New BRNR Mini VS. 2023 Model VS. My Driver

The new Taylormade BRNR Mini Driver has a new look for 2024, but is it any different when it comes to performance?
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[@uNkLeRaRa4]

Finally! Everybody's been reviewing the new one as if last year's one never even existed! I was genuinely confused for a bit trying to figure out if last year's was a prototype or something... Same shirt, different colour.

[@SaltyDogPerformance]

Yeah it’s just them making “retro” stuff like the P series irons in copper

[@hammertyme8392]

It's marketing. Taylormade is in the business of selling golf clubs. If you change the look, you'll sell more of them.

[@socalgolf9978]

Didn’t they make these like 10 years ago also

[@dead_prez7266]

Agree

[@uNkLeRaRa4]

@@socalgolf9978 Yeah TM and others have made "mini drivers" for a while.

[@unvbl1]

Nice to see someone comparing both BRNR Mini versions

[@daniel80111]

Most honest and golfer friendly channel on KZbin. Hope everyone follows your content

[@austinl5548]

This mini was the best addition to my bag I think in the last 10 years. Being a lefty, I was apprehensive jumping into the only option available for us shunned folk, at 11.5 degrees. Wow am I impressed. One click lower to have the face sit how I like it and I can still rip it off of the deck at 10.75 degrees. It’s about 20 yards shorter than my driver but much easier to place off of the tee than my 3 wood. Crazy good club.

[@anonymousrider6002]

I have the previous BRNR. I never viewed it as a driver replacement unless I was playing an executive course. The pros are putting it in the bag in the 3W spot. Matt started to touch on it but he didn’t elaborate. Most pros prefer to hit a fade off the tee and use their 3 wood to draw the ball. The reason for the recent rise in 2 woods/mini drivers is shot shape. I use mine for that exact reason. I draw the BRNR and I fade my driver. I play the BRNR 1/2” over stock and it goes 10 yards short of my driver on average. I don’t need to hit 3W off the deck all that often at my home course so it’s pretty much course dependent. If a course has 2+ dogleg right (I’m left handed) then I’ll bag the BRNR. If a course has multiple 550ish par 5s then I’ll pull out the TSR2 3W

[@tylerwendlandt2320]

Appreciate your honesty in reviews Matt. It's really refreshing!

[@ferrellbingham7681]

Love your honesty and willingness to be open and up front about a person's swing vs a club. Keep up the amazing content.

[@cwanddj6984]

I have last years model and love it. Hit so many more fairways. Carry it 260-270 so no need for a traditional driver. I play it at 11.5 - could get a few more yards at 9.5 but don't see the point. Love it, best driver I've ever owned.

[@josephwirtz8352]

Same…and I also owned the original from the 90s…

[@harryatkinson9757]

I have been using a Titleist 983K for 20 years, I hit it well but newer drivers have tech in them that would help on mis hits. Every time I have tried a new driver I just can’t get my head around the size of them compared to the 983K, so I bought a BRNR Mini Driver, works well and fits my eye 😀👍

[@shaunkelley55]

Played my first round with the new. BRNR Mini Driver, and all I can say is WOW, I purchased the 11.5 dg positioned the heavy weight up front and Boom, I hit every required fairway without any loss in distance, it looks and feels incredible so easy to hit this thing is a weapon, probably the best club I’ve ever owned, couldn’t be happier

[@andrewsheppard2404]

Totally agree Shaun, way more fairways and as far as my driver went. Amazing club.

[@aedobrews3887]

Had last years model and can't remember why I didn't keep it. Luckily was able to pick up this year's and love it. It's all about confidence standing on the tee.

[@bgoggin88]

Matt glad you found a way to inject your creativity and style into these videos by means of the intros, etc

[@andershaukoos]

Love the honesty in your reviews man! Would have never realized that it was just a re-skin of last years!

