Mini Driver Players - Check in!!

[JamesFisher1990]

I'm pretty sure I am not swinging much faster than I have in the last 1-2 years but I was hitting 156 ball with my BRNR on range balls last week. Normally, my max with a 15* is around 152-154 with Tour balls, so at the same length as 3w and only about 2* more loft, I'm probably 8mph faster on ballspeed, pretty much on par with my driver 0_0. Feels like a cheat code on heel or toe balls compared to a smaller 3w.

[Kwheat]

On 4/15/2024 at 5:03 PM, JamesFisher1990 said:

The mini is supposed to  be the draw club that only does one thing... Draw off the tee, for the holes where I can't hit a fade because the hole curves too severely the opposite way.

Hey @JamesFisher1990 did you set up the BRNR to be draw biased? Or is just your face/path pattern?

 

How's it off the deck btw?

 

Like you, driver = fade only for me and I want a 3 wood for draw.  Have a stealth 2 and qi10 3 wood that did this but rarely hit them off the deck so looking into BRNR.

[JamesFisher1990]

6 hours ago, Kwheat said:

Hey @JamesFisher1990 did you set up the BRNR to be draw biased? Or is just your face/path pattern?

 

How's it off the deck btw?

 

Like you, driver = fade only for me and I want a 3 wood for draw.  Have a stealth 2 and qi10 3 wood that did this but rarely hit them off the deck so looking into BRNR.

I set it up so it would draw, yes. Took the lower lofted head, weight forward and increased loft. I found weight back it launched and spun much too high.

 

Not too hard to hit off the deck but It didn't go nearly as high as a normal 3w.

[ephmen]

So Callaway mini player here. Recently went on launch monitor and found spin 3500-3800. Is this too high ? Doesn't bother me too much and on the course I like it. Wondering if I should reverse the weights to put heavy weight in front to lower spin a bit? Shocked I can hit pretty well off the deck. Thanks.

[SwingBlade]

Cally 300 Mini 13.5 here ...  for when I absolutely positively need a tee box narrow fairway finder 20 or so yards short of potential driver mis hits.  Although my driving has improved nicely with my new 3D Max, I still like to know there is a fairway in my future whenever it's really important.  Must be precise hitting the 300 Mini off the short grass, but it is a very easy hit from the first cut.  
 

Seems to be BRNR if use from the turf is the primary need and 300 Mini if the tee box is the primary need.  Both are great but each has a slightly different primary design mission.  

Edited October 15, 2024 by SwingBlade

[uglande]

On 5/6/2024 at 9:42 PM, Andygolderson said:

11 is my driver and 13.5 is my 3 wood - you wouldn't question people taking Driver + 3W, so it's a bit redundant to question 2 different lofted , differently spec'd mini drivers.

I did this a couple of years ago. Worked well. Right now I'm back and forth between two standard drivers (spec'ed different for different flights and shapes) and Driver-300 mini.

 

I have owned all of the TM mini drivers and I still think the 300 is the best. Best feel, best looks (from address), right size (even smaller would be better), and definitely the easiest to hit off the deck. I play my 13.5 at 12.0 with a Ventus TR Red 6x. Love it. It's definitely more draw biased than the others, but that's part of the reason it's in my bag.

[Mych]

HELP.... 

I demo'd a BRNR copper mini 13.5* and couldn't miss the fairway in the simulator. Consistent baby draw about 5-15 yards right of center. But, I couldn't stomach the $450 price tag so I ended up buying a SLDR mini 14* on Ebay for about $100 a couple weeks later.  I took it to the course for the first time yesterday and got similar distance, but the dispersion wasn't nearly as good. For right now I'm chalking it up to the inconsistency of my swing from one day to the next and being in a simulator versus being on the course. 

 

For others who have hit both, was the difference incredibly noticeable? I'm considering flipping the SLDR and going on the hunt for a cheaper BRNR. 

