Disc golf discs are characterized by four flight ratings: speed, glide, turn, and fade. These numbers, typically presented as a sequence like 13, 5, -2, 3, provide a standardized system for understanding a disc’s flight characteristics. For instance, a speed 13 disc is designed for powerful throws, while a glide of 5 suggests significant airborne time. Turn indicates a disc’s tendency to turn over on the backhand throw (negative numbers indicate more turn), and fade represents the disc’s tendency to hook left at the end of its flight (for right-handed backhand throws; positive numbers indicate more fade). Understanding these ratings is crucial for disc selection and shot planning.
These standardized metrics allow players to compare discs objectively, choose discs suited to their skill level and throwing style, and predict disc flight paths more accurately. Before these standardized ratings, disc selection was based primarily on anecdotal evidence and personal experience. Consistent flight ratings enable players to strategize effectively, improving accuracy and overall performance. They also facilitate communication about disc characteristics within the disc golf community.
This article will delve into the specific flight ratings of the Innova Beast, analyze its flight characteristics in various conditions, and explore how these characteristics can be leveraged for different shot shapes and distances. Further discussion will include comparisons with other similar discs and provide recommendations for players considering adding this disc to their bag.
1. Speed
The Innova Beast’s speed rating of 13 signifies its position within the highest speed categories of disc golf drivers. This rating is a critical component of its flight numbers and directly influences how the disc performs, particularly regarding the required power and intended flight path. Understanding the implications of this speed rating is essential for maximizing the Beast’s potential.
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Power Requirement
A speed 13 disc demands substantial arm speed and power to achieve its intended flight characteristics. Players with lower arm speeds may find the Beast difficult to control, resulting in shorter, less stable flights. Experienced players with developed throwing power can harness this speed for maximum distance and utilize the disc’s overstability effectively.
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Wind Resistance
The high speed provides the Beast with significant wind resistance. While still affected by strong headwinds, it maintains a more stable flight path in breezy conditions compared to lower-speed discs. This characteristic makes the Beast a reliable choice for challenging wind conditions where maintaining control and predictability is crucial.
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Distance Potential
When thrown with sufficient power, the Beast’s high speed translates to substantial distance potential. This attribute, combined with its glide and fade, allows experienced players to reach longer holes and navigate demanding fairways effectively.
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Advanced Player Suitability
The speed 13 rating indicates that the Beast is generally better suited for advanced players. Less experienced players may find it difficult to control and may benefit from slower, more understable discs to develop their skills. For advanced players, the Beast offers control, predictability, and impressive distance.
The Beast’s speed rating of 13, combined with its other flight numbers, defines its role as a high-speed, overstable driver ideal for advanced players seeking maximum distance and control in various conditions. Selecting a disc with an appropriate speed rating is a critical aspect of disc golf strategy and performance optimization.
2. Glide
The Innova Beast’s glide rating of 5 plays a crucial role in its overall flight characteristics and contributes significantly to its distance potential. Glide represents the disc’s ability to maintain lift and stay aloft during flight. Understanding the impact of this glide rating is essential for effectively utilizing the Beast on the course.
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Extended Flight Time
A glide rating of 5 indicates the Beast possesses above-average glide capabilities. This translates to a longer flight time compared to discs with lower glide ratings, allowing the disc to cover greater distances and remain in the air longer. This extended flight time provides opportunities for shaping shots and maximizing distance.
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Distance Enhancement
The higher glide contributes significantly to the Beast’s distance potential. Combined with its high speed, the Beast can achieve impressive flight distances, making it a valuable asset for long fairways and open shots. This attribute allows players to reach distant targets with fewer throws, potentially impacting scoring outcomes.
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Influence on Flight Path
The Beast’s glide influences its overall flight path. The longer airtime allows the turn (-2) and fade (3) characteristics to fully express themselves, resulting in a predictable flight with a significant right-to-left curve (for a right-handed backhand throw). This predictable flight path allows for strategic shot shaping around obstacles and accurate placement on the course.
