Meet the Bradley Williams Tour Series Halo Star Baby Destroyer

This year, Innova released a very special Tour Series disc for Bradley Williams – the Baby Destroyer. While the Baby Destroyer uses the same mold as the standard Destroyer, it has notably different material traits and flight characteristics. For one, the Baby Destroyer is only available in the 156 to 160 gram weight class. Also, it’s produced in Innova’s ultra-popular Halo Star plastic blend. For these reasons, among others, the Baby Destroyer has quickly gained a large following of fans. In a very short time, it’s become one of the most popular Tour Series discs of 2024. In this guide, we’ll deep dive into what really sets the Baby Destroyer apart. Let’s see how it might help you elevate your game!

1 Destroyer, 2 Destroyer, Red Destroyer, Blue Destroyer

Run to run, the flight traits of a Destroyer can vary drastically. Sometimes, you may even find that two Destroyers made in the same run can differ. Inconsistency seems like a bad term to describe any kind of manufacturing, but when it comes to golf discs that isn’t always the case. Innova’s ability to produce different flights out of a single mold is something that actually gets them praise. Instead of having to bag 5 different distance driver molds to get a decent range of stability, Innova throwers can more easily bag 5 versions of just the 1 mold for the same effect. Elite-level disc golfers commonly use this kind of bag structure, called cycling.

Design and Flight Characteristics of the Baby Destroyer

The Baby Destroyer is much easier to throw than most runs of Destroyer, but it isn’t it’s own mold. The things that set it apart are mainly its plastic, weight, dome, and wing shape. Innova makes the Baby Destroyer in a lighter weight class, ranging from around 155g to 160g. Players who are used to throwing heavier discs can still enjoy the Baby Destroyer though, as it’s Halo Star plastic keeps it from being too flippy. You see, discs made in Halo Star plastic tend to be more overstable than their standard Star counterparts. The underside of the rim, being an area that we can see large diversity in Destroyers, isn’t quite flat like some of the flippier runs, but has a slight concave arc to it. They also tend to have a fair amount of dome without being too much of a pop-top.

All of these traits combined allow the Baby Destroyer very easy to get a hold of for big difference, without being too understable or overstable for the majority of players.

Why Choose Halo Star Plastic?

Emerging for the first time just a few years ago, Halo Star is one of Innova’s newest plastic endeavors. While Halo Star is nearly identical to Star when it comes to feel and durability, there are a couple distinct differences. The first difference is simply appearance. Discs made in Halo Star have a different color rim and flight plate, giving it a ring or “halo” effect. Hence the name. The other difference is in it’s flight path. Discs in Halo Star are typically more overstable than their Star brethren. If you’re looking to get a more overstable version of any disc, give Halo Star a shot!

Ideal Players for the Bradley Williams Destroyer

If you can hold a disc in your hand, than the Baby Destroyer is for you! While it may not be the best choice to throw into a direct headwind due to its weight class, the Baby Destroyer maintains a decent level of overstability. This overstability allows for the disc to not flip over too much, even for power throwers. Such power throwers will find the Baby Destroyer to be the ultimate tailwind bomber, and may get more distance out of it than their standard distance drivers due simply to the difference in weight!

Why the Halo Star Baby Destroyer is a Must-Have in 2024

The Halo Star Baby Destroyer has solidified its place as a must-have disc in 2024. This is due to its unique combination of lightweight design, premium plastic, and versatile performance. Its light weight range makes it an excellent choice for players seeking effortless distance. You’ll find a straighter, easier, and more controllable flight, without losing the key overstable finish that Destroyers are known for. Crafted in the eye-catching and durable Halo Star plastic, this disc offers exceptional grip and reliability, even in varying conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking for a reliable distance driver or a newer player seeking a manageable yet high-performing disc, Innova’s Baby Destroyer checks all the boxes. With its distinct flight characteristics and widespread appeal, it’s no surprise that this disc is making waves in the disc golf community this year.

Introduction: Harp Vs. Zone – The Ultimate Approach Disc Showdown

As a disc golfer, you may have heard this common quip before, “drive for show, putt for dough”. That’s all fine and dandy, but it leaves out one of the most crucial parts of the game: approaching. Approaching the basket is its own unique skill requiring tact, touch, and consistency. Throwing good approach shots can save many strokes, especially when using the right approach disc. The Westside Discs Harp and the Discraft Zone are two of the most popular approach discs in the sport. Each make the job of approaching the basket easier on the player. For this Harp VS. Zone showdown, we’ll be addressing what makes these discs so great for approaching, what makes them different from each other, and which one is the right one for you!

Understanding the Basics: What Makes a Popular Approach Disc?

