Blizzard Champion Ape! Oh My!

[EnigmaSquad]

So last week a couple friends let me throw a couple of the new Blizzard Champion Discs...A Wraith, A couple Bosses and a Destroyer. They were very light and therefore flippy but I could see some real potential. So I got online to see what folks were saying about it. I stumbled upon Innovas "Factory Second" store and saw that they were selling Blizzard Apes and I thought "Now I should be able to throw that as hard as I want and I will never turn over on me".
I went to see what others might be saying about the Blizzard Ape and if my research is correct it is not even out yet!!
Sold! I bought a 138g and a 150g and a 140ish Destroyer.
They arrived yesterday and I just got finished with some field practice and in the next post I will share the results for all who are interested.
Just to verify, is the Blizzard Ape actually available anywhere? Or do I really have one of the select few?

[General Scales]

So last week a couple friends let me throw a couple of the new Blizzard Champion Discs...A Wraith, A couple Bosses and a Destroyer. They were very light and therefore flippy but I could see some real potential. So I got online to see what folks were saying about it. I stumbled upon Innovas "Factory Second" store and saw that they were selling Blizzard Apes and I thought "Now I should be able to throw that as hard as I want and I will never turn over on me".
I went to see what others might be saying about the Blizzard Ape and if my research is correct it is not even out yet!!
Sold! I bought a 138g and a 150g and a 140ish Destroyer.
They arrived yesterday and I just got finished with some field practice and in the next post I will share the results for all who are interested.
Just to verify, is the Blizzard Ape actually available anywhere? Or do I really have one of the select few?

....drum roll...

[EnigmaSquad]

On to the results...
First off, these distances are accurate due to using a range finder and the dimensions of a regulation turf soccer field.
For reference I typically throw right around 300. In the past couple weeks I have changed up a few things and have been hitting about 330 at the max end of my distance...
Today I did some warm up throws (although I was so tempted to throw the blizzard plastic right from step one)
started with the 140 Destroyer went about 300 on a hyzer line the whole way...very promising.
Stepped up to the 138 Ape on a hyzer line and went about 310 and realized I did not have to worry about it flipping on me.
First throw ever of the 150 Ape, threw it on a flat plane and it went 350!!!
First throw ever of that disc and it was perhaps further than I have ever thrown a disc before!!
I know 350 is nothing compared to some of you but like I said it was a personal best.
By the end of an hour I was throwing both Apes consistantly 325 and had a nice throw that went 360 (the length of the soccer field) and was stopped by the goalie in the net on the opposite side of the field (oops)
I cannot wait to throw these discs more.
Thanks for sharing in my excitement with me.

[Scott]

That's awesome! I field tested a 134 destroyer last week and found it to be a little unpredictable for me. The 150 boss was a little better. I was really excited to see the release of the Blizzard Ape - that might be the answer I'm looking for.

The Blizzard Ape is out right now as a fundraiser for the Minnesota Majestic. You can get them at gottagogottathrow.com. I'm guessing they'll be available for general sale this summer.

[EnigmaSquad]

Thanks for the info Scott. I am very pleased with $11 "Factory Second". I was a little worried that although they claim any blemish will not affect flight characterstics that this one would. The flights of these discs were exactly what I thought they would be like so I feel like I got a nice bargain. It is good to know that if this becomes a "distance favorite" that I can pick up more at the Majestic if they run out of "mistakes" at the innova store.

[Scott]

Usually they bust out a new disc (or older disc in new plastic) as a CFR fundraiser for a larger tournament (Last year for the BSF it was the Archon). Once the initial grab of first-runs and tournament stamps are gone they should be in the stores.

[Jeff Hemmerling]

I bought a 138g and a 150g and a 140ish Destroyer.Did you find much difference in stability between the 138g & 150g Apes?

[EnigmaSquad]

I think I did.... but I need to do some more field testing...I think I am sort of subconciously putting a touch of hyzer as well as aiming further left (for a RHBH) in order to compensate.
I will try and really concentrate on throwing both exactly the same tomorrow and let you know.

