Short shaft mini driver

[opensupoverthere27]

Has anyone experienced with 3w length or slightly shorter shaft length in a mini driver head? To cut some distance off so it isn’t as close to driver?
 

Really considering trying this and pulling 3w from the bag but I don’t see a point in having both driver and mini if they are only 15-20 yards apart. Would be a tee club 90% of the time.

 

getting swing weight correct would be in play all said and done, etc.

Edited July 30 by opensupoverthere27

[rbpwrx]

Yes, I had my 3W shaft in a GT280 head. Played like a dream. I wouldn't go shorter, but that's just me.

(FWIW, that was an 82g Graphite Design P9003TX, tipped 1", playing 43" in my 915F, so that was presumably 43.5" in the GT280.)

 

For me, stock 3W shaft was a perfect plug-and-play. Slightly lighter head + slightly longer club = swing weight preserved. I'd try just swapping 3W in and see before you cut anything.

[Ty_Guy]

I'll echo what @rbpwrx experienced.

 

A mini is such a niche and specific club, it really has to play in that 43-44" range. As it drops below 43", the benefits in the Mini vs 3w argument fall too far in favor of the 3W. For gapping with driver, the 13.5 minis will almost be universally better than the 11 degree ones.

 

Are you using a 13.5 degree mini? If it's adjustable, you can also increase the loft some. Removing .5" length isn't going to have that large of an impact on ball speed.

 

Your current 15-20 yard difference you see is just how a mini plays. When to use it is where the mini shines. It will mainly be a driver replacement for those struggling with driver or an alternate and safer tee club if driver could roll into a hazard. There are a couple holes on every course where a bunker or pond is a bit beyond my driver carry distance but strongly within my driver's total distance with roll. Mini is really good in these situations. Same with those narrower fairways that don't match a driver miss or shot shape.

[rsballer10]

15 hours ago, opensupoverthere27 said:

Has anyone experienced with 3w length or slightly shorter shaft length in a mini driver head? To cut some distance off so it isn’t as close to driver?
 

Really considering trying this and pulling 3w from the bag but I don’t see a point in having both driver and mini if they are only 15-20 yards apart. Would be a tee club 90% of the time.

 

getting swing weight correct would be in play all said and done, etc.

I just asked this in the equipment section. Good timing. Curious to hear other's opinions.

[opensupoverthere27]

16 minutes ago, Ty_Guy said:

I'll echo what @rbpwrx experienced.

 

A mini is such a niche and specific club, it really has to play in that 43-44" range. As it drops below 43", the benefits in the Mini vs 3w argument fall too far in favor of the 3W. For gapping with driver, the 13.5 minis will almost be universally better than the 11 degree ones.

 

Are you using a 13.5 degree mini? If it's adjustable, you can also increase the loft some. Removing .5" length isn't going to have that large of an impact on ball speed.

 

Your current 15-20 yard difference you see is just how a mini plays. When to use it is where the mini shines. It will mainly be a driver replacement for those struggling with driver or an alternate and safer tee club if driver could roll into a hazard. There are a couple holes on every course where a bunker or pond is a bit beyond my driver carry distance but strongly within my driver's total distance with roll. Mini is really good in these situations. Same with those narrower fairways that don't match a driver miss or shot shape.

 

just can't hit 3w for sh**, it's a bag decoration so I'm looking for alternatives. The amount of shaft combinations I've tried in my gt2 15* is diabolical  

[KhiloD]

I put my Ventus Black 7X from a Ping 3 wood playing @ 43", swapped the tip to a Callaway driver tip and put it straight in to my mini. It's absolutely phenomenal and has me thinking of going short in my actual driver as I don't feel I'm losing distance at all because of the proper contact.

[Ty_Guy]

11 minutes ago, opensupoverthere27 said:

 

just can't hit 3w for sh**, it's a bag decoration so I'm looking for alternatives. The amount of shaft combinations I've tried in my gt2 15* is diabolical  

 

"Penetrating flight and low spin" is a mantra in the golf world that makes 3 woods not really built for amateur play anymore. The HL 16.5 is club manufacturer's band-aid fix to the problem.

 

No need to force a club in the bag that doesn't work. Shafts aren't going to provide the drastic launch and spin change either. No need to continue wasting your time barking up that tree.

