Uncovering the Firebird's MVP - Battle of the Overstable Drivers

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Quest for a Worthy MVP Disc
   1. Mixed Bag of Discs
   2. Discovering MVP Discs
3. The Search for MVP's Firebird
   1. Firebird Overview
   2. Comparing Disc Statistics
   3. Contenders from MVP
      1. The Resistor
      2. The Motion
      3. The Fireball
      4. The Flare
      5. James Conrad's Terra
4. Flight Test and Evaluation
   1. The Flare - A Super Overstable Disc
   2. The Fireball - Similar but Different
   3. The Motion - A Close Call
   4. The Terra - The Perfect Replacement
   5. The Resistor - A Reliable Classic
5. Conclusion

The Quest for MVP's Firebird: A Disc Golf Journey

Introduction

In the world of disc golf, finding the perfect disc for your game can be a challenging quest. Each player has their own preferences and requirements when it comes to choosing the right discs. For years, I played with a mixture of discs from various brands until I stumbled upon MVP. This video takes you on my Journey to find MVP's Firebird, a disc that would complete my arsenal. Join me as I explore different MVP discs and determine if I find a worthy successor.

The Quest for a Worthy MVP Disc

Mixed Bag of Discs

When I first started playing disc golf, I relied on a mixed bag of discs from different brands like Innova, Latitude 64, Dynamic Discs, Discraft, Discmania, and Gateway. While each disc had its own strengths, I realized that MVP discs were gaining popularity and had a dedicated following. Intrigued by this, I decided to give MVP discs a try and see if they could enhance my gameplay.

Discovering MVP Discs

Over the course of six to twelve months, I gradually added MVP, Axiom, and Streamline discs to my bag. These discs offered unique characteristics and filled specific roles in my game. However, there were two discs that I found missing from MVP's lineup – a Firebird equivalent. After researching online, I discovered that I wasn't the only one looking for this missing piece. Determined to find a worthy replacement, I embarked on a mission to search for MVP's Firebird.

The Search for MVP's Firebird

Firebird Overview

Before delving into MVP's lineup, let's first take a closer look at the Firebird. The Innova Firebird, a signature disc for renowned players like Hayley King, Zach Johnson, and Nate Sexton, is a legendary disc that has stood the test of time. Classified as a distance driver, it boasts a speed rating of nine. However, its true nature lies in its utility as an overstable disc with minimal glide, no turn, and substantial fade. The Firebird excels at flying straight and then making a sharp left or right turn, depending on how it is thrown.

Comparing Disc Statistics

To find a suitable replacement for the Firebird, it's important to compare the statistics of MVP discs with similar flight characteristics. Let's explore the contenders in chronological order Based on their release dates.

Contenders from MVP

The Resistor

Released in late 2013 to early 2014, the MVP Resistor offers a diameter of 211 millimeters, a rim thickness of 17 millimeters, and a maximum Height of 15 millimeters. With a flight rating of six, four, zero, three point five, the Resistor falls in the speed six category. Available in Neutron plastic, it provides reliable stability and control for throws that require a fade.

The Motion

Shortly after the Resistor, MVP introduced the Motion. With a similar flight path to the Firebird, the Motion features a diameter of 211 millimeters, a rim thickness of 20 millimeters, and a maximum height of 14 millimeters. Its flight rating of nine, three, five, zero, four makes it a capable utility driver. Available in Neutron and Proton plastics, the Motion offers a dependable flight with a strong left fade at the end.

The Fireball

In 2014, MVP released the Axiom Fireball, which clearly aimed to compete with the Firebird. The Fireball shares similarities in Dimensions, with a diameter of 211 millimeters, a rim thickness of 20 millimeters, and a maximum height of 14 millimeters. Its flight rating of nine, three, five, zero, three point five indicates its overstable nature. Available in Neutron, Proton, and Plasma plastics, the Fireball is a suitable alternative to the Firebird.

The Flare

Moving ahead to 2019, Streamline, a subsidiary brand of MVP, released the Flare. This disc boasts a diameter of 212 millimeters, a rim thickness of 20 millimeters, and a maximum height of 18 millimeters. With a flight rating of nine, four, zero, three point five, the Flare demonstrates its intended stability. Available in Neutron and Cosmic Neutron plastics, the Flare offers a strong flight with a reliable fade.

James Conrad's Terra

The latest addition to the MVP lineup, James Conrad's Terra, entered the market in 2022. With a diameter of 212 millimeters, a rim thickness of 19 millimeters, and a maximum height of 18 millimeters, the Terra shows promise as a Firebird alternative. Its flight rating of eight, five, zero, three indicates its stability. Currently available in Neutron plastic, the Terra is gaining Attention as a capable utility driver.

Flight Test and Evaluation

To truly assess the potential successors to the Firebird, I conducted a flight test under nearly ideal conditions. With no wind to interfere and a carefully measured distance of 90 meters (300 feet) to a basket, I observed how each disc performed.

The Flare - A Super Overstable Disc

The streamlined Flare proved to be the most overstable disc among the contenders. With its minimal glide, strong fade, and early left turn, the Flare excels in stability. However, it fell short in terms of distance, with most throws landing around the 75-meter mark. While the Flare may suit those seeking extreme stability, it didn't quite match the Firebird's versatility.

The Fireball - Similar but Different

As its name suggests, the Fireball strives to mimic the flight characteristics of the Firebird. However, it differs in its early left turn and slightly reduced glide. Although the Fireball showed potential, it didn't offer the consistent feel and flight path that I desired. The Proton plastic variant, in particular, didn't provide the same reliable release as the Firebird.

The Motion - A Close Call

The MVP Motion came closest to replicating the Firebird's flight path. With a straight push after release, sufficient glide, and a strong left fade, the Motion exhibited dependability. It found a place in my bag and served me well, but it couldn't surpass the Firebird in terms of feel and consistency. Ultimately, the Motion ended up being replaced in my bag.

The Terra - The Perfect Replacement

After exploring various options, I discovered James Conrad's Terra and knew my quest was over. The Terra's flight closely resembled that of the Firebird, offering a straight push with ample glide before the stability kicked in. The disc's strong left fade, coupled with perfectly executed skips, made it the ideal Firebird replacement for me. The softer feel of the neutron plastic added to its appeal, ensuring a consistent release. Whether faced with strong headwinds or the need for precise fading shots, the Terra proved to be a reliable companion.

The Resistor - A Reliable Classic

While the search for the perfect Firebird replacement spanned several years, there was one MVP disc that Never left my bag – the Resistor. A mainstay in my lineup, the Resistor earned its reputation as a mini Firebird or a speed six Firebird. With a similar flight path, comfortable feel, and consistency, the Resistor delivered excellent control. Although it fell slightly short in terms of distance compared to the Firebird and the Terra, it excelled in mid to long-range fading shots.

Conclusion

After an extensive quest spanning years, I can confidently say that MVP's Terra has succeeded in replacing the Firebird in my bag. Its flight characteristics closely mirror those of the Firebird, offering stability, glide, and dependable left fade. The Resistor also deserves recognition as a reliable alternative for those seeking a mini Firebird. Different players may have varying preferences, and it's essential to find the disc that suits your style and desired flight path. In the end, the choice may come down to personal feel and consistency. The search for the perfect disc is a never-ending journey, but the joys and improvements it brings to your game make it worthwhile.