[WestsoundBT]

EnigmaBrother...

You're forgetting the best part...

West Sound Disc Golf Association has a boatload of fundraiser Blizzards coming in for the West Sound Challenge events!

First Event to get a crack at 'em: Discin' at the Depot, April 14th, see WA events threads!
Local stamp too!!

Blizzard Wraith, Boss, Katana, Destroyer. (ok, so no ape.)
Metal flake Roadrunner and Teebirds
CFR mako and champ fundraiser Vulcan.

[General Scales]

I threw a 138 Destroyer and found it to be fun to throw. Not something that would earn a spot in my playing bag but definitely something that I will keep around for when I want to throw as far as possible in a field.

I believe that a sub 150 Ape would provide me with as much enjoyment for throwing.

[prettyboyfloyd]

I threw my new 151 Destroyer at least 25 - 30 feet farther than my normal 170 Champ Destroyer. I did throw it on more of a hyzer flip than my 170 (which NEVER turns over), and it didn't flip on me.

My only concern is what happens after it gets beat up. I'm only going to use it on huge open field shots.

[Scott]

I heard from one source that the Blizzard Champion plastic beats in faster. Can anyone else confirm or deny this?

[Simmeltron]

I heard from one source that the Blizzard Champion plastic beats in faster. Can anyone else confirm or deny this?

Seems like a fair assumption... seeing that air is softer than plastic... so plastic with air in it would be softer than plastic without air in it... see how sciencey I can be? :dancing: Happy Friday! :chug:

[General Scales]

Seems like a fair assumption... seeing that air is softer than plastic... so plastic with air in it would be softer than plastic without air in it... see how sciencey I can be? :dancing: Happy Friday! :chug:

Cheers! To quote one of the greatest cartoons ever "It's a great day for science!":chug:

[EnigmaSquad]

I have not really experienced any of my champion plastic "beating in" to the point that the disc is not useful anymore.
Maybe that is just because I lose them before I get to that point.
:slapface:

[Simmeltron]

Cheers! To quote one of the greatest cartoons ever "It's a great day for science!":chug:

Sounds like a Bill Nye quote: "Science Rules!" (http://youtu.be/SbzouFaMJU4) He's kind of like a cartoon?

[Scott]

Seems like a fair assumption... seeing that air is softer than plastic... so plastic with air in it would be softer than plastic without air in it... see how sciencey I can be? :dancing: Happy Friday! :chug:

I see that, but since the air is ensconsed (cool sciency word) in the plastic, so does it really make a difference?

[Simmeltron]

I see that, but since the air is ensconsed (cool sciency word) in the plastic, so does it really make a difference?

Maybe not... but my reasoning had to do with the fact that the air inside the plastic would make the plastic less dense. But who knows maybe it also absorbs shock better, increasing life?

[EnigmaSquad]

Did you find much difference in stability between the 138g & 150g Apes?

After throwing again today I think it is safe to say there is some difference in the stability. When throwing into the wind the difference was exaggerated quite a bit more.

On a side note I threw the 150 Ape from end line to end line of the soccer field (360 feet) going each direction.

and now I am tired.....

[Scott]

After throwing again today I think it is safe to say there is some difference in the stability. When throwing into the wind the difference was exaggerated quite a bit more.

On a side note I threw the 150 Ape from end line to end line of the soccer field (360 feet) going each direction.

and now I am tired.....

Are you certain the soccer field is 360 from endline to endline? Soccer, unlike football, fields can vary in distance. I'm not trying to belittle your throw, just trying to make sure you get an accurate read.

[EnigmaSquad]

Are you certain the soccer field is 360 from endline to endline? Soccer, unlike football, fields can vary in distance. I'm not trying to belittle your throw, just trying to make sure you get an accurate read.