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Impact in Various Conditions
The glide of 5 can be affected by wind conditions. While beneficial in calm conditions, strong headwinds can reduce the Beast’s effective glide, shortening its flight. Conversely, tailwinds can amplify the glide, leading to even greater distances. Understanding these wind interactions is essential for adapting throwing techniques and selecting appropriate lines.
The Beast’s glide rating of 5, in conjunction with its other flight numbers, contributes significantly to its distance potential, flight characteristics, and versatility. Understanding the nuances of glide is essential for players seeking to maximize the Beast’s performance and integrate it effectively into their disc golf strategy.
3. Turn
The Innova Beast’s turn rating of -2 is a crucial element within its flight numbers, influencing the disc’s initial flight path after release. Turn represents the tendency of a disc to turn to the right (for a right-handed backhand throw) during the high-speed portion of its flight. This characteristic allows for specific shot shaping and trajectory control, making the -2 turn rating a key factor in understanding the Beast’s overall flight behavior.
A -2 turn rating signifies moderate high-speed turn. This means the Beast will exhibit a noticeable rightward movement during the initial phase of its flight when thrown with sufficient power. This characteristic can be strategically used to shape shots around obstacles, achieve hyzer-flip shots (where the disc starts on a hyzer angle, flips to flat, and then fades), or add distance to throws by utilizing the natural curve of the flight. For example, a player might use the Beast’s turn to navigate a tight fairway lined with trees by throwing a controlled hyzer-flip that curves around the obstacles before fading back to the left. Conversely, throwing the Beast into a headwind will reduce the turn, resulting in a straighter flight path.
Understanding the Beast’s turn rating is essential for predicting its flight path and adapting throws to various conditions. This -2 turn, combined with the disc’s fade, speed, and glide, contributes to its unique flight characteristics. The ability to anticipate and utilize the turn effectively allows players to manipulate the disc’s trajectory and maximize its performance on the course. Failure to account for this turn can lead to off-target shots and reduced control, highlighting the importance of understanding this element within the Beast’s overall flight numbers.
4. Fade
The Innova Beast’s fade rating of 3 is the final component of its flight numbers and significantly influences the disc’s end-of-flight behavior. Fade describes the disc’s tendency to hook left at the end of its flight (for a right-handed backhand throw). This characteristic is crucial for controlling the disc’s landing and shaping its trajectory, particularly during the final stages of its flight. Understanding the fade rating allows players to predict the Beast’s behavior and adapt their throwing strategies accordingly.
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Predictable Finish
A fade rating of 3 signifies a strong, predictable leftward finish. This allows players to anticipate the disc’s landing zone accurately and adjust their throws to account for the fade. This predictability is especially valuable for controlled approaches and precise placement shots where accuracy is paramount.
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Wind Resistance
The Beast’s high fade provides stability and resistance to wind, particularly tailwinds, which can often cause less stable discs to turn over excessively. This resistance allows the disc to maintain a reliable flight path even in challenging wind conditions, increasing confidence in shot execution.
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Shot Shaping with Hyzer Angles
The substantial fade makes the Beast well-suited for hyzer throws, where the disc is released at an angle tilted to the left (for a right-handed backhand throw). The disc’s natural fade will be amplified by the hyzer angle, resulting in a more aggressive leftward curve throughout the flight. This technique is effective for navigating obstacles and shaping shots around corners.
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Overstable Flight Characteristic
The 3 fade contributes to the Beast’s overstable flight characteristic. Overstable discs tend to resist turning over and finish with a pronounced fade. This characteristic makes the Beast a dependable choice for powerful throws, windy conditions, and situations where a predictable finish is required. The overstability adds an element of control and reliability to the disc’s flight.
The Beast’s fade rating of 3, in conjunction with its other flight numbers, defines its overstable flight characteristics and contributes significantly to its performance in various conditions. This understanding of fade enables players to accurately predict the disc’s flight path, control its landing, and strategically utilize its overstability for improved accuracy and distance control. Mastering the impact of fade is essential for maximizing the Beast’s potential and integrating it effectively into a player’s disc golf strategy.
