After you’ve been playing disc golf for a while you begin to understand how plastic types can affect how your disc feels, flies, and how long it lasts. Two of the most popular premium plastics from Innova are Star and Champion. Other brands have their version of these plastics. Knowing the difference between these two plastic types can help you choose the right disc for your game and skill level. It will also help you meet your needs for that disc, whether you want better grip, extra durability, or a disc that breaks in perfectly.
Star Plastic
Star is known for its excellent grip and excellent durability. It is very close to Champion when it comes to durability, but it has a little more grip, which I love! To me, it makes the disc easier to control. The extra grip really helps in cold or wet weather. If you like a little more ‘give’ for your grip, Star plastic is a bit better than Champion. Star plastic is an excellent mix of grip, firmness, and durability.
Champion Plastic
Champion is made for maximum durability and performance. It has a firm, slick feel and a translucent look. Players with faster arm speeds often prefer Champion because it is more stable and resists wear better than any other plastic, although there are some plastic types that are close. Because of the extra durability, once it is is seasoned to your liking, it will maintain that flight for a long time. Champion is frequently the disc of choice for power throwers and flick shots.
Skill Level
Star plastic is often a great choice for newer and less skilled players because of its grip, control, and durability. The softer feel helps players have more confidence in their grip, especially in cold or wet weather. Since Star is usually a little less stable than Champion, it can be a bit more forgiving and help newer players get longer flights without having a very fast arm. More advanced players might choose Star because of its feel and because it beats in nicely over time.
Champion plastic typically appeals to more experienced players who throw faster and prefer a stiffer, more stable disc. The additional firmness and overstability help the disc handle torque and headwinds with ease, which makes Champion desirable for forehand throwers and players with big backhand power. Because Champion discs keep their flight for so long, once you break it in you will have a consistent flight round after round, even on rugged courses.
Flight and Durability
Both plastics fly similarly when brand new, but there are differences between them that affect performance over time. As mentioned, Star plastic breaks in a little faster, which leads to less overstability as it wears. That makes Star a good choice if you want a disc to break in, and then slowly gain more turn.
Champion often starts more overstable than Star, and holds that stability for a long time. It resists wear more effectively, which is how it holds its overstability so long. That quality makes Champion perfect for players who want their disc to hold its flight without changing. Its stiffness can also help with skip shots and reduce unwanted flex during power throws.
Summary
Choosing between Star and Champion plastic comes down to how you want the disc to feel, how much grip you prefer, and how much you want the disc to change as it wears in. Star plastic offers great grip and performance with a quicker break in period, which makes it a good fit for players who like a disc that evolves with their game. Champion plastic provides long lasting stability and a firmer, more durable feel that performs well under power and in harsh conditions. Both plastics deliver excellent performance, so the best choice is the one that feels right in your hand and matches your skill level and throwing style.
