Lucid vs Fluid Plastic: Same Mold, Different Story

Lucid vs Fluid Plastic: Same Mold, Different Story

At first glance, Lucid and Fluid plastic look similar on paper. Same mold. Same flight numbers. Same manufacturer. But once you put them in your hand and throw them, the differences become obvious fast.

In a recent video, Eric McCabe set out to answer a simple question. How different does Fluid plastic really fly compared to Lucid? Watch here

To find out, we tested three molds side by side in both plastics. The Justice, the Heist, and the Vandal. Same release angles. Same power. Same intent. The only variable was the plastic.

Here is what we learned.

What Makes Fluid Plastic Different?

Fluid plastic has a dedicated following, and for good reason. Compared to Lucid, it has more flexibility and tackiness. That softness changes how the disc feels in the hand and how it reacts during the flight and on the ground.

That does not automatically make it better or worse. It just makes it different.

Disc by Disc Breakdown

Justice: Overstable Meets Hit and Sit

The Lucid Justice does exactly what it is known for. It is extremely overstable and wants to get to the ground quickly. When it lands, it often skips hard.

The Fluid Justice feels different immediately. The flight plate has more give, which makes the thumb track feel deeper. In the air, it still does Justice things, but where it really separates is on the ground.

Lucid skips. Fluid sits.

Because Fluid absorbs impact better, it reduces flare skips and roll aways. Around the basket or on short overstable approaches, that can be a huge advantage. Of the three molds tested, this was the one that stood out the most in Fluid plastic.

Heist: Similar Flight, Different Confidence

The Heist is a newer mold in the lineup. A 12 speed straight to stable distance driver designed for controlled power.

When thrown back to back, the Lucid Orbit Heist and the Fluid Heist flew very similarly. Both had a clean hyzer flip and a predictable finish. Distance was nearly identical.

The biggest difference was feel. The Fluid Heist feels almost like a different mold in the hand. The added tackiness gives a lot of confidence on a power grip, especially in cooler conditions.

For colder weather rounds, the Fluid Heist is easy to trust. In warmer temperatures, players who prefer stiffer plastic may still lean Lucid.

Vandal: Point and Shoot Control

On a speed 9 rim like the Vandal, the flexibility of Fluid plastic is very noticeable.

In Lucid, the Vandal is a classic S curve disc. It turns, pushes, and fades reliably. In Fluid, the disc wants to fly straighter with less finish at the end. It feels more like a point and shoot control driver.

One thing to watch out for is grip pressure. Because Fluid is softer, it is easier to slightly mush the disc on a full power release if you are not paying attention.

For long straight shots, the Fluid Vandal shines. For shots where you want a stronger finish, Lucid or more stable blends still make sense.

Pros of Fluid Plastic

Ultimate grip

Fluid plastic excels in cold, wet, or wooded conditions. When Lucid can feel slick, Fluid stays locked in your hand.

Hit and sit ground play

The softer plastic absorbs impact better. This reduces skips and roll aways, especially useful for approach discs and overstable mids.

Durability with give

Fluid is still very durable, but the flexibility helps it absorb tree hits and ground contact without big kicks.

Cold weather performance

As temperatures drop, Lucid can stiffen and feel brittle. Fluid stays flexible and consistent.

Cons of Fluid Plastic

Temperature sensitivity

In hot summer conditions, Fluid can feel floppy or mushy, especially for power throwers.

Grip lock potential

That extra tackiness can cause the disc to hang onto your fingers a fraction too long, especially on faster drivers.

Less ground action when you want it

Hit and sit is great for approaches, but on fairway and distance drivers you may lose skip distance.

Availability

Fluid is not always available in every mold. Replacing a lost favorite can take time.

Final Thoughts on Each Mold

The Heist flew very similarly in both plastics. Fluid becomes more appealing as temperatures drop, while Lucid still feels best for players who prefer a stiffer release on high speed drivers.

The Vandal in Fluid tends to fly straighter with less fade. Lucid versions still make more sense if you want movement or a dependable finish.

The Justice is where Fluid really shines. The reduced skip and added control make it an easy choice for players who want that disc to sit when it lands.

Should You Bag Fluid Plastic?

Fluid plastic is not for everyone, and it does not need to replace your entire bag. But in the right molds and the right conditions, it can be a powerful tool.

If you play in colder weather, wet conditions, or wooded courses, Fluid plastic deserves a look.