Innova: What’s Halo plastic?

There’s rarely a need to reinvent the wheel, but Innova’s done it …

And successfully, I might add.

I’m talking about Halo plastic.

Innova’s plastics have always been impressive. DX and Pro polymers offer a quality, entry-level option for new golfers, as well as those who prefer to cycle discs. Firm and rigid, XT and Nexus bridge the gap between baseline and premium plastics. Champion is indestructible. And the Star stuff is beatable, but as soon as it hits its “sweet spot,” it holds the line for a good, long while.

GStar exists, too …

You can find it in the used bin at your local retailer.

Back to the “reinvent the wheel” business.

Innova’s Halo plastic is a more eye-catching blend of Star plastic – but it’s STILL Star plastic. Visually, the difference comes from the colorful “halo” that outlines the edge of the disc. The color of the disc’s outer ring is often distinctly different from that of the flight plate …

The result is some insanely cool gear:

The halo design is formed from two different batches of Star plastic. They’re injected into a machine that allows for multiple colors, giving the disc a special look. As there are two different batches of Star plastic used on the same disc, the rim can feel different than the flight plate. This isn’t because Halo plastic is innately unique, but rather no two Star composites are exactly alike.

Ever bagged a Swirly Star disc?

It’s the SAME thing …

Halo’s just a more orderly version of it.

For flight, relative to stock Star runs, expect the following:

• Halo Trend No. 1 – Halo discs are often more overstable.
• Halo Trend No. 2 – Halo discs are often extra heavy on glide.

* Note: The above isn’t a hard-and-fast rule – outliers absolutely exist.

Yet again, it’s not necessarily the plastic that’s responsible for the above trends. Take Calvin Heimburg’s Halo Destroyer, for example. It’s overstable, not because of the plastic, but because of the disc’s dome – and weight. Likewise, it’s the dome that causes the disc to glide like crazy.

The Halo version of the Destroyer’s been a hit. Other Innova molds have been given the Halo treatment, as well. Many of them are Innova classics. Some, however, are downright surprising. The Sonic, Polecat, Invader, Lion, Savant and Mamba all come to mind – random as heck.

By no means do you need an “all-Halo” bag, but it’s fun to indulge every now and again …

Halo plastic is worth it.

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Editor’s Suggestions:

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• Review: The Sockibomb Slammer
• Disc golf: Do this with your off-arm when throwing

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