INNOVA Champion Wraith Distance Driver Golf Disc [Colors May Vary] - 170-172g Review (2026)

Who this disc suits

Innova's flight chart rates the Wraith at speed 11, glide 5, turn -1 and fade 3, one of the faster distance drivers in the brand's catalog, built for players who already generate strong arm speed. The slight turn combined with a solid fade of 3 gives it a stable, s-shaped flight rather than a hard hook or a wide turnover, which is why Innova describes it as performing predictably both downwind and into a headwind. Twelve time world champion Ken Climo has endorsed the Star version of this disc, underlining that it is built with advanced players in mind rather than as a starter driver. Slower armed or newer throwers typically cannot generate the speed to get an 11 speed driver flying flat, and will instead see it stall or fall short of a fairway driver thrown by the same player.

What the flight numbers mean in practice

A turn of -1 means the Wraith resists flipping over even at high speed, so it holds a relatively straight line through the front half of its flight before the fade of 3 brings it back left for a right hand backhand throw. Glide of 5, Innova's top rating, helps the disc carry once it is up to speed, which is part of why it is known as a genuine distance driver rather than a control focused one. This listing is the heavier 170 to 172 gram range, which Innova notes tends to improve consistency in windy conditions compared with lighter copies of the same mold, at the cost of needing slightly more power to throw at full extension. The wide rim typical of Innova's fastest drivers needs a firm, practiced grip to release cleanly.

Grip, care and everyday use

Champion plastic gives the Wraith a clear, semi translucent look and is among Innova's more durable blends, so a Champion Wraith should hold its flight numbers through heavy use, including regular tree and ground contact, better than the base DX version. That durability comes with a stiffer, slightly slicker feel in hand, which some players notice more in cold weather, so keeping a towel handy in wet or winter rounds can help maintain grip on release. Because the plastic is translucent, the disc shows scuffs from pavement or rocky terrain more visibly than an opaque disc would, though this does not change how it flies. Storing it away from prolonged heat, such as a car trunk in summer, helps the rim keep its shape over time.

How it compares with other distance drivers

Against the Innova Star Destroyer, another fast distance driver but built more overstable, the Wraith tends to hold a straighter line with a smoother finish, while the Destroyer commits to a harder fade sooner, which some players prefer for headwind control. Compared with the MVP Photon, a similarly speed rated driver in MVP's Neutron plastic, the Wraith generally offers a more predictable, less turnover prone flight, while the Photon can turn over more for big arm throwers. Both of these comparisons assume a player who already has driver level arm speed, since none of the three fly well for a thrower who cannot generate enough power to reach their stated speed rating.

Bottom line

The Champion Wraith in this heavier weight is built for players who already throw fast, overstable drivers and want a long, dependable option that will not turn over on them in the wind. Champion plastic should keep it flying consistently for a long time, and the heavier weight adds stability for stronger throwers at the cost of needing more power to fully extend the disc. Newer players or those still developing arm speed are likely to be disappointed by how far short this disc falls compared with a slower fairway driver in their hands, and should look at a lower speed option first before working up to a Wraith.

Frequently asked questions