Had a chance to throw the Alias today (thanks MikeC!)...
First things first... the pictures/videos of these discs online do NOT do them justice. The plastic, finish, colors, stamps... just everything about these discs are beautiful. There's been lots of discussion and comparisons between Axiom Discs and the Innova Atlas discs with colored overmolds, but let me say, the comparison ends there. Axiom Discs take the cake in aesthetics. They're simply gorgeous. While Innova might have mass marketed colored overmolds first, the good folks at MVP have mastered it in the form of Axiom Discs. I can't stress enough how visually stunning these discs are in the sunlight.
Now, onto the Alias...
Let me preface this by saying I'm not someone who instantly clicked with the Axis. As a matter of fact, I still haven't. I have an Eclipse, Proton and Neutron Axis, and even though I'm determined to unravel the mystery around throwing this disc properly, I'm about 50/50 when it comes to it doing what I want it to upon release.
Now, with that in mind, when I first held the Alias, the feel of an Axis is not what came to mind. For me, this disc felt more like a Tangent, which I believe has been stated by others, if I'm not mistaken. Like the Envy, the Alias feels really really good in the hand. So, right away I feel like I was a little more confident throwing this disc than I am an Axis.
The conditions today were 20 degree temps and 20+ mph winds. So, all bundled up and chucking this disc into a huge wind gust is hardly a comprehensive assessment, I think. I had some good throws, and I had some bad ones. I saw some OAT when trying to power up this disc, which is consistent with what I get when trying to power up an Axis. So, let's chalk that one up to my form, and not the disc. (Had lots of other proof during the round that the disc flies juuuuuuuust fine.)
Where I saw success with this disc (in my non-OAT throws) was putting this disc on a line and it holding it throughout the flight with a slight fade at the end. I threw it for a few BH spike hyzers around some trees and the Alias just sat right down under the basket with no rolling away or big bounces.
If I had to choose between Axis and Alias, I feel like additional time throwing one of these two, for me, would be rewarded more by throwing and acclimating myself with the Alias. With a Tensor-Alias-Tangent range of mids in the bag, I feel like every shot I'd want to make with a mid would be covered in these three.
I think this disc will be a winner with a lot of folks. Big arms will appreciate the ability to throw it on an anny and get a little flex and the end so it sits down nicely. The disc hyzers nicely as well and holds a good line in the air without the fade kicking in too hard at the end. Folks like me who don't regularly throw 400' will like it's consistent straight flight and gentle fade at the end, again, sitting down where it lands.
Like the Envy, I think the Alias is a hit. Beginners just breaking into the game would be served well with an MVP Anode / Axiom Alias combo to start them off. This disc has something for everyone. Once again, well done, Axiom. Looking forward to picking up some of these as well!
I'm curious why you'd stick with the axis if it sucks for you half the time.