5. High-Speed Driver
The classification of the Innova Beast as a high-speed driver is intrinsically linked to its flight numbers. The speed rating of 13, a defining characteristic of high-speed drivers, dictates the disc’s behavior and intended use. This high speed necessitates considerable throwing power, impacting the disc’s glide, turn, and fade. For example, without sufficient power, the Beast may not achieve its intended flight path, potentially resulting in reduced distance and unpredictable behavior. Conversely, experienced players capable of generating higher speeds can harness the Beast’s speed for maximum distance and control, utilizing the interplay between speed, glide, turn, and fade to shape shots effectively.
The high-speed nature of the Beast influences strategic decision-making on the course. While offering significant distance potential, it may not be suitable for all players or situations. For shorter holes or tighter fairways, lower-speed discs might offer greater control and accuracy. The disc’s high-speed characteristic requires a thorough understanding of its flight numbers to unlock its full potential. Players must consider factors such as wind conditions, obstacle placement, and desired shot shape to effectively utilize the Beast’s high-speed capabilities. A skilled player might choose the Beast for a long, controlled drive into a headwind, relying on its speed and overstability to maintain a predictable flight path. Conversely, a less experienced player might opt for a lower-speed disc in the same scenario, prioritizing control and accuracy over potential distance.
Effectively integrating a high-speed driver like the Innova Beast into one’s game requires a comprehensive understanding of its flight numbers and their implications. This understanding allows players to leverage the disc’s speed, glide, turn, and fade characteristics to optimize shot selection, improve accuracy, and maximize distance. The ability to assess course conditions, personal throwing power, and desired shot shape is essential for harnessing the full potential of a high-speed driver and achieving optimal results on the disc golf course.
6. Overstable Finish
The Innova Beast’s overstable finish is a direct consequence of its flight numbers, specifically its fade (3) and turn (-2). This characteristic significantly influences the disc’s flight path, making it a predictable and reliable choice for specific shot types and conditions. Understanding the overstable finish is crucial for maximizing the Beast’s potential and integrating it effectively into a player’s disc golf strategy. An overstable disc, when thrown with adequate power, will exhibit a consistent right-to-left curve (for right-handed backhand throws) culminating in a pronounced leftward finish.
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Predictable Fade
The high fade rating of 3 contributes significantly to the Beast’s overstable finish. This predictable fade allows players to anticipate the disc’s end-of-flight behavior, improving accuracy and control, especially in crucial putting situations or approaches. Even with significant power, the Beast will consistently finish left, providing a reliable outcome in various conditions.
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Wind Resistance
The overstable nature of the Beast enhances its resistance to wind, particularly tailwinds and crosswinds that often cause less stable discs to turn over. This resistance maintains the disc’s intended flight path and reduces the risk of unpredictable behavior in challenging wind conditions. Players can confidently throw the Beast into a headwind, knowing its overstability will provide predictable results.
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Utility in Specific Shots
The overstable finish makes the Beast suitable for particular shot types, such as flex shots and spike hyzers. A flex shot utilizes the overstability to curve around obstacles, starting with a rightward movement (for RHBH) and finishing left. Spike hyzers, thrown at a steep angle, rely on the overstability to create a sharp downward trajectory. These specialized shots allow players to navigate challenging terrain and shape their throws strategically.
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Impact of Power and Angle
While inherently overstable, the Beast’s flight path can be influenced by throwing power and release angle. Higher power will initially accentuate the turn before the strong fade takes over. Adjusting the release angle, from hyzer to anhyzer, will further influence the disc’s trajectory. Understanding these nuances allows players to fine-tune their throws and manipulate the overstable finish for optimal results.
The overstable finish of the Innova Beast, a direct result of its flight numbers, is a defining characteristic that influences its suitability for various shots and conditions. Recognizing the interplay between fade, turn, and applied power is crucial for maximizing the Beast’s performance and achieving desired outcomes on the disc golf course. Its predictable flight path and wind resistance make the Beast a reliable choice for players seeking control and consistency, especially in challenging situations.
7. Long Distance Potential
The Innova Beast’s long distance potential is a direct result of its specific flight numbers. These numbers work in concert to create a disc capable of achieving impressive flight distances when thrown with sufficient power and proper technique. Analyzing the relationship between these flight characteristics provides insight into the factors contributing to the Beast’s distance capabilities and how they can be leveraged for maximum results.
