight patterns. They offer a consistent flight experience, making them reliable choices for players who value predictability in their disc's behavior.
Comparison with Other Plastics: Star plastic is often compared to Champion plastic, but it offers a slightly better grip, making it more suitable for wet or humid conditions. Compared to the softer GStar plastic, Star provides a firmer feel while still offering similar grip and durability.
Coloring and Aesthetic Appeal: Star plastic is available in a wide range of vibrant colors and has an opaque appearance. The aesthetic appeal of Star plastic is a plus for many players who appreciate both functionality and style in their discs.
Overall Performance: Star plastic is a well-rounded choice in Innova's lineup, offering a great combination of durability, grip, and flexibility. Its stable flight characteristics and aesthetic appeal make it suitable for a wide range of players, from beginners to seasoned professionals.
Innova GStar Plastic
Durability: GStar plastic offers moderate durability. While it can withstand general play, it may show signs of wear more quickly than firmer plastics. This characteristic is suitable for players who prioritize grip and flexibility over extreme longevity.
Grip: The grip quality of GStar plastic is exceptional, providing a secure and comfortable hold in various weather conditions, including wet and cold environments. This enhanced grip helps players maintain control over their throws, contributing to consistent performance.
Flexibility: GStar plastic stands out for its high flexibility, making it one of the most adaptable plastics in the Innova lineup. This flexibility is beneficial for absorbing impacts and providing a comfortable feel, especially for players who prefer a softer touch.
Temperature Resistance: GStar plastic maintains its properties well in cold temperatures, making it an excellent choice for year-round play, especially in colder climates where other plastics might become too stiff.
Flight Characteristics: Discs made from GStar plastic are known for their stable and predictable flight patterns. The flexibility does not significantly impact the disc's ability to maintain its intended flight path, making it a reliable choice for a variety of shots.
Comparison to Other Plastics: GStar plastic is often compared to Star plastic due to its similar grip and durability, but it offers greater flexibility. Compared to Champion plastic, GStar is softer and provides a better grip, making it more suitable for players who value comfort and control.
Aesthetic Appeal: GStar plastic is available in a range of attractive colors and has a characteristic sheen that adds to its visual appeal. This aesthetic quality, combined with its performance features, makes GStar a popular choice among players who value both style and substance.
Overall Performance: GStar plastic is ideal for players who seek a perfect balance between grip, flexibility, and durability. Its adaptability to various weather conditions and consistent flight characteristics make it a versatile choice suitable for a wide range of players and playing styles.
Innova Champion Plastic
Durability: Champion plastic is renowned for its exceptional durability. It is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it a long-lasting choice for players. This high durability ensures that discs maintain their flight characteristics and stability even after extensive use.
Grip: While Champion plastic offers a decent level of grip, it is somewhat less tacky compared to softer plastics like GStar. The grip is sufficient for controlled throws, but players may find it a bit slick in wet conditions.
Flexibility: Champion plastic is known for its rigidity. This lower flexibility can contribute to a more consistent flight over time, but it may not be as comfortable for players who prefer a softer feel.
Translucence and Aesthetic Appeal: One of the distinct features of Champion plastic is its translucent appearance. The clarity and range of vibrant colors available in this plastic make it visually appealing and easy to spot on the course.
Flight Stability and Performance: Discs made from Champion plastic are known for their stable and predictable flight patterns. They are particularly favored for their ability to maintain intended flight paths, making them reliable choices for experienced players.
Comparison with Other Plastics: Compared to Star plastic, Champion is more rigid and less grippy but offers superior durability. It is less flexible than GStar plastic, but its high durability makes it a preferred choice for players who value longevity and consistent performance.
Weather Resistance: Champion plastic maintains its characteristics well in various weather conditions, but its rigid nature may become more noticeable in colder temperatures.
Overall Performance: Champion plastic stands out for its superior durability and stable flight characteristics. Its rigidity and translucence add to its unique appeal, making it a popular choice among players who prioritize longevity and reliability in their discs.
Innova Champion Glow Plastic
Durability (9/10): Champion Glow plastic boasts exceptional durability, akin to standard Champion plastic. It withstands significant wear and tear, ensuring that discs maintain their flight characteristics and stability over a long period. This makes it an ideal choice for players who engage in frequent and rigorous play.
Grip (6/10): The grip on Champion Glow plastic is satisfactory, providing enough tackiness for a secure hold during play. While it offers a decent grip, it may feel slightly less grippy than softer plastics, especially in wet conditions.
Flexibility (2/10): Champion Glow plastic is characterized by its rigidity. This low flexibility leads to consistent flight over time but may not be as comfortable for players who prefer a softer feel in their discs.
