Looking for a fairway driver that you can trust in, every time? The Discraft Athena is prying for a spot in your bag! If you want to try one out right away you can pick up one of the Athena's for sale above. If you're still researching, read on. We have a ton to say about Paul McBeth's hot new disc!
Discraft Athena Review
So is the Athena something new? Has Discraft brought out a game changer? Yes, and no.
The truth is that the Athena is very similar in flight and feel to the Innova TeeBird. While on the other hand, it's a revolution in Discraft's own lineup! If you're an avid Discraft fan, then the Athena is a must-have!
When you're out in the open, on a golf-style course, the Discraft Athena will be heavily used. In the woods, not as much! When you've got the space to throw a nice big sweeping hyzer, then pull out and trust on the Athena. You'll love the added consistency and accuracy!
Backhands
The best thing about the Discraft Athena is the amount of overstability. It's not going to dump on you, but it will always come back, even in moderate headwinds! In addition to this, it has great glide so you're barely sacrificing any distance for the boost in consistency.
Throw it flat for a long straight flight with the signature TeeBird style finish. Put it on a little anny and you'll get the gentle turn, and then the fade back.
If you put it on a large anyhyzer you can have it turn for miles, until the overstability causes it to flatten out and make a 3-point landing.
You can also throw it out right on hyzer and have it sweep right back in line with where you threw it from.
Forehands
The Athena isn't the #1 forehand disc out there for sure, but it's more than capable!
Just about any skill level can use the Athena for sidearms. Beginners need only put it on a little anhyzer to enjoy an S-shaped flight. Intermediate players will love the straight flight, with a solid finish, but not quite as beefy a finish as say, a Firebird.
Advanced players may consider the Athena below them when it comes to forehand. Don't, it's a great weapon in the woods when you need to dial down on the power and bring out the finesse!
Feel
If you know what an Innova TeeBird feels like then you have a pretty good idea of the Athena. It has a decent sized rim, with a blunted edge. On top, there is a slight rise to a flat flight plate. All these characteristics make it a very comfortable fit, backhand and forehand.
Discraft Athena Flight Numbers
Flight Numbers
Speed: 7
Glide: 5
Turn: 0
Fade: 2
We'd say Discraft pretty much nailed it with their flight numbers for the Athena!
Discraft Athena Flight Path Chart
Here's a chart to give you an idea of the Discraft Athena's flight path.
Plastics
Z: Durable and stable. Elite Z Athenas will keep you on the fairway for a long time before they beat in significantly.
ESP: The most popular plastic type for the Athena. They have a very similar flight to Z, just with a better feel.
Big Z: Can often be domier and thus more overstable. Also very durable.
The Discraft Athena is a relative newcomer on the scene when compared to the likes of the TeeBird. Anyhow, it's quickly making up for lost time with a surge of popularity since its release! For reference, it was approved by the PDGA in August 2022.
Discraft worked closely with Paul McBeth to bring the sixth disc in his lineup to life! It was clear that McBeth needed something in the fairway department, and frankly, Discraft was lacking! Anyhow Discraft fans can celebrate the arrival of the Athena, to many a more suitable option to the Stalker.
Here is what Discraft has to say about the Athena:
Introducing the First Run Athena, the sixth disc in the Paul McBeth lineup. This 7-speed driver is for control shots with a dependable fade. Similar shot shaping flight characteristics to the Anax with reliable over-stability.
Here's what Paul McBeth has to say about the Athena:
I think Discraft has the most underrated fairway drivers in disc golf but they do have a small pocket missing that the Athena is going to fill perfectly.
Here's a video on Discraft's YouTube Channel that features the Athena!
Skill Level Recommendations
Beginners - Not a great choice as your first backhand driver, unless you go for a lighter weight. Even then we would recommend a more understable disc. Despite this, it isn't a bad choice for sidearms.
Intermediate - Yes, if you're an intermediate player you need an Athena, or at least a similar mold. This will be a go-to for backhand and sidearms when you need to throw 300 to 350!
Advanced - If you've got power this disc has the overstability to handle it. Baby flips are achievable, or throw if flat for long distance. When you have advanced power you should start to get a little turn out of the Athena.
Pro - Well Paul McBeth throws it...
Pros Who Throw The Discraft Athena
Besides Paul McBeth, Anthony Barela and Chris Clemons have also taken a liking to this trusty weapon!
Paul McBeth
Anthony Barela
Chris Clemons
Dimensions
Here are the dimensions the Athena was registered with at the PDGA.
Max Weight: 176.8gr
Diameter: 21.3cm
Height: 1.5cm
Rim Depth: 1.1cm
Rim Thickness: 1.8cm
Inside Rim Diameter: 17.7cm
Rim Depth / Diameter Ratio: 5.2%
Rim Configuration: 30.00
Flexibility: 11.70kg
Pros and Cons
Pros
Perfect amount of overstability
Straight with a solid finish
Great for sidearm and backhand
Comfortable in the hand
Usable for any skill level
Some great Paul McBeth special editions out there
Cons
Too overstable for pure beginners
Conclusion
So that's about it for the Discraft Athena. If you're looking for a dependable, consistent, moderately overstable, comfortable, glidey, accurate, and "PmcB endorsed" fairway driver this fits the bill. If you're a Discraft fan looking for a TeeBird, the hunt is over!
Yes, the Athena can hold its own in windy conditions. You can trust it to not flip over into moderate headwinds. Just be a little extra cautious when throwing sidearms, or when using a lighter mold.
Is the Athena good for backhand?
Yep, Athena is a great moderately overstable fairway driver for backhand shots! Throw it flat, watch it fly straight like an arrow for days, and then finish with a solid forward-pushing fade!
Is the Athena good for forehand?
The Athena makes a great sidearm disc for a wide range of skill levels. Beginners can toss it on anny, intermediate players will love the straight flight and dependable finish, while advanced players can use it for touchy forehands in the woods!
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