Absolutely. I actually used a range finder first and measured it at 120 yards. Then I googled later to find that a regulation soccer field is 360 feet. This is a brand new turf soccer field which makes the likelihood of it being regulation that much higher.

bottom line, to me, the dimensions of the soccer field lining up to the range finder distance is more than coincidence.

[Scott]

Absolutely. I actually used a range finder first and measured it at 120 yards. Then I googled later to find that a regulation soccer field is 360 feet. This is a brand new turf soccer field which makes the likelihood of it being regulation that much higher.

bottom line, to me, the dimensions of the soccer field lining up to the range finder distance is more than coincidence.

Soccer fields have a general size - Adult regulation is from 100 to 120 yards. Youth fields can be considerably smaller. Having a range finder certainly removes all doubt!

[Jeff Hemmerling]

After throwing again today I think it is safe to say there is some difference in the stability. When throwing into the wind the difference was exaggerated quite a bit more.

On a side note I threw the 150 Ape from end line to end line of the soccer field (360 feet) going each direction.

and now I am tired.....Thanks for the info! :)

[pop]

I was lucky enough to get two katanas at 130 and 150 grams. They are flippy and require more hyser, but I get another 15-20% distance, which presently comes with a 20-30% loss in accuracy. I think I threw my first 400 foot drive today with the light one, but it was hard to say. Definitely has a spot in my bag, as now it puts some birdies in range when before I had no chance before. At my age, I play for excitement, and so I am thrilled to have this new plastic.

[XandorF]

i parked (~2') BSF hole 10 West (435') today with my 150 blizzard boss. these discs are for real. earned a couple spots in my bag already...

[emmarose]

fine! i'll get some damn blizzard plastic... if y'all love it so much, i guess...

... i am so ridiculously stubborn i was trying to convince myself it was just a fad that all the plastic geeks were getting excited about... but it looks like they're for real...

[LegoRules]

fine! i'll get some damn blizzard plastic... if y'all love it so much, i guess...

... i am so ridiculously stubborn i was trying to convince myself it was just a fad that all the plastic geeks were getting excited about... but it looks like they're for real...

Told you! :wink2: Plus they come in some super awesome girly colors. :yay: They most likely will be a part of the 2012 Chick Flick players pack, and maybe as fundraiser's too. Can you imagine our awesome stamp on those discs. :rockon:

Cindy :)

[General Scales]

Threw all of the ones I can get my hands on. The Boss is by far away the best flying one out of the bunch. Still not getting a spot in my bag as I have other discs that fly just as well.

Still, nothing wrong with 500 foot drives that feel effortless.

[tmiller]

Believe the hype. A 155g and 138g Boss have made their way into my bag. Im getting around 40ft more on drives at what feels like 75% power. The bosses have been very accurate for me, just a touch slow to come back in a headwind.

[Scott]

Do you find that you have to dial back the power to prevent flipping the disc?

[XandorF]

Do you find that you have to dial back the power to prevent flipping the disc?

nope. i was cranking them. when parked hole 10 west i didnt even get the disc (blizz boss) to fully turn over. went hyzer... to straight... then hyzer finish.

granted they are easier to manipulate, i think when i did flip the disc over when practicing it was due to me turning my wrist. i have a hard time getting it to flip over on a straight hyzer

[Scott]

Ok, I'm sold. Time to go shopping.

[EnigmaSquad]

I used to max out at 300. With the new Blizzard Destroyer I am able to throw it on a big hyzer line and still get 300.

[TYVEK]

yesterday i went down to Package Express in olympia and bought a 150 blizzard destroyer and a 155 blizzard boss. after spending a little more than 3 hours on the course and putting them through the paces, i am sold on them. they already have my name and number on them and have a place in the bag.

I am a Discraft thrower, most of my bag is discraft discs. after hearing people talk about the new blizzard plastic and reading about peoples experience with it on the forums i figured i would at least try it out.

