Innova Firebird

Flight: How the Firebird flies

For those with power (and you know who you are), the Innova Firebird provides a straight flight followed by a substantial fade (or hook) to the ground for medium to short drives.

Expect this overstable disc in many cases to skip hard before it comes to a rest. Without enough power, the disc will immediately hook hard to the ground.

Innova Firebird Flight Numbers

Here’s a look under the hood of this popular upwind distance driver.

Speed: 9

Sure there are faster discs out there. But when you combine the Firebird’s modest speed with its other beefy flight characteristics you get an overstable workhorse like no other.

Glide: 3

Of all of our active drivers, the Firebird has the lowest glide. That means the chances of it blowing by your target is nearly nil.

High Speed Turn: 0

Zero high speed turn means this disc isn’t going to budge from the line you put it on, until of course the generous fade kicks, sending it to your target with gusto.

Fade: 4

That’s about as high as fade gets. Big fade combined with zero turn means you can put everything you got into this disc and have no doubt it’s coming back.

How do other discs compare to the Firebird

TeeBird vs Firebird

With the flight numbers of: 7 / 5 / 0 / 2, the TeeBird is a straight shooter, with a slow and steady flight, moderate fade finish, and can be thrown by most players. The Firebird requires considerably more power for a straight flight, and still produces a significant hzyer finish at flight’s end.

Thunderbird vs Firebird

The flight of these two discs starts out similar, however the Firebird’s fade is much more severe. The Thunderbird (9 / 5 / 0 / 2) still has respectable overstability, however, you won’t have to plan for nearly as much hook at flight’s end.

XCaliber vs Firebird

Speed is the big difference maker here. With the Innova XCaliber (12 / 5 / 0 / 4), you get the same cranked-up fade as the Firebird, however the XCal’s 12-speed will put you out into the fairway faster, covering more ground, before its hefty fade takes effect.

More Discs you Might Like

Plastic Types

You’ve heard of the Champion Firebird. Now get to know the rest of the Firebird family

DX Firebird

Trust us. If you haven’t thrown a Firebird before, start here first.

DX plastic is the least overstable and is the easiest way to get-to-know this beefy disc model.

Grip: Good all-around, all-weather grip.

Durability: Least durable of Innova plastics (short break-in time, though)

GStar Firebird

Pack this grippy guy for rainy or frigid rounds when you can’t live without overstable goodness. A GStar Firebird is the next step up in overstability after DX.

Grip: Grippiest of Innova’s premium plastics. Soft and flexy. Ideal for wet, cold weather.

Durability: High durability

Star Firebird

If Champion grip is not for you, but you don’t want to sacrifice too much overstability, then the Star Firebird will be right up your alley.

Grip: Good all-conditions grip. Many players only throw Star plastic.

Durability: Very durable. Nearly as durable as Champion and Halo Star plastic.

Champion Firebird

This is the Firebird that Firebird throwers reach for and one of the best-selling Innova discs. Champion plastic is known for being the most overstable plastic, and that beefiness is put to great use here. Another reason to throw the Champion Firebird, it’s a signature disc of 12-time World Champ Ken Climo.

Grip: Among Innova’s least grippy plastic

Durability: Innova’s most durable, long-lasting plastic

Halo Firebird

Halo disc models, with their intense two-color combinations, are a sight to behold. Compared with Star plastic, Halo Star discs have more glide and more overstability. If you love your Champion Firebird, but wish it had better grip, say hello to the Halo Firebird.

Grip: Excellent grip that bests the desirable Star plastic

Durability: Among Innova’s most durable plastic. Just a notch below Champion.

Flat Top Champion Firebird

When just plain overstable won’t do, many Firebird lovers seek out the venerable Flat Top Firebird. Like the name suggests, these discs are board flat or as close to it as possible. The flat top is said to give the disc extra overstability and less glide. Although some Firebirds can come quite flat off the factory line, most of these Firebirds are post production flattened.

Grip: Among Innova’s least grippy plastic

Durability: Innova’s most durable, long-lasting plastic

Specialty Firebirds

If you prefer your Firebird with a little panache, check out some of our specialty stock offerings like the InnVision Star Firebird or the super colorful I-Dye Champion Firebird.

Although not stock offerings, you can occasionally find Glow Champion, Luster Champion, and Metal Flake Champion Firebirds.

Collector Firebirds

There are lots of collectible Firebirds out there, but the most sought after is the Nate Sexton Tour Series edition, which is a Color Glow Champion Firebird.

Also, be on the lookout for the Pro, KC Pro, Champion Edition (CE), and other discontinued versions of the disc.

DGU Original Designs

Not to toot our own horn, but over the years we’ve come up with some sick artwork for the Firebird like: Phoenix, XXL Inferno, XXL Barbarian, XXL Profile designs. We're creating cool stamps for popular models all the time.

See if we've got a special Firebird here: DGU Originals

Factory Second (F2) Firebird

If you are looking to buy a Firebird for less $$$, an Innova Factory Second Firebird is the way to go. F2 discs are discounted because they have minor blemishes and/or multiple stamps. They perform the same as stock discs. Keep in mind that F2 models and plastics can vary.

