Innova Leopard
The Leopard is a common fairway driver that comes in a lot of the Innova starter packages. The Leopard is supposedly one of the easiest discs to throw straight, and is a good disc for turnover shots. It has a speed rating at just (6), but a high amount of glide (5). Its rated with a fair (-2) turn, and a minimal fade (1), which allow it to fly very straight.
Initially, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the Leopard because it didn’t fly well with my forehand throws. When I throw it with my normal sidearm release it almost always turns sideways and ends up a roller. But after doing just a few backhand throws, (the most common type of throw for disc golfers), I was a fan. The Leopard soared long, straight, and only faded slightly at the very end of the flight. It is one of the straightest flying drivers I have tested. For beginners, it gets just as much distance as any “distance driver.”
The experts claim it is a great driver for beginners, and I agree. It is an easy to throw, straight flying driver. A great choice to help you get lower scores as you try to master the game of disc golf.
The Leopard comes in all the major plastics. It’s actually the only speed 6 fairway driver that comes in the higher quality plastics (Champion, Star). If you’re looking for a low speed, straight flying, fairway driver that won’t easily get dings, nicks, and dents, then the Leopard is what you want.
Innova Leopard Fairway Driver Review
If there’s one disc that deserves the title of the perfect beginner’s driver, it’s the Innova Leopard Fairway Driver. Found in nearly every Innova starter pack, the Leopard is one of the most popular fairway drivers ever made — and for good reason. It’s easy to control, glides beautifully, and flies almost perfectly straight for players of all skill levels.
⚙️ Flight Ratings and Overview
The Innova Leopard has flight ratings of Speed: 6, Glide: 5, Turn: -2, and Fade: 1.
That combination gives the Leopard an easy, consistent, and neutral flight pattern. With a slow speed and high glide, it’s ideal for controlled, accurate throws that won’t fade out early or turn too hard.
For beginners, the Leopard provides surprising distance without requiring much power. You can throw it softly and still watch it sail straight down the fairway with only a gentle fade at the end. For experienced players, it’s perfect for turnover shots, hyzer-flips, and long anhyzer lines.
The Leopard’s smooth rim and comfortable feel make it an instant favorite in the hand. Its narrow profile also helps newer players get a clean release — which leads to straighter, more predictable flights.
🌀 Performance and Throw Types
When I first tested the Innova Leopard Fairway Driver, I didn’t love it for forehand (sidearm) throws. My Leopard tended to turn over too quickly, often rolling out instead of holding a clean flight. However, when I switched to a backhand throw, everything changed. The Leopard came alive — long, straight, and beautifully controlled.
For backhand players, it’s easily one of the straightest-flying drivers available. The Leopard holds the line you put it on and glides effortlessly down the fairway. Even with moderate power, you’ll achieve distances that rival much faster discs.
Because of its high glide and low fade, the Leopard is perfect for wooded courses, narrow fairways, and technical approach shots where accuracy matters more than distance. It’s also a reliable choice for downhill throws and beginners learning to shape their shots.
🧱 Plastic Types and Durability
One major advantage of the Innova Leopard is that it’s available in every major Innova plastic — from baseline DX to premium Champion and Star plastics. That’s rare for a speed-6 fairway driver.
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DX Plastic: Affordable and easy to grip, perfect for beginners learning control. It beats in quickly, making the Leopard more understable over time — ideal for turnover lines.
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Champion Plastic: The most durable version, offering a slightly more stable flight and excellent resistance to dings or scratches.
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Star Plastic: The perfect balance of durability and grip, offering consistent performance in all weather conditions.
Whether you prefer grip, flexibility, or longevity, there’s an Innova Leopard plastic blend for every playing style.
💡 Why You’ll Love the Innova Leopard
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🥏 Straight and predictable flight: One of the easiest discs to throw straight.
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🌬️ High glide: Achieves surprising distance for a slower-speed driver.
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🔄 Beginner-friendly stability: Forgiving for new players learning backhand control.
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💪 Durable plastics: Available in Champion, Star, and DX for every budget.
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🌳 Course versatility: Excellent for wooded holes and technical fairways.
If you’re just starting your disc golf journey, or if you want a reliable fairway driver that won’t betray your line, the Innova Leopard Fairway Driver is a must-have. It’s not flashy, but it’s consistent, predictable, and a true classic.
⭐ Final Thoughts
The Innova Leopard Fairway Driver is everything a beginner disc should be — simple, straight, and confidence-building. It’s the kind of disc that teaches you control, helps you develop your throwing form, and still earns a spot in your bag years later.
While advanced players may reach for faster or more overstable discs, nearly everyone keeps a Leopard for finesse shots and accurate fairway control. Its gentle turn and minimal fade make it one of the best tools for learning angle control and distance placement.
