In this article, Disc Golf Action will highlight and compare the best Innova control drivers 2022 along with an attached review to help you understand the options available and narrow down your choice to the most suitable discs for you.
When it comes to long and accurate shots in disc golf, there is nothing more important than a good fairway driver. A developing player needs to carry different types of discs for different types of situations. To many, the most important disc that one must carry is the control or fairway driver.
Not only does a fairway driver allow a player to make a standard straight shot, but it also lets you combat harsh winds during the game. Compared with a distance driver, a fairway driver has a thinner rim. A fairway driver is easier to control and will not fade as much at the end of the flight. It is easier to control your shots with less strain your arm.
Fairway drivers can still go for good distance when using correct disc golf throwing technique. For beginners, control drivers often provide more distance than distance drivers as these discs are designed to be thrown with less arm speed required. Overstable fairway drivers don’t provide great distance but are extremely useful in high winds. so it is best to keep one with you at all times while competing.
Innova is the #1 disc golf manufacturer in the world. The Innova brand has been manufacturing quality plastics and molds for different kinds of disc drivers since 1983. They are the most widely distributed and if you are new to disc golf this is a brand you likely are familiar with. Innova has the largest selection of disc molds and control drivers for every shot type.
Here is a table of summary containing the specifications of the best Innova control drivers that are recommended in this article:
| Speed | Glide | Turn | Fade | |
| Innova Teebird | 7.0 | 5.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 |
| Innova Teebird3 | 8.0 | 4.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 |
| Innova Teebird-L | 7.0 | 5.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 |
| Innova Leopard | 6.0 | 5.0 | -2.0 | 1.0 |
| Innova Leopard3 | 7.0 | 5.0 | -2.0 | 1.0 |
| Innova Valkyrie | 9.0 | 4.0 | -2.0 | 2.0 |
| Innova Firebird | 9.0 | 3.0 | 0.0 | 4.0 |
| Innova Thunderbird | 9.0 | 5.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 |
| Innova Roadrunner | 9.0 | 5.0 | -4.0 | 1.0 |
| Innova Viper | 6.0 | 4.0 | 1.0 | 5.0 |
1. Innova Teebird
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| DIMENSIONS OF THE INNOVA TEEBIRD | |
| Diameter | 21.1cm |
| Height | 1.6 cm |
| Rim Depth | 1.2 cm |
| Rim Width | 1.7 cm |
| Max Weight | 175 grams |
REVIEW:
The Teebird is one of the best Innova control drivers in the market that is known for its consistency and dependability. It rarely turns out of control or swerves to the right—and even if it does, it will simply come back and finish left. It is also known for its pinpoint accuracy and distance, making it perfect for throwing through different obstacles.
A very versatile driver, the Teebird is one of the most classic discs offered by the brand. It is also reputed to be the driver of choice for many intermediate and advanced players due to its ability to help them increase their control and give off more distance without exerting much effort.
Thanks to its amazing, straight-flight path, the Teebird disc fades well when it starts to slow down. These make the Teebird a great choice for those who like having their control discs land where they expect it to.
It is also recognized for its capacity to perform different shots superbly, regardless if the player throws it using a backhand or forehand throw. This makes the Teebird perfect for any type of player.
One downside to the Treebird, however, is that, despite giving off great flex shots and hook shots when thrown at anhyzer angles and released on a hyzer angle, respectively, its disc plastic can get chewed up quickly. This may have to do with the fact that its plastic is exceptionally soft.
Pros
- Great for straight flights with a little left fade at the end
- Recommended by intermediate and expert players
- Lightweight without sacrificing performance
Cons
- Disc plastic is exceptionally soft, so it can be chewed up quickly
2. Innova Teebird3
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| DIMENSIONS OF THE INNOVA TEEBIRD3 | |
| Diameter | 21.2 cm |
| Height | 1.5 cm |
| Rim Depth | 1.1 cm |
| Rim Width | 1.7 cm |
| Max Weight | 176 g |
REVIEW:
Compared to the Teebird, this Innova control driver flies faster, although the difference is barely noticeable. With a 0 rating for turning, the disc is stable and does not turn left or right; it simply flies straight. Together with its fade rating of 2 and speed rating of 8, it veers slightly to the left and lands there, thereby making the specifications of the Teebird3 more accurate.
The flatter-top design is a massive help to the gliding of the Innova Teebird3. A clear reduction in its gliding makes it more predictable and ensures that the disc will not fade back early without reaching its maximum distance.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Can provide lots of control
- Offers greater stability and lesser glide
Cons
- May not be a good choice for those who prefer excitement in their plays
3. Innova Teebird-L
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| DIMENSIONS OF THE INNOVA TEEBIRD-L | |
| Diameter | 21.1 cm |
| Height | 1.6 cm |
| Rim Depth | 1.2 cm |
| Rim Width | 1.8 cm |
| Max Weight | 186 g |
REVIEW:
More commonly known as the Innova TL, the Innova Teebird-TL glides longer in the air, which results in a greater travel distance.
