Ever wondered what makes the perfect disc golf putter? I’d say it boils down to three characteristics—stability, control, and a comfortable feel. That’s where Nate Sexton’s Tour Series Putter—the Innova Firefly—shines. As a long-time disc golf enthusiast, I know the value of a reliable disc, and the Firefly meets the cut.
In this Innova Firefly review, I’ll dive deep into the flight characteristics, specifications, usage, and comparison with putt and approach discs. I’ll share insights drawn from my extensive experience to give you a comprehensive understanding of this disc.
Whether you’re a beginner questioning which disc to start with, or a seasoned player looking to diversify your bag, this review aims to showcase why the Innova Firefly could be an excellent fit for you!
Flight Numbers
- Speed: 2
- Glide: 3
- Turn: 0
- Fade: 1
With a speed rating of 2, the Firefly is relatively slow and easy to handle. Perfect for control shots, this disc is bound to be consistent in flight, letting you maintain accuracy over speed. The glide rating of 3 means the Firefly holds its line nicely yet doesn’t float too much; it’s all about controlled distance here.
A turn rating of zero makes the Firefly a stable disc, holding the line you throw it on with little to no deviation. It is highly resistant to turning over, even when thrown into a headwind. Finally, with a fade of 1, you can expect a slight, gentle finish to the left at the end of the throw (for right-handed, backhanded throws).
These flight characteristics make this Nate Sexton signature an excellent putter with a predictable flight pattern—turning slightly to the left in a right-hand, backhand throw while maintaining a steady, slow flight. Whether you are new to the sport or have been playing for years, you will find the Innova Firefly provides consistent, reliable performance in various wind conditions and throwing scenarios.
Compact Elegance
- Diameter: 21.10 cm
- Height: 2.10 cm
- Rim Depth: 1.50 cm
- Rim Width: 1 cm
With a comfortable diameter of 21.10 cm, the Innova Firefly fits snugly in most hand sizes, making it an ideal choice across varying player sizes. The disc’s height of 2.10 cm ensures it feels good in the hand, providing unparalleled grip for accurate throws.
The rim depth of 1.50 cm gives the Firefly excellent stability, but it doesn’t make the disc too bulky. It feels slick and smooth in hand but doesn’t compromise on the grip, allowing for accurate, firm throws without much effort.
The width of the Firefly’s rim is a unique 1 cm. This thinner rim gives the Firefly excellent control and reduces the likelihood of the disc wobbling when released—a common issue faced by beginners and even advanced players. The thinner rim also makes the disc easier to grip, especially for players with smaller hands.
Perfect For Beginners
The Innova Firefly is a disc suitable for players of all skill levels. Beginners will appreciate its forgiving nature, thanks to its slower speed and dependable stability. It offers an excellent platform for learning the basics of disc golf, allowing novices to focus on developing proper throwing mechanics without being overwhelmed by a more aggressive disc’s dynamics.
Intermediate and advanced players will appreciate the Firefly’s predictability in different wind conditions and its precision in hitting the chains. The disc’s low speed and slight fade make it an excellent tool for strategic approach games and pinpoint accuracy throws. Its stable flight inspires confidence when facing tight lines or aiming for long-distance putts.
I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this disc to those who rely heavily on fast, over-stable discs. The Firefly’s strengths lie in its finesse and control, and if you’re a thrower who prioritizes speed and high fade, you might not find it suitable for your style.
Unleash Disc Golf Brilliance
Whether you’re throwing an upshot that needs to stick close to the basket or executing a controlled drive on a short and technical hole, the Firefly shines. Its slow speed and predictable fade make it a disc you can trust to land precisely where you need it.
Here are some key shot types the Firefly can tackle:
Straight Putts
The Firefly is reliable for those straight-on putts. It holds its line beautifully, and that soft fade at the end gives it a gentle finish into the chains.
Controlled Approaches
When you need to navigate around obstacles while remaining close to the basket, the Firefly’s stability and slow speed shine. It’s akin to a steady hand guiding you closer to your target.
Short Drives
For short, technical holes where speed is less crucial than accuracy and control, the Firefly proves to be an excellent performer. Its low speed and hard-to-turn nature enable you to place your drives confidently.
Similar Putt And Approach Discs
Daredevil Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl by Daredevil is a similar disc to the Firefly, boasting an equally low speed and slightly less fade. It offers an excellent alternative with a bit more glide, lending itself to longer approach shots. This could be an option worth exploring if you prefer a disc with a bit more distance potential while maintaining low speed.
Discmania P2
The Discmania P2, with very similar flight characteristics to the Firefly, is another worthy contender. It carries a higher speed rating but offers increased turn and fade, striking a balance for those seeking speed and stability. If you’re transitioning from slower discs but don’t want to sacrifice too much control, the P2 might be a suitable fit.
Clash Discs Butter
Lastly, like the Firefly, the Clash Discs Butter is a dependable putter with comparable dimensions. It’s known for its consistent performance, especially in calm wind situations. While it doesn’t handle wind like the Firefly, it’s a good alternative for players who plan to play primarily in fair-weather conditions.
Innova Firefly In Review
The Innova Firefly is a versatile and forgiving disc. It offers a touch more control than some of the more aggressive discs on the market, and it’s ideal for anyone looking to improve their short game or master their approach techniques.
However, the Firefly may not align perfectly with your playing style if you predominantly rely on faster discs or desire high fade. It’s all about finesse and precision with this disc.
Pros:
- Excellent stability and control, ideal for short and precise shots
- Comfortable grip and feel, courtesy of its well-thought-out dimensions
- Forgiving flight for beginners but still offers plenty of utility for veterans
- Versatile, with a wide variety of uses from putting to approach shots
Cons:
- May fall short for players preferring high-speed discs
- Not the best choice if you require a high fade