Innova: What’s a ‘Big Bead’ Aviar?

On Saturday, Gregg Barsby took down the 2022 PCS Sula Open – his first-ever Silver Series win on the Disc Golf Pro Tour. As is usually the case when Barsby competes at a big-time event, it was his putter that caught absolute fire. His play in Langevåg, Norway proved no different …

Never in my life have I seen a guy draw metal from 75-plus feet at such a high frequency. Matt Bell’s deadly, of course. Ricky Wysocki’s another name that comes to mind. But neither of them threatens baskets from throw-in distances like Gregg. When he’s on, there’s nobody better.

Now here’s something you might’ve NOT known about Barsby …

That floaty, half-bid putter shot he’s got dialed from long range? He’s using a KC Pro Aviar for it. In fact, within circle one, he’s using it, as well. An expert in disc-choice, you might see him work in a Nexus Firefly, should the line call for it. But most of the time, it’s a KC Pro Aviar.

And he’s not alone …

Lisa Fajkus, Garrett Gurthie and Calvin Heimburg – these are the kinds of Innova-sponsored pros who lean heavily on the KC Pro Aviar, as well. And, of course, Ken “His Holiness” Climo does, too. That makes sense, though: The “KC” in the name literally stands for “Ken Climo.”

It’s the same thing with Juliana Korver and the JK Pro Aviar. And Jay “Yeti” Reading has the Yeti Pro Aviar. The JK Pro Aviar, KC Pro Aviar and Yeti Pro Aviar: Here’s a factual tidbit you might’ve not known about ‘em – they’re ALL “Big Bead” Aviars. They’re the same mold …

Kind of.

The difference between them is the Pro plastic blend:

• The JK Pro Aviar – JK Pro plastic is softer than Yeti Pro, but firmer than R-Pro plastic.
• The KC Pro Aviar – KC Pro plastic is a firm Pro blend. It’s stiff, durable and smooth.
• The Yeti Pro Aviar – Yeti Pro plastic is firmer than JK Pro, but softer than DX stuff.

* Note #1: Though beaded, the Yeti Pro Aviar has a puddle top. It’s also a lower-profile Aviar.

* Note #2: As such, it’s not technically a Big Bead Aviar. Again, however, it’s a beaded putter.

Still, if you can believe it, there’s yet one more Big Bead Aviar that uses the EXACT same mold as the JK Pro and KC Pro Aviars – it’s the Aviar Driver. The Aviar Driver is the JK Pro Aviar and KC Pro Aviar, but in different plastics: I’ve seen it in DX, Star and Champion Color Glow.

It’s somewhat of a rare disc, too …

If you find one online, nab it.

Obviously, the biggest difference between a Big Bead Aviar and the Classic Aviar, DX Aviar or McPro Aviar is the presence of a bead. For me, my putting putters need one, as it gives my index finger a small shelf to rest on during my swing. I prefer one on my throwing putters, as well. The added touch of overstability gives me confidence when throwing a putter off the tee for control.

Big Bead Aviar or bust.

Find the right plastic type. Then, stick with it for the long haul …

That’s how putting improves.

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