Innova Mako3 Review: The Straightest Flying Midrange
The Innova Mako3 (5/5/0/0) is the updated version of Innova's original Mako, built around a single idea: fly exactly where it's aimed with almost no turn and almost no fade. It's a beadless midrange, slightly faster than the original Mako, and one of the straightest-flying discs Innova makes at any speed class.
This review covers who gets the most out of that dead-straight flight, how the Mako3 behaves in the air and in the wind, and which plastic to pick for your bag.
Innova Mako3 - Quick Specs
- Flight Numbers 5 / 5 / 0 / 0 (Speed / Glide / Turn / Fade)
- Disc Type Midrange (Straight/Neutral)
- Stability Neutral
- Weight Range 151g-180g
- Plastics DX, XT, Star, Champion, GStar
- Approx. Price $12-20 depending on plastic
- Best For All skill levels; straight-line drives, dependable approach shots, and headwind-neutral flights
Who Should Throw the Innova Mako3?
The Mako3's 0 Turn and 0 Fade mean there's very little the disc does on its own - whatever line it's released on is close to the line it finishes on. That predictability makes it useful at every skill level, for different reasons.
- Beginners: A great first midrange. Because there's no turn to fight and no fade to plan around, it's easy to see cause and effect between release angle and flight path, which speeds up learning proper form.
- Intermediate players: Useful as a go-to straight driver for wooded or technical holes where a fairway driver's extra speed and fade would overshoot the line. Also a reliable choice for flex shots that need to hold a subtle angle without drifting.
- Advanced players: Carried as a control disc for tight gaps and utility shots - rollers, low-ceiling tunnel shots, and any situation where a driver's stronger flight characteristics would be a liability.
How the Innova Mako3 Flies
Released flat, the Mako3 goes essentially straight from start to finish. There's no rightward drift at the start of the flight the way an understable disc would show, and no late left fade the way an overstable midrange like the Roc3 would. It just holds the line it was thrown on.
On a slight hyzer or anhyzer, that same neutrality carries over - the Mako3 tends to hold the release angle rather than fighting it or exaggerating it, which is why it's often described as one of the most "what you see is what you get" discs in the midrange class.
In the wind, a truly neutral disc like the Mako3 can get pushed around more than an overstable disc since it has no fade to fall back on late in flight. For a broader look at how turn and fade interact with stability overall, see the overstable vs. understable guide and the flight numbers guide.
Innova Mako3 Plastics Compared
- Star: The most popular all-around choice. Durable, grippy, and holds its neutral flight the longest before beating in. Around $16-18.
- Champion: Innova's hardest, most durable blend. Resists beat-in the longest, which matters for a disc whose whole appeal is staying dead straight over time.
- DX: The affordable base plastic. Comfortable grip, but beats in faster - an older DX Mako3 will start to turn over more readily, shifting it from neutral toward understable.
- XT: A mid-tier blend between DX and Star in both price and durability, a reasonable step up from DX without paying Champion or Star prices.
Recommendation: Star plastic is the best balance of price and durability for most players. Champion is worth the extra cost if you want the Mako3's straight flight to stay consistent for as many rounds as possible.
Pros
- One of the straightest flying midranges made, with almost no turn or fade
- Highly predictable, which speeds up learning proper release angles
- Useful for technical, tight-fairway shots at any skill level
- Available across Innova's full plastic lineup at every price point
Cons
- No fade to fall back on late in flight, so it can drift more than overstable midranges in the wind
- Beat-in DX copies drift toward understable over time and lose their signature straightness
- Less useful than an overstable midrange like the Roc3 for reliable left-finishing approach shots
Similar Discs to Consider
- Discraft Buzzz - Another neutral-leaning midrange, though with slightly more glide and a touch of fade compared to the Mako3's near-zero numbers.
- Innova Roc3 - The overstable counterpart if you want a midrange that reliably fades left instead of flying dead straight.
- Dynamic Discs EMAC Truth - A slightly understable alternative if you want a midrange that turns over for added distance on flat or hyzer-flip releases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Mako and Mako3?
The original Mako (5/5/0/1) has a touch of fade, while the Mako3 (5/5/0/0) removes it entirely for an even straighter flight, and flies slightly faster. Most players today reach for the Mako3 as the updated, straighter version.
Is the Innova Mako3 good for beginners?
Yes. Its neutral flight numbers mean there's very little turn or fade to account for, so new players can focus on release angle and power without the disc curving unpredictably.
Does the Mako3 work well in the wind?
It's more wind-sensitive than an overstable midrange like the Roc3, since it has no fade to fight back with late in flight. In calm to moderate conditions, though, its dead-straight flight is a major advantage for accuracy.