[@300yardcarry]

great vid Matt, loved how you just got right into it and gave it a fair comparison. you're the man

[@danrees8825]

Great video Matt, it’s good to see an honest review going into detail of how the club performs against its previous self. Keep up the good work 👍🏌️‍♂️

[@steve-o5793]

Got last years model and switched the shaft with an sim driver a friend gave me that had a dented head and love it

[@the.mediocre.golfer]

I've moved to playing 8 clubs full time this season (just enjoy it more) and love having the BRNR Mini at the top of the bag as it's long enough to be a driver, but I can still take it off the deck and have a good shot at par 5's

[@cannedmuffinz]

Great vid Matty, loved the intro and voice over!

[@eugenechoo8208]

Thank you so much Matt! I was about to sell my 2023 model cause the ball was flying so high!!! weight switch really helped!

[@ronniejohnson383]

Damn, you’ve got some speed. Very honest review.

[@JeremiahAlphonsus]

You and Ian Fraser had such great rapport in your TXG videos. Even though you’ve moved on, I’d still like to see a video with you talking about that experience of those years.

[@michaelmcmillan1685]

One of the best golf channels 💯💯💯 good stuff Matt

[@davead6578]

It looks like you’re using the stock shaft. I would love to see what that smaller BRNR head would do attached to BGT Brava and Autoflex shafts.

[@user-rw9rs6di9n]

Looks good. Looks like they accentuated the copper tones to fit in with the look of the copper finished P790 & P770 irons. Those pics look darn good.

[@DiscGoStu]

I’m a 14 handicap and I’m actually very confident with my driver (Stealth, 10.5 set to 9.5, VA Composites SYNSTR 55 44.5’’ shaft) but I don’t carry a 3 wood so I had a slot in my bag. I’ve played 3 rounds with the new BRNR and for me it’s a second driver. It gives me a little added confidence on tighter holes and the versatility of the weights/loft sleeve will really help when I go to Scotland next month. I doubt I’ll use it much off the deck but so far it has been an excellent addition to my bag as a safer, more consistent driver

[@austinlauer1910]

I've got the Original One mini that came out a few years ago now. I switch it out with my 4 wood depending on the course. If the course calls for more draws and I still need distance I opt for it.

[@JonathanHarvey-yz9dt]

So I game a 300 Mini. I have a mostly psychological issue with hitting driver but struggle with some things in my swing that show up more with hitting a traditional driver. The confidence I feel over the mini driver and the actual on-course results I’ve seen make the purchase worth it. In fact, the time and money I would have to spend to get my swing “corrected” for a traditional driver far out ways the money spent on the mini. As for where it sits in my bag, I actually play a traditional driver at 8*, mini at 11.5*, and 5 wood at 18*. Drop to 4 iron and play 3 wedges.

[@kevinvassago]

Just bought a TSR2!! Can't wait to hit it😁

[@tonybytheway7543]

Great review Matt, thanks!

[@zacharymilos392]

Use mine 11.5* lofted up to hit high draws when I set my 9* driver up for fades

[@jon-michaelsherman5676]

Another awesome video! Would love to see an autoflex in it LOL

[@marcopellegrini3883]

Great video. Would you play shaft length between drive and 3 wood length? Does this have twist face technology?

[@georgesbahri5730]

The only thing I saw while hitting the two is that the new one looks and feels easier to hit off of the ground. The one cosmetic difference was that the crown of this years version was a little flatter, which made it look a tiny bit more like a fairway wood/metal.

[@dgmessenger]

What shaft flex were you using? Does that stock come in X flex? Would love to see you tune this up with a custom shaft

[@uwrossl]

Great video....I prefer the look of last years honestly and plan to scoop one 2nd hand. I find it weird that so many have a hard time seeing the value of this club for a lot of golfers. Obviously not for everyone but nothing is or should be. So many options to fit it in based on the individual. Bomber "3" wood off the tee. Very usable off the deck at 13.5 loft. Don't give up a ton of distance if you're having a bad day with the driver. I guess I personally don't see it as a driver replacement for me as in I wouldn't take driver out of the bag....but rather a 3 wood replacement based on how i use my 3 wood. 5 wood is my primary fairway for off the deck on par 5s and almost never use it from the tee unless I come up on some of the monster 230+ yard Par 3s that are everywhere now.

