Review: The Innova JK Pro Aviar-X

I’ve reviewed the KC Pro Aviar.

I’ve reviewed the Yeti Pro Aviar, too.

Naturally, it was time for the JK Pro Aviar-X to take center stage. As a devout thrower, approacher and putter of the Big Bead Aviar, this is a disc review I’d circled on my calendar.

Keep reading to see how the JK Pro Aviar-X held up under a microscope.

The feel of the JK Pro Aviar-X

The JK Pro Aviar-X is a Big Bead Aviar.

In other words, unlike the original Aviar Putt & Approach shape, the Aviar-X has a small, curb-like structure (bead) that runs along the underside of the rim. The Aviar Driver, KC Pro Aviar, Yeti Pro Aviar and JK Pro Aviar-X are all part of the “Big Bead Aviar” family.

I like beaded putters.

When putting, I rest my index finger on it. It’s probably all in my head, but with my index finger the final point of contact between me and my putter, I feel like putting it there gives me more “pop” on the putter. This is unlikely, but hey – if it works in my head, I’m halfway home. 

Furthermore, it’s alleged that beads help discs maintain their stability longer …

I drank the Kool-Aid on that long ago.

If beads are a deal-breaker for you, pass on the Aviar-X.

Next, before nabbing a JK Pro Aviar-X for yourself, be aware that it’s a tall-ish putter. I prefer a low-profile putter when attempting to hit 300-plus feet with something slow, but for short drives, approaches and all putting duties, a taller, more bulky-feeling frisbee gives me more control.

Lastly, the plastic …

This is BIG for the JK Pro Aviar-X.

It’s soft.

From least soft to most soft:

• The KC Pro Aviar
• The Yeti Pro Aviar
• The JK Pro Aviar-X

* Note #1: Absent is the Aviar Driver, as it’s a Big Bead Aviar in a non-Pro polymer.

It’s not a Big Bead Aviar, so I’ve not included it on the above list, but nestled directly below the JK Pro Aviar-X in fourth position would be the R-Pro Aviar. So the Aviar-X is far from a tortilla, but in severe heat, it’s got some give you’ll notice in your hand when putting or throwing …

I’m not a fan.

I like a firm, crisp-feeling putter. For that reason, my go-to putter for most of the year is the KC Pro Aviar. This year, however, for the colder months, I decided to give the JK Pro Aviar-X a whirl. When the temperature dips below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, you know what it feels like?

The KC Pro Aviar.

Identical.

* Note #2: Due to their brittle nature, KC Pro Aviars frequently shatter in cold weather.

The flight of the JK Pro Aviar-X

I always forget to include the flight numbers in these reviews …

Here they are for the Aviar-X: 2 (Speed) 3 (Glide) 0 (Turn) 2 (Fade)

Cut and dry …

This is a stable-to-overstable putter.

Granted, there will be subtle differences from run to run, but before test-driving the JK Pro Aviar-X for myself, I’d always believed it to be the most overstable of the Pro-plastic putters within the Big Bead lineup. Hence, the fancy-schmancy “X” it gets as part of its branding.

Meh.

I mean, it’s certainly an overstable putter, but I didn’t notice much of a difference between the JK Pro Aviar-X and the KC Pro Aviar. But seeing as how Rancho Cucamonga gives both a fade of two, the similarities make sense – on paper, at least. Regardless, don’t let the “X” fool you …

She’s workably overstable.

Also, with respect to flight, it should be noted that the softer, more malleable plastic the Aviar-X offers makes it a great cycler for a host of differing lines and distances. While a member of Team Innova, James Conrad was known for looking for excuses to throw the JK Pro Aviar-X. As such, his most beaten Aviar-X was known as “Greenie” by both disc golf fans and the Pro Tour alike.

That thing flipped like a desperate politician …

Beautiful.

From the JK Pro Aviar-X, fresh from the mailbox, expect a stable-to-overstable flight. Then, with some seasoning, you’ll discover more of a point-and-shoot putter with some noticeable fade. Best of all, though? Given its flight, the Aviar-X can make yours a one-putter bag.

Drive. Approach. Putt.

One and done.

The aesthetic of the JK Pro Aviar-X

Mine have stock stamps on ‘em …

So let’s not lose our minds.

The blue “Smurf” swirls are nice on this one, though:

* Note #3: Just so you know, the “JK” in “JK Pro Aviar-X” are Juliana Korver’s initials.

Also, it should be noted that, in January of this year, Innova switched the stock stamps for their Pro discs. Initially, I thought the design was a train-wreck. However, with close to a year of seeing it over and over (and over) again, it’s grown on me. As such, I’ve called off the revolt …

Breathe easy, Mr. Dunipace.

I can live with this.

You can, too.

Did the Innova JK Pro Aviar-X make my bag?

Sort of …

I’ll be buried with a KC Pro Aviar.

I’m never changing.

Last year, though, to avoid more shattered Climos, I went with the Yeti Pro Aviar for the fall and winter seasons. It’s a fine putter, but both the flight and feel are different. This year, after a few cold-weather rounds with the JK Pro Aviar-X, this much I can say with total confidence …

The JK Pro Aviar-X IS a KC Pro Aviar in frigid temperatures.

There’s no difference.

So from here on out, whenever October or November rolls around, without a moment’s hesitation, I’ll reach for the Aviar-X. But as soon as Mother Nature heats back up, the (mild) floppiness it offers is too much for me, so I’ll revert back to what I know best: the KC Pro Aviar.

The Final Green Splatter Grade: A

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

Editor’s Suggestions:

• Why ‘poke-and-pray’ disc golf is flawed thinking
• 5 timeless ways to insult poor play on a disc golf course
• Gripe No. 48: You don’t need a stool for a casual round of disc golf

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.