When thrown flat, it travels straightforwardly with a few fades upon descent. It is perfect for tight shots that do not require a lot of hyzer, mid-range to long-range forehand shots, turnover shots, and touch shots.
One thing we didn’t like about this control driver, however, is that it is flippy and unpredictable, as to be expected from disc plastics. It can also be overpowered easily if you throw it faster than you normally would.
In addition to that, this disc also beats in quick and gets heavier when turning.
Pros
- Great for beginners and for players who don’t have a developed arm
- Dependable for shots that need to go laser straight
- Highly versatile
Cons
- Has a slightly less fade when it is about to end its flight
4. Innova Leopard
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| DIMENSIONS OF THE INNOVA LEOPARD | |
| Diameter | 21.2 cm |
| Height | 1.6 cm |
| Rim Depth | 1.1 cm |
| Rim Width | 1.6 cm |
| Max Weight | 165 g |
REVIEW:
The Innova Leopard is a disc that can be used by anyone regardless of their skill level. It flies straight, flies long, and only fades slightly when it comes to landing. It is also great for turnover shots.
Many players view the Leopard as the best Innova control driver for beginners because of its effectiveness and ease of throw while flying straight. It travels large distances even if thrown weakly, making it perfect for beginners with untrained throwing arm muscles.
This Innova control driver also works well when the hole curves to the right, and you need to do a turnover shot. Its versatility adds to its suitability as a perfect tool for helping you improve your skills.
Although useful for gentle hyzers, long straight shots, and turnover shots, many disc golf enthusiasts agree that the Leopard flies great with anhyzer shots, roller shots, and straight line drivers.
One downside to this disc, however, is that in the inexpensive base plastic it can easily get scratches or dents. This may be because of its plastic, which is too soft and can be susceptible to damage.
Pros
- Can be learned easily by a beginner
- A great, all-around disc
- Provides greater control during a game
Cons
- Its disc plastic is too soft
5. Innova Leopard3
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| DIMENSIONS OF THE INNOVA LEOPARD3 | |
| Diameter | 21.2 cm |
| Height | 1.6 cm |
| Rim Depth | 1.1 cm |
| Rim Width | 1.6 cm |
| Max Weight | 180 g |
REVIEW:
At first touch, you can feel the disc’s stiffness that stabilizes it when flying. The Innova Leopard3 goes in a long and straight line and has minimal fade when it comes to the end of its flight—all while maintaining its excellent speed.
However, the stiffness does have its downside—it makes it hard to create turnover discs and hyzer turns. Although achievable by exerting tremendous power, you can also soften the disk after using it for some time.
Its speed is really commendable since it is a lot faster and straighter than the original Innova Leopard. Innova advertised it to have a reverse question mark-shaped flight, and this can be seen when the disc is thrown in a flat release. It would hold straight for more than half its flight, then turn a little to the left or the right—depending on how you throw—and comes back to the center.
Pros
- Offers greater stability and more options for your style of play
- Does not take much to get some distance
- Has a consistent flight pattern that’s ideal for beginner players without much arm speed
Cons
- Its stiffness can make it undesirable for hyzer turns and turnover discs
6. Innova Valkyrie
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| DIMENSIONS OF THE INNOVA VALKYRIE | |
| Diameter | 21.1 cm |
| Height | 1.4 cm |
| Rim Depth | 1.2 cm |
| Rim Width | 1.9 cm |
| Max Weight | 176 g |
REVIEW:
The Innova Valkyrie is one of the best Innova control drivers in the market. It comes with a comfortable grip as well as beginner-friendly characteristics. Its lighter weight makes it easier to control compared to the other items in this lineup.
Aside from the fact that it’s easier to predict where the Innova Valkyrie will land, being lightweight also helps boost the distance that it can travel. It offers a learning curve, which may be a deal-breaker for experts, but it is perfect for those who are just starting to learn and enjoy the game. This can improve their form and skill level.
One downside to the Valkyrie, though, is that it lacks a little bit of speed and does not glide as gracefully as one would hope. Additionally, although it is ideal for backhand throws, it is too unstable when used with forehand throws. It is far more effortless to control when used for solid turnover shots and rollers.
Pros
- Excellent for beginning players
- Can help you improve your form and skills
- Its lighter weight makes it easier to control
Cons
- Offers a learning curve, which may not be preferable for experts
- Lacks a bit of speed and does not glide too gracefully
7. Innova Firebird
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| DIMENSIONS OF THE INNOVA FIREBIRD | |
| Diameter | 21.1 cm |
| Height | 1.4 cm |
| Rim Depth | 1.2 cm |
| Rim Width | 1.9 cm |
| Max Weight | 175 g |
REVIEW:
The Innova Firebird may be one of the best Innova control drivers there is. It can fly very long distances while traveling short distances with a controlled fade, thereby helping you land where you want it to.
Widely considered by many to be an overstable disc, the Firebird gives off power shots when needed. The disc has a high wind resistance, which helps cut through the wind when gusts of wind blow now and then in the playing grounds.