[@GuerillaRadio848]

I’m going to have to try one out. I’ve always been steep into impact so naturally don’t hit driver well at all, so much so that I haven’t had one in the bag for over 2 years now. I can stripe my 3 wood off the tee, about 250/260 on a good hit but it would be nice to have another 20/30 yards and then possibly swap the 3 wood out for a 5 wood

[@lawbinson]

I’m curious what the dynamic loft was vs. AoA. I know the static loft of the mini is higher, but wonder if it is spin-loft that the club changes, or if there are properties of the mini outside of spin-loft delivery that results in lower spin with the mini.

[@PhilConran]

Are you putting a 3wood swing on it (ie hitting down), or is this a driver swing?

[@laronda10]

(Round 125 club head on course) I tested one out and came out with an interesting thought. I switch from both the tips and the blues alot depending on playing partners. if i play from the blues good drives get me trouble and i just have no desire to carry a 3 wood just for the blues. Thinking about getting one of these so i can play one club. And just adjust the settings accordingly. Also felt like i could eventually get comfortable enough with it to work it both ways off the tee

[@ouizzeul]

Thanks for all the explanation. Now I understand more 18 month ago when I try an original one mini driver with zero confidence in my driver, slicing the crap out of it, I play better with a mini

[@AndyStahlman]

Now can you build a higher loft version and compare it to your 3 wood? I’m looking to have a bullet fade driver, and then a high draw mini driver/ 3 wood. Targeting 275 carry instead of 300 with driver.

[@GOLFADDICT65]

I ordered the new one looking forward to it currently have a Stealth 2 HD 9.5 degree driver / 17 degree New Cleveland Hywood 3+ / and a Qi10 Max 7 wood 22 degrees I figure the 13.5 degree BRNR Mini Driver will be a good fit in my bag can change the settings to what suits me best I did change the grip to a Golfpride MCC +4 midsize club should be here tomorrow they say excited about it great video cheers from Vulcan Canada

[@randallpennington5976]

Hey Matt if you don’t want the new model, this lefty really wants one! 😀 Wish they had one near me to try!

[@ambientgolf]

My 3 wood and 5 wood carry distances have always been too close to each other, for some reason. The mini driver slots in perfectly between my driver and 5 wood and it's not all that difficult to hit it off the deck if I'm trying to hit a par 5 green in two. I really love it, but it's not a driver replacement for me- it's a really big, strong 3 wood.

[@jblake79]

You sir are a beast! And yes I have a mini but hell no it does not see distances like that in any setting!

[@RayzTeeZ]

I dropped my driver because it wasn't a consistent club for me. I play my stealth+ 3w off the tee but I've been eyeing the brnr mini for a bit more distance. Thanks Matt for the video

[@josephwirtz8352]

I own last year’s version. Last week I shot my best round since when I owned the original in the 90s. I can’t see myself using anything else anytime soon.

[@sizzln_bacon4813]

"There is every opportunity to take this driver and hit it terrible"...I confirmed this theory as true just yesterday

[@seanconnors7639]

Great review. Feels like many of the reviewers out in the world are giving this club "magic wand" properties. 😀 I don't think I would use it enough to justify for my game, more power to those who have a good use for it.

[@BigDawgCAM]

The main benefit to me is being able to hit the BRNR off the ground. Seems more feasible than Driver off the Deck and seems easier than hitting a 3 wood

[@drew021795]

Matty, could you do an updated speed or timing video, both your speed and timing are incredible

[@coreygardner8424]

Honesty, magic 🎉 Thank you

[@Ghost-Of-Kyiv-]

Matt is an absolute beast, love this dude.