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Speed (13) and Glide (5) Synergy
The high speed rating of 13 requires substantial power, propelling the disc with significant initial velocity. This high speed, combined with a glide rating of 5, allows the Beast to maintain momentum and remain aloft for extended periods, covering substantial ground. This synergy between speed and glide is fundamental to the disc’s distance potential. For example, a powerful throw with a slight hyzer angle allows the Beast to utilize its speed and glide for maximum carry, while the subsequent fade ensures a predictable finish.
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Turn (-2) and Fade (3) Influence
While speed and glide contribute to distance, the turn and fade characteristics shape the Beast’s flight path, impacting overall distance. The -2 turn allows for a controlled rightward movement (for RHBH throws) during the initial flight phase, potentially adding distance by utilizing the natural curve. The subsequent fade (3) brings the disc back left, ensuring a predictable finish and preventing excessive rightward drift. This combination allows experienced throwers to maximize distance by shaping the shot to utilize both turn and fade effectively.
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Role of Throwing Power and Technique
Realizing the Beast’s full distance potential requires adequate throwing power and refined technique. Players with lower arm speeds may not achieve the necessary velocity to maximize the disc’s speed and glide. Proper form, including a clean release and appropriate spin, is crucial for optimizing the disc’s flight path and maximizing distance. For example, a smooth, powerful throw with a controlled hyzer release allows the Beast to utilize its speed, glide, and turn efficiently, resulting in longer flights.
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Comparison with Other Distance Drivers
Compared to other distance drivers, the Beast stands out with its combination of high speed, glide, and overstability. While some distance drivers prioritize maximum speed or glide, the Beast offers a balance of these characteristics with a predictable fade, making it suitable for various conditions and throwing styles. For example, compared to a less stable distance driver, the Beast offers greater control and predictability in windy conditions, even if the less stable disc might have slightly higher distance potential in calm conditions.
The Innova Beast’s long distance potential is a culmination of its carefully balanced flight numbers. The interplay between speed, glide, turn, and fade, combined with appropriate throwing power and technique, allows this disc to achieve impressive distances. Understanding these factors empowers players to leverage the Beast’s characteristics effectively, maximizing its distance potential and achieving optimal performance on the course. By considering the combined effects of these flight numbers, players can make informed decisions about disc selection and shot shaping, ultimately improving their long-range game.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the Innova Beast and its flight characteristics. Understanding these aspects is crucial for selecting the right disc and maximizing its potential on the course.
Question 1: Is the Innova Beast suitable for beginners?
Due to its high speed and overstability, the Beast is generally not recommended for beginners. Developing players may find it difficult to generate the necessary power and control required to utilize the disc effectively. Focusing on slower, more understable discs is often more beneficial for skill development.
Question 2: How does wind affect the Beast’s flight?
The Beast exhibits considerable wind resistance due to its overstability. While headwinds will naturally shorten its flight, the disc maintains a predictable path. Tailwinds can significantly extend the Beast’s flight distance, although they may also increase the likelihood of turning over if not thrown with appropriate hyzer.
Question 3: What are the ideal throwing styles for the Beast?
The Beast performs well for both backhand and sidearm throws. Backhand throws can utilize the disc’s overstability for controlled hyzer flips and long, fading drives. Sidearm throws can leverage the Beast’s stability for powerful flex shots and long, flat throws with a predictable finish.
Question 4: How does the Beast compare to other overstable distance drivers?
The Beast offers a balance of speed, glide, and overstability, distinguishing it from other overstable distance drivers. Some discs may prioritize higher fade at the expense of glide, while others may sacrifice some overstability for increased distance. The Beast occupies a middle ground, offering a combination of attributes suitable for various throwing styles and conditions.
Question 5: What plastic types are available for the Beast, and how do they affect flight?
The Beast is available in various plastic blends, each impacting the disc’s flight characteristics. Champion plastic provides maximum durability and overstability. Star plastic offers a balance of durability and grip, with slightly less overstability than Champion. Pro plastic is less durable but offers enhanced grip and increased flexibility. DX plastic is the most affordable and least durable option, with the least overstability.
