Innova Beast Review: A Classic High-Glide Turnover Driver
Released during disc golf's wide-rim driver era, the Innova Beast (10/5/-2/2) has stayed in production and in bags for over two decades for a simple reason: it turns over easily, glides a long way, and finishes with just enough fade to land predictably. That combination of high speed, high glide, and a reliable high-speed turn makes it one of the more forgiving Speed 10 drivers on the market, useful for both a beginner working on distance and a pro throwing it downwind or on a turnover line.
This review covers who the Beast fits best, how that turnover flight plays out in the air, how the plastic lineup compares, and how it stacks up against the Innova Sidewinder and the Innova Wraith.
Innova Beast - Quick Specs
- Flight Numbers 10 / 5 / -2 / 2 (Speed / Glide / Turn / Fade)
- Disc Type Distance Driver
- Stability Understable at release, holds a reliable turnover line, finishes with a gentle fade
- Weight Range 120g-175g (most players throw 165-175g)
- Plastics DX, Pro, Champion, Star
- Approx. Price $12-20 depending on plastic
- Best For Turnover shots, tailwind holes, and beginners looking for their first real distance gains
Who Should Throw the Innova Beast?
The Beast's turnover-friendly flight makes it one of the more accessible Speed 10 drivers, but it still needs some arm speed to reach its intended S-curve rather than just flipping over and diving early.
- Beginners: A strong first distance driver. The -2 Turn means the disc wants to turn over even at moderate arm speeds, so newer players get real distance gains without needing to overpower the disc. Pair it with a slower, more stable disc like the Teebird for straighter lines.
- Intermediate players: The Beast's home range. It reaches its full turnover flight reliably and works well as a tailwind or roller driver, or thrown on an anhyzer for maximum distance.
- Advanced players: Often carry a Beast specifically for turnover shots and tailwind holes where a more overstable driver like the Wraith would fight the wind instead of using it.
How the Innova Beast Flies
The 10/5/-2/2 numbers describe a Speed 10 driver with plenty of glide and a strong high-speed turn. Thrown flat or on a slight anhyzer, the Beast noticeably turns to the right (for RHBH throwers) during the first half of its flight, riding that turn out on its Glide 5 rating before a gentle Fade 2 brings it back left to finish. That long, gliding turnover arc is what separates the Beast from straighter Speed 10 discs and is exactly why it produces so much distance for players who haven't yet generated the power a Speed 12+ driver needs.
Because the turn activates early, the Beast is also a go-to disc for tailwind holes and rollers, where its willingness to turn over works with the conditions instead of against them. Compared to the Innova Sidewinder (9/5/-3/1), the Beast turns slightly less aggressively but finishes with more fade, making it a touch more predictable in calm conditions. Compared to the Innova Wraith (11/5/-1/3), the Beast is both slower and far more understable, trading the Wraith's controlled S-curve for a wider, more turnover-heavy flight.
Innova Beast Plastics Compared
- Champion: Clear, hard, and the most durable option. Holds its flight numbers the longest, making it the best choice for players who want the Beast's turnover character to stay consistent over time. Around $18-20.
- Star: Grippy and durable with a premium feel. Flies very close to the stock numbers and is a strong all-around pick for most players. Around $17-19.
- Pro: A mid-tier plastic that balances grip and durability at a lower price point. A great everyday option and the plastic featured in this review's linked listing. Around $15-16.
- DX: The most affordable option. Beats in quickly, which actually increases turnover tendencies over time, useful for players chasing maximum distance from a well-worn disc. Around $12-14.
Recommendation: start with Pro or Star plastic for the truest flight to the stock numbers, or Champion if you want the turnover flight to stay consistent for years.
Pros
- High glide and a strong turn make it one of the more forgiving Speed 10 distance drivers
- Excellent for tailwind holes, rollers, and turnover shots
- Real distance gains for beginners who can't yet power a Speed 12+ driver
- Wide plastic lineup at a range of price points
- Decades-long track record with both recreational and professional players
Cons
- Strong headwinds can exaggerate the turn and cause the disc to flip over and dive early
- Less predictable than a straighter Speed 10 disc like the Innova Thunderbird for players who want a controlled, neutral flight
- Advanced players with faster arms may find it turns over too easily to hold longer, flatter lines
Similar Discs to Consider
If the Beast's turnover-heavy flight isn't quite the right fit, here are three natural alternatives:
- Innova Sidewinder - One speed class down (9/5/-3/1) with an even more aggressive turn and less fade, better for beginners still struggling to get any distance out of Speed 10+.
- Innova Wraith - Faster and far more stable (11/5/-1/3), better for players who want a controlled S-curve rather than a wide turnover flight.
- Innova Thunderbird - Same Speed 9 class as the Sidewinder but with a straighter, zero-turn flight (9/5/0/2) for players who want predictability over turnover distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Innova Beast good for beginners?
Yes, it's one of the better first distance drivers. The -2 Turn means it wants to turn over even at moderate arm speeds, so newer players see real distance gains without needing to overpower the disc the way a more overstable Speed 10+ driver would require.
How does the Innova Beast compare to the Innova Sidewinder?
The Sidewinder (9/5/-3/1) is one speed class down with an even stronger turn and less fade, making it slightly more beginner-friendly. The Beast's extra point of fade gives it a more predictable finish once it's done turning over.
What is the best plastic for the Innova Beast?
Pro or Star plastic fly closest to the stock 10/5/-2/2 numbers and offer good everyday grip and durability. Champion plastic holds its flight numbers the longest if you want the turnover character to stay consistent over years of play, while DX is the budget option that beats in quickly for even more turn.