Disc golf, sometimes known as frisbee golf, is a flying disc sport in which players throw a disc toward a goal while adhering to golf-style rules. Polypropylene, commonly known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic polymer resin that is utilized in a spectrum of uses, notably in golf discs. The discs are also made from a variety of plastic types, which are melted and formed into discrete discs. The game is usually conducted on a 9-hole or an 18-hole course. A hole is finished by pitching a disc from a tee pad or location forward into a basket, then throwing again from the same spot until the basket is reached. Among all the popular brands, Innova is a prominent one that has been making its name in the disk golf market. Starting with the top-notch material to a good specification, Innova is one of a kind. Players strive to complete each course of disk golfing with the brand’s variety of disk collections. Innova TL and TL3 are some of those famous disks. In this article, we’re going to look into two different golf disks which are Innova TL and TL3. Therefore, we’ll be deciding which one is the better option. Innova TL or TL3, which one to choose?
Innova Disk Golf
Innova Champion Discs Incorporated, popularly known and stylized as INNOVA. It’s an American disc golf brand and producer. It is the leading disc golf disc maker and was one of the first to create disc golf devices. It was established in 1983. Champion Discs Inc. was formed in the state of California on May 5, 1983. The Eagle, the world’s first disc created particularly for the sports of disc golf, was conceived and developed by Dave Dunipace. Innova also offers bags and equipment for disc golfers, including its DISCatcher targets, which were first presented in 1995. Their 60+ golf discs are made using a variety of molds and materials. Star, Champion, Pro, and DX are four separate plastic lines made by Innova, each with its flying characteristics. Subtypes of the basic four include Echo Star, Gstar, Starlite, Champion Edition, Blizzard Champion, Glow Champion, R-Pro, XT-Pro, KC-Pro, KC-Glow, McPro, JK-Pro, Yeti-Pro Proline, and Glow DX.
TL and TL3 are both included in the Innova disk golf family with great specifications and flexibility. We’ll discuss the features of both golf disks and look into the comparison to see which one is better at its job.
Innova TL
The TL is the sibling of the trustworthy TeeBird. This frisbee has the same amazing agility and glides as the Teebird, but it flies straighter and fades less at the finish. The TeeBird-L is another name for this disc. The TL is intrinsically related to the TeeBird. Both discs travel at the same pace, but this one fade less at the end of its journey. This is a big plus for fairway drives, but it’s not so much when you need to fade. Because it’s easy to handle and has a gentle feel, the TL is a great fairway disc to come to know. For the TL, Innova’s top plastics which are “Star and Champion” are provided.
On the other hand, the DX Glow TL style also has its significance in fairway driving. The Innova DX Glow TL (TeeBird-L) fairway driver delivers excellent results. “Less Overstable” and “Longer” are represented by the letters “L” and “Longer.” If you’re looking for a maximum fairway driver that flies straight, the TL is the way to go. It’s ideal for first-time fairway drivers, narrow fairway drivers, placement drivers, turnovers shots, and novice disc golfers.
DX Glow plastic discs are inexpensive and provide excellent traction in a range of weather conditions. As time goes on, DX discs will develop new and varied flight properties as a consequence of their use. They are initially overstable, but with experience, they will achieve equal flying ratings. With repeated use, they’ll eventually become more understandable than the ratings. They are light-emitting diodes that glow in the dark.
Lets’ look into its dimensions.
This disk golf is 21.1 cm in diameter
- 6 cm in height
- 2 cm rim depth
- 8 cm rim width
- 00 g maximum weight
Further information:
- Glide: 5.0 Speed: 7.0
- 0 turn
- 0 fade
- Control Driver is the most common application.
- Stability: Consistent
- Intermediate is the recommended skill level.
- Premium grade(s) of plastic
- Beadless
According to the professionals, this TL disk golf is a great option. Let’s look into some of the pro’s opinions about this.
“Without a doubt, the best disc golf driver I’ve ever owned. Indestructible plastic, a wonderfully versatile neutral flight that serves as a fairway driver or a sidearm control shot for me. The putting circle is consistently found by the CE TL. Simply said, THE TL NEVER FAILS TO MEET MY EXPECTATIONS!!” – Hosfeld, Gregg
“The Fairway Drivers are my true love. Yes, it is slower, but it is more precise. With this disc, I have a lot of confidence in a lot of shots.” – Reading, Des
Innova TL3
Innova has introduced the Innova TL3, continuing its tradition of adding a new top to classic molds. The flatter top has a really streamlined look, although it alters the flying characteristics slightly. If you’re a fan of the TL, you’ll be able to transition to the TL3 with ease after our testing. Because of the flatter top, the TL3 will feel a little smaller in the hand. The previous TLs are notably improvised in Champion plastic. If you like flat tops on a disc over domey tops, the new “3 top” on the TL3 will appeal to you.
