I was explaining Innova plastics to a friend who is an up-and-comer and this got me thinking because I couldn't answer his question:
Why does Star cost more when it doesn't last as long as Champ? Because typically the priices rise as durability rises.
When Innova first introduced CE plastic, it was the leader in durability over thier other choices, which were the DX and Pro blends.
The new plastic held its original flight characteristics far longer than anything else they had made, by far, tree hit after tree hit, crash landing after crash landing.
The one downside it had was, it got slick when it was wet. or cold, which made it hard to grip.
Star was introduced to have a plastic that offered better durability than Pro , or DX, but superior grip, in any conditions.
It does this VERY WELL.
The best feeling plastic from most companies, including Lat GL, Westside Tourney, and Star, are all very similar, and also the most expensive.
Star does beat in faster than Champ, but thats not always a bad thing.
A disc usually gains glide as it wears, extending its distance, Star just gets to the sweet spot faster than Champ does.
It just depends on what you want the disc to do for you, and how soon.
I dont mind paying more for Star plastic, I prefer the grip over Champion, its worth the extra buck or two.
Echo is a scam though.