Innova Cheetah Fairway Driver disc golf disc on fairway
The Innova Cheetah Fairway Driver is a classic favorite among beginner and intermediate disc golfers due to its reliability, control, and straight flight path. When I first started testing disc golf discs, the Cheetah consistently flew farther and more accurately than many of my high-speed distance drivers. This surprised me, but it also taught me an important lesson: beginners don’t necessarily need powerful speed 12 or 13 drivers right away. Instead, control drivers like the Cheetah help build proper technique, accuracy, and confidence.
Speed, Glide, Turn, and Fade: A Balanced Flight for Beginners
The Innova Cheetah has the following flight numbers:
Speed: 6
Glide: 4
Turn: -2
Fade: 2
With a low speed rating of 6, it’s easy for newer players to throw without overpowering it. The glide rating of 4 gives it enough loft to carry down the fairway without floating unpredictably. At -2 turn, the disc gently drifts right for right-handed backhand (RHBH) throwers, making it great for controlled turnovers and long, straight shots. The fade of 2 brings it back gently at the end, creating a consistent “S” curve.
Cheetah’s Distance Performance: Effortless Glide and Control
Despite being a fairway driver, the Innova Cheetah Fairway Driver often gave me more distance than my distance drivers as a beginner. Because high-speed discs require advanced arm speed and snap to fly correctly, beginners often struggle with them. The Cheetah, however, matches lower arm speeds perfectly, allowing for long throws with good accuracy.
This disc is especially effective on:
Narrow tunnels
Straight fairways
Controlled controlled hyzer flips
Light tailwind throws
With less effort and a smooth release, you can expect consistent and surprisingly long flights.
Turn and Fade: Predictable Finishing Power
The -2 turn gives the Cheetah a slight, controlled drift to the right that helps newer players keep the disc straight longer before the fade kicks in. The fade rating of 2 provides a reliable finish without being overly aggressive. This makes the Cheetah excellent for learning controlled turnovers, hyzer flips, and straight-line drives.
If you are a player who often battles early fade or finds your disc crashing too soon, the Cheetah offers a stable and confidence-boosting alternative.Best Understable Putters in Disc Golf
Plastic Options: Durable and Beginner-Friendly
The Cheetah is typically available in DX plastic, which is lightweight, affordable, and offers excellent grip. Lighter weights (150-165g) work perfectly for youth players, women, seniors, and anyone with slower arm speeds.
Beginners often love DX plastic because:
It breaks in for more turn over time
It provides maximum control
It feels comfortable in hand
Who Should Throw the Innova Driver?
This disc is ideal for:
Beginners learning to throw straight
Intermediate players who want a controlled fairway driver
Players in wooded or narrow courses
Anyone working on form and accuracy
Fans of straight line and hyzer flip throws
As your skill improves, the Cheetah can evolve from your primary driver into a precision woods disc or turnover utility option.
The Innova Cheetah Fairway Driver is a classic favorite among beginner and intermediate disc golfers due to its reliability, control, and straight flight path. When I first started testing disc golf discs, the Cheetah consistently flew farther and more accurately than many of my high-speed distance drivers. This surprised me, but it also taught me an important lesson: beginners don’t necessarily need powerful speed 12 or 13 drivers right away. Instead, control drivers like the Cheetah help build proper technique, accuracy, and confidence.Best Understable Putters in Disc Golf
Speed, Glide, Turn, and Fade: A Balanced Flight for Beginners
The Innova Cheetah has the following flight numbers:
Speed: 6
Glide: 4
Turn: -2
Fade: 2
With a low speed rating of 6, it’s easy for newer players to throw without overpowering it. The glide rating of 4 gives it enough loft to carry down the fairway without floating unpredictably. At -2 turn, the disc gently drifts right for right-handed backhand (RHBH) throwers, making it great for controlled turnovers and long, straight shots. The fade of 2 brings it back gently at the end, creating a consistent “S” curve.
Cheetah’s Distance Performance: Effortless Glide and Control
Despite being a fairway driver, the Innova Cheetah Fairway Driver often gave me more distance than my distance drivers as a beginner. Because high-speed discs require advanced arm speed and snap to fly correctly, beginners often struggle with them. The Cheetah, however, matches lower arm speeds perfectly, allowing for long throws with good accuracy.
This disc is especially effective on:
Narrow tunnels
Straight fairways
Controlled controlled hyzer flips
Light tailwind throws
With less effort and a smooth release, you can expect consistent and surprisingly long flights. Best Understable Putters in Disc Golf
Turn and Fade: Predictable Finishing Power
The -2 turn gives the Cheetah a slight, controlled drift to the right that helps newer players keep the disc straight longer before the fade kicks in. The fade rating of 2 provides a reliable finish without being overly aggressive. This makes the Cheetah excellent for learning controlled turnovers, hyzer flips, and straight-line drives.
If you are a player who often battles early fade or finds your disc crashing too soon, the Cheetah offers a stable and confidence-boosting alternative.
Plastic Options: Durable and Beginner-Friendly
The Cheetah is typically available in DX plastic, which is lightweight, affordable, and offers excellent grip. Lighter weights (150-165g) work perfectly for youth players, women, seniors, and anyone with slower arm speeds.
Beginners often love DX plastic because:
It breaks in for more turn over time
It provides maximum control
It feels comfortable in hand
Who Should Throw the Innova Cheetah Fairway Driver?
This disc is ideal for:
Beginners learning to throw straight
Intermediate players who want a controlled fairway driver
Players in wooded or narrow courses
Anyone working on form and accuracy
Fans of straight line and hyzer flip throws
As your skill improves, the Cheetah can evolve from your primary driver into a precision woods disc or turnover utility option.
Also if you are looking for a tad bit more distance but a very similar great disc, try the Millennium Polaris LS. I believe it is a 9,5,-2,2 Really straight driver and can get distance.