TaylorMade’s new BRNR Mini Driver has sparked a fresh perspective. This retro-styled club aims to tackle common issues faced by golfers both off the tee and on long par 5 approach shots with its innovative 304cc ‘Mini-Driver’. Let’s explore its features and performance.
The Technology
The BRNR Mini Driver is a compact 304cc club featuring a redesigned K sole, which ensures smooth turf interaction and promotes a more consistent and forgiving strike.
Adjustable Weights
This club includes two adjustable weights on the sole—13g at the back and 1.5g at the front. These can be adjusted to tailor ball flights and shot shapes to your preference. Position the 13g weight at the back for a combination of long distance, forgiveness, and versatility, or move it to the front for a low spin, more penetrating ball flight.
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Loft Options
Available in 11.5 or 13.5 degrees of loft, this review focuses on the 13.5-degree version.
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TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Review
Looks
TaylorMade has revived the aesthetic of the Ti Bubble 2 Driver from the mid-1990s, complete with a nostalgic TaylorMade logo. The shaft design continues this retro theme, transitioning from black at the hosel to copper near the grip.
The headcover also embraces this retro style, featuring a vibrant, colorful interior—a nod to TaylorMade’s history of using any available fabric to finish headcovers. It’s a unique and charming touch that enhances the club’s appeal.
At address, this club resembles a mini driver from the ’90s or early 2000s, which may take some getting used to, but its overall retro design is undeniably cool.
Feel
Testing this driver revealed a powerful, bullet-like ball flight. Despite its compact size, it delivers impressive power and speed.
While I’m confident with my driver, my 3 wood has been gathering dust due to inconsistency. The Mini Driver’s powerful strikes off the tee intrigued me, especially when considering its performance from the fairway.
The Data
Incredibly, the BRNR Mini Driver matched the distance of my regular driver, according to data from HUKD Golf Bury. My current Callaway Epic Flash driver, fitted a few years ago, might need a shaft refit due to my recent gains in strength and speed.
When compared to various 2023 drivers, the Mini Driver fell slightly short of the longest hitters, which averaged around 245 yards carry and up to 260 yards total on my best shots.
My left-to-right dispersion slightly improved with the Mini Driver. Given my confidence with my current driver, the distances achieved by the BRNR were impressive, and I felt very comfortable with it.
The real test was hitting it off the deck. Averaging 224 yards from the fairway was promising, especially given the less-than-ideal indoor mat conditions.
On-Course Performance
Initially, the Mini Driver felt unfamiliar on the course due to its size, but after a few holes, I adjusted. Off the tee, it delivered a consistent, powerful, bullet-like flight. This club could be a game-changer for golfers who struggle with a regular driver.
The true test came with hitting the Mini Driver off the deck. It looks like a big 3 wood but plays like a normal driver when swung properly. From 220 yards out, uphill, into the wind, I found the ball near the green—remarkable for someone who has lost confidence in their 3 wood.
TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Verdict
The BRNR Mini Driver is a powerful, accurate, and consistent option for both tee and fairway shots. What more could you want?
I noticed little to no drop-off in distance compared to top 2023 standard drivers like the Callaway Paradym, Ping G430, TaylorMade Stealth 2, and Cobra Aerojet. Priced at £379, it’s also significantly less expensive than these alternatives.
Who Is It For?
TaylorMade designed this club for two types of golfers: the better player seeking accuracy off the tee without sacrificing distance, and golfers who struggle with the driver, providing an alternative to a 3 wood. Both scenarios held true in my experience.
Would I Use It?
Absolutely. I can’t wait to take this club out on the course again!