Innova Tern
The Innova Tern is a high speed driver with a strong “turn” rating (hence the name, only spelled differently). This disc should has incredible glide, and can give intermediate players some serious distance. Right now Innova is projecting flight ratings of 12/6/-3/1 in Star plastic, and slightly more stable flight ratings 12/6/-2/2 in Champion plastic. The understable nature of this new Innova disc will probably be disappointing to big armed advanced players, but this is a great distance stretcher for less developed players. For many, this disc is the perfect combination of speed and stability for maximum distance.
The Tern is an average sized max distance driver with a 21.1 cm diameter, 1.7 cm height, and 1.1 cm rim depth. It has a fairly thick rim at 2.3 cm, but is two mm below the PDGA limits. For disc golfers who don’t like “really wide” rims, this disc might be about right in terms of being fast and wide rimmed, but not too wide.
The Innova Tern is a new high-speed disc golf driver designed for intermediate players looking to maximize distance while maintaining control. With its unique combination of speed, glide, and understability, the Tern stands out as a reliable option for players who want to stretch their drives without requiring advanced arm speed. Best Understable Putters in Disc Golf
Flight Ratings and Plastic Types
Innova has released flight ratings for the Tern in multiple plastic types, offering players options depending on their throwing style and course conditions.
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Star Plastic: 12/6/-3/1
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Champion Plastic: 12/6/-2/2
The negative turn rating indicates that the Tern is slightly understable, meaning it will naturally turn to the right for right-hand backhand throws. This feature makes it ideal for intermediate players who want to achieve an S-curve flight for maximum distance without overexerting their throws.
While advanced players with high arm speed may find the Tern slightly understable, it is perfect for those who need a distance driver that combines glide and control.
Speed and Glide Characteristics
The Tern excels in glide, which allows the disc to stay in the air longer, covering more distance with less effort. The speed rating of 12 categorizes it as a high-speed driver, capable of reaching the farthest parts of the fairway when thrown with proper technique.
Intermediate players will particularly appreciate the balance between speed and stability. The Tern doesn’t require extreme power to achieve long distances, making it more forgiving than many high-speed drivers on the market.Best Understable Putters in Disc Golf
Disc Dimensions and Rim Design
The Innova Tern is designed with a maximum distance driver profile that remains comfortable for most players. Its dimensions include:
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Diameter: 21.1 cm
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Height: 1.7 cm
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Rim Depth: 1.1 cm
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Rim Width: 2.3 cm
The rim width of 2.3 cm is just under the PDGA limits, offering a balance between speed and grip. Players who dislike ultra-wide rims will find the Tern easy to hold and throw, while still providing excellent flight potential.
The rim design contributes to a smooth release, reducing wobble during high-speed throws and enhancing accuracy on long drives.
Who Should Use the Innova Tern?
The Tern is particularly well-suited for:
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Intermediate disc golfers who want to increase driving distance without overexerting
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Players seeking a high-speed driver with a controllable understable flight path
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Disc golfers looking for glide-friendly discs for S-curve or turnover throws
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Those who prefer moderate rim widths for comfort and control
For advanced players with high arm speed, the Tern’s understability might make it challenging to maintain a straight flight, especially in windy conditions. However, for players with moderate throwing power, it’s one of the most effective distance drivers available today.
Flight Performance
When thrown backhand with moderate power, the Tern turns to the right initially due to its -3 or -2 turn rating, then stabilizes at the end for a gentle fade of 1–2. This results in a reliable S-curve flight, allowing the disc to cover more ground than most straight-flying drivers.
The combination of glide and speed enables players to achieve long-distance throws while minimizing errors. Whether you are aiming for tight fairways or open fields, the Tern delivers consistent results.
Conclusion
The Innova Tern is an excellent addition to any disc golfer’s bag, especially for intermediate players seeking maximum distance with control. Its high speed, impressive glide, and slightly understable nature make it an ideal disc for extending drives without overexerting.
