Disc Battle of the Day: Axiom Balance vs Innova Mako
Two fan-favorite mids with very different finishes square off today. The Axiom Balance brings reliable stability for confident endings, while the Innova Mako is a laser pointer that flies exactly how you release it. Here’s how they stack up and whom each one serves best.
Quick Flight Numbers
Axiom Balance
Speed5
Glide5
Turn0
Fade2
Innova Mako
Speed4
Glide5
Turn0
Fade0
Axiom Balance
Pros
- Neutral-stable flight (0 turn, 2 fade) delivers point-and-shoot lines with a trustworthy finish—excellent for controlled hyzers and flat releases that need to land left at the end.
- Speed 5 with ample glide gets midrange distance with less effort and holds up better on slight headwinds than straighter options.
- Handles moderate power and light torque, making it a dependable forehand mid for touch shots and straight-to-fade approaches.
Cons
- The fade will pull you off a dead-straight tunnel; not ideal when you must finish perfectly straight.
- Lower-power players may see early hyzer-out if they don’t get it up to speed.
- Extra speed versus a 4-speed can cause long skips or push long on touch approaches if you expect it to sit.
Innova Mako
Pros
- True laser lines: 0 turn, 0 fade means it flies like your release—perfect for woods, tunnels, and landing on-straight greens.
- Glidey and easy to range at speed 4, great for standstills, touch hyzers, and beginner-friendly straight shots.
- Honest feedback disc that helps refine form; holds gentle turnovers without fighting out.
Cons
- No fade to bail you out—can drift in wind or sail past the line if you’re expecting a finish.
- Less torque resistance; not the best choice for forehand or high-power rips.
- Can come up short on wide fairways where a faster mid (like the Balance) stretches farther.
Head-to-Head
- Woods tunnel, must-finish-straight: pick the Mako. Need a gentle, reliable finish left: choose the Balance.
- Light wind or when you want a disc to hold line then check up: the Balance wins. Calm, low-ceiling floaters and standstills: the Mako shines.
- Forehand mids: Balance is the safer, more torque-resistant option. Use Mako only for very touchy flicks.
- Beginners and form work: start with the Mako. Intermediates/advanced players: pair the Mako’s straightness with the Balance’s finishing stability.
- Distance gap: Balance (speed 5) pushes farther on the same swing; Mako prioritizes control over max midrange distance.
Verdict
If you want one mid to trust in light wind, on forehands, and for controlled fades, the Axiom Balance is your anchor—neutral at speed with a clean, consistent finish. If your priority is surgical, dead-straight flight that mirrors your release, the Innova Mako is the woods and line-hitting specialist. Many bags benefit from both: Mako for the laser, Balance for the reliable end fade.