I compared the 150 destroyer against a 175 destroyer i have, and i was thouroughly impressed. Every hole that i used the blizzard discs on they went farther than any of my other discs by 25-50 feet. i had my farthest throws on a few of the holes today with the blizzard destroyer. the flight charcteristics for the 150 destroyer were very close to the 175 destroyer. i never once turned either the 150 destroyer or the 155 boss over during my time out there today.

i feel like i went and spent 30 dollars for instant distance and game improvment! i didnt have to change the angle i threw at, or the power i threw at and i had a instant increase in distance with these 2 blizzard discs.

as a discraft thrower i didnt want to have so much success with this plastic, but it is such a game changer that i feel like i would be at a sever disadvantage without using the blizzard discs while playing against people that were using the blizzard plastic. i already dont have a super gun for an arm so this makes me feel like i can be more competitive in my game.

all in all I am extremely impressed with these two discs, i just really hope that innova will somehow finally start being consistant with their plastics from one run to the next.
if you havent tried any of the blizzard plastic yet, it is well worth the time and/or money to find a disc and give it a shot.

[Flatroc]

I have a bunch where the bubbles are all in the rim with none in the plate.

[Mr. Anderson]

Have any of the Blizzard Disc throwers tried them out into a head wind of 15+ mph? Just want to hear how well they fight the wind compared to the heavy stuff.

[EnigmaSquad]

Have any of the Blizzard Disc throwers tried them out into a head wind of 15+ mph? Just want to hear how well they fight the wind compared to the heavy stuff.
Definitely a big impact. I would not reccomend it.

[Matt B.]

Have any of the Blizzard Disc throwers tried them out into a head wind of 15+ mph? Just want to hear how well they fight the wind compared to the heavy stuff.

My 150 Blizzard Katana fights it way off to the right.....way, way, way off to the right...over the fence, over the road....

Just like other Katanas...not for headwind.

[General Scales]

I've thrown some sub 150 Destroyers in a head wind and so long as you compensate for the strength of the wind with angle (to a point) they fight well. Can't say anything about the rest as they are already flippy discs in a head wind. An Ape would be sweet for that situation.

[ScottyJ]

I have the Blizzard Wraith 137 grams, and a Blizzard Boss 135 grams. I can almost turn the Boss but it actually dose the jog quite well. Unless I really try I can not turn it.
The Wraith at a 137 grams, is just the disc for finesse throws. Turns just right for that pretty "S" turn around that dang blasted tree you always hit.
Both disc are extremely light so in the wind unless a tail wind I put them away.

[Scott]

I bought a couple of Blizzard Destroyers and a couple of Blizzard Bosses - Destroyers and one Boss around 150, one Boss 137.- and finally had an opportunity to test drive them yesterday.

I started by throwing all of the destroyers and bosses that are currently in my bag to get a baseline. 3/4 of the Blizzard discs outdrove the baseline discs. This was the case for the second group as well. The results were consistent, but not dramatic. On average, I found about a 10 - 15' increase in distance.

They were certainly more overstable than I thought they would be. I could get them to turn a little bit, but they would always come back. If they don't beat in too quickly they will become nice additions to my bag. I still need to practice with these a bit to understand exactly what they'll do for me. My experince with the Destroyer and Boss really makes me want to get a Blizzard Ape - maybe in the 135 range.

My overall impression was that they flew very similarly to the beat in 170-175 Pro destroyers and Pro bosses that I currently throw - right off the shelf.

[Adam Schneider]

I just ordered a 150g Blizzard Boss. I was afraid anything flippier (e.g., Katana) would be an automatic inadvertent roller.

[leefou]

nope my katana is stable as hell...no rollers to be had

[Adam Schneider]

I field-tested the 150g Blizzard Boss yesterday. It outflew my 164g Halo (previously my longest driver) almost every time. Throwing with 80%-90% power, I was putting it out there about 330' uphill and 350' downhill (SLIGHT uphill/downhill) — and this was my first time throwing in over a month.

