If you’ve ever thrown a disc from Discraft, you’ve most likely heard about the Avenger SS. As a distance driver, the Avenger SS has a great combination of glide, control, and distance.
Another disc that matches up really well is the Discraft Heat, which has similar flight numbers and uses.
In this article I’ll be comparing the two distance drivers, showing the important ways that they’re similar and different.
Discraft Avenger SS vs. Heat Comparison
Avenger SS | Heat | |
Flight | 10, 5, -3, 1 | 9, 6, -3, 1 |
Stability | Understable | Understable |
Skill Level | Beginner | Beginner |
Rim | Beadless | Beadless |
Plastics | Air Bubbles, Basic Cheapest, Durable, Midgrade, Premium | Air Bubbles, Basic Cheapest, Durable, Midgrade, Premium |
Discraft Avenger SS
When you need a controllable driver that won’t fade extremely hard during the flight, the Avenger SS is one that I usually recommend.
It’s definitely known for being a great roller disc, but that’s only the beginning of the great uses you can find with this disc.
Another common throw that I’ve used it for in the past is times when I need my disc to fly straight for the majority of the flight. Even with very little arm speed, the Avenger SS wants to fly straight and far, which is a great tool to have out on the course.
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Discraft Heat
As soon as the Heat was released it became a widely used driver known for its ease of control, glide, and distance for most-beginner level disc golfers. It’s very similar to the popular Avenger SS, but with a smaller rim that can really help new players with their control and release.
Because of the shallow feel of the rim, you should have no trouble throwing the Heat backhand or forehand, depending on your preference.
As long as you can get aim well and get a clean release, the Heat can be great in the woods for maneuvering around trees and hitting a specific line to get out of trouble.
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Flight Numbers
Avenger SS Flight Numbers: 10, 5, -3, 1
Heat Flight Numbers: 9, 6, -3, 1
The only real difference between the Avenger SS and the Heat for flights is the speed and glide values. But, even with these differences I’ve never noticed a huge difference in the flight when throwing either one of these discs.
Newer players might enjoy using the Heat more, especially since it’ll be easier to get more glide without using as much power during the throw.
Available Plastics
Avenger SS Plastics: ESP, Z, X, Pro-D
Heat Plastics: Titanium, ESP, Z, X, Pro-D
Like most discs from Discraft, the available plastics are very close. The Heat has an additional plastic option in Titanium, but other than that, they can both be found in the same weight and plastics.
Similarities Between the Avenger SS and Heat
I will say, there are so many similarities between these two discs that it’s not worth mentioning every single one.
Tough To Use In The Wind
Due to the understable nature of these drivers, both are difficult to control and use in heavy winds. It’s better to keep them in your bag on windy days unless you need to hit very specific angles and have enough control to withstand the stability.
Have Plenty of Plastics
If you enjoy a specific plastic mold from Discraft, you’ll be pleased to know that the Heat and Avenger SS are both made in most of their plastic types. This is important because certain molds will behave differently for stability and durability, which will help you find a weight and plastic option that feels good for you.
Similar Flights
Just like we talked about before, the flight numbers on these two drivers are very close, meaning they fly pretty similarly in the air. For the most part, the most common throws are the same, and the maximum distance that you’ll be able to hit will also be very close. With that being said, even though many players consider them to have the same flight, each disc has a different profile and feel in the hand.
Differences Between the Avenger SS and Heat
Angle Control
Even though they have similar flights, the Avenger SS will hold a straight line for longer than the Heat. It’s slightly more stable and can be thrown straight for longer before continuing with its predictable fade, while the Heat has more consistent drift during straight flights.
Any player with slower arm speed will find the Heat is better at hitting flex lines because the slower speed allows it to work through the angle mid-flight.
Popular Throws
The biggest difference when finding throws for these understable drivers is knowing when you want the disc to start moving out of the angle. With the Avenger, the disc will stay on the angle and then all of a sudden start to fade out. The Heat is slightly different because it will hold the angle for less distance, but will drift out of the angle during the flight.
Comfort and Feel
With similar throws, choosing the profile that better fits your hand is my recommendation. They have the same depth for the rim, but the Heat has more height which can make a difference in how comfortable it is to hold.
Which Disc is Better For You?
Overall, I think the Avenger SS has more uses and works better as an understable distance driver. Players that want a slightly slower disc with a different feel might enjoy throwing the Heat more, but both discs are very similar.
Conclusion
When comparing the Avenger SS to the Heat, the disc profile and flight numbers are the biggest differences. I find these two discs to be extremely close to each other when looking at how they fly and the most common throws that they’re used for.
As long as you can control the understable nature of either disc, you’ll enjoy the times that you find yourself tossing one of these discs out on the course!