Contents
  1. Overview
  2. Flight characteristics
  3. Recommended uses
  4. Plastics & variants
  5. History
  6. Notable throwers
  7. Similar discs

The Innova Invader is a 3-speed stable putt & approach. With published flight numbers of 3 / 2 / 0 / 1, it is most often described as suited for straight, full-power approach shots on tight fairways, backhand and forehand driving-putter throws.

Overview

The Innova Invader is a stable putt-and-approach disc with flight numbers of 3 / 2 / 0 / 1.[1][2] Released in 2020, it is essentially an Aviar3 reworked with a microbead and a slightly rounder edge, which makes it a more neutral flier while keeping it torque-resistant.[1] Its flat-top profile and small bead give a grippy, controllable feel built for full-power drives off the tee on tight, narrow fairways.[2] Innova co-founder and designer Dave Dunipace is reported to bag the Invader himself, and the disc flies with a straight, dependable line and only a gentle fade.[1][2]

Flight characteristics

Flight numbers: manufacturer vs. community
SourceSpeedGlide TurnFade
Innova (mfg) 3 2 0 1 Published spec
Discpedia community Loading ratings…

Flight numbers describe the published behavior of the disc when thrown at its design speed. Real-world flight varies with plastic, weight, age, and thrower power. The community-averaged numbers above reflect crowd-sourced observations from real throws — typically slightly more understable than the manufacturer's published values, which is the most consistent pattern across nearly every commercial mold.

The Invader excels on tight, straight approach shots and as a driving putter for narrow fairways where errant glide is a liability.[2] Its flatter top lets players power the disc to a precise distance both backhand and sidearm without it turning over.[2] It is available in a wide range of plastics, including DX for grip, Pro and Soft Pro for a tackier feel, and Star, Champion, and XT for premium durability.[1][2] Beginners can throw it straight, while advanced players use it as a control approach disc.[2]

Best for:

  • Straight, full-power approach shots on tight fairways
  • Backhand and forehand driving-putter throws
  • Controlled upshots inside 250ft
  • A beaded approach disc with Aviar3 flight and a rounder edge

Plastics & variants

The Invader is available in the following plastic blends from Innova:[2]

DX, Pro, Star, Champion, XT

Plastic blend significantly affects flight character. Premium plastics like Champion, Z, or C-Line generally fly more overstable when fresh and hold their stability over time. Base plastics like DX, Pro, or Active beat in faster and become more understable workhorses with use.

History

The Invader was PDGA-approved on May 28, 2020.[3] Designer and Innova co-founder Dave Dunipace built it as a microbead, slightly rounder-edged take on the Aviar3 mold, producing a more neutral but still torque-resistant approach putter.[1] Disc-golf historian u/IsaacSam98 — whose long-form Innova guides are used here with permission — noted the Invader arrived with a small group of touring pros bagging it, including Kona Panis, and called it a disc with 'the makings of a hit' for Innova.[1] Dunipace is reported to carry the mold in his own bag.[1] It has since become a popular flat, beaded approach option, frequently compared to the Aviar3 it is derived from and to the beaded Aviar and Dynamic Discs Judge.[1][4] Innova produces it across its full plastic lineup, from baseline DX to premium Star and Champion runs.[2]

Notable throwers

Kona Panis

Similar discs

References & further reading

Sources

Content on this page has been cross-checked against the following sources. Numbered citations in the prose above link to the matching entry here.

  1. u/IsaacSam98 — A Quick Guide to Every Single Innova Disc (Invader chapter; used with permission)
  2. Invader — Innova Discs (official manufacturer product page)
  3. Invader — PDGA Equipment Certification (approved 2020-05-28)
  4. Innova Invader Review — Disc Golf Puttheads

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