Obviously it needed a little height and a decent amount of right-left room, but for wide-open shots, these things really could be game-changers.

[mowens404]

Has anybody noticed their Blizzard discs concaving on them? I read a post on reddit of someones blizzard discs getting really floppy and concaved when it gets warm. That same afternoon I went and played with my girlfriend and her disc was totally concaved and way floppier than before. It wasn't that warm, but it was last week during our beautiful sunny day. She keeps her discs in a revo backpack with only about 10-12 discs so it's not getting crushed in her bag. And now she is flipping the disc over harder than she was. Anybody notice this?

[General Scales]

Has anybody noticed their Blizzard discs concaving on them? I read a post on reddit of someones blizzard discs getting really floppy and concaved when it gets warm. That same afternoon I went and played with my girlfriend and her disc was totally concaved and way floppier than before. It wasn't that warm, but it was last week during our beautiful sunny day. She keeps her discs in a revo backpack with only about 10-12 discs so it's not getting crushed in her bag. And now she is flipping the disc over harder than she was. Anybody notice this?

Well it would make sense since the flight plate has to be way thinner to accommodate the lightness of the disc. Bet that is something that will start to turn people off of them in the summer months.

[mowens404]

Well it would make sense since the flight plate has to be way thinner to accommodate the lightness of the disc. Bet that is something that will start to turn people off of them in the summer months.



I was thinking the same thing.

these discs are interesting. Some have bubbles on the top and some don't. i have a 150 destroyer that doesn't have any distinguishable bubbles at all and seems pretty stiff, even was that day, but hers has a lot of bubbles on the flight plate. I guess we will just have to wait and see how they do in the heat.

[Rakoz]

seems that the sun is the kryptonite for the blizzards... I suppose you can't have sun and a blizzard at the same time.

[HarrisonH]

seems that the sun is the kryptonite for the blizzards... I suppose you can't have sun and a blizzard at the same time.

Not sure on that one. My 150g Destroyer flew just fine in today's gorgeous sunshine.... What a day!

[Jason Philips]

Picked up a 150 class blizzard destroyer the other day. I managed to put the blizzard destroyer out about 350 consistently and my throws with it were only getting better as the round went on. I found several holes when I planned on throwing two discs I threw the blizzard destroyer and the shot was perfect. I am currently averaging between 325 and 350 with my main drivers. I found the disc was responsive and worked for me in the trees and out in the open.

[Bluedisc]

150 Blizzard Ape = 150 Z Flick with more speed and glide

* both require minimal correct form or arm speed to side-arm
* both are great for skip shots or low ceiling/headwind shots
* Blizzard Ape flies remarkably similar to the same weight blizzard boss
* This disc will not remain in my bag

:yawn:

[Scott]

150 Blizzard Ape = 150 Z Flick with more speed and glide

* both require minimal correct form or arm speed to side-arm
* both are great for skip shots or low ceiling/headwind shots
* Blizzard Ape flies remarkably similar to the same weight blizzard boss
* This disc will not remain in my bag

:yawn:

I'm sure I could find a home for it. What color is it? :biggrin2:

[Scott]

I heard rumors over the weekend (including during the broadcast of the GBO) that David Wiggins Jr. threw a 134g Blizzard Champion Boss 836' in the dessert for a new distance record. I can't find any confirmation of this on the Internet - can anyone confirm or deny?

[TYVEK]

I heard rumors over the weekend (including during the broadcast of the GBO) that David Wiggins Jr. threw a 134g Blizzard Champion Boss 836' in the dessert for a new distance record. I can't find any confirmation of this on the Internet - can anyone confirm or deny?

Innova posted it on their facebook page. i dont know if thats totall proof, but it sure is a good start.

[mowens404]

Not sure on that one. My 150g Destroyer flew just fine in today's gorgeous sunshine.... What a day!



Yep, Her Katana is still a little floppy in the middle, but I threw the destroyer all day yesterday in the heat in the sun, and it flew great. I wasn't getting the distance I was expecting on saturday, so I put Erin's destroyer in my bag, I think now I will keep it after how well I was throwing it yesterday.

