Innova TL | Stable Fairway Driver
Can you guess what TL stands for? TeeBird long. That's a pretty accurate description of the Innova TL! Think of it as a further-flying, somewhat straighter TeeBird.
The TeeBird is undoubtedly one of the best discs of all time, but sometimes a hole just requires a straighter flight. That's where the TL comes in!
If you're looking for the Innova TL for sale check out our selection above! If you simply want to learn about the disc, then by all means read on!
Innova TL Review
The Innova TL Could be described as a TeeBird with a straighter initial flight, and a softer fade at the end. On top of this, it also has noticeably more glide, giving you some bonus distance.
TLs are a very popular woods disc for their neutral flight. Players cite them as a great choice for tunnel shots. The shot-shaping possibilities with this disc are nearly endless. You can put in on anny for big turnovers, release it flat for straight flights, and put it on hyzer for a strong forward-pushing fade.
Backhands
Unlike TeeBirds which are great for both forehand and backhand, the TL favors backhands. Its overall feel suits the backhand grip better. You'll find it to be a very versatile disc in your bag. By adjusting your release angle you can throw just about any shot with it.
Forehands
When it comes to sidearms we don't consider the Innova TL a great fit. It's a little too domey and lacks the stability you need. We're not saying you can't, but we believe you'd be better off with a TeeBird or TeeBird3 for your forehand game!
Feel
The TL has a very comfortable feel in the hand when you're holding it in a backhand grip. On the other hand, it doesn't feel great in a sidearm grip.
It has a considerable dome, which slopes evenly down to the rim. The rim itself has a blunted nose and less of an indent than a TeeBird. It feels a little deeper than more modern fairways.
Innova TL Flight Numbers
Flight Numbers
Speed: 7
Glide: 6
Turn: -1
Fade: 1
P.S. While most plastics are accurate to these numbers Champion can be almost as stable as a TeeBird.
Pro Tip: Innova TLs with a bigger dome can be as overstable as a TeeBird. Aim for something flatter if you want a neutral flight.
Innova TL Flight Path Chart
Here's a chart to give you an idea of the Innova TL's flight path.
Plastics
Champion: Very durable, but lacking somewhat in grip. In our experience, Champion TLs are significantly more stable.
Star: Durable with great grip. These are pretty close to their flight numbers. Domier runs can be overstable.
GStar: A grippy and flexible plastic. Gstar TLs are the most neutral fliers. Availability is quite limited.
See this Innova Plastic Guide to learn more!
History
The TL is a fairly old mold. It was PDGA approved in March 2007. Innova produced it to complement their already hugely popular TeeBird. The idea was to have a straighter and longer flight.
See the PDGA-approved Innova TL here.
Manufacturer - Innova
Innova has been in the business since 1983, longer than any other disc golf manufacturer! Their lineup of molds is massive and often discs get forgotten for this reason. The TL is one of their lesser-known gems, that everyone needs to try at least once!
Shop for all our Innova discs here.
Learn more about the TL on Innova's site.
Here is what Innova has to say about the TL:
The TL is the brother of the reliable Teebird. The “L” stands for “Less Overstable” and “Longer”. This disc has the same great speed and glide as the Teebird, but is straighter flying with less fade at the end of the flight. If you are looking for a straight flying maximum fairway driver, the TL is the answer.
Here's a video on the Innova YouTube Channel that features the TL!
Skill Level Recommendations
Beginners - TLs are a decent choice for beginners. If you're still working on your arm speed consider something more understable, or buy one in a lighter weight! Watch out for domier TLs as these are overstable.
Intermediate - The TL is to intermediates, as the TeeBird is to pros! If you're looking for a neutral flight that will serve you on any course, for any shot shape try an Innova TL
Advanced - The TL can handle quite an amount of power, so you don't need to fear turning it over. If you need more stability look for a domey Champ TL.
Dimensions
Here are the dimensions the TL was registered with at the PDGA.
Max Weight: 180.1gr
Diameter: 21.7cm
Height: 2.0cm
Rim Depth: 1.3cm
Rim Thickness: 1.2cm
Inside Rim Diameter: 19.3cm
Rim Depth / Diameter Ratio: 6.0%
Rim Configuration: 43.00
Flexibility: 8.51kg
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Neutral flight
- High glide
- Comfortable feel
- Perfect for shot shaping
- Moderate wind resistance
Cons
- Not a good choice for sidearm
- Can be too overstable when domey
Characteristics
Ratings are on a scale of 1-10.
Stability: 7
Consistency of Flight: 8
Consistency in Wind: 7
Beginner Friendliness: 7
Distance Potential: 7
Control: 8
Utility: 7
Fun Factor: 6
Similar Discs
- Innova Dark Rebel
- Discmania FD
- Innova TL3
- Innova TeeBird
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the TL good in the wind?
The TL can hold its own in moderate winds. Anything much stronger will start to affect the flight. If there's a strong headwind switch to something more stable with less glide.
Is the TL good for backhand?
The TL is a great disc for backhand shots. Its neutral flight makes it perfect for a wide range of lines. You can release it flat for straight flights, on anny for big turnovers. It's also great for sweeping hyzers.
Is the TL good for forehand?
The Innova TL is not ideal when it comes to sidearm. You'd typically look for something flatter, with less glide, and more stability. Consider the TeeBird and the TeeBird3!