 

I'd give the 3HL a try, but a 5w is likely going to be the best "longest off the turf club." Let the mini do what it excels at--a slightly shorter driver with slightly better dispersion. I've spent enough time tweaking clubs into something they don't want to be. It's ended up in lots of fun tinkering, but nothing useful on the course.

[opensupoverthere27]

33 minutes ago, Ty_Guy said:

 

"Penetrating flight and low spin" is a mantra in the golf world that makes 3 woods not really built for amateur play anymore. The HL 16.5 is club manufacturer's band-aid fix to the problem.

 

No need to force a club in the bag that doesn't work. Shafts aren't going to provide the drastic launch and spin change either. No need to continue wasting your time barking up that tree.

 

I'd give the 3HL a try, but a 5w is likely going to be the best "longest off the turf club." Let the mini do what it excels at--a slightly shorter driver with slightly better dispersion. I've spent enough time tweaking clubs into something they don't want to be. It's ended up in lots of fun tinkering, but nothing useful on the course.

 

I'll try and get over to one of my local shops and swing the 16.5. I fear 5w would be too close to my u505 3i. I don't want to get rid of that club its been a favorite for the past couple seasons 

[rsballer10]

4 minutes ago, opensupoverthere27 said:

 

I'll try and get over to one of my local shops and swing the 16.5. I fear 5w would be too close to my u505 3i. I don't want to get rid of that club its been a favorite for the past couple seasons 

Try 5w turned down a click.

[rsballer10]

39 minutes ago, Ty_Guy said:

 

"Penetrating flight and low spin" is a mantra in the golf world that makes 3 woods not really built for amateur play anymore. The HL 16.5 is club manufacturer's band-aid fix to the problem.

 

No need to force a club in the bag that doesn't work. Shafts aren't going to provide the drastic launch and spin change either. No need to continue wasting your time barking up that tree.

 

I'd give the 3HL a try, but a 5w is likely going to be the best "longest off the turf club." Let the mini do what it excels at--a slightly shorter driver with slightly better dispersion. I've spent enough time tweaking clubs into something they don't want to be. It's ended up in lots of fun tinkering, but nothing useful on the course.

To be fair, I don't think anyone is asking should they build a 42 1/2" mini driver. I interpret standard 3 wood length as 43 or 43 1/4" (at least nowadays *sigh*).

 

I went ahead and ordered a 43 1/4" mini. If it doesn't work, I'll reweight it and play it at standard length. The reason I went 1/2" was just to hopefully play a bit more loft on the 13.5* head. I just don't want to have to turn it down, or play both weights forward to manage launch/spin.

[Ty_Guy]

9 minutes ago, opensupoverthere27 said:

 

I'll try and get over to one of my local shops and swing the 16.5. I fear 5w would be too close to my u505 3i. I don't want to get rid of that club its been a favorite for the past couple seasons 

 

I imagine the 505u 3i and 5w will gap very well together. Even though it's only 2 degrees between the two, the 5w should see ~15 yards more carry with a friendlier decent angle to boot.

 

We got on a tangent from your initial mini situation. To keep it concise, it sound like your mini is performing very well. If you want to go down to 43", I recommend the change only if better ball striking is needed. Otherwise, it sounds like the mini is in a good spot, and the gap below is better addressed with another club.

 

Does your bag currently go Driver, Mini, 3w, 3u, 5i-LW, Putter?

[opensupoverthere27]

9 minutes ago, Ty_Guy said:

 

I imagine the 505u 3i and 5w will gap very well together. Even though it's only 2 degrees between the two, the 5w should see ~15 yards more carry with a friendlier decent angle to boot.

 

We got on a tangent from your initial mini situation. To keep it concise, it sound like your mini is performing very well. If you want to go down to 43", I recommend the change only if better ball striking is needed. Otherwise, it sounds like the mini is in a good spot, and the gap below is better addressed with another club.

 

Does your bag currently go Driver, Mini, 3w, 3u, 5i-LW, Putter?

 

I haven't made the mini purchase yet, I've only swung it at a shop. Current setup is driver, 3w, 3iu, 4-LW, putter. Wouldn't be opposed to a 5 wood, I just want something that will get in the air with ease but I can't pull the 3iu out of the bag its too good for me 

Edited July 31 by opensupoverthere27

[BTee]

I have 13.5 mini at 43” and the weights configured to give the opposite curvature of my full driver. The mini is mainly a 2nd tee club when I need that specific curve, the hole is too short for full driver or it’s a super tight hole that doesn’t fit my eye. Then I have 5 wood for longer shots into the green. It’s been a great set up for me and I’m way more confident with the mini than my 3 wood. I think anyone who mainly uses 3 wood off the tee would see a benefit with the larger mini head at 3 wood length. 