Edited October 30, 2024 by Mych

[Poor Mans Ty Webb]

On 10/30/2024 at 12:55 PM, Mych said:

HELP.... 

I demo'd a BRNR copper mini 13.5* and couldn't miss the fairway in the simulator. Consistent baby draw about 5-15 yards right of center. But, I couldn't stomach the $450 price tag so I ended up buying a SLDR mini 14* on Ebay for about $100 a couple weeks later.  I took it to the course for the first time yesterday and got similar distance, but the dispersion wasn't nearly as good. For right now I'm chalking it up to the inconsistency of my swing from one day to the next and being in a simulator versus being on the course. 

 

For others who have hit both, was the difference incredibly noticeable? I'm considering flipping the SLDR and going on the hunt for a cheaper BRNR. 

I currently have both of these clubs!
 

First off, the shafts are probably different, and that’s potentially contributing to some of your differences in dispersion. It was a little annoying, but I was able to rebuild a 12* SLDR with an upgraded shaft (Rogue Silver 125) that is very similar to the one I play in my BRNR (Rogue Silver 130). The SLDR is harder to reshaft because it’s a bonded hosel rather than an adapter-based hosel that you can just pop off with a tool, but it’s very serviceable if fitted properly for length, weight, shaft profile, and swingweight. You could consider going about putting a different shaft in the SLDR, but it may not be worth your while. 

 

Second, the BRNR is just going to be a better head, because it takes advantage of (almost ten years of) tech advancements that came long after the SLDR, which was the first of five Mini models that TM has released. BRNR is slightly bigger, it has a better construction, is faster off the face (longer) and better at speed retention/spin optimization (more forgiving) on mishits (and it’s adjustable). I haven’t tested side-by-side on a launch monitor, but I suspect my average ball speed and spin numbers are probably more optimal with the BRNR vs the SLDR.

 

I play my SLDR occasionally as part of a backup/travel set because I was able to buy it for $60 and I find it very playable off the tee and occasionally off the deck, but there’s a reason it was $60…no way I’d say it’s on par with the BRNR.

[JungleJimbo]

1 hour ago, Poor Mans Ty Webb said:

I currently have both of these clubs!
 

First off, the shafts are probably different, and that’s potentially contributing to some of your differences in dispersion. It was a little annoying, but I was able to rebuild a 12* SLDR with an upgraded shaft (Rogue Silver 125) that is very similar to the one I play in my BRNR (Rogue Silver 130). The SLDR is harder to reshaft because it’s a bonded hosel rather than an adapter-based hosel that you can just pop off with a tool, but it’s very serviceable if fitted properly for length, weight, shaft profile, and swingweight. You could consider going about putting a different shaft in the SLDR, but it may not be worth your while. 

 

Second, the BRNR is just going to be a better head, because it takes advantage of (almost ten years of) tech advancements that came long after the SLDR, which was the first of five Mini models that TM has released. BRNR is slightly bigger, it has a better construction, is faster off the face (longer) and better at speed retention/spin optimization (more forgiving) on mishits (and it’s adjustable). I haven’t tested side-by-side on a launch monitor, but I suspect my average ball speed and spin numbers are probably more optimal with the BRNR vs the SLDR.

 

I play my SLDR occasionally as part of a backup/travel set because I was able to buy it for $60 and I find it very playable off the tee and occasionally off the deck, but there’s a reason it was $60…no way I’d say it’s on par with the BRNR.

thanks @Poor Mans Ty Webb.
Curious on folks thoughts on how the "Original One" (also with adjustable hosel) compares vs the BRNR

(i think the difference between the "OO" and "BRNR" = ~2-3 years ... with the "300" model in-between these).

[Pnwpingi210]

1 minute ago, JungleJimbo said:

thanks @Poor Mans Ty Webb.
Curious on folks thoughts on how the "Original One" (also with adjustable hosel) compares vs the BRNR

(i think the difference between the "OO" and "BRNR" = ~2-3 years ... with the "300" model in-between these).

