Innova Wraith Review: The Best Intermediate Distance Driver
The Innova Wraith (11/5/-1/3) sits one speed class below the Destroyer and Zeus, which makes it one of the most important distance drivers in disc golf. It produces the same S-curve flight and reliable Fade 3 finish as those discs, but at Speed 11 it is accessible to a larger range of arm speeds. Players in the 250-380 foot range often find the Wraith performs better for them than the Destroyer because they can actually get it moving fast enough to reach its flight window.
Innova Wraith - Quick Specs
- Flight Numbers 11 / 5 / -1 / 3 (Speed / Glide / Turn / Fade)
- Disc Type Distance Driver
- Stability Slight high-speed understability; reliable overstable finish
- Weight Range 150g-175g (most players throw 165-175g)
- Plastics DX, Pro, Star, Champion, GStar
- Approx. Price $14-21 depending on plastic
- Best For Intermediate players stepping into distance drivers; 250-400 foot range
Who Should Throw the Innova Wraith?
- Beginners: Still too fast - the Wraith requires arm speed to fly correctly. Start with the Leopard3 first.
- Intermediate players (250-380 feet): This is the Wraith's home. Players who have outgrown the Leopard3 or Teebird and want their first real distance driver will find the Wraith more forgiving than the Speed 12 Destroyer at their current arm speed.
- Advanced players (380+ feet): Often transition to the Destroyer for maximum distance, but many carry a Wraith as a controlled-distance driver for specific holes where the extra turn of the Destroyer is unwanted.
How the Innova Wraith Flies
Identical flight profile to the Destroyer (12/5/-1/3) but accessible at lower arm speeds. The -1 Turn produces a slight rightward arc during high-speed flight; the Fade 3 brings it back reliably. The Glide 5 keeps it in the air through both phases. The result is the signature distance driver S-curve: right turn, then left fade.
The one speed difference from the Destroyer matters: at 250-350 feet of throwing distance, the Wraith reaches its flight window more completely than the Destroyer. The Destroyer thrown at the same arm speed would fly more overstably (earlier fade) because it never reaches the speed needed for its turn to activate properly.
Wraith vs Destroyer: Which One?
- Wraith (11/5/-1/3): Better for players throwing 250-380 feet. More accessible, activates properly at lower arm speeds.
- Destroyer (12/5/-1/3): Better for players throwing 350+ feet who need maximum distance and can generate enough arm speed to reach Speed 12's flight window.
When in doubt, start with the Wraith. You can always step up to the Destroyer when your arm speed demands it.
Innova Wraith Plastics Compared
- Star: Best overall. Grippy, durable, consistent. The default choice for most players. Around $18-20.
- Champion: Hard, clear, most durable. Flies slightly more overstable due to stiffness. Good for headwind conditions.
- DX: Affordable. Beats in over time to become more understable - intentionally or gradually. Good entry-level choice.
- GStar: Flexible, excellent grip in cold and wet. Similar flight to Star.
Pros
- More accessible than Destroyer - same flight profile at lower arm speed
- Reliable Fade 3 finish for consistent shot planning
- S-curve flight produces real distance gains over fairway drivers
- Available in full Innova plastic lineup
Cons
- Still too fast for beginners
- Advanced players with high arm speeds will prefer the Destroyer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wraith better than the Destroyer for beginners?
Neither is good for beginners. Both require arm speed to fly correctly. The Wraith is slightly more accessible, but both will fade out disappointingly for players who haven't yet developed driving distance. Start with understable discs like the Leopard3 and Teebird first.
What arm speed do I need for the Wraith?
The Wraith starts producing its intended S-curve flight around 50-55 mph throwing speed, which roughly corresponds to 250-300 feet of distance. Below that, it behaves more overstably than intended. Above 65 mph, the Destroyer becomes the better choice for maximum distance.
Can I use the Wraith for forehand throws?
Yes, and many players do. The Wraith's -1 Turn means it won't flip too aggressively on forehand throws, and the Fade 3 gives a reliable finish. For maximum overstability on forehand shots, the Firebird is the dedicated choice, but the Wraith handles forehand lines well.