[@PYGolf]

Just found this channel. Subscribed

[@FrostiDonuts]

You were the heart and soul of TXG. Glad you didn't join profit focused Club Champion. You're the man!

[@Nick-hh5ev]

great video Matt

[@MrAhuraMazda]

Never knew why I can draw my 3 wood and cant do that with my driver for the life of me. Maybe the mini is the move

[@zb5715]

Waiting for mine to ship. It is an expensive experiment but at least the resale market is better than most 😅

[@patmac8178]

I think they just made this for certain tour players to hit a draw at Augusta. Then some smart marketer was like “hey man I can sell those forsure” and they were like “sounds good and if it doesn’t sell we’ll charge the colour and try again”

[@deepee1544]

TaylorMade are the Kings of Marketing 😅

[@jmac_619]

Will it go in your bag is the question? I game the TSR2 as well and love it, when I’m swinging well

[@jmac_619]

Off the deck is an obvious advantage

[@scottgibbs7235]

Here is my argument for the mini driver. IMO you are trading a little less distance for more accuracy, but more than anything it is more versatile. It’s much easier to hit off the deck, and when hit off the turf gives a low penetrating flight that while not ideal for a second into a par 5, it is VERY ideal for hitting into the wind for my tee shot.

[@paulwhitehouse9393]

Matt thanks for the video very honest and that is what we all like an honest opinion not BS regards paul

[@kevinjager124]

I’m a 3 handicap in the UK and my driver has never been the most consistent club in my bag, especially at my golf course which is tight and the first six holes are out of bounds on the right. The rest of my game is pretty predictable and I thought if I could be more consistent of the tee it will definitely kick me up a notch so I’ve just bought the 2024 version and fingers crossed it will be a fairway finder missile ❤

[@BAA3595]

Which number Birtee are you using at the end with the mini driver, is that the #4?

[@GolfLiberty]

was either 3 or 4 can't remember

[@BAA3595]

@@GolfLiberty thank you!

[@davidwalker683]

Well done Matty

[@chriskirkpatrick7053]

Hey Matt how do you like the diamana WB in your driver ? Is it x or tx ?

[@GolfLiberty]

63TX, liking it so far

[@donjeon8525]

Finally a golf channel w/o the BS

[@andrewstephens4500]

Matt, I'm a few mph CHS below you. How would you shorten the distance without a ridiculously high flight. I want it to still serve the 3-wood purpose of staying short of bunkers and other hazards that my driver would reach

[@josephfrigo8422]

That’s what I use the 13.5* BRNR mini for. I’m 116 with driver and have no use for a 3w bc my buddies aren’t capable of playing 7000yd courses. BRNR mini with weight in back, lofted up 1 notch, with Ventus Black is ideal. About 25 yards short of driver and much straighter

[@breathtimebreath4934]

Thank you!!! 🙏

[@klaymoon1]

Great amazing review!!

[@lawbinson]

Seems like the reason more pros are putting these int the bag in place of their 3 wood is to have a fade Driver and a draw Driver. Something Scott Fawcett of Decade often preaches.

[@hypent500]

is the shaft worth uprgrading from the shaft that comes with the mini driver

[@MEAT0]

Depends on you, but it is quite soft and doesn’t come in x stiff.

[@laronda10]

The only new thing about the new driver is that there is still some in stock lol. And honestly I'm here for it

[@seajan808]

What shafts are you using on mini and length ??

[@GolfLiberty]

stock one from Taylormade, 43.75"

[@mikec.2314]

This BRNR will officially replace both my driver and 3 wood in the bag. Mini Driver to 5w/3h for me. Simplifies my game off the tee and from the deck without any real drawbacks. 8 yards shorter on the golf course means nothing to me if I'm in the fairway more often.

[@bensutton1671]

I just purchased one. I'm a pretty good driver of the ball but sometimes the driver head feels a bit big for me and I can lose the face. I am thinking this will put me in more fairways more often. We will see.

[@freddym6643]

For better players, the point of a mini driver is to replace the 3 wood. Better players, