What difference does all these different kinds of plastic make?

This is another question that was recently asked in the store.  The question referred to Innova plastic, but the answer will be the same regardless of the brand.

-  ”If you have two brand new discs of the same type, but the plastics are two different types, do they have the same flight patterns?  Like if you have a new DX Sidewinder and a new Star Sidewinder, will they fly the same?”

Great question.  The models may be the same, but, in different plastic, the flight characteristics will be slightly different. 

DX is the slowest, with grippy “textured” plastic.  Surface friction is high in this kind of plastic so the discs generally don`t want to fly as far because they run out of spin faster.  It works great in the rain and humidity and will break-in quickly.

Pro plastic is a little slicker so it will fly faster, but the plastic doesn`t hold up to abuse as well, so it will beat in quicker than most of the others.  This can be a good thing if you want to break-in your discs and get them to turn over quicker.  Not so good if you want them to remain stable.

Champion plastic is very slick and fast flying, but also can be the hardest to grip, especially if it is raining or hot and humid.  Champion is the most durable plastic by far.  It takes a long time to break-in and usually starts off more stable than DX or Pro Line discs.  It is also noticably faster than DX or Pro Line.  It takes forever to break-in and will resist cuts and scrapes and most other surfae incursions.  This is great plastic if you want a disc to be very consistent throughout its lifespan.

Star plastic is the fastest plastic due to its very high viscosity.  Very little friction with the air that crosses over the disc allows this plastic to maintain its rotation longer in flight, giving it maximum distance.  It is very durable, but not quite as durable as Champion.  This means that very hard macks may cause some surface imperfections, but they are less frequent and not as deep as the cheaper plastic.  This can be a good thing when compared to Champion plastic.  If you need your discs to break-in some before they start to perform to the maximum potential (and most people do), then Star discs will allow that to happen way quicker than Champion.  Also, Star is usually very grippy and will be easier to hold on to than Champion when wet.  Star plastic is usually, but not always, more stable than Champion to start.  In my opinion, Star is better than Champion for practical purposes.  Fast and pliable, it is my preferred choice for my primary drivers.  But I do carry some of each type of plastic in my bag - DX, Pro-Line, Champion and Star.  Overstable Chamion discs make great wind fighters.

Another thing to consider when gauging a disc`s stability.  Modern discs tend to be more stable if they are very domey in the flight plate.  Discs with very flat top plates tend to be less stable.

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