Most players can agree on a few key traits that make up a good approach disc. The first is overstability. You want a disc that consistently fades, and isn’t ever at risk of turning over, even in high-wind situations. After stability comes speed. The type of disc you’ll use to approach the basket can change drastically based on distance and conditions. The most popular approach discs though, are typically in the 4-speed class. 4-speed discs are faster than most putters, but still slower than your typical midrange. The third kay trait is dynamic grip, which is most important for players who throw both backhands and forehands. You want a disc that feels good in the hand for both types of shot.

Harp Vs. Zone: Comparing Flight Paths and Stability

Both the Harp and Zone have all the popular approach disc traits we went over above. Each has consistent overstability, a speed of 4, and great hand-feel for forehands and backhands. They do also differ in a few ways, especially when it comes to flight path and stability.

The Westside Discs Harp tends to have a straighter flight initially, but still a predictable fade. On the other hand, Discraft’s Zone is known for its strong fade and resistance to flipping, even in windy conditions. This gives it a bit more stability throughout the flight. Both discs excel at handling power, but the Zone typically offers a sharper, more aggressive finish, while the Harp provides a slightly smoother, more gradual fade. Depending on your throwing style and the course conditions, one might provide an edge over the other in terms of flight and stability.

Hand-Feel: How the Harp and Zone Differ in Grip and Comfort

Hand-feel is something that often needs direct personal attention. Preference is a key component of comfort, and you as player may strongly prefer the feel of one of these discs over the other. That being said, we can go over the basics of hand-feel differences for the Harp vs. the Zone.

The Harp has a slightly deeper rim and more rounded profile. This gives it a fuller feel in the hand. Many players appreciate this when seeking comfort and a secure grip. The Zone, on the other hand, has a shallower profile. This makes it feel smaller and streamlined in the hand. This can be particularly appealing to players who prefer a quicker, more direct release. The Harp’s depth can provide a bit more confidence for players who like a fuller grip, while the Zone’s shape can allow for more finesse and precision on forehand flicks specifically. Depending on you personal grip preference and hand size, you may like one drastically more than the other even though they’re fairly similar overall!

Durability and Plastics

Both Westside Discs and Discraft have a huge array of plastic blend offerings. Each brand offers unique materials that impact performance and longevity. Plastic preference can really sway the tide as far as Harp vs. Zone goes. The Harp is commonly found in plastics like VIP, Tournament, and BT Hard/Medium/Soft. VIP and Tournament are both premium plastics, which make them extremely durable. The BT blends are baseline, which allows them to beat up faster and have superior grip. Many players carry a premium blend, that will maintain it’s overstable flight, as well as a baseline blend, which will beat up to fly straighter. The same concept applies to the Zone, which is often produced in Discraft’s Z, ESP, and Putter Line blends. Z and ESP are their durable premium blends, while putter line is the softer and less durable option.

Player Preferences Regarding Harp Vs. Zone

As we’ve gone over in this article, even minute differences in discs can polarize golfers’ opinions. Everything from the discs flight path, to its plastic, to its hand-feel can be enough to sway a players preference. Players who choose the Harp typically enjoy its slightly deeper profile, which offers a more comfortable grip for those with larger hands. It also can be preferable for players who are backhand dominant. The Harp’s flight path also appeals to players looking for a disc that flies straighter with a smooth, predictable fade at the end. Additionally, the BT Soft Harp specifically has gained a cult following due to the way its flight-plate puddles in over time, offering a unique feel that players often rave about.

Adversely, players who prefer the Zone are often drawn to its shallower, low-profile design. This allows for a quicker release, especially on forehand flicks. The Zone’s strong overstable nature and more aggressive fade give it an edge for players who need reliability in windy conditions or for those who tend to throw with more power. The Zone’s overstability throughout the flight, combined with its ability to resist flipping even when beat in, makes it a go-to for players seeking consistency on the course. Ultimately, the choice between the harp and the Zone boils down to personal grip preferences, playing style, and the specific demands of the course of conditions.

Harp Vs. Zone – Making the Right Choice for Your Approach Game

Have you decided which approach disc is best suited for you? If not, try them both! More often than not, the best way to find out if a disc is right for you is to throw it yourself. There are also tons of amazing approach discs out there similar in popularity to the Zone and Harp, such as the Innova Toro, the Discmania Tactic, the MVP Entropy, etc. It could be that the right choice for you is to carry both a Harp and a Zone. Many players love the straight, controllable flight of a beat-in baseline Harp, and also see the value in the overstability of a premium Zone. Who’s the winner of the Harp Vs. Zone battle? The world may never know.

I’ll tell you a secret though… I bag Zones.