Glow-in-the-Dark: A unique aspect of Champion Glow plastic is its glow-in-the-dark capability, making it a popular choice for night rounds or playing in low-light conditions. This feature adds a functional and fun element to the discs, enhancing their appeal for various play styles and environments.
Flight Stability and Performance: Similar to standard Champion plastic, Champion Glow discs are known for their stable and predictable flight patterns. They are reliable for players seeking consistent performance, especially in windy conditions.
Comparison with Other Plastics: Champion Glow plastic shares many qualities with regular Champion plastic, including durability and stability. However, its glow-in-the-dark feature sets it apart, offering an additional benefit for specific playing scenarios.
Aesthetic Appeal: The translucent appearance, combined with the glow-in-the-dark feature, gives Champion Glow plastic a unique aesthetic appeal. This visual aspect is appreciated by many players, especially those who enjoy evening or night play.
Overall Performance: Champion Glow plastic is an excellent choice for players looking for durable, stable, and reliable discs with the added benefit of glowing in the dark. Its rigidity and moderate grip make it suitable for more experienced players who prioritize consistent flight characteristics and enjoy playing in various lighting conditions.
Innova Metal Flake Plastic
Durability (8/10): Metal Flake plastic is highly durable, similar to Champion plastic. It withstands the rigors of frequent play, ensuring that discs maintain their flight characteristics and stability for an extended period. This high durability makes it an ideal choice for players who engage in regular and intense play.
Grip (6/10): The grip on Metal Flake plastic is adequate, providing enough tackiness for a firm hold during play. While it offers a reasonable grip, it may not be as tacky as softer plastics, and players might find it slightly less grippy in damp conditions.
Flexibility (4/10): Metal Flake plastic has limited flexibility, leaning towards the rigid side. This characteristic contributes to consistent flight over time but may not appeal as much to players who prefer a softer feel in their discs.
Metal Flake Aesthetic: A distinctive feature of Metal Flake plastic is the inclusion of metal flakes in the plastic, which creates a unique, sparkling appearance. This aesthetic quality adds to the visual appeal of the discs, making them stand out both in appearance and performance.
Flight Stability and Performance: Discs made from Metal Flake plastic are known for their stable and predictable flight patterns. They are particularly favored for their ability to maintain intended flight paths, making them reliable choices for experienced players.
Comparison with Other Plastics: Metal Flake plastic shares many qualities with Champion plastic in terms of durability and stability. However, the metal flakes embedded in the plastic give it a distinct look and a slightly different feel.
Overall Performance: Metal Flake plastic is an excellent choice for players looking for durable, stable, and visually striking discs. Its rigidity and moderate grip make it suitable for more experienced players who prioritize consistent flight characteristics and enjoy discs with a unique aesthetic.
Innova Blizzard Plastic
Durability (4/10): Blizzard plastic is known for its lower durability compared to firmer plastics like Champion or Star. It's more prone to wear and tear, especially when used frequently or on rough terrains. This characteristic means Blizzard discs may show signs of wear more quickly.
Grip (6/10): The grip on Blizzard plastic is moderate, offering a decent hold during play. While it provides enough grip for controlled throws, it may not be as tacky as softer plastics, and players might find it a bit less effective in wet conditions.
Flexibility (8/10): Blizzard plastic is highly flexible, which contributes to its unique characteristics. This high flexibility is beneficial for absorbing impacts and providing a comfortable feel, especially for players who prefer a softer touch.
Lightweight Design: One of the key features of Blizzard plastic is its lightweight design. This quality makes it particularly suitable for players with less arm speed or strength, as it can help them achieve greater distances with less effort.
Buoyancy: Some Blizzard plastic discs have the added advantage of floating in water, which can be a significant benefit when playing near water hazards.
Flight Characteristics: Despite its lightweight nature, Blizzard plastic discs are known for maintaining stable and predictable flight patterns. They are suitable for a variety of playing styles and conditions, offering versatility in their use.
Comparison with Other Plastics: Blizzard plastic is softer and more flexible than many other plastics but with less durability. Its lightweight design makes it a distinct choice within the Innova lineup, especially favored by players seeking to maximize their distance with less power.
Overall Performance: Blizzard plastic is ideal for players looking for lightweight, flexible discs that offer moderate grip and performance. While its durability is lower, its adaptability and unique features like buoyancy make it suitable for a specific segment of players, including those who are still developing their throwing techniques.
