Innova Aviar Review: The Original Disc Golf Putter

The Innova Aviar is the best-selling disc golf putter of all time. It has been in continuous production since the 1980s, has been thrown by more PDGA world champions than any other putter, and remains a top-five selling putter today. Its 2/3/0/1 flight numbers describe a slow, neutral-to-slightly-overstable putter that goes straight and finishes with a gentle, predictable left fade. Simple, reliable, proven.

This review covers the Aviar's flight in detail, how it compares to the Dynamic Discs Judge (the other top putter choice), which plastic works best, and whether it belongs in your bag.

Who Should Throw the Innova Aviar?

Everyone - from complete beginners to PDGA professionals. The Aviar's 40-year track record is built on its universal accessibility. Disc golfers of every skill level use it for different purposes:

• Beginners: An excellent first putter. The slight overstability (Fade 1) means it won't flip over on the way to the basket, and the simple flight path makes it predictable to aim. Many players use it for approach shots and short drives while still developing arm speed.
• Intermediate players: Typically carries the Aviar specifically for putting (often in a soft plastic) and may carry a second putter in a different plastic for approach shots.
• Advanced/professional players: Multiple world champions have built their careers putting with the Aviar. Ken Climo, widely considered one of the best disc golfers of all time, threw the Aviar throughout his championship career.

How the Innova Aviar Flies

The Aviar's 2/3/0/1 numbers describe a slow (Speed 2), moderately gliding (Glide 3) putter with no turn and a gentle left fade at the end. In practical terms: throw it flat, it goes straight, then drifts gently left before landing. The fade is soft enough that most players can compensate with aim rather than having to account for a hard hook.

Compared to the Dynamic Discs Judge (2/4/0/1): the Aviar has one less Glide (3 vs 4) which means it drops out of the sky slightly sooner. This is actually preferred by many putting styles - less glide means less chance of the disc sailing past the basket. The Judge floats a bit more, which some players prefer for approach shots.

The Aviar has a small bead on the underside of the rim. This bead affects grip - some players love it for a locked-in feel on their putting grip, others prefer the beadless feel of the Judge. Try both to see which works for your putting style.

Innova Aviar Plastics Compared

• DX: Base plastic. Soft, grippy, affordable. Beats in quickly - a DX Aviar becomes very understable with heavy putting use. Great if you want a soft-feel putter or specifically want a worn-in approach disc. Around $10-12.
• Pro/KC Pro: Slightly stiffer and more durable than DX. Maintains flight longer. Ken Climo used KC Pro throughout his career - it's a professional-grade plastic at a mid-range price.
• Star: Innova's premium grippy plastic. Durable, consistent, good grip in all conditions. Best all-around choice if you want the Aviar to fly the same way every round. Around $18-20.
• Champion: Hard, clear, very durable, slightly more overstable. Some players find champion Aviars feel slippery on wet days. Better for approach shots in varied conditions than for rainy-day putting.
• R-Pro: Very soft and grippy, similar to a premium rubber blend. Excellent grip in cold and wet. Beats in faster than Star.
• XT: A blend between Pro and Champion. Good durability with better grip than Champion. Popular middle-ground choice.

Aviar vs Dynamic Discs Judge

These are the two most recommended beginner putters and the most debated putter matchup in disc golf. Quick comparison:

• Aviar (2/3/0/1): Small bead, less glide, slightly more overstable feel. Best for players who prefer a locked-in putting grip and a disc that drops predictably.
• Judge (2/4/0/1): Beadless, more glide, slightly more neutral. Best for players who prefer a smooth rim and a disc that floats a bit more on long putts.

There is no objectively better choice between these two - it is entirely about which feels better in your hand. If you can, try both before committing. Many disc golfers end up carrying one of each for different situations.