Disc Battle of the Day: Discraft Cyclone vs Innova Cheetah
Two classic control fairways square off today: Discraft’s Cyclone and Innova’s Cheetah. With similar glide and fade but different speeds and turn, they carve distinct lines for different arms. Here’s how to pick the right workhorse for your bag.
Quick Flight Numbers
Both offer steady glide (4) and a gentle finish (fade 2). The Cyclone’s extra speed and milder turn (-1) add stability and push, while the Cheetah’s slower speed and -2 turn unlock easier hyzer-flips and turnovers.
Discraft Cyclone
Pros
- Speed 7 with turn -1 gives a neutral-stable flight that holds the line before a dependable fade.
- Handles a touch of wind better than the Cheetah thanks to the milder high‑speed turn.
- Great point-and-shoot control driver for straight fairways and controlled placement shots.
- Fade 2 offers a predictable finish for placement on hyzers and flat releases.
- Versatile for both backhand and controlled forehands due to its stability profile.
Cons
- Glide 4 demands a committed throw; it won’t float forever if underpowered.
- For lower arms, the fade 2 can cause early hyzer-out compared to the Cheetah.
- Not ideal for long, holding turnovers—the fade will try to fight out late.
Innova Cheetah
Pros
- Turn -2 makes hyzer-flips easy for developing arms and effortless shot shaping in the woods.
- Speed 6 is forgiving and controllable on touch shots and lower-ceiling fairways.
- Glide 4 with fade 2 finishes gently without yanking left (RHBH), ideal for straight-to-turn lines.
- Excellent option for learning turnovers and finesse standstill throws.
- Naturally pairs with a more stable fairway, covering the understable slot in a two-disc combo.
Cons
- Understable high-speed phase can burn over in headwinds or with excess torque.
- Less reliable for power forehands; needs very clean form to avoid early turn.
- Slightly shorter ceiling for big-arms versus the faster Cyclone.
Head-to-Head
- Straight control in light wind: Cyclone is steadier with its -1 turn and fade 2.
- Wooded hyzer-flips and long turnovers: Cheetah’s -2 turn shapes lines with less effort.
- Newer players or lower power: Cheetah offers easier distance and line shaping.
- Intermediates wanting one all-purpose fairway: Cyclone covers more conditions and angles.
- Forehand utility: Cyclone resists early turn better and finishes more predictably.
- Tailwind or downhill shots: Cheetah rides the flip longer for extra carry and gentle finish.
Verdict
If you value stability and versatility in mixed conditions, choose the Discraft Cyclone for its neutral flight and trustworthy fade. If you want effortless hyzer-flips, easy turnovers, and beginner-friendly control, grab the Innova Cheetah. Many bags benefit from both: Cheetah for understable lines, Cyclone for straight-to-stable control when the wind picks up.