I started with a GStar Thunderbird, beat that one in a bunch then I got a Star and finally have a metal flake Champion.  I'd rate the MF Champ a hair less stable than Star but a full step more stable than GStar.  The MF Thunderbird is my choice when I want a longish drive with no turn in quiet to moderate wind conditions.  It's nice & long, easy 350' with a little hook at the end.  I have a 9 speed hand and this is my everyday driver for most conditions, I just love it.  It's easy to grip & rip, almost always comes out flat and fast.  And it's dead sexy..

Disc:  Metal Flake Champion Thunderbird (x-out, Red) - 175g

Look & Feel: The Thunderbird in Metal Flake Champion seems to have been produced with a lower profile flat dome compared to the Star or recent Champion runs. The blend is pretty stiff and I probably will be limited throwing it in warmer weather. The Thunderbird mold feels comfortable as a long control/fairway driver.

Flight: The Metal Flake Thunderbird has a bit less overstability than the other higher domed Thunderbirds I own (Star and Champion plastics) and flies a bit closer to the flight numbers 9/5/0/2. Stable enough to withstand most wind conditions without getting blown around, the Thunderbird has been great at handling long straight shots if thrown on low lines. I find the Thunderbird easy to get up to speed and aim but have a difficult time getting the distance range correct with the amount of glide it has, usually going past the target landing zone if the release height & nose angle isn't just right. That being said, the distance potential is nearly as far as much faster distance drivers with even more control. Distances around 360' on a backhand when thrown flat on level ground.

Impressions & Comparisons: The Metal Flake Thunderbird seems the nearest to the intended flight for the mold off the shelf. A typical amount of variance with the mold in different premium plastic blends exists but they should all fly similar and handle most wind conditions. Thunderbird is to Orion LF among 9 speed control drivers as Teebird is to Eagle in 7 speed fairway drivers where the no high speed turn is present and the fade is lessened resulting in less ground action as well.

My favorite long fairway driver and the gold standard flight path against which I judge all fairway and distance drivers.  Its sneaky long while also being so damn reliable and forgiving.  Truly a longer Teebird.  The low-profile, "3-"ish flat-top, hand feel releases clean everytime and gives the edge to the Thunderbird over the sexier PD's in my opinion.  Plastic options predictably affect stability but they all glide very well, so you can fine tune your purchase to the just right disc for you.

I picked up the Thunderbird because I didn't have a truly overstable disc.  I looked at the Firebird but didn't want as much fade, so I got the Thunderbird instead.  I expected to use it sparingly for anhyzer throws and flex shots, but I tried it out with overhand throws and tomahawks and instantly fell in love with it.  This has also turned into my go-to disc for forehand throws (I usually throw RHBH).

True to the description, this is my most reliable disc in the wind.  For those who like the Firebird, I think they will like this disc just as much if not more.  Mine is a metal flake champion weighing 172g.  Awesome disc.