Let’s first look into specifications,
Dimensions of the TL3:
- 1 cm in diameter
- 6 cm in height
- 2 cm rim depth
- 8 cm rim width
- 00 g maximum weight
Further information:
- 0 speed
- 0 Glide
- 0 turn
- 0 fade
- Control Driver is the most common application.
- Stability: Consistent
- Beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels are recommended.
- Basic (least expensive), Durable, and Premium are the different types of plastic.
- Beadless
Comparison
Because of its simple design, the TL3 comes out of the hands with a very smooth delivery. The modest rim size (1.7cm) allows you to get a good grip on it and toss it hard. The TL3 isn’t the quickest disc on the market, but that isn’t the point. Innova has assigned the TL a speed rating of 7 and the TL3 a speed rating of 8. While the rim size remains the same, the rim appears to fly a little faster. It’s not a huge improvement, but it’s noticeable.
Less dome equals less glide since there is less air under the disc as it travels. The result is a flight that is quite similar to the TL, it will take a little more effort from you. On holes where we would typically throw a TL or equivalent disc, the distances with the TL3 are pretty similar. The TL3 appears to be a bit faster and does not glide out as much as the TL2.
it was always considered the TL had a smidgeon of a turn. It has a “steady turn” of sorts if that’s the right term. It won’t stay precisely level, but it won’t make a huge turn either. The TL3 has the same modest steady turn as the TL, although it isn’t as noticeable. The TL3 would readily hold up in a mild breeze and show no urge to turn over. In a strong headwind, the TL3 isn’t the finest disc, but if there’s only a slight breeze, you can trust it.
If you’re not familiar with the TL, it’s known for its extremely straight flight and slight fade. The TL3 has a similar tiny fade, albeit it isn’t nearly as strong. The TL3 will likely fade out and end somewhat to the left, but no major flares or skips are expected. When it’s thrown with a little spin, it will start to straighten out, push forward, and conclude with a tiny fade to the left. As the name says, the TL3 is a genuine straight driver.
The TL3 is best compared to a somewhat more stable Innova Leopard. For 275–300-foot shots that demand some left-to-right movement and even a finish to the left, a GStar Leopard with a reasonably flat profile and a moderate spin is appropriate. A steady Leopard has always had a slightly more stable flight, especially in Champion plastic, even if it isn’t as quick as the TL. The TL3 can be used in place of the well-known Leopard shot. The flight is straighter than a Teebird’s, with just enough spin and fade for a razor-sharp shot.
Due to its neutral flight and minimal glide, the TL3 should be favorable on any forced anhyzer shot. On a few holes where you have the option of letting a disc roll over naturally (like a Leopard or Sidewinder) or having enough room to pump off a bigger anhyzer shot, the TL3 would be a good fit. If you give it more height and force it to roll over, the TL3 will keep the original anhyzer angle while pushing forward. Because of the flatter top, it will be able to maintain this line and prevent trapping too much air below it, which would push it out.
Most pros and players might give the Innova TL3 an overall score of 8, 4, -0.25, 1. The ultimate effect is a flight that is relatively straight with a hint of turn and fade. The TL3 might be the fairway driver for you if you’re looking for an extremely straight flight. You shouldn’t anticipate a lot of glides, but you should expect a lot of control.
The TL3 is another disc in Innova’s series of discs with a new flatter top. The TL3’s flight is quite similar to the original TL, except it travels down the fairway at a slightly faster pace. The lessened glide could be viewed as a plus because it allows for a more controlled flying that doesn’t fade out as quickly. While the GStar plastic is pretty challenging, if it’s like any other GStar disc, you’ll be able to beat it in a pinch if you give it some time on the course. Once the TL3 has warmed up a little, you can expect it to have a little more turn and maybe a little less fading. Other GStars have been observed to keep that flight pattern for an extended length of time after reaching that stage. A little faster fairway driver with a very straight to understable trajectory. There isn’t much to dislike about this place.
Which one is better?
When it comes to comparison, there is genuinely not much of a competition. According to Innova, The TL3 is the progression of the TL. The TL3 features a touch greater velocity and perhaps less gliding for better control, similar to the longer, quicker TeeBird3. So, it was made as a better version of the previous model. However, in the case of agility, fading, gliding, and flexibility, if someone is not comfortable with the higher speed and velocity, then they might prefer the TL over TL3 despite its status of being advanced. So, it more likely depends on personal preference.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve thrown a TL before or not. The TL3 will fit into your bag with ease and stay there for a long time.
Conclusion
Innova is one of the most famous brands for disk golf with a variety of options. Whether it’s specification, feature, or color, Innova is indeed the best in the market. TL and TL3 models have been popular among the varieties. Starting with the newbies and average players to professionals, everyone has good things to talk about these models. Now, if you’re contemplating which one to go for or looking for a comparison, then going for the latest version would be best. Specification-wise, TL3 is said to be the evaluated and better version of TL. So, more than comparison, these models can be considered siblings. However, even though TL3 is better at every aspect, in case you’re not accustomed to or comfortable with the high credibility, you can always try the TL model. The choice varies completely on your personal preferences.