My (normal run) Cicada feels like a shorter Inertia with less flip, and is a top 3 disc of the year for me. It's laser straight, so straight that it feels like it wants to turn and burn, but has almost zero turn even if I crank on it (~330 ft.). Throws with ease and flies like a neutral mid but slices through the air like a driver. The fade comes in at the very tail end of the flight and is very dependable. It does the same stuff for me at all power levels I throw it at. One of a kind flight for me. By the way, nice Oakwood cameo! That's a hole I will throw the Cicada on every time actually.
indeed, looks like a good beginner disc for those struggling with something like the Leopard (surprised you didn't include in comparison). btw it's a Speed7 because the rim width is 17mm! (1.7cm). that's the nomenclature, it's how it works for speed 6 and above. (however, some, like trilogy, and others, cheat with numbers, knock 1 off the speed to increase the glide number, to make it look better than it is in a given speed category distance-wise)
Definitely good for beginners! I know I will recommend it as a driver for players looking to step up from mids/putters. Rim thickness doesn’t always determine the speed. Definitely other factors, but I unfortunately have near 0 knowledge in that area 😅. I have seen 1.7cm as both 7 and 8 (Passion for example), and 1.8cm also as speed 7 (Athena). Cicada feels faster than it really is. Like it wants to get to its destination quick despite it having a thin rim and blunt nose. The more I throw it, I definitely see it as a speed 7.
How does it compare to the very popular Latitude 64 River; one of may all time favorite drivers. Since covid I can't find any affordable River Air discs.
I haven’t thrown a River in a while. So if someone has thrown both recently that can chime in if I am dead wrong. From my recollection, the River felt longer (due to more glide) and maybe a little more turn for bigger S-Curves. I feel the Cicada has maybe a little more overstability at the end of the flight, so it will come back a little harder.
Hey Lefty, how does this compare to the XL? Your review inspired me to pick one up; I love it for straight shots because it doesn’t tend to start turning with any sort of hyzer release. Is the Cicada a bit more flippy than the XL?
It flies like a seasoned XL. Definitely a bit flippier. However, my Cicada is not max weight, 167-169g, but I don’t think the difference of 5-7g will make that big of a difference.
What plastic was the rhythm you were throwing? I have seen a big difference between the SE fission vs. stock neutron. The latter being significantly more stable than fission.
I was using a stock neutron. I do have a fission as well, but had opposite results. My fission was more torque resistant than the neutron and was much better in the wind and on forehand. What weight is yours?
I have a 173 and 166, both neutron. I find them to be very torque resistant, they push forward on whatever line you give them with great glide, but very reliably fade out. The fission I have is domey and a turnover machine.
I tried tossing both Cicada and Mantis side by side. I would almost say the Cicada is like a Mantis SS (regarding stability). Like you said, trades speed for glide. I’ve only tossed a Proto Athena and man that thing was beef! But I’ve heard the stock runs were quite a bit straighter to flippy with less fade.
"Understable"? I disagree with that title. An understable disc should be one that has more turn than Fade. If thrown at 7 speed power, then it is a straight flying disc. Equal amounts of Turn and Fade shouldn't be labeled as understable.
I have heard that the first runs are straighter and more true to the flight numbers than the Test Flights (which flew more like a -2 to -3 turn). I personally have not thrown a first run yet, but once I get my hands on one I’ll do a quick flight comparison video.
Cocada is not understable. Is stable close to OS. Its feel is like C line Discmania. Dont be fooled this first run is stable and glide is more like 4 not 6. BUT, into wind its very good, not great but good.
What plastic was the rhythm you were throwing? I have seen a big difference between the SE fission vs. stock neutron. The latter being significantly more stable than fission.