Introduction

Discmania, a household name in disc golf, is celebrated for crafting some of the sport’s most reliable and beloved discs. The popularity of their Originals line, originally produced by Innova, was unprecedented. In an attempt to fill gaps in their lineup and grow as a brand, Discmania later teamed up with Latitude 64 to make a new line of discs. This collaboration was named the Evolution Line, a series of discs manufactured for Discmania by Latitude 64. This strategic partnership marries Discmania’s design prowess with Latitude 64’s renowned manufacturing capabilities, setting a new standard in disc golf technology. The Evolution line ranges from very overstable “meathooks” to neutral or flippy discs that regular people can throw.

Overview of Discmania’s Evolution Line

The Evolution Line emerged as a strategic extension of Discmania’s usual offerings. At the same time, Discmania also came out with the Active Line, manufactured by Yikun. The Active line’s focus was to provide newer or amateur players with easy-to-throw plastic. In contrast, the Evolution Line was more meant to fill empty space in the Discmania meta. Many of the discs were specifically designed to complement and enhance the existing Originals Line. This thoughtful segmentation ensures that all levels of disc golf players find something suitable in Discmania’s diverse array of products.

Detailed Review of Each Evolution Line Disc Type

Distance Drivers

• Enigma (12/5/-1/2) – The Enigma serves as a straighter compliment to the Original’s Line DD3 (12/5/-1/3). The Enigma is ideal for players looking for less fade than their DD3 offers, or for people who need something less overstable.
• Paradigm (12/6/-1.5/2) – The Paradigm is a distance driver with high glide, and more turn than the Enigma, making it even easier to throw!

Fairway Drivers

• Essence (8/6/-2/1) – The Essence is the bestselling disc in the Evolution lineup. It is a terrific tool for any level player, offering a surprising amount of consistency for it’s higher levels of glide and turn.
• Instinct (7/5/0/2) – The lineage of 7/5/0/2 discs leads back to the Innova Teebird, one of the most popular fairway drivers of all time. While boasting similar glide to the Essence, the Instinct has more overstability, making it a little more reliable.
• Splice (9/3/0/4) – The Splice is a hyper overstable fairway driver not made for the likes of mortal men. Eagle McMahon throws one of these like it’s a Mako3, but for most people the Splice is ideal for high winds, spike hyzers, or skip shots.

Midranges

• Origin (5/5/-1/1) – The Origin is the most understable Midrange in any Discmania lineup, but isn’t extremely flippy. The Origin is a very workable midrange, and sports a small diameter size, as well as a smaller rim size. This makes it ideals for players with smaller hands, or for anyone looking for a slightly more understable compliment to their MD1 or MD3.
• Method (5/5/0/3) – The Method is a stable to overstable midrange with a bead! Whereas the MD3 has a fairly neutral flight, the Method overs a more overstable finish. This is the only Discmania midrange that sports a bead (aside from the old MD5).
• Mutant (5/3/0/4) – The Mutant is a hyper overstable midrange that has a very unique design. The rim of the Mutant has no curving edges, there are only flat portions and sharp angles. See picture below:

Putters (& Approach)

• Spore (1/7/0/1) – The Spore is the newest addition to the Evolution lineup. A PDGA approved 1-speed putter, the Spore is only available in a light weight range, and is a hybrid catch disc.
• Logic (3/3/0/1) – The Logic is Kyle Klein’s current putter of choice. The Logic essentially holds any angle you put it, making it very versatile for thawing and for putting with.
• Link (2/3/0/1) – The Link is Gannon Buhr’s current putter of choice. The Link is similar in flight to the logic, but is a little deeper, and also has a bead.
• Tactic (4/2/0/3) – The Tactic is Discmania’s flagship approach disc. Comparable to a Zone or Harp, the Tactic offers consistent and reliable overstability in any conditions.
• Tactic (Razor Claw Mold) (4/2/0/4) – The Razor Claw was Eagle McMahons signature series Tactic. The Razor Claw Tactic is more overstable than stock run Tactics, and even has it’s own PDGA approval, so it’s technically a different disc than a regular Tactic!

Discmania’s Evolution Line vs. Other Brands

Several molds in the Evolution line are the most popular of their class. The Evolution putter, midrange, and fairway driver lineups essentially offer everything you could need out on the course, while the two available distance drivers compliment Discmania’s other offerings quite well. There’s a mix of very overstable workhorses, as well as neutral and flippy discs for more technical situations. Very few brands have small lines with so much staying power. Other popular lines include the Discraft Paul McBeth line, MVP/Axiom’s Simon Line, and Latitude 64’s Gem Line.

Conclusion

Discmania’s Evolution Line represents a pinnacle of innovation in disc golf, offering a versatile range of high-performance discs that cater to both newcomers and seasoned players. Crafted from top-tier materials, these discs ensure consistent performance and durability. Whether you’re refining your skills or exploring new tactics, the Evolution Line provides the tools needed to elevate your game. Embrace the evolution and let these discs take your play to new heights!