The Katana is another understable distance driver from Innova that has a high speed, lots of turn, and very little fade for the flight characteristics.
It’s definitely a more advanced disc compared to other drivers, especially since the stability of the disc requires good angle control and finesse touch on release.
There were a few key things I picked up when I first started to throw the Katana, so in this review I’ll go over everything I learned about this driver. I’ll also cover the best time to throw it as well as the plastics and weights that are available.
Quick Review of the Innova Katana
Flight Ratings: 13 Speed, 5 Glide, -3 Turn, 3 Fade
Weight: 130-175 grams
Stability: Understable
Skill Level: Intermediate
Who Is the Innova Katana For?
Distance drivers are great at allowing you to reach your furthest throwing potential on any hole. They’re usually thrown from the tee when you need as much distance as possible right from the start.
These are higher-speed discs and do require a lot of arm speed to throw, so newer players might struggle to control the angle and flight.
These are the major benefits of using a distance driver:
- Getting closer to the basket on long distance holes
- Designed with more speed, glide, and flexibility in shot types
- More control on angles, release, and speed down the fairway.
For disc golfers with some prior expertise and practice, Intermediate discs are ideal. These discs may be thrown by beginners, but they’ll require a lot of effort to achieve considerable distance.
When Should You Throw the Katana?
The best throws for the Innova Katana are:
- Tailwind
- Hyzer Flip
- Distance
Tailwind – Tailwinds will help push your disc forward since it’ll be moving in the same direction that the disc is flying. This type of wind also causes the disc to be more overstable and have less glide since it gets pushed down towards the ground.
Hyzer Flip – One effective throw with this disc is the Hyzer Flip. It’s similar to an S-Shot, but the line is straighter and The disc rotates or flips up and comes down nose first in the process. This allows for a long straight glide with minimal fade potential.
Distance – This type of disc will help you to reach your maximum distance off the tee. A high speed and glide number are two important factors to look for when increasing how far you can throw the disc.
The stability of the disc is one of the biggest factors in determining how a disc will fly once it’s released.
Understable discs are significantly more speed sensitive than stable or overstable ones. An understable disc will often fly level to overstable at low speeds. Newcomers frequently throw discs at slower speeds which causes them to be more stable.
Katana Plastics
The Katana can be found in all of the following plastic grades:
- Star
- GStar
- Blizzard
- Metal Flake
- Pro
- Champion
Star – Star plastic is one of the premium Innova plastics that’s known for being grippy, durable, and consistent. It has the same durability as the more expensive Champion plastic and will keep its shape in both cold and warm weather.
GStar – GStar is a flexible plastic mold that’s softer and less stable than other premium plastics. It’s comparable to Star or Champion plastic that has been used and beat in. One great benefit of the GStar plastic is that it will hold its shape and flight pattern for longer than DX or Pro discs.
Blizzard – Blizzard plastic is a mix between the original Champion plastic and micro air bubbles. Adding more air inside the rim causes the disc to have the same durability while cutting down on the total weight. These lighter discs are great for newer players who want to get the same flight and distance of a heavier disc.
Metal Flake – The Metal Flake discs from Innova are actually made from the exact same Champion plastic. These discs are firm and long-lasting, with the only difference being the metal flecks that have been added. With the small pieces of metal, the disc will be a heavier weight and more overstable.
Pro – The Innova Pro line is made with a higher grade of plastic than their basic mold, ensuring longer life and better performance. When comparing the durability of pro versus DX plastic, the Pro Line discs are more durable. The Pro Line discs glide farther and are less expensive than premium Champion or Star Line discs.
Champion – The most premium and expensive plastic from Innova is the Champion mold. It’s extremely durable, firm, and overstable. Discs made in Champion plastic can take a beating against trees or rocks and still keep the same flight characteristics. Since it’s so durable, this plastic is less flexible and soft.
Katana Weights
The Katana can be found with a minimum weight of 130 grams and a maximum weight of 175 grams.
Pros of the Innova Katana
- Great for throwing into a tailwind with enough speed to glide and continue its flight.
- Even though it’s understable, the Katana can be thrown very hard and at a sharp angle before it will turn over.
Check out my review on the best distance drivers from Innova!
Where Can You Find the Innova Katana?
Although the Katana can be found at most of your local disc golf shops, I also recommend checking out these online shops.
They have plenty of disc options and have images of each individual disc that you can sort through, look at, and pick.
You can find plenty of options for brands and plastics right on the Amazon site.
Related Discs
Check out these similar discs to the Katana and read through my full reviews below!
Innova Vulcan– Designed for less powerful players who need to throw far and fast.