I finally got my hands on the fission crave special edition, and honestly, it has lived up to the hype way more than I expected it would. If you've been hanging around the disc golf scene for more than a week, you've probably heard people raving about the Crave. It's one of those legendary molds that people swear by, but adding the Fission plastic and a special edition stamp into the mix really changes the game. I've spent the last few weekends putting this thing through its paces at my local woods course and some open fields, and I figured it was time to break down what makes this specific version worth the bag space.
What is the deal with Fission plastic?
Before we get into how the disc actually flies, we have to talk about the plastic. If you aren't familiar with MVP and Axiom's lineup, Fission is basically their "tech" plastic. It's got these tiny micro-bubbles in the core that allow them to push more weight to the outer rim. This creates a higher moment of inertia, which is just a fancy way of saying it stays spinning longer and resists turning over quite as easily as a standard lightweight disc might.
The fission crave special edition feels different in the hand than a standard Neutron or Proton Crave. It's got a bit more grip to it, almost a slightly chalky feel that I really dig, especially when it's a bit humid out. Some people find Fission a little bit softer, which gives you a great thumb track feel on top. For me, that extra grip translates to a more confident release. I don't feel like I have to white-knuckle the disc to keep it from slipping early.
The weight advantage
One of the coolest things about the Fission run is that you can get these discs in much lighter weights without them feeling like kites. I'm usually a "max weight or nothing" kind of player for my drivers, but I decided to try this one in the mid-160s. Because of that heavy outer rim, it still handles the wind surprisingly well. It doesn't just disappear on you the second a breeze picks up.
How it actually flies on the course
The Crave is technically a fairway driver, usually sitting around a 6.5 speed. But let's be real—the fission crave special edition flies much further than a typical 6-speed disc. It's got this incredible glide that just keeps it hovering inches off the ground forever.
When I throw it flat with a decent amount of power, it does this beautiful, subtle S-curve. It turns just a tiny bit to the right (on a right-hand backhand throw) and then has this very gentle, dependable fade at the very end. It isn't a "meat hook" by any means, but it isn't a "flippy mess" either. It's that perfect middle ground that most of us are constantly searching for.
The hyzer flip machine
If you're a fan of the hyzer flip, this disc is going to be your new best friend. Because it's Fission plastic, it seems a little more responsive to angle than the stiffer plastics. I can pop it on a slight hyzer, watch it flip up to flat, and it will just dead-straight rope-line down a narrow fairway. In the woods, that is absolute gold. There were a couple of holes where I'd usually reach for a mid-range, but the Crave let me get the same straight line with about 40 extra feet of distance.
Forehand performance
I was a bit skeptical about flicking a Fission disc. Usually, I prefer something very stiff for forehands, but the fission crave special edition surprised me. The rim is fairly shallow, which makes for a clean release. As long as your form isn't super "choppy," it handles the torque well. I wouldn't use it for a massive flex shot over a lake, but for a 250-foot straight-ish forehand through a gap? It's perfect.
That special edition aesthetic
Let's not pretend we don't care about how our discs look. The "special edition" part of this release usually refers to the triple-foil stamps or unique artwork that Axiom puts out. They really have some of the best artists in the industry working for them.
The stamp on the fission crave special edition I picked up is stunning. It's got that retro-sci-fi vibe that Axiom is known for, and the colors really pop against the Fission plastic. Is it going to make you throw better? Probably not. But does it make you feel better when you're standing on the tee box? Absolutely. Plus, if you end up shanking it into the thickest brush imaginable (don't worry, we've all been there), a bright, multi-colored stamp makes it a heck of a lot easier to find.
Collectability vs. Utility
A lot of people buy these special editions and just hang them on the wall. I get it—the art is great. But honestly, the Fission Crave is too good of a thrower to leave on a shelf. If you're worried about ruining the value, maybe buy two. One for the wall and one for the bag. But please, do yourself a favor and throw this thing. The way it cuts through the air is something you have to experience.
Who should be throwing this?
I think the fission crave special edition is one of those rare discs that works for almost everyone.
- Beginners: If you're just starting out and your arm speed isn't quite there yet, a lighter-weight Fission Crave is going to be your max-distance driver. It's easy to control and won't just dump out left the second it leaves your hand.
- Intermediate players: This is where the disc really shines. It helps you learn how to control your angles and provides a level of precision that higher-speed drivers just can't match.
- Pros: Even the big arms find a use for the Crave. It's a great "utility" fairway for those shots that need to stay straight without much effort, or for long, panning turnovers that never quite come back.
Comparing it to other plastics
If you've thrown the Crave in Neutron or Sarah Hokom's signature Cosmic Neutron, you might be wondering if the Fission version is really that different. In my experience, yes.
The Neutron versions tend to be a bit more "stable" (meaning they want to fade sooner). They feel a bit stiffer and more premium. The fission crave special edition, however, feels a bit more "alive" in the air. It seems to have a bit more "zip" and definitely more glide. If your Neutron Crave feels like it's a bit too beefy for your straight shots, switching to Fission is the logical move.
Final thoughts on the bag addition
At the end of the day, the fission crave special edition is just a fun disc to throw. It's predictable, it's beautiful, and it covers a lot of ground—literally. It's become my go-to for those awkward 280-to-320 foot holes where I need to be accurate but still need some decent speed.
If you've been on the fence about trying out the Fission plastic or you just want another cool-looking disc to show off to your buddies, this is the one to get. It's got that "point and shoot" quality that gives you a lot of confidence on the tee. Just be prepared—once you start throwing it, you might find yourself reaching for your other fairway drivers a lot less often. It really does cover that many bases.
Anyway, if you see one at your local shop or online, I'd say snag it. Between the flight performance and the killer artwork, it's a pretty easy recommendation. Just try not to hit too many trees—the art is too pretty to scuff up on the first throw!