Are you one of us? One of those people who sucks up countless disc golf YouTube videos a week? If you're reading this there is a 90% chance you are.
Anyhow, if you're guilty as charged, then you've probably seen Simon's latest Axiom Balance Prototypes.
But before we get into those, for anyone who hasn't been keeping up to speed with the Balance dilemma, let's start from the beginning.
Key Takeaways
- MVP's initial run of the Balance turned out to be too stable
- They released it as a prototype
- There are now two more Balance prototype molds
- Simon is currently determining which he likes best
- We're hoping MVP will release these this month.
The Initial Simon Line Balance
Excitement was high, as always for a Simon Line release. The Balance had been promised a stable mid, somewhere between the Pyro and the Reactor in stability.
Not only were Gyro fans hyped, but Simon and the production team at MVP were also stoked. It looked as if MVP Disc Sports were onto another massive hit with their latest mold.
When the first Balance came off the mold, it looked as if MVP had achieved just what they were aiming for, unfortunately upon flight testing the mold they found that it was considerably more overstable than intended.
With intentions of creating a more stable Reactor, they ended up with a disc that was quite similar to the Pyro.
Read MVP's full statement on the Balance.
PDGA Approval
MVP was in a bit of a pickle. They realized they would have to go back to the drawing board, but what about all the excitement that had been brewing over the impending release?
They struck upon a plan. They had this mold PDGA approved as the Simon Line Balance Prototype. They also released it as the featured disc in their Gyropalooza mystery box for 2024. Here's an insight into their reasoning behind the decision.
We could release the initial prototype run in a very limited quantity to our dealers – similar to what we did with the Time-Lapse. However, we’d still need the disc to be PDGA approved with its own unique name because of the impending retooling. That is a decent amount of hassle for an extremely limited run, and it’d likely lead to some fan disappointment as well if we went through that just to keep it extremely limited – especially for a Simon Line release. That thought process led us to our solution – we’d PDGA approve it as the “Simon Line Balance (Prototype)” and retool the Balance in the meantime so it can deliver the flight we were initially looking for later. This gives GYROnauts access to a part of the development process of a Simon Line disc that otherwise would never be released, while also allowing that disc to be PDGA legal as well.
So, while we all have to wait a little longer for the actual Balance, the bright side is that we have an entirely different mold and a part of the Balance's history.
Copyright Infringements
There was still one more major roadblock sitting in the shadows. It turns out that another manufacturer named Essential Discs had already PDGA-approved a mold with the name of Balance on May 27, 2024.
This was one of those instances where thinking ahead saved MVP a considerable amount of trouble. It turns out that they had already submitted a trademark for the name Balance used on a disc golf disc.
So while Essential Discs may have had their mold approved first. MVP was legally clear to move ahead with the proposed name for the mold, which they did.
Here's how MVP explained their actions:
However, there’s another wrinkle to this whole situation – there is a disc currently PDGA approved for the name “Balance.” Knowing why we have submitted a Prototype for approval is one thing, but why are we submitting a disc name for a name that has technically already been approved by the PDGA? The answer there is that MVP believes we have already secured the trademark application priority date to the name “Balance” for use in disc golf.
The Simon Line brand is extremely important to us, and the development process for discs is a long and arduous one. With those two things in mind, MVP decided to register trademarks ahead of time for names that Simon and ourselves felt were integral to the Simon Line. In photography and filmography, the concept of balance is everywhere – from composition of the frame, to the steady hand and mind required to shoot, and even to post processing – balance and cameras are inseparable. That’s why MVP went through the expensive process of registering Balance as a trademark on 12/13/2023.
Release & General Reception
When the Gyropalooza box was released in November 2024 players rushed to their favorite disc golf stores. While the box is obviously great value for money, the number one drawcard was the Prototype Balance.
Unfortunately, feedback on the Prototype Balance was mixed. The most common complaint was simply that it was too overstable. While it is true, we can hardly complain as MVP made it quite clear that this was the case.
Interestingly it looks like Eagle McMahon might just switch from Pyros to the Balance. He says he feels it is better for both backhand and sidearm.
If you're a Pyro lover you might want to check out the first Balance, it might just slip its way into your bag.
The 2 New Balance Prototypes
So what we're really here for is information on when the finalized and official Axiom Balance will be released.
While there is nothing official we can share with you currently, the signs are everywhere that we can expect this release in the very near future.
1. Simon has had these two discs for a little while now and must be nearing a decision.
2. He's going to want to have this disc up and running when the Pro Tour starts up.
3. Both versions were PDGA approved on the 3rd of February.
Version 2 vs. Version 3
V2 and V3 of the Balance are both very similar. Simon is having a hard time deciding which he likes more.
Part-Time Disc Golf did a review on these, and he too found them to be very similar. It does seem however that Version 3 flies a little longer and straighter, while Version 2 is ever so slightly more stable.
It's hard to say which of these is what Simon is looking for specifically, but my guess would be that he opts for Version 3.
Here's a video of Simon playing Gannon Buhr with his new Balances:
And here are Part Time Disc Golf's reviews:
Oh, wait... we also have this gem of a video with Bodanza and Eagle testing these!
Comparisons To The First Balance
When it comes to look and feel the differences between all 3 versions of the Balance are minor. All feature the low profile design and a rim with a small bead.
When it comes to flight however, the first Prototype Balance is way more overstable than the second and third version.
The original Balance flies much like a Pyro, fighting to the ground with strong fade from the word go. On the other hand the later versions fly straighter, push further, and end with a solid fading finish that you can rely on.
When Will The Balance Be Officially Released?
The fact is, we don't know 100% yet. But what we can conjecture is that it will be soon, possibly February based on these facts.
- MVP already has molds for 2 and 3 up and running, as they released limited quantities at the disc golf expo recently. Once a decision is made scaling production should be easy and fast.
- The Balance is "technically" several months overdue, so MVP will probably be prioritizing it.
- Both the second and third versions seem satisfactory to Simon, so there won't be a need to restart the design process.
Whenever this does release, it's going to be big. I don't think Simon will be the only MVP pro throwing one. Eagle has already shown interest, and I don't doubt that Big Jerm would like to try one out.
