If there’s one thing that my 13+ years on the disc golf course have taught me, it’s about the value of a reliable, versatile disc. Well, that’s where the Innova Valkyrie steps into the picture.
Out on the greens, I’ve grown to appreciate the straight flight of the Valkyrie and its ability to cover great distances, making it a crucial weapon in any disc golfer’s arsenal. But its appeal certainly doesn’t end there.
Having tested this disc extensively, I’m excited to give you a look into its performance, characteristics, and just what makes it a popular choice among novices and veterans alike. Let’s dive in and uncover what the Innova Valkyrie offers disc golfers eager to improve their game.
Flight Numbers
- Speed: 9
- Glide: 4
- Turn: -2
- Fade: 2
The Valkyrie’s speed of 9 suggests it’s not the fastest disc on the market, but it’s no slouch either. It boasts an excellent middle-of-the-road velocity, balancing swift ascents and controlled descents.
A glide rating of 4 ensures it maintains a nice loft during flight, perfect for mid-range throws where you don’t need excessive height. The considerable turn of -2 indicates it’s reliably understable, especially during the initial high-speed part of the throw. This makes it particularly helpful for newer players trying to nail anhyzer shots.
The fade, marked at 2, suggests a moderate tendency to hook left (for right-handers using a backhand throw) at the end of the flight, bringing the disc back toward the centerline. When I started with this beauty, its subtle fade felt reliable, predictable, and incredibly helpful when learning to judge disc movement.
In terms of stability, the Innova Valkyrie leans slightly toward the understable side, making it an excellent choice for beginners looking to build their skills and intermediate players aiming to perfect their techniques. But even seasoned professionals can find value in its flexibility and predictable performance.
A Closer Look
- Diameter: 21.10 cm
- Height: 1.40 cm
- Rim Depth: 1.20 cm
- Rim Width: 1.90 cm
The Valkyrie comes with a standard diameter of 21.10 cm, fitting comfortably in the hand and ensuring a good grip. The height, at 1.40 cm, also makes it a good option, as it’s shallow enough for players to get a firm hold but not so low that it sacrifices stability.
The rim depth of 1.20 cm adds to the overall comfort, allowing a secure and confident release. I’ve always found these dimensions perfect, offering an excellent balance between performance and ease of use. Given the 1.90 cm rim width, it has a good heft to it without feeling overly hefty.
While it may not pack the same speed as some higher-rated discs, it more than compensates with its fantastic control and predictability.
Unlock Your Potential
After spending my fair share of time with the Innova Valkyrie, I’ve concluded that it’s a disc with universal appeal. It’s ideal for newer players looking for their perfect driver and a fantastic first step into the realm of higher-speed drivers.
Don’t let my talk of beginners fool you, though. Thanks to its ease of use and versatility, even seasoned players can find value in the Valkyrie. I’ve found it excellent for various shots, including tunnel shots and shots that need to finish straight — something fellow advanced players will surely appreciate.
However, one thing worth noting is that the Valkyrie’s performance tends to vary with the plastic used. Beginner-friendly versions, like the GStar, are less stable, while versions like the max weight champion offer more stability and require a stronger arm — perfect for those stepping up their game.
Despite being an excellent all-around disc, the Valkyrie may not be the best fit for everyone. It could sway too much for those forehand-dominant players owing to its shape and can be a tad unpredictable.
Peak Versatility
The Innova Valkyrie is a versatile performer shining as a long-range driver. Its straight, predictable flight path is great for long, clean tee shots. Additionally, it can offer excellent upwind distance and extreme range when thrown downwind, especially in lighter weights. This disc can give each throw some extra “oomph.”
Here are the main shot types you can expect it to deliver:
Hyzer Flip Shots
It’s perfect for hyzer flips that must cover a narrow path before fading gently. I can recall my initial tries, and there’s something incredible about seeing it flip up to my desired trajectory and maintain that course.
Straight Shots
The Valkyrie is incredibly good at going dead straight for an extended distance. It can become your best companion when you’ve got a shot that doesn’t allow much room for deviation.
Turnover Shots
With its reliable understability, the Valkyrie shines in pulls where you need the disc to curve to the right (for right-hand backhand throws). Having mastered turnover shots with the Valkyrie has saved me during numerous rounds.
Similar Drivers
The Innova Valkyrie stands toe-to-toe with several notable discs on the market, each with its distinct features and performances in play. Here are a few for comparison:
Discmania CD1
The CD1 offers similar speed and stability to the Valkyrie but with a touch more fade. If you appreciate the speed of the Valkyrie but wish for a more pronounced hook at the end, the CD1 might be up your alley.
Discraft Undertaker
While having a bit less speed than the Valkyrie, the Undertaker boasts similar flight characteristics, including understability and a predictable finish. It offers slightly more control, so players looking for pinpoint precision might lean towards the Undertaker.
Dynamic Discs Vandal
The Vandal shares a lot of flight properties with the Valkyrie, especially its predictable high-speed turn and fade. It might feel a tad more understable, making it a likely choice for those who need something just a bit easier to turn.
Innova Valkyrie In Review
The Valkyrie is truly one of the best Innova distance drivers. Its user-friendly nature makes it an excellent choice for beginners keen to hone their game, while its versatility and predictable performance keep it relevant for seasoned players.
However, forehand-dominant players or those who prefer very stable discs may find the Valkyrie’s characteristics less suited to their needs. Variations in stability between different plastics also mean new users should be mindful of which version they pick up.
Pros:
- Versatile performance across varied throw types and conditions
- Ideal for players building their skills
- Reliable and predictable flight
- Available in a range of plastics to suit different skill levels
Cons:
- Possibly too unstable for some shot types or player preferences
- Varying performance depending on the plastic used can cause inconsistencies