Had a chance to throw this disc 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 Envy...
First impression when holding it was that it is definitely NOT an Ion. It's not as tall and fits the hand much nicer as others have mentioned. It felt a little like a Rhyno to me, but not as thick. And, I'm not even entirely comfortable saying that because I feel like the Envy is it's own unique disc. Yes, it has a more "traditional" cornered angle transitioning from the rim to the flight plate, so folks who never found the rounded curvature of the Ion or Anode comfy should really enjoy the feel of the Envy.
Throwing the envy is very comfortable. I personally don't have a good FH throw, and mainly flick to get out of trouble. On one hole, I threw the Envy as a spike hyzer FH, and it felt very controllable and went exactly where I wanted it to. I felt like this disc stays put too when it hits the ground. Didn't have to look too far for it when it comes down on an angle.
Putting with this was enjoyable. I'm not sure if it will replace an Ion for me in that area because I feel like I'm getting more and more range on Ions now a days and the Envy will fade out where the Ion still goes straight for me. But, when I needed a consistent fade at the end of an approach, the Envy delivered in the 20+ mph winds today where the Ion continued to glide forward.
Was just thinking about "off the tee," and quite honestly, I don't recall if I ever drove with it. Lots of long holes on the course today, so wasn't something I was personally investigating in that regard since I wouldn't normally use a putter in that situation. But, with it's overstability combined with today's winds, I can see why the Envy would be a better option than an Ion in this scenario.
Now, speaking of winds, this disc doesn't turn and burn in them. Nose up into the wind and it will go straight straight straight and glide pretty good. This was consistent throughout the afternoon. If I had anything bad to say about this disc, it would be that it was pretty easy to sail one over the basket in the stiff winds today. But, even then, that's something that can be easily corrected through and form and further understanding of this discs behaviors in flight.
The Neutron I was throwing felt great in the cold. But, I feel like this disc in a Soft Neutron may be perfect. Not to add to the soft/stiff putter debate, but my Soft Proton Ions today were noticeably more stiff and slippery in the 20 degree temps and high winds while my soft N Ions stayed flexy and grippy. I can see why someone who wants a soft moderately overstable putter would love to see one of these in Soft N. The Medium Neutron I threw today was more than adequate though.
All in all, I really enjoyed throwing this disc, and can easily see giving it a spot in my bag for no other reason that it delivering a FH flick shot that I'm more confident in throwing as well as a nice consistent end of flight fade for approaches. Given how much wind we can get around here, especially this time of year, it can really come in handy.
Well done, Axiom. I'll be buying a few of these come release.