[REDFIVE]

Wiggins

http://www.innovadiscs.com/home/492-david-wiggins-jr-sets-new-distance-record-with-blizzard-champion-boss.html

[REDFIVE]

Throw as high as possible into a huge side/tail wind and you get yourself a new record.

[TYVEK]

Throw as high as possible into a huge side/tail wind and you get yourself a new record.

yeah, i have always thought these "distance" competitions were a bunch of bunk. it would be more credible if they only allowed thowing in 0-5 mile an hour wind, but with the wind they throw in it does all the work.

[mine all mine]

yeah, i have always thought these "distance" competitions were a bunch of bunk. it would be more credible if they only allowed thowing in 0-5 mile an hour wind, but with the wind they throw in it does all the work.

Until you go to one and try throwing anywhere near that far I would not debunk any of their efforts. There is a ton of coordination and skill involved with throwing that far, even with 14 MPH of wind. And, if it were that easy, why did the last record stand for so long?

Just sayin...

[Parks]

yeah, i have always thought these "distance" competitions were a bunch of bunk. it would be more credible if they only allowed thowing in 0-5 mile an hour wind, but with the wind they throw in it does all the work.

It is insanely hard to hit a good line to take advantage of the wind, and there is also quite a bit of luck involved with high winds. A thrower could do the exact same line 30 seconds apart and end up with a 200 foot difference in their distance.

That being said, David Wiggins Jr. can throw 600 feet in calm conditions so I wouldn't say the throw lacks credibility at all or that it is a bunch of bunch.

[TYVEK]

listen guys im not saying these guys cant throw far, i know avery can throw around 700 feet at sea level with out the wind.

what im saying is that the wind carries their discs for more distance, so in truth its not a true "distance" that the person threw.

and it really doenst take that much cordination to take advantage of the wind, even a noodle arm like myself can get the wind to carry my disc alot farther than i can actually throw it.

im not calling the players "bunk" im calling the competition and the conditions that they allow them to throw in for a so called "distance record" bunk. take away the wind and let the distance really speak for the players ability.

[leefou]

yeah thats just the nature of this record/competition. The previous record (which held for 10 years!) was also thrown in "perfect" wind conditions. Thats why they throw in locations where thats gonna happen.

The only option to make it completely free of outside wind forces is to throw in a giant indoor airplane hanger or something...your gonna be hard pressed to find a building 900+ feet long free of all obstructions!!

[mine all mine]

yeah thats just the nature of this record/competition. The previous record (which held for 10 years!) was also thrown in "perfect" wind conditions. Thats why they throw in locations where thats gonna happen.

The only option to make it completely free of outside wind forces is to throw in a giant indoor airplane hanger or something...your gonna be hard pressed to find a building 900+ feet long free of all obstructions!!

So you're saying the record held for that long because the wind conditions haven't been right?...

[Scott]

Back to the thread topic. Finally had the opportunity to throw the Blizzard Ape and.......

I wasn't that impressed. It was way flippier than the Blizzard Destroyers and Bosses I've been throwing of similar weights. Not what I expected out of an Ape at all.

[Big Red]

wrong thread :/ so i might as well bump?

[Mikk]

I got my 150 blizzard destroyer while at Scott Papas place over the weekend, he had to talk me into it, actualy he had to throw them first and let me see it fly. I realy gota be careful with these, they are like little missles. These are realy darn easy to throw, and I dont have to do a 3 step. I just kinda flip the destroyer with some good upper body form and she(its pink) goes 300ft!!
Right now I have 5 rounds of 18 holes on it, no real damage yet. I'm gona throw it on every drive I can, see how long it takes to kill it. I give it a month, thats about normal for champ/champ like plastic for me.

[InfamousButcher]

Both Blizzard boss and destroyer 138gs has helped improve my game tremendously