Question 6: How can I improve my distance and control with the Beast?
Improving distance and control with the Beast requires focused practice on proper throwing technique, including generating sufficient power, maintaining a clean release, and controlling the angle of release. Fieldwork and experimenting with different angles and throwing styles are crucial for understanding the disc’s flight characteristics and maximizing its potential.
Understanding the nuanced interplay between the Beasts flight characteristics is crucial for maximizing performance. This knowledge enables informed disc selection and strategic shot shaping.
The subsequent sections delve into advanced throwing techniques and strategies specific to the Innova Beast.
Tips for Utilizing Innova Beast Flight Numbers
Maximizing the Innova Beast’s performance requires understanding and applying its flight numbers effectively. These tips offer strategic insights for leveraging the disc’s characteristics to achieve desired results on the course.
Tip 1: Power Control is Essential: The Beast’s high speed (13) demands significant power. However, excessive power can lead to unpredictable results. Controlled power, combined with proper form, is crucial for achieving the intended flight path and maximizing distance.
Tip 2: Hyzer Release for Controlled Fade: Utilizing a hyzer release angle amplifies the Beast’s natural fade (3). This technique provides increased control, especially in windy conditions or for navigating obstacles. A hyzer release allows players to shape the shot with a predictable leftward finish.
Tip 3: Anhyzer Release for Flex Shots: An anhyzer release, where the disc is angled to the right (for RHBH), can be used to achieve flex shots. The Beast’s overstability counteracts the anhyzer angle, resulting in a shot that initially curves right before fading back left. This technique is effective for navigating around obstacles or achieving specific shot shapes.
Tip 4: Wind Considerations: Understanding how wind affects the Beast is crucial. Headwinds will reduce distance and minimize turn, requiring adjustments in power and angle. Tailwinds can significantly increase distance but may also exaggerate turn, necessitating a hyzer release to maintain control.
Tip 5: Disc Selection Based on Plastic Type: Different plastic blends affect the Beast’s flight characteristics. Champion plastic provides maximum stability, while Star plastic offers a balance of stability and grip. Pro and DX plastics offer increased grip and less overstability, making them suitable for specific shot shapes or players with lower arm speeds. Selecting the right plastic type can significantly impact performance.
Tip 6: Fieldwork for Fine-Tuning: Practicing in a field allows for experimentation with different release angles, power levels, and throwing styles. Observing the Beast’s flight path in various conditions provides valuable insights for maximizing its potential on the course. Fieldwork is essential for developing a feel for the disc and optimizing its performance.
Tip 7: Utilize the Turn for Distance: While primarily known for its overstability, the Beast’s -2 turn rating can be used to add distance. Throwing with a slight hyzer angle and sufficient power allows the disc to utilize the turn before fading back, resulting in a longer flight path. Mastering this technique requires precise control and understanding of the disc’s flight characteristics.
By understanding and applying these tips, players can leverage the Innova Beast’s flight numbers to improve accuracy, control, and distance. Consistent practice and experimentation are key to unlocking the disc’s full potential and integrating it effectively into their game.
These practical insights provide a foundation for mastering the Innova Beast and achieving optimal results on the disc golf course. The following conclusion summarizes the key takeaways and offers final recommendations for maximizing performance with this versatile disc.
Conclusion
Analysis of Innova Beast flight numbers (13, 5, -2, 3) reveals a high-speed, overstable driver designed for advanced players seeking distance and control. Its speed requires substantial power, while the glide contributes to extended flight times. The turn allows for controlled rightward movement initially, followed by a pronounced leftward fade. This combination of characteristics makes the Beast suitable for powerful drives, flex shots, and controlled approaches, especially in challenging wind conditions. Selecting appropriate plastic types further refines these characteristics, influencing durability, grip, and stability. Optimizing performance hinges on understanding these numbers and their interplay.
Mastery of the Beast requires dedicated practice and understanding of its flight characteristics. Strategic application of these flight numbers unlocks the disc’s full potential, empowering players to shape shots effectively and navigate diverse course conditions. Continued exploration of these principles enhances overall disc golf performance.