Check with us if you are looking for something specific: info@discgolfunited.

Check out our F2's

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Why use a Firebird?

The Firebird is an excellent disc for so many throws. Here are the Top 8:

Forehand / Sidearm / Flick Shots

Pros call it the ultimate sidearm disc. Once you develop the arm speed, you won’t use anything else.

Headwind Shots:

When you throw a Champion Firebird backhand, forehand, or overhand, heavy winds seem to change from a roar to a whimper.

Overhead Shots:

Lay the hammer down, or the thumber for that matter with the one disc that can handle those powerful throws and stay on point.

Monster Hyzers:

Perhaps the easiest throw to make with the Firebird is the meat hook. This disc just wants to hyzer. So, let it do what it wants and both you and the disc will be happy.

Hitting Sharp Corners:

Need to hug a dogleg? Not many discs do it better.

Force Flex Shot:

If you have the power or a well-worn Firebird, this shot could be a round-changer for your game.

Skips:

Get out of trouble or touch down on an unlikely green with this handy shot.

Forehand Roller:

When you force a Firebird to roll magical things can happen, especially from the rough.

Who Should Throw a Firebird?

Let's face it, not every disc is for every disc golfer. And that includes the Firebird, one of the most overstable discs available. Designed for professional level players, it’s often too much disc for beginners and those who struggle to throw past 300 feet.

So how do I know if I can wield it? If you are easily turning over discs like the TeeBird or Thunderbird with a flat release (whether it’s backhand or forehand), then you’re a good candidate for a Firebird.

The Firebird can still serve smaller arms. If you don’t have a big arm, but you’re an experienced disc golfer, a Firebird can still find a place in your bag for select situations like headwind drives, big downhill shots, skip shots, and overhand shots. **If you're unsure if you have the power for full use of a Firebird try it in DX plastic first in the lightest weight available.

Firebird Reviews: Pros swear by the Firebird

If you do have the power, you won’t throw anything else when you need a hyzer finishing flight. The list for those that rely on the Firebird is long. Check out some of its biggest fans.

Jeremy Koling ( 2016 US Champ): “I love the mold of the Firebird. It comes out of the forehand grip, the backhand grip so clean. It just feels right in the hand,” said Koling, adding that it still works if your forehand form isn’t the best.

Brian Schweberger (2013 US Masters Champ): “My best disc for over-hand thumbers,” said Schweberger, who uses a Champion Firebird (with Flat Top) for 95% of his thumbers.

Nate Sexton (2017 US Champ): “Regardless of the conditions or hazards on the course I can put my full effort behind this disc and always trust that it’s going to do what I think it’s going to do and put me in a good spot,” said Sexton one of the pro tour’s best forehand players.

Jennifer Allen (Women’s Distance World Record Holder): “I have always thrown the Champion Firebird. I’ve always played in a lot of wind so I love throwing big spike hyzers … the Firebird is one of the most dependable discs that I have that will always finish to the left (Backhand).

A favorite for Average Joe’s, too: This disc is so revered, even players loyal to other manufacturers will cross over to buy it. Anthony, DGU Customer: “Trust the overstability! You’ll go to the Firebird over and again when you’ve learned which shots they are best utilized for. They’re great for shorter hyzer shots when you don’t need the extra distance and they’re also my go to disc for tough to reach flick-shots.” Seaver, DGU Customer: “You can bet that this disc will fade back no matter what. I use it for situations where I need a big skip or I need a consistent hyzer shot.”

Questions & Answers

What does overstable mean in disc golf?

Discs are primarily divided into three categories: stable, understable, and overstable. Stable or neutral discs are designed to hold their angle of release, while understable discs tend to turnover before fading to the ground. Overstable discs are built with strong fade and hook toward to ground at flight’s end. More info about overstable discs.

What are Innova Firebird Reviews like?

Trusty. Dependable. Predictable. These are the words that always seem to pop up during Innova Firebird reviews. Whether it’s top caliber pros or weekend warriors, their reliance on the Firebird is the same.

What are the Innova Firebird flight numbers?

The flight numbers for the Innova Firebird are: Speed: 9. Glide: 3. Turn: 0. Fade: 4. Its combination of moderate speed, very low glide, zero turn, and massive fade make it a must-have disc for power throwers seeking a reliable hyzer finish.

What is the Sexton Firebird?

The Nate Sexton Firebird is a special run of Innova Firebird in Color Glow Champion plastic made for disc golf pro Nate Sexton, who is known for his forehand skill. The disc is part of the Innova Tour Series that helps raise funds for pro disc golfers. A new edition of the Sexton Firebird is produced each year.

Should I throw a Champion or Star Firebird?

The Innova Firebird is made in a number of plastics that are widely available. Each is suited to different player preferences. If you prefer maximum overstability and durability, the Champion Firebird will be your pick. However, if grip is more crucial to you, the slightly less overstable Star Firebird is for you.

What is the most overstable Innova Firebird?

The Innova Firebird in Champion plastic is generally considered the most overstable Firebird that’s also widely available. Other Firebirds like Glow Champion and Metal Flake Champion plastic runs can be even more overstable, but are usually in limited runs.

From the blog...

Learn more about the Firebird