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For years the Innova Destroyer has been a top pick for distance drivers. Go to any course around the world and there’s a high chance you’ll see a few players throwing one.
What makes the Destroyer such a popular and great disc?
In this review we’ll be covering everything there is to know including when to throw the Destroyer and what weight disc you should try!
Overview of the Innova Destroyer
As one of the best-selling discs, the Destroyer is a disc that works well for new players as well as those with more experience playing. There are even professional disc golfers like Ricky Wysocki who carry the Destroyer in their bag.
This disc is a fast-moving distance driver with a speed of 12 that is designed for intermediate level players. It’s overstable and has a slight amount of turn that helps get the maximum glide and overall distance.
With a very thin rim, the Destroyer can be thrown in windy conditions and will still reach high speeds as it cuts through the air. This is the perfect disc for those players who commonly throw both forehand and backhand shots, as it’s easy to control either way.
Also, just a quick mention but the Destroyer is such a disc that it ended up making my list of the best drivers in disc golf!
Here’s When To Throw the Destroyer
Although there are a couple of situations where the Destroyer isn’t the best option, here are some of the common times to use this driver from Innova.
- Hyzer Flips – Lightweight Destroyers are flippy enough to throw a hyzer flip during the flight. If it’s released at the correct angle you’ll see the disc flip to flat before continuing to glide.
- Forehand & Backhand – Some discs feel much better throwing backhand than with forehand but most people who throw the Destroyer can interchange between the two very easily. It really opens up your game when you don’t limit yourself to only throwing the disc for one or the other.
- Maximum Distance – Since this is an overstable high speed driver, this is the best choice for throwing off the tee. Not only that but with a glide of 5, there aren’t many other drivers that can compete with the distance you can get before the flight ends.
- Windy Conditions – As long as the disc isn’t a lightweight mold, the option to throw it on windy days will be there. The thin rim will cut through all winds and will even get extra distance in a tailwind.
Pros
I’ve been throwing the Innova Destroyer for the past four years, so I wanted to quickly go over its biggest strengths in this breakdown.
- Players of all skill levels can throw the Destroyer – Even though it has a high speed, newer players can get some decent distance out of the disc. As people get a faster arm speed they’ll be able to get even more value out of this driver.
- You’ll maximize the distance you can throw – If you’re stuck at a certain distance, try throwing the Destroyer and you might be surprised at where you end up. The Destroyer is known for its high glide and consistent flight out of the hand.
- It’s comfortable for both forehand and backhand – I actively switch shot types depending on the hole and have always felt comfortable with this disc for all different throws.
Cons
Every disc has conditions where it isn’t the best, so let’s look into those for the Destroyer.
- A lightweight disc can be flippy – The lightweight discs, especially those made from DX plastic, have a tendency to turn over during the flight. It’s less likely to happen if there’s less wind or if you have a heavier weight Destroyer in your bag.
- Slightly difficult to control as a new player – I mentioned before that even new players can throw the Destroyer, many can but some players struggle with control. Without a clean release, the disc won’t fly as intended and won’t give you the most glide possible.
- Flight pattern will change as it becomes beat in – Like with every other disc, you throw it enough and it won’t fly like it used to. The cheaper plastic types will start to flip over much more frequently as they become broken in from use.
Flight Path
Available Plastics
| Plastic | Weight | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Star | 168-175g | Superior grip and as durable and consistent as Champion plastic |
| Champion | 170-175g | High quality and retains flight characteristics for longer |
| Pro | 168-175g | Economic plastic with increased glide and grip |
| DX | 150-175g | Has the most variety of weights and is the most affordable plastic |
Read more about the Innova plastics here.
Innova Destroyer Specifications
- Speed: 12.0
- Glide: 5.0
- Turn: -1.0
- Fade: 3.0
- Plastic Grades: Air Bubbles, Basic, Durable, Midgrade, Premium
- Primary Use: Distance Driver
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Stability: Overstable
- Weight: 150-175g
- Beadless: Yes
Final Verdict – Innova Destroyer
The Innova Destroyer has been and will continue to be one of my favorite distance drivers ever. It has great grip, high glide, and consistent fade which really lets you grip it and rip it down the fairway. There are a good amount of discs that are similar to the Destroyer, but none of them can get the same flight.
If you haven’t tried out the Destroyer, now’s the time to check it out. Once you get the feel for this disc you’ll be amazed at the distance it can travel and how easy it is to throw in most situations on the course.