[Ty_Guy]

16 minutes ago, opensupoverthere27 said:

 

I haven't made the mini purchase yet, I've only swung it at a shop. Current setup is driver, 3w, 3iu, 4-LW, putter. Wouldn't be opposed to a 5 wood, I just want something that will get in the air with ease but I can't pull the 3iu out of the bag its too good for me 

 

That 3u is a workhorse in your bag! 

 

Adding a mini may demand changing around other clubs. Just to add another derail in your search, if the 3u is your baby, shifting perspective and gapping from the 3u instead of from the driver may open your eyes to more options.

 

If this "plan B" is appealing, ask yourself:

What situations have the 3u not been the best?

When it isn't the best, what would you want a different club to do differently? - Carry distance, height, bad lies?

 

I figure non negotiable club roles on the long side of any bag are:

1) Longest off the tee where driver is too dangerous

2) Longest possible off the turf and still able to be an approach shot

3) Longest possible out of poor lies and still able to be an approach shot

 

Sometimes two of these roles can be filled by one club. I've found this role-filling approach is the best way to flesh out that tricky spot in the bag between irons and the driver.

 

What role(s) does the 3u fulfill and which does it not do as well?

 

59 minutes ago, rsballer10 said:

To be fair, I don't think anyone is asking should they build a 42 1/2" mini driver. I interpret standard 3 wood length as 43 or 43 1/4" (at least nowadays *sigh*).

 

I went ahead and ordered a 43 1/4" mini. If it doesn't work, I'll reweight it and play it at standard length. The reason I went 1/2" was just to hopefully play a bit more loft on the 13.5* head. I just don't want to have to turn it down, or play both weights forward to manage launch/spin.

 

I think your 43.25" will work out well. Mine was 43.25" and I tried a different shaft for fun. Cut it to stock 43.5", thinking that was what I already had. Both lengths hit their numbers well.

[rsballer10]

12 minutes ago, Ty_Guy said:

I think your 43.25" will work out well. Mine was 43.25" and I tried a different shaft for fun. Cut it to stock 43.5", thinking that was what I already had. Both lengths hit their numbers well.

We shall see soon! ETA to ship is a week - longest week ever.

[rbpwrx]

BTW, if you want to go hybrid length in your mini *and you happen to play Titleist*, you can just swap your hybrid (or 5W) shaft into a GT280 head. It will mate up fine. The exterior diameter of the hybrid adapter will be slightly larger than the hosel of the mini, but same exact dimensions internally. FWIW.

[opensupoverthere27]

2 hours ago, Ty_Guy said:

 

That 3u is a workhorse in your bag! 

 

Adding a mini may demand changing around other clubs. Just to add another derail in your search, if the 3u is your baby, shifting perspective and gapping from the 3u instead of from the driver may open your eyes to more options.

 

If this "plan B" is appealing, ask yourself:

What situations have the 3u not been the best?

When it isn't the best, what would you want a different club to do differently? - Carry distance, height, bad lies?

 

I figure non negotiable club roles on the long side of any bag are:

1) Longest off the tee where driver is too dangerous

2) Longest possible off the turf and still able to be an approach shot

3) Longest possible out of poor lies and still able to be an approach shot

 

Sometimes two of these roles can be filled by one club. I've found this role-filling approach is the best way to flesh out that tricky spot in the bag between irons and the driver.

 

What role(s) does the 3u fulfill and which does it not do as well?

 

 

I think your 43.25" will work out well. Mine was 43.25" and I tried a different shaft for fun. Cut it to stock 43.5", thinking that was what I already had. Both lengths hit their numbers well.

 

Awesome points here and thanks for the different perspectives (and taking the time). Gapping from the 3i instead of the driver is something I haven't really thought about. the 3i is great off of the tee and fairway, I don't really risk it out of bad lies in the rough. If its a bad lie in the rough I usually will take an iron to be sure it gets back out there and stays in play. Its a 235-240 club for me if I'm being honest. 

