The Innova Destroyer: Disc golf’s original ‘dual-threat’ disc

The Innova Destroyer is one of disc golf’s all-time greatest molds.

Since its approval by the PDGA back in 2007, other manufacturers have been playing catch-up in the 12-speed category. It’s true what they say: Imitation is the finest form of flattery. The D1, Zeus, Outlaw, Warbird, Trespass, Emperor and Cloudbreaker are all clear-cut evidence of it.

Especially in Star plastic, excluding the Wraith-obsessed Nathan Queen from the mix, there’s not a single member of Team Innova who’s not bagging at least three Destroyers in various stages of wear. Plastic-obsessed amateurs loyally follow suit. As a result, the Destroyer is everywhere.

And with good reason …

• Perk No. 1 – Most arms can handle a 12-speed distance driver.
• Perk No. 2 – It’s reliably overstable, without being comically beefy.
• Perk No. 3 – Oddly enough, a lack of run consistency means more lines.

* Note: Bothered by said “lack of run consistency,” by chance? Click here – it’ll help.

As a long-time Destroyer fan myself, here’s my favorite selling point, though …

It’s a “dual-threat” disc.

In other words, I can smash on it BOTH forehand and backhand. Yes, within each disc type, there are tons of molds capable of doing the same thing. But the Destroyer was the first to the game. And it arrived on the scene right when guys began seriously fiddling with the flick …

This is good for your bag.

Working with (largely) Pro and Star Destroyers, check this out:

The Innova Destroyer, Forehand

• Brand New + Overstable: The Destroyer replaces an XCaliber.
• Old + Understable: The Destroyer replaces a Tern.
• Used + Stable: The Destroyer replaces a Charger.

The Innova Destroyer, Backhand

• Brand New + Overstable: The Destroyer replaces an Invictus.
• Old + Understable: The Destroyer replaces a Katana.
• Used + Stable: The Destroyer replaces a Shryke.

The above is a hypothetical lineup of distance drivers, of course …

I’m aware what I’ve outlined is hardly the product of science – the level to which a Destroyer’s been beaten plays a role in things. At the same time, however, the presented examples are well within the realm of possibility. The forehand and backhand duality of the Destroyer is BIG …

From six molds to one: That’s cool.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again …

Nothing beats one mold in multiple stages of wear achieving dozens of flights. Working with molds that allow for comfortable forehand and backhand lines doubles the likelihood of it happening. THIS is the epitome of quality bag-building – THIS is the Innova Destroyer.

Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.

Editor’s Suggestions:

• Gannon Buhr literally invented a new way to putt
• Gripe No. 19: The life expectancy of a chalk bag in disc golf
• Disc golf: Observations from a non-forehander who learned to forehand

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