Discraft Athena

Discraft Athena Review

The Athena is a stable fairway driver that excels at controlled shot-shaping. With a perfect combination of mid-flight workability and a predictable hyzer fade, this is a tentpole disc you can build a bag around. This Discraft Athena review provides an in-depth look at one of the most popular discs we have in stock and for sale. 

Discraft Athena Plastics

• Big Z: Very stiff and durable with an opaque look. Great for workhorse fairways, high-speed drivers, and utility discs, this plastic can take a beating and still maintain original flight numbers. It can be very slick, especially in wet conditions. 
• ESP: Solid durability but with a more flexible and softer hand feel. Discs generally fly close to their posted fight numbers in ESP.

Discraft Athena Flight Numbers

• Speed: 7
• Glide: 5
• Turn: 0
• Fade: 2

These are the classic flight numbers for a workhorse fairway driver. With little to no turn, the Athena has the torque resistance to hold the angle of release out of the hand. This lack of flip offers supreme control during the high-speed phase of flight. The high glide rating indicates it will hold the initial line until a reliable fade takes over. 

Most reviews note that, for intermediate arms, the Athena will have a bit less glide and a stronger fade. It won't be an overstable meathook, but it will require some forced anhyzer flex to get extra distance. Power arms will be able to push it well past 350 feet on a variety of lines, including dead straight laser beams. 

Dimensions

• Diameter: 21.3cm
• Height: 1.5cm
• Rim Depth: 1.1cm
• Rim Width: 1.8cm

The Athena has a wide rim for a 7-speed, but its edge is more blunted than pointed. This makes it a tick slower and more stable. Its low profile and relatively shallow rim offer a comfortable grip from both the forehand and backhand side. Overall, the Athena has a very similar shape to the popular Innova Teebird. 

History

The Athena is the sixth release in Paul McBeth's signature series at Discraft. When Innova sponsored the six-time World Champion, the Teebird was a staple in his bag. The Athena is a Teebird clone, just as his signature Zeus is a Destroyer clone. 

Discraft has often lagged behind other companies in the fairway driver category. With the recent additions the Athena and Paige Pierce's signature Passion, the company has a much more well-rounded selection. 

Skill Level Recommendations

• Novice: Beginners should find a disc with more turn and less fade for their first driver, but they could use the Athena as an overstable utility driver. 
• Intermediate: Excellent option for a semi-overstable control driver.
• Advanced: All-around workhorse that could be the centerpiece of the bag. This is the kind of disc that will improve with age, developing more glide and less fade, and allowing players to bag multiples in different stages of wear. 
• Pro: It's no surprise that Paul McBeth bags the Athena. Pro-level arms put this fairway driver well past 400 feet with pinpoint accuracy.