Review: The Innova Gator

Every time I try out a new mold, without fail, there’s a small part of me that thinks it’ll be the mold that completely turns my game upside down – and in a good way. The proverbial needle will move, my scores will plummet and I’ll instantly be blessed with the gift of water-walking …

It’s never happened.

I’ve gotten close with a few frisbees, though …

One was the Innova Gator.

I’m not sharing this with you out of a hope you’ll buy one – the affiliate commission would be nice, though. Seriously, the Gator isn’t the right disc for everybody. It IS for me, however …

Keep reading to see if it’s for you, too.

The feel of the Gator

The Gator is a low-profile midrange.

For me, the in-hand feel is second to none.

Here’s the potential issue you NEED to be aware of, though …

It’s got a bead – and it’s not small.

As an overstable midrange, many purchase the Gator for short, forehand approaches and drives. On a flick line, if you can’t handle a bead of any kind, pass on the Gator – it’ll feel too weird. Assuming you want to stick with Innova, give the Caiman a try – it’s just a beadless Gator.

As for myself, I’ve bagged a Champion Roc3 for years. No, I don’t forehand my Roc3 often, but given the hefty workload my KC Pro Aviars see, going the beaded route gives me a more consistent feel across a variety of molds – this applies for forehands and backhands.

Next, let’s talk dome …

I wouldn’t touch a pop-top Gator if it had $100 taped to it.

For as incredible as the mold is, the dome on this thing is all over the place – it’s infuriating. To ensure you get a flat one, read this – the method is foolproof for avoiding buyer’s remorse. Or, simply go with a Gator3. It’s basically the same disc, but with a consistently pancaked top.

If you don’t mind a bead and like the feel of flat, this thing’ll be butter.

The flight of the Gator

I’ve test-driven A2s, Zones, Mutants, Justices, etc.

All the WAY overstable stuff.

If you want obscene beef with a shorter flight, pass on the Gator – this ain’t it.

That’s what I like best about it, though …

It’s workably overstable – and for most arms.

Yes, the Gator is overstable, but it’s nothing comical: 5 (Speed) 2 (Glide) 0 (Turn) 3 (Fade)

For example, if your max-distance is in the 250-foot range, attempting to huck a Stego might land you in the hospital. Give the Gator a spin, however, and it will actually do something for you. You’re looking at more of a utility disc, but one you’d regularly use. At the same time, if you’re Joel Freeman, the Gator will still be overstable, but it can take on “workhorse” duties.

No wonder it’s his favorite frisbee.

Backhand or forehand, expect a momentarily straight flight with a sudden hook and dump out of your Gator. As the disc ages, you’ll beat more glide into it – that’s always a welcomed change. 

Gentle flexes are easy for the Gator, too. You can’t crank on it like it’s a Tilt or anything, but reliably roll your wrist – as long as it’s nothing repulsive, it should fight out just fine.

* Note: Flat-top Gators are ALWAYS more overstable – again, the Gator3 is a great option.

Also, here’s a quick insider’s tip for you …

Pair your premium-plastic Gator with one of the DX variety – they compliment each other well. It took me far too long to learn this. As previously mentioned, I bag a Champion Roc3. But with the recent addition of a DX Gator to my bag, the mold now sees most of my midrange duties.

That’s a good thing.

The aesthetic of the Gator

Eh …

There’s not much to see here.

The stock DX stamp is pretty sweet – it’s stayed the same for years.

All else is pretty dull, though …

Normally, I couldn’t care less about the “look” of a disc. But given my obsession with this mold, I’ve made a point of picking up a few F2 Gators and turning a talented artist loose on ‘em. Without a doubt, THIS is currently the pride and joy of my disc collection:

And yes, that’s Brigham Young.

Did the Innova Gator make my bag?

Yes, and I can’t stress this enough …

It’s not leaving.

The Rhyno gives it a run for its money, but the Innova Gator is my all-time favorite mold. I’ve still got a ways to go to become any kind of respectable disc golfer, but this disc has taken more strokes off my game than anything else out there – and I say that with ZERO hyperbole.

It’s also made me a big-time Joel Freeman fan.

I like seeing what he does with his; I then try to do the same with mine.

I apologize for nothing.

The Final Green Splatter Grade: A+

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Editor’s Suggestions:

• Disc golf: Innova’s top 5 DX stamps
• Disc golf: What’s the ‘abandoned throw’ rule?
• Paul McBeth’s 2023 tour of Europe is a blow to the DGPT

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