Champion vs. Star Plastic: Comparing Premium Disc Golf Plastics

When you are in the market for a new disc, there are several key features that you consider:
Weight – if you have a lot of power, you’re typically looking for max weight discs. If you don’t have a big arm, you’re likely looking for lighter discs.Flight numbers – Is the speed high or low enough? Does the stability meet your needs? Are replacing a disc with a certain flight?
Plastic type – The plastic you choose will affect the flight, the durability, and the feel of a disc. Although there are times when a base plastic is desirable, most of us are looking for premium plastics. Two of the most popular premium plastics are Champion and Star. In this blog we’ll look at what those two plastics have in common, and how they are different.

Champion vs. Star Plastic: A Tale of Two Premiums

When you pick up an Innova disc, one of the first things you’ll notice, besides the stamp, is the plastic. Two of Innova’s most popular blends, Champion and Star, are both considered premium plastics. They each have their own unique feel, durability, and flight characteristics.

Hand Feel

Champion plastic is known for its stiff, slick, and glassy texture. It often has a clear or translucent look and feels firm in the hand. Some players love that confidence-inspiring stiffness, especially in warm conditions, while others find it a bit slippery when wet or cold.

Star plastic, on the other hand, offers a grippier and slightly softer feel. It’s opaque, has a bit more flex, and tends to sit comfortably in the hand in almost any weather. Players who prioritize grip, especially for drives and approaches where touch matters, often lean toward Star.

Durability

When it comes to durability, Champion plastic usually takes the crown. It’s extremely resistant to dings, scrapes, and tree hits, maintaining its flight characteristics for a long time. That toughness makes it a favorite for drivers that see a lot of impact. The down side to this durability is that it takes longer to beat in Champion plastic.

Star plastic is still very durable, but it’s a touch softer, so it can beat in slightly faster than Champion. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Some players prefer how Star plastic seasons over time, giving discs a bit more glide and turn as they wear in.

Softness and Flexibility

Star plastic feels softer and more flexible in hand compared to the rigid feel of Champion. This gives it a more forgiving flex when you’re gripping tightly or throwing in colder temperatures. Champion stays firm and consistent, which some players prefer for predictability.

Which Should You Choose?

If you want maximum durability and a firm, consistent feel, Champion plastic is hard to beat. It’s great for hot weather and discs that take a lot of abuse.

If you prefer better grip and a slightly softer touch, Star plastic delivers an excellent balance of performance and comfort. Many players find it to be the more versatile of the two, especially in changing weather conditions.

What About Other Brands?

Although each brand has its own recipe for its plastic types, the end result is close to what Innova offers. If you get a Z-line disc from Discraft, you’ll notice it is very similar to Champion plastic. Same with Opto from the Trilogy brands (Dynamic Discs, Westside, and Latitude 64), Proton from MVP, and Gateway’s Diamond plastic.

Looking for a version of Star plastic? Clash has Hardy plastic, DGA has ProLine, and Discraft has ESP. Those, along with Trilogy’s Gold Line, MVP’s Neutron, and Discmania’s S-Line, are all very similar to Star plastic.

Wrap Up

No matter which you choose, both plastics represent the top tier of disc golf plastics, offering excellent performance and long-lasting quality. It really comes down to what feels best in your hand and how you like your discs to wear in over time.