Innova

Thunderbird

4.8(843)
Control Driver
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The Thunderbird is a versatile, overstable control driver that excels at resisting wind and has the potential to be a workhorse for many players. These drivers certainly exhibit a strong fade, but only after a controllable and straight flight. They are good for both forehand and backhand throws and hold up to power well. Thunderbirds are great for placement drives, hyzers, flex lines, and even long turnovers when thrown hard enough on anhyzer. Innova had the Thunderbird approved in 2014, and it has since established itself as one of the most popular discs in their lineup. The TeeBird and TeeBird3 were already immensely popular at the time for being straight, dependable fairways, and the Valkyrie was extremely popular due to its ability to fly far while still being controllable. Innova decided to blend these discs together, and the Thunderbird was born. It is essentially a TeeBird/TeeBird3 with a similar rim width to the Valkyrie. It has been a staple in the bags of Innova pros, including Paul McBeth, Calvin Heimburg, and Jeremy Koling. Koling and McBeth Thunderbirds are both considered collectible.
The Thunderbird is a versatile, overstable control driver that excels at resisting wind and has the potential to be a workhorse for many players. These drivers certainly exhibit a strong fade, but only after a controllable and straight flight. They are good for both forehand and backhand throws and hold up to power well. Thunderbirds are great for placement drives, hyzers, flex lines, and even long turnovers when thrown hard enough on anhyzer.

Innova had the Thunderbird approved in 2014, and it has since established itself as one of the most popular discs in their lineup. The TeeBird and TeeBird3 were already immensely popular at the time for being straight, dependable fairways, and the Valkyrie was extremely popular due to its ability to fly far while still being controllable. Innova decided to blend these discs together, and the Thunderbird was born. It is essentially a TeeBird/TeeBird3 with a similar rim width to the Valkyrie. It has been a staple in the bags of Innova pros, including Paul McBeth, Calvin Heimburg, and Jeremy Koling. Koling and McBeth Thunderbirds are both considered collectible.

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Flight

Source: Innova

Arm speed

NoviceIntermediatePro
SpeedHow hard the disc must be thrown to fly as designed. Putters are 1 to 3, the fastest drivers 14 and up.
9
GlideHow long the disc stays in the air. More glide means more distance from the same throw.
5
TurnHow much it drifts right early in flight (right-handed backhand). More negative, more drift.
0
FadeHow hard it hooks left as it slows down (right-handed backhand). Higher, stronger hook.
2
StabilityTurn plus fade. Negative drifts right and is easier for beginners. Positive finishes left.Turn + Fade
2

Dimensions

Source: PDGA
DiameterHow wide the disc is, edge to edge. Almost every disc is 21 to 22 cm.
21.2 cm
HeightHow tall the disc is lying flat. Putters are usually the tallest.
1.6 cm
Rim DepthHow deep the rim is underneath, where your fingers grip. Putters have the deepest rims.
1.1 cm
Rim ThicknessHow wide the rim is. Wider rims make faster discs that need a stronger throw.
1.9 cm
Rim Inside DiameterThe width of the flat middle, inside the rim. Bigger usually means a slower, easier disc.
17.3 cm
Rim Depth/Diameter RatioRim depth as a share of the disc's width. Higher means a deeper rim for its size.
5.2%
Rim ConfigurationA PDGA score for the shape of the edge. Low is sharp, like a driver. High is rounded, like a putter.
31
BeadA small ridge under the edge of the rim, mostly on putters. It changes how the disc feels in hand.
No

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4.8843 reviews from 6 stores

The Innova Thunderbird is one of the most-reviewed discs we track.

Try Discs adds up reviews from six disc golf stores, so you see what players think across stores, not just at one shop. Reviews are great for spotting proven, popular discs. Take the details with a grain of salt, though: runs, plastics and skill level all change how a disc flies, so your experience may vary.

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From 6 stores

Ratings and counts come from each store's own customer reviews.