Innova Pro Plastic
Durability (5/10): Pro plastic offers moderate durability. It is more resilient than basic plastics like DX but doesn't quite match the longevity of premium options like Champion or Star. This level of durability is suitable for players who want a balance between performance and longevity.
Grip (7/10): The grip on Pro plastic is a standout feature, providing a comfortable and secure hold. This grip aids in control and precision, making it easier for players to execute a variety of shots, especially in dry conditions.
Flexibility (7/10): Pro plastic boasts high flexibility, which contributes to its forgiving nature on impact. This flexibility also adds to the comfort in handling, making Pro plastic discs more appealing to players who prefer a softer feel.
Flight Characteristics: Pro plastic discs generally exhibit stable flight patterns. The flexibility of the plastic allows for a bit more give on impact, which can be advantageous for absorbing shocks and reducing skip.
Comparison with Other Plastics: Pro plastic is softer and offers better grip than Champion and Star plastics but is less durable. It strikes a balance between the affordability of DX plastic and the performance qualities of premium plastics.
Suitability for a Range of Players: Pro plastic is ideal for players transitioning from beginner to intermediate levels. Its forgiving nature and stable flight make it an excellent choice for those looking to refine their skills with a disc that offers both comfort and performance.
Overall Performance: Pro plastic is a versatile choice in Innova's lineup, providing a blend of durability, grip, and flexibility. Its balanced characteristics make it suitable for players who seek a comfortable disc with stable flight and reasonable durability.
Innova R-Pro Plastic
Durability (4/10): R-Pro plastic has moderate to low durability. It's softer and less resistant to wear and tear compared to firmer plastics like Champion or Star. This characteristic means R-Pro discs may show signs of wear more quickly, especially when used on rough terrains.
Grip (8/10): The grip offered by R-Pro plastic is one of its most notable features. It provides a tacky and secure hold, which is particularly advantageous in wet or damp conditions. This superior grip helps players maintain control over their throws, contributing to consistent performance.
Flexibility (9/10): R-Pro plastic is highly flexible, making it one of the most adaptable plastics in the Innova lineup. This high flexibility is beneficial for absorbing impacts and providing a comfortable feel, especially for players who prefer a softer touch.
Temperature Resistance: Another advantage of R-Pro plastic is its performance in colder temperatures. Unlike firmer plastics that can become stiff in the cold, R-Pro maintains its flexibility and grip, making it an excellent choice for year-round play.
Flight Characteristics: Despite its softness, discs made from R-Pro plastic maintain stable and predictable flight patterns. The flexibility does not significantly detract from the disc's ability to hold its intended flight path, making it a reliable choice for a variety of shots.
Comparison with Other Plastics: R-Pro plastic is softer and offers better grip than firmer plastics like Champion and Star, but with less durability. It is a preferred choice for players who prioritize comfort and control over the longevity of the disc.
Overall Performance: R-Pro plastic is ideal for players who seek a perfect balance between grip, flexibility, and comfort. Its adaptability to various weather conditions and consistent flight characteristics make it a versatile choice suitable for a wide range of players and playing styles, particularly those who play in colder climates or prefer a softer feel.
Innova JK Pro Plastic
Durability (5/10): JK Pro plastic offers moderate durability. It's more durable than basic plastics like DX but not as resilient as premium options such as Champion or Star. This level of durability is suitable for players who value grip and flexibility over extreme longevity.
Grip (9/10): The grip on JK Pro plastic is exceptional, providing a tacky and secure hold. This high-quality grip is particularly advantageous in a variety of weather conditions, aiding players in maintaining control and precision during their throws.
Flexibility (8/10): JK Pro plastic is highly flexible, making it one of the most adaptable plastics in Innova's lineup. This flexibility is beneficial for absorbing impacts and providing a comfortable feel, particularly for players who prefer a softer touch.
Comparison with Other Plastics: JK Pro plastic is softer and offers better grip than firmer plastics like Champion and Star but with less durability. It's ideal for players who prioritize a soft, grippy feel in their discs, particularly in putters and approach discs.
Flight Characteristics: Despite its softness, discs made from JK Pro plastic maintain stable and predictable flight patterns. The flexibility does not significantly impact the disc's ability to maintain its intended flight path, making it a reliable choice for a variety of shots.
Temperature Resistance: JK Pro plastic performs well in different temperature conditions, maintaining its flexibility and grip even in colder weather. This makes it a versatile choice for players in various climates.
Overall Performance: JK Pro plastic is a great choice for players who seek an excellent balance between grip, flexibility, and comfort. Its adaptability to various weather conditions and consistent flight characteristics make it a versatile choice suitable for a wide range of players, especially those who prefer a softer feel in their discs.