Innova TeeBird | Fairway Driver
The Innova TeeBird is a moderately overstable and reliable fairway driver. It brings consistency and pinpoint accuracy to your game like few other fairways can! It's great for windy days, sweeping hyzers, or long open approach shots!
At one point in time, the Teebird was one of the fastest discs you could buy! Since then players like Ken Climo have relied on its prowess to earn World Championship titles!
Innova TeeBird Review
Keep in mind that TeeBirds can vary from run to run, but generally, the flight numbers are on track. This disc is fast enough to gain some impressive distance, but so consistent that with practice you won't be sacrificing accuracy! Players with a few years of disc golf under their belts should have no problem throwing these over 350 feet.
When thrown flat a TeeBird with fly very straight with little to no turn. At the end of the flight, it'll finish with a strong fade. When you throw it with a touch of anhyzer you can expect it to turn, ending in small finish that brings it back in line with where you threw it from.
When you need to fade around obstacles the TeeBird is perfect. You can throw it out wide with hyzer and have it come sweeping back in! The Teeird also has a moderate dome, producing the high glide rating of 5.
Backhands
The TeeBird is one of the best disc golf fairway drivers for tee shots and approaches! The rim feels comfortable in a power grip.
Most players will love it for golf-style courses where they're throwing approaches and drives around the 300-350 foot mark. When you have the space you can throw it out right and let it fade back to the target (rhbh).
It's also ideal for tight hyzer lines in the woods! You can expect to get a skip on fast surfaces.
Forehands
While the TeeBird does have the stability for sidearms, most will prefer shallower discs. The TeeBird does have a bit of a dome, while many players enjoy discs with flat tops for forehands. If you want something flatter try out a TeeBird3!
On the flip side, it does have the speed and stability, so it could well double as a forehand fairway in your bag!
Feel
The Innova TeeBird has that familiar feel of a stable fairway driver. It's very comfortable for backhand power and fan grips. On the downside, it has an average dome that may put some players off for sidearms.
To get a better idea take a look at this image, otherwise find a friend who has a TeeBird, they're very common.
Innova TeeBird Flight Numbers
Flight Numbers
Speed: 7
Glide: 5
Turn: 0
Fade: 2
In our experience, Innova was right on target with their flight ratings for the TeeBird!
Innova TeeBird Flight Path Chart
Here's a chart to give you an idea of the Innova Teebird's flight path.
Plastics
Innova Champion TeeBird: These are generally the most overstable TeeBirds. Use them if you're looking for a backhand windfighter or a fairway that finishes with a skip!
Innova Star TeeBird: These can be a little straighter than their Champion counterparts. As a bonus, the plastic is grippier. These TeeBirds will become straighter over time as they beat in.
Innova Gstar TeeBird: A great choice for players who prioritize flexibility and grip! You can also expect these to be slightly more understable.
Innova DX TeeBird: DX discs are straighter out of the box, and quickly beat in to become more understable. DX TeeBirds are also slightly flatter, which is favored for sidearms. These are a great choice for newer players!
See this Innova plastics guide to learn more!
History
The Innova Teebird is a huge part of disc golf history! It's been flying on the course since 1999! In his prime, Ken Climo utilized TeeBirds to achieve 12 World Championship titles! Yes, 12!
See the PDGA-approved TeeBird here.
Manufacturer - Innova
Innova was the first company dedicated to producing disc golf discs. They have a huge selection of molds and many more that have gone out of production. The TeeBird is still very much in production, and it's been around for 25 years!
Shop for all our Innova discs here
Learn more about the TeeBird on Innova's site.
Here is what Innova has to say about the TeeBird:
The TeeBird is one of our most accurate and reliable fairway drivers. It has a combination of straight flight, high glide and good speed that make it accurate and long flying both upwind and downwind. It is a popular choice for pros including 12 time World Champion and Hall-of-Famer Ken Climo as well as 2009 World Champion Avery Jenkins. The Teebird is very versatile driver; Excellent for pin-point accuracy, distance and sidearm.
Here's a video on Innova's YouTube Channel that features the TeeBird!
Skill Level Recommendations
Beginners - Pick up a DX TeeBird. Premium plastic TeeBirds are a little too overstable for pure beginners.
Intermediate - The TeeBird is a great disc for intermediate players. Use it for accurate hyzers out to 300 feet.
Advanced - The TeeBird has the stability to handle a veteran's arm speed. Advanced players will get a straighter flight with a reliable fading finish. Expect distances in the 350 - 400ft range!
Pro - The TeeBird has been the fairway driver of choice of pros at Innova! Its consistent finish is the number one reason for this. Accuracy and control are crucial out on the Pro Tour!
Pros Who Throw The Innova TeeBird
As just mentioned the TeeBird has been a staple in the bags of Innova's pros! Here are a few of the most notable mentions.
- Ken Climo
- Jessica Weese
- Avery Jenkins
- Steve Brinster
- Philo Brathwaite
Dimensions
Here are the dimensions the TeeBird was registered with at the PDGA.
Max Weight: 176.0gr
Diameter: 21.2cm
Height: 1.5cm
Rim Depth: 1.1cm
Rim Thickness: 1.7cm
Inside Rim Diameter: 17.8cm
Rim Depth / Diameter Ratio: 5.2%
Rim Configuration: 29.25
Flexibility: 7.83kg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Consistent finish
- Fights wind
- Pinpoint Accuracy
- Perfect for sweeping hyzers
- Champions choice
- Comfortable for backhand shots
Cons
- A little too overstable in premium plastics for beginners
- Domier than what is optimal for sidearm
Conclusion
If you're looking for an overstable fairway driver that won't hit the ground early pick up a TeeBird! It's one of those discs that every disc golfer needs to try!
Every intermediate and advanced player needs something like a TeeBird in their bag. If you're not a TeeBird fan we've listed some similar discs below.
Characteristics
Ratings are on a scale of 1-10.
Stability: 7.5
Consistency of Flight: 9
Consistency in Wind: 9
Beginner Friendliness: 6
Distance Potential: 7
Control: 9
Utility: 6
Fun Factor: 7
Comparable Discs
- Innova TeeBird3
- Paul Mcbeth Athena
- Innova TL
- MVP Volt
- Innova Eagle
- Discraft Stalker
- Discmania FD1
- Latitude 64 Explorer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the TeeBird good in the wind?
Yes, the Teebird is a great windfighter! It has the stability to handle strong tailwinds, and the low-profile rim cuts through the gusts!
Is the TeeBird good for backhand?
The Innova Teebird is the fairway driver that every backhand predominant player needs! You can't do without its consistency and accuracy! You'll also enjoy the comfortable feel.
Is the TeeBird good for forehand?
While the Teebird has the stability to hand forehand shots, we don't love how it feels. It has a noticeable dome, and most players prefer flat discs for sidearms.
What are the TeeBird's flight numbers?
The Innova Teebird has a speed rating of 7, a glide rating of 5, a turn rating of 0, and a fade rating of 2.
- 7    5    0    2
- 7    5    0    2
- 7    5    0    2
- 7    5    0    2
- 7    5    0    2
- 7    5    0    2