 

Ideally a 250-260 club is what would make a difference. Driver is about 290-300 total (not carry) on a good day. Aside from all of this, the courses I play on a regular basis, I'm never really in a situation all that often where I'm standing behind a shot saying I wish I could hit 3w here or I NEED to hit 3w here. If the tee shot isn't driver its always 3i for me. It would just be nice to have another option when needed. Changing an approach shot to 15-20 yards closer to the green would always be nice. I'm honestly never in a situation where I'm 270+ from a green and wishing I could try to get there. It would just be nice to poke it a little further than the 3ui on the tee where driver isn't the move.

[Mookieb10]

20 hours ago, opensupoverthere27 said:

Has anyone experienced with 3w length or slightly shorter shaft length in a mini driver head? To cut some distance off so it isn’t as close to driver?
 

Really considering trying this and pulling 3w from the bag but I don’t see a point in having both driver and mini if they are only 15-20 yards apart. Would be a tee club 90% of the time.

 

getting swing weight correct would be in play all said and done, etc.

1) Yes, I play an Elyte at 42.5”. 
 

2) I think you could change your perspective on the value of a 15-20 yard gap… you’d be surprised at how small the gap is for pros between Driver and 3w. Driver at 310 and 3w at 285 (ok, that’s a 25 yards gap) is quite common. 
 

3) I don’t know what course(s) you play, but personally, I probably on have a 15-20 yrd gap between driver and mini, but there is great value for me in being able to hit different shapes with these two clubs. My driver can see different shot shapes while my MiniD is a reliable draw. So valuable… especially on holes with a +1-2 stroke hazard on the right side. On my course I have 3 holes with OB right but only a .5 or 1 stroke hazard on the left, one hole with a tree to hit a draw around, and 2 other holes that I just have comfort of aiming down the right side and knowing there’s a wall there. 

[rbpwrx]

14 minutes ago, opensupoverthere27 said:

2 hours ago, Ty_Guy said:

That 3u is a workhorse in your bag! 

 

Adding a mini may demand changing around other clubs. Just to add another derail in your search, if the 3u is your baby, shifting perspective and gapping from the 3u instead of from the driver may open your eyes to more options.

 

If this "plan B" is appealing, ask yourself:

What situations have the 3u not been the best?

When it isn't the best, what would you want a different club to do differently? - Carry distance, height, bad lies?

 

I figure non negotiable club roles on the long side of any bag are:

1) Longest off the tee where driver is too dangerous

2) Longest possible off the turf and still able to be an approach shot

3) Longest possible out of poor lies and still able to be an approach shot

 

Sometimes two of these roles can be filled by one club. I've found this role-filling approach is the best way to flesh out that tricky spot in the bag between irons and the driver.

Awesome points here and thanks for the different perspectives (and taking the time). Gapping from the 3i instead of the driver is something I haven't really thought about. the 3i is great off of the tee and fairway, I don't really risk it out of bad lies in the rough. If its a bad lie in the rough I usually will take an iron to be sure it gets back out there and stays in play. Its a 235-240 club for me if I'm being honest. 

 

Ideally a 250-260 club is what would make a difference. Driver is about 290-300 total (not carry) on a good day. Aside from all of this, the courses I play on a regular basis, I'm never really in a situation all that often where I'm standing behind a shot saying I wish I could hit 3w here or I NEED to hit 3w here. If the tee shot isn't driver its always 3i for me. It would just be nice to have another option when needed. Changing an approach shot to 15-20 yards closer to the green would always be nice. I'm honestly never in a situation where I'm 270+ from a green and wishing I could try to get there. It would just be nice to poke it a little further than the 3ui on the tee where driver isn't the move.

 

I agree w/ Ty_Guy about gapping from your strong club. For me, that's 17° hybrid, which is long off the tee, clean off the deck, reliable out of rough, and high enough for approaches. It's even good around the green! From there, I could honestly get away with just one longer tee club, and a mini would combine best aspects of driver and FW. Which frees up another long iron or wedge spot. Curious what you end up with, OP!

[SmashGolfBall]

My driver's playing length is 43.5 inches, and the mini driver is about 41.5 inches. Works pretty well for me.

[Gtyler14]

I play my mini at 42.5 and it works for me but overall I play my woods shorter. Driver 44.5, 5w 41.5 and my 2i&4-6 irons are 1/2 shorter than standard.

 

Mini hits the 280 carry window. I can tee it low to hit it off the bottom and spin it more or a touch higher and hit a nice little draw. My mini surprised me how well it is off the turf. Ventus black 8x tipped 1.5 playing 42.5 so it my my previous 5 wood shaft before I went shorter and tipped it more for the 5wd