No forehand? No problem: Buy (and bag) a Rollo

By: Lucas Miller

I call ‘em like I see ‘em …

The Innova Rollo was the best new disc of 2023.

And this coming from a guy who loathes overhyped plastic:

Based on buzz alone, the mega-flippy midrange belongs in the above group.

The difference, though?

Utility.

The Rollo has gobs of it. Though marketed for its instant, easy-to-produce-roller capabilities, my favorite aspect of the Rollo has to be the way it performs in the air – NOT on the ground.

* Note: For an in-depth review of the Rollo, click here.

Green Splatter: The Star Innova Rollo

Simply put, it’s a forehand frisbee for disc golfers with no semblance of a forehand. Seven-ish months ago, I injured my throwing shoulder while tossing a “power” (lol) sidearm up a steep hill. My trash form had lots to do with the outcome, but let’s not focus on what makes me look bad. 

Regardless of the reason for my shoulder’s now frequent pain, outside of short, 100-foot putter flicks to nestle up under the basket, I no longer throw sidearms – and even less for distance.

The Rollo fills that void.

Please don’t think I bought a Rollo, and all was kicks and giggles from day one – the frisbee is the epitome of finicky. If ever there was a disc you need time (and reps) to get to know, it’s this thing. But for whatever reason, if you feel the weight of having no flick, do the following:

It’s worth it.

If you need convincing, watch this video in its entirety …

It’s only five minutes:

Joseph Phillips of Another Round Disc Golf is likely the best Rollo-thrower on Planet Earth. But he’s hardly the only one who’s found faux sidearm success with the frisbee. Another example is Disc Golf Guru. The guy’s quickly become one of my favorite Rollo fans to follow on Twitter.

Here’s the aged wonder carving up a “stock-forehand” hole with a Rollo:

Watch him do more of the same, but this time, with an approach – and from a standstill:

I don’t care who you are …

That’s impressive.

No offense to Mr. Guru: He’s a gifted golfer, but he’s not the second coming of Ken Climo – or even Joseph Phillips, for that matter. If he can replace a flick hyzer with the Rollo, you can, too.

Here are some common-knowledge tips for making it happen …

Sadly, these days, they’re not so common:

It’s that simple.

DGPT: Gregg Barsby

I’m not saying you should swear off adding a serviceable sidearm to your game. Stop lying to yourself: Disc golf is WAY easier with one. But if you’re aging, injured, incapable or simply want to have more fun with disc golf, the Innova Rollo is guaranteed to make it happen.

Consider this my testimony.

I’m all in on it.

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

Editor’s Suggestions:

Real quick, if you happen to buy something through a link in this article, there’s a chance we’ll get a small share of the sale. It’s how we keep the lights on. To learn more, click here.

Photo of author

Lucas Miller

Lucas Miller is the founder and editor-in-chief of Green Splatter. When he’s not out tossing a Champion Rhyno in his native Utah, he’s watching true-crime documentaries with his wife, wrestling his twin boys and praying the Oklahoma City Thunder’s rebuild passes quickly.

12 thoughts on “No forehand? No problem: Buy (and bag) a Rollo”

  1. Absolutely! Such a great disc. I will say I’ve thrown it in champ glow and star and prefer the star way more!

    Yes, it is great for beginners. And yes it has crazy glide (seems to be its most overlooked feature). I had some fun with mine at the worst shot doubles tournament last month. I reached for it only 6 or 7 times- everytime it was scrambling after a bad tee shot. Each time my rollo was the best shot (and my partner usually shoots 5-10 strokes below me).

    It’s good off the tee, it’s good scrambling in the woods. I’m an Innova fanboy but this disc lives up to the hype.

    Reply

  2. I’m still trying to figure this disc out. When it rolls, it just lands and rolls straight right. That’s not useful. I’ll try playing with different grips and power. Think maybe I’m overpowering it.

    My flick is plenty dirty but it gets the job done, but if i can figure out a consistent roller path…. This becomes a tool.

    Reply

    • If you’re ripping on this thing with a power grip, it ain’t gonna work …

      I fan-grip 95% of Rollo shots – and I rarely throw rollers with it.

      Do keep in mind, however, it might just not be a good disc for you, either …

      There’s no shame in that.

      Not every disc has to work for everybody …

      For the life of me, I can’t figure out why people love the Westside Harp. Haha.

      Reply

      • Played today. Threw it as a second disc once. Went fan grip and threw it like an easy mid.

        Definitely better flight and roll, still need to figure out how high to throw it.

        Getting closer to figuring it out! Thanks for helping….

        Reply

        • No problem, Fletch!

          Altitude probably plays a factor, too …

          I’m in Utah.

          Everything is beefy in this state.

          No, the Rollo isn’t a “Firebird” or anything, but it’ll at least fly.

          Reply

  3. For me the jury is still out on this one. In most cases I can throw a disc further than the rolo will roll. I agree with you that if you don’t have a forehand it might be a good disc for turnovers. Or maybe a diamond. For me so far the rolo is a little unpredictable. Sometimes it will hold those long turnovers other times it immediately gets down and cut rolls. Sorry to hear about your injury by the way. Injured my elbow a year and a half ago bowling and just learned how to play left-handed. My elbow recovered last year so now I have my forehand back and can still play lefty.

    Reply

    • Best of both worlds, right?

      For me, it’s the shoulder – not the elbow.

      Same difference, though.

      I will say this much:

      The Rollo is NOT for everyone.

      (perhaps even most people, really)

      Reply

  4. The Rollo has definitely won a spot in my bag for the understable midrange slot. I’ve tried the Wombat3, Kite, Foxbat, and Manta and they don’t compare to the feel and flight of the Rollo. It’s something about the low-profile, angled nose with a microbead that clicks with me. Complements my Mirage for longer turnovers or complements my Firebird when a backhand turnover line is preferred over a forehand fade line. I like hyzer-flipping the Rollo sometimes to see how far and straight I can drive with the glide it has. Maybe one day I can be like Joseph Phillips and forehand this disc? Innova now needs a fairway driver less stable than the IT.

    Reply

    • It’s funny you mention the IT …

      If the Mako3 and IT had a baby, it’d be the Rollo.

      (Innova’s words – not my own)

      Reply

  5. Didn’t even finish the article after learning where the link was to buy one. As one advanced in years, I don’t have a forehand, and am reluctant to develop one at this stage of the game. This Disc is like Magic, only real. Thanks brother.

    Reply

    • No problem, Doug!

      When she arrives int he mail, be patient with the learning process …

      This isn’t a grip-it-and-rip-it disc, you know?

      But man, as long as there’s not much wind out on the course …

      I look for excuses to throw this thing.

      Without a doubt, it’s the most fun disc I own.

      Reply

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