The 300 and BRNRs were both better for me than the original one.  The 300 is lower spin for me, almost too low.  Both versions of the burner are great.

 

i would say look for a deal on a burner.  It’s easier club to hit.

[chch3]

Has anyone played the 300 and moved to the BRNR?  I have the 300 and thought about getting a BRNR because it I hear it is a lower spinning head.  I tend to be a higher spinning player.  Just wondering if it is worth the switch.

[Pnwpingi210]

1 hour ago, chch3 said:

Has anyone played the 300 and moved to the BRNR?  I have the 300 and thought about getting a BRNR because it I hear it is a lower spinning head.  I tend to be a higher spinning player.  Just wondering if it is worth the switch.

300 spun less for me than both burners.  250-350 revs.

[chch3]

15 hours ago, Pnwpingi210 said:

The 300 and BRNRs were both better for me than the original one.  The 300 is lower spin for me, almost too low.  Both versions of the burner are great.

 

i would say look for a deal on a burner.  It’s easier club to hit.

Is the BRNR more forgiving?

[Pnwpingi210]

4 minutes ago, chch3 said:

Is the BRNR more forgiving?

For me, yes.  Probably due to just a touch more spin and little more ball speed retention off the face.    

[AdExec]

Still gaming the Brnr Mini 13.5 (23 edition) with Diamana d+ limited 70tx and really enjoy it overall. 
 

I would like a more neutral face angle/bias and hoping the Titleist GT mini becomes a reality. I feel like the shape of Titleist heads with a 280cc size is going to be the best mini head available overall.
 

I have to really put effort into holding off my release with the Brnr Mini to not overdraw it and don’t fight that issue with any other club in the bag but the benefits outweigh the downsides so it stays for now. 

[Pnwpingi210]

59 minutes ago, AdExec said:

Still gaming the Brnr Mini 13.5 (23 edition) with Diamana d+ limited 70tx and really enjoy it overall. 
 

I would like a more neutral face angle/bias and hoping the Titleist GT mini becomes a reality. I feel like the shape of Titleist heads with a 280cc size is going to be the best mini head available overall.
 

I have to really put effort into holding off my release with the Brnr Mini to not overdraw it and don’t fight that issue with any other club in the bag but the benefits outweigh the downsides so it stays for now. 

I didn’t love the burner face at neutral.  I picked up a tour 1.5 loft sleeve and lofted down two clicks.  Sits nice and open now is minimal impact to loft

[playit]

I have a new BRNR 13.5 inbound to me. I have long liked Taylormade drivers. Hope I can draw this driver, I have trouble doing that with 460cc heads. Some holes, I need a draw. And if I can hit it off the deck, that's a plus.

[Thrummyfox]

7 hours ago, playit said:

I have a new BRNR 13.5 inbound to me. I have long liked Taylormade drivers. Hope I can draw this driver, I have trouble doing that with 460cc heads. Some holes, I need a draw. And if I can hit it off the deck, that's a plus.

I think you will find it very easy to draw at the standard setting 

[JoeFrigo]

Got confirmation another mini driver is in the works and its not TaylorMade or Callaway. Currently one of their staffers was using the BRNR Mini so they wanted to get it out of his hands and develop their own.

Trying not to say too much but the guy i was with said it will probably be a limited release to see how sales go

[zap311]

I recently put a BRNR mini 13.5 in the bag to replace my Stealth 3W. I normally hit this off the tee on short par 4s and wanted the forgiveness of the larger clubhead. It’s been working well so far and can also be a weapon on open par 5 approach shots. 
 

My only issue is that it over-draws/hooks off the tee sometimes. The club seems to be draw biased, even at neutral loft. Has anyone else noticed this? I’m wondering if I should try a different shaft, loft down to open the face, or perhaps adjust tee height lower. 

