Innova Destroyer Disc Golf Driver

Innova Destroyer Review

The annals of disc golf history can be divided into two eras: pre-Destroyer and post-Destroyer. It's no exaggeration to say that the arrival of this iconic disc kicked off the modern era of disc golf, and ushered in a new generation of players who throw course-breaking 500-foot power hyzers with pinpoint accuracy. Like the Aviar before it, the Destroyer changed the game. 

The following Innova Destroyer review is a snapshot of this disc's storied history. We always keep plenty of Destroyers in stock. Browse the store for pictures of each Destroyer for sale. 

Innova Destroyer Plastics

The sheer volume of Destroyers produced over the years has led to variance between production runs. 

• Star: This stiff yet flexible blend is the most popular Destroyer plastic. This mold ages well in this blend, starting overstable and gradually developing more turn and glide while retaining a reliable hyzer fade. 
• Halo Star: A stiffer version of Star with a two-toned color scheme that creates a "halo" effect around the outer rim. The Destroyer is more overstable in this plastic, with the Calvin Heimburg signature series being the beefiest version on the market.
• G Star: Very gummy and flexible blend with outstanding grip. Discs generally fly more understable in this plastic.
• Champion: Stiff, slick, and opaque blend that has maximum durability. 
• DX: A baseline blend with excellent grip, low durability, and a low price. It is popular for putters and midranges, but is not recommended for wide-rimmed drivers. 
• Pro: This blend has more durability than DX, but is not as tough as Star or Champion. A brand new Pro Destroyer will fly according to the flight numbers and beat in reasonably quickly. This is the best option for players with moderate arm speed.

Innova Destroyer Flight Numbers

• Speed: 12
• Glide: 5
• Turn: -1
• Fade: 3

With the perfect blend of high speed, subtle turn, and aggressive fade, the Destroyer combines big distance potential with deadly accuracy. Its outstanding torque resistance at high speeds and hard hyzer fade at low speeds give the Destroyer a predictable flight, but what sets this disc apart is its excellent mid-flight workability. 

It has enough turn to flip to flat from a hyzer release or drift out to the anhyzer side on a flat shot. At that point, it will show off the 5 glide rating before returning to a hyzer finish. A confident rip on the Destroyer will yield a wide variety of flex lines. It's also one of the best pure hyzer discs in the game. 

Dimensions

• Diameter: 21.1cm
• Height: 1.4cm
• Rim Depth: 1.2cm
• Rim Width: 2.2cm

The Destroyer is comfortable in both the backhand and forehand grip. But beware, the 2.2cm rim width is on the high end of what most players can hold without losing control and accuracy. The rim depth can also be an issue with beginners, who are better served by shallower rims. While it has a very low listed height of 1.4cm, most Destroyers have some dome on top. 

History

When the Destroyer hit the market in 2007, it was the first 12-speed disc Innova produced. It soon made then-popular molds like the Beast, Starfire, and Orc obsolete. The Destroyer has inspired many imitators, with every brand searching for its own version. Nevertheless, the Destroyer remains the most popular distance driver in the sport.  

Skill Level Recommendations

It takes above-average power to get the most out of the Destroyer, but that hasn't stopped thousands of beginners from throwing this iconic mold. 

• Novice: Much too fast and overstable for beginners. 
• Intermediate: Overstable utility disc for most players at this skill level. Try it in lighter weights for more workability and distance. 
• Advanced: Centerpiece of the bag in the distance driver category. Many players bag multiple Destroyers in different stages of wear to cover every shot shape. 
• Pro: The most popular pro-level driver in disc golf history. World Champions Paul McBeth, Ricky Wysocki, and Avery Jenkins have all had a signature Destroyer, and Innova typically gives their highest-profile pro a special run. These days, Calvin Heimburg's Halo Star Destroyer is a hot commodity on the disc market.