An excellent disc for upwind distance driving, it can do any shot you want it to do, whether it’s a hyzer, anhyzer, roller shot, or turnover shot. It might not have the best glide in the market, but that is only one of the few downsides of this Innova control driver.
Another thing that can make it a deal-breaker for players is that the Firebird is not suitable for beginners. It requires arm strength for this disc to achieve the right speed to carry out its potential and follow its flight pattern. Hence, it is only ideal for advanced players.
Pros
- Great for straight flights with a little left fade at the end
- Recommended by intermediate and expert players
- Lightweight without sacrificing performance
Cons
- Does not have the best glide in the market
- Not suitable for beginners
8. Innova Thunderbird
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| DIMENSIONS OF THE INNOVA THUNDERBIRD | |
| Diameter | 21.2 cm |
| Height | 1.6 cm |
| Rim Depth | 1.1 cm |
| Rim Width | 1.9 cm |
| Max Weight | 175175 g |
REVIEW:
More commonly known as the longer Teebird, the Innova Thunderbird acquires the same flight property as the former control driver model. It may not have the best fade in this list, but it has the same great speed and stability as the Valkyrie and the Teebird.
The good thing about the Thunderbird is that it does not sacrifice quality; although it can travel long distances, it can still be controlled with a justifiable grip.
The Thunderbird is a stable control driver and travels straightforwardly, but it does fade a little to the left, therefore making a slight turn. It works well in a moderately windy place, but when the winds start blowing strongly, they cannot rip through.
It has a minimal glide that makes it perfect for anhyzer shots. Despite its cons, the Thunderbird driver is an extremely reliable disc and can perform the way you want it.
Pros
- Can travel long distances, but can still be controlled with a justifiable grip
- A stable control driver that travels straightforwardly
Cons
- May not work best in strongly windy playing grounds
- May not have the best fade in the market
9. Innova Roadrunner
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| DIMENSIONS OF THE INNOVA ROADRUNNER | |
| Diameter | 21.1 cm |
| Height | 1.4 cm |
| Rim Depth | 1.2 cm |
| Rim Width | 1.8 cm |
| Max Weight | 150 g |
REVIEW:
The Innova Roadrunner is another control driver meant for beginners because of its ease of throw. It can travel in a straight path without you needing to exert much power and can glide in the air for a long time at an average speed.
Although it may not be the most stable disc created by Innova, it has a low-degree fade, which makes it ideal for long, straight shots. It can also help newbies to improve their forehand and backhand throws through time.
As for intermediate players, it is good to have the Roadrunner around since it can be used to maneuver through difficult obstacles while trying to get a good distance. It can also be used for distance shots and is one of the best in doing short anhyzer shots.
Despite that, one disadvantage of the Roadrunner is that experienced players may need a heavier weight to prevent the disc from getting too flippy.
Pros
- High ease of throw
- Ideal for long, straight shots
- Perfect for both intermediate and beginner players
Cons
- Can flip too fast, which makes it difficult to control the disc’s flight pattern
10. Innova Viper
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| DIMENSIONS OF THE INNOVA VIPER | |
| Diameter | 21.7 cm |
| Height | 2.0 cm |
| Rim Depth | 1.3 cm |
| Rim Width | 1.6 cm |
| Max Weight | 180 g |
REVIEW:
Recognized by many as the classic, super overstable, and the best Innova control driver, the Innova Viper travels a lot of distance and has an enormous glide that makes it great for intermediate and advanced players. Since the disc fades a lot, it would be best to practice tricky shots with the Viper before trying them in a competition.
It might take some time to get used to its fade, but once you get the hang of it, it offers magnificent accuracy and consistency that no other Innova disc may offer.
The Viper works best with backhand approach shots and in all wind conditions. It usually fades to the left, and after a little while, fades to the right, then lands a little veered off to the right. It is an excellent sidearm driver and has great control even if released shakily. It can also be used to maneuver through tricky obstacles.
One thing you should know about this driver, though, is that it dies fairly harder than its projected fade when thrown without enough power. It also has a pretty insane rim curve that many players may not be comfortable with.
Pros
- Very overstable while still remaining controllable
- Performs well in all wind conditions
- Provides magnificent accuracy and consistency once you get used to its fade
Cons
- Not recommended for beginners
- Its old rim and large diameter may scare some players off
Overall
Many may not consider control drivers as the most vital discs in disc golf, but Innova control drivers absolutely should form part of your playing arsenal if you want controlled, accurate flights in your play.
What classifies an Innova disc as a Fairway Driver?
Innova classifies discs with speeds from 6-8 as fairway drivers. The speed rating on a golf disc is the first number in the four digit flight ratings. The speed rating is primarily determined by the thickness of the rim. Innova fairway drivers all have rim widths between 1.6 and 1.9cm. Innova discs with rim widths more than 1.9cm are classified as Distance Drivers.
This speed rating is somewhat controversial as discs like the Thunderbird, Roadrunner and Valkyrie are usually used and classified by disc golfers as control drivers. On Innova’s website, these discs are listed as Distance Drivers.
After reading and comparing the best Innova control drivers featured in this article, we hope you have found the Innova fairway drivers that are best for you.