Edited January 4 by zap311

[lch16]

Any chance they release a 13.5* BRNR for lefties? Really like the idea of a 2W but not sure if the 11.5* will be too low

[Shoegolf]

Anybody playing these at close to 3 wood length? 
 

 

[Jimi Thing]

Joined the club with a 13.5 Callaway. First of, hit 4 of tight fairway lies, heavy weight back. Straight low bullets, amazingly easy. 
 

off the tee, get away with almost anything, seems it is hard to miss a fairway. Have not hit all out of the middle either. Fairly easy to hit different flights with it, just pay attention to not overdo it. 
 

only point of attention is that I want slightly more distance out of it from the tee. Lowered loft and got heavy weight forward yesterday which was an improvement.  
 

continue tinkering until I have it exactly where I want it. 

[ARSM1932]

11 hours ago, Shoegolf said:

Anybody playing these at close to 3 wood length? 
 

 

I have no idea but as I have said previously the stock 43.75" length is much too long for a club designed for improved accuracy compared to drivers, I play my 3/4 wood at 42.5" and I hit the BRNR at 43" with a heavier shaft the other day and accuracy and dispersion improved exponentially while ball speed was still very fast, when Cam Young played the prototype TSR 2 wood a few months back he played it at 0.5" short and lofted it up s it was flying too far and also to improve accuracy, Wyndham Clark has always played a high lofted 3 wood at a very short length (between 5 and 7 wood length I believe) so I would be very surprised if he isn't also playing his BRNR mini driver at a shorter length.

[J13]

Cally Ai Smoke Mini has been a game changer for me as a 3 wood replacement.  Way more versatile for me than a 3w for the purposes I use it for.

[Shoegolf]

2 hours ago, ARSM1932 said:

I have no idea but as I have said previously the stock 43.75" length is much too long for a club designed for improved accuracy compared to drivers, I play my 3/4 wood at 42.5" and I hit the BRNR at 43" with a heavier shaft the other day and accuracy and dispersion improved exponentially while ball speed was still very fast, when Cam Young played the prototype TSR 2 wood a few months back he played it at 0.5" short and lofted it up s it was flying too far and also to improve accuracy, Wyndham Clark has always played a high lofted 3 wood at a very short length (between 5 and 7 wood length I believe) so I would be very surprised if he isn't also playing his BRNR mini driver at a shorter length.

That’s what makes sense to me 43 ish for extra control and then a 4/5 wood 

[ARSM1932]

2 hours ago, Shoegolf said:

That’s what makes sense to me 43 ish for extra control and then a 4/5 wood 

Yes, driver, mini driver (43") then 5 wood or hybrid would be a great top of the bag option for many golfers, I currently play a 45" driver (but I have played drivers as short as 44.5" previously) so a mini driver at 43.75" would essentially means having 2 drivers in the bag and no fairway finders which is absolutely pointless to me.

[Shoegolf]

4 minutes ago, ARSM1932 said:

Yes, driver, mini driver (43") then 5 wood or hybrid would be a great top of the bag option for many golfers, I currently play a 45" driver (but I have played drivers as short as 44.5" previously) so a mini driver at 43.75" would essentially means having 2 drivers in the bag and no fairway finders which is absolutely pointless to me.

Same here, normally play my drivers at 44.5. Keep experimenting with longer but it’s diminishing returns for me 

[ARSM1932]

31 minutes ago, Shoegolf said:

Same here, normally play my drivers at 44.5. Keep experimenting with longer but it’s diminishing returns for me 

Aye, I will never play a driver longer than 45" again because when I am swinging poorly I can struggle to hit fairways with any driver.

[zap311]

17 hours ago, Shoegolf said:

Anybody playing these at close to 3 wood length? 
 

 

My setup is 45” driver, 43” BRNR, 41.5” 5 wood. It seems to work well. All are cut 0.5-0.75” short of standard, but I don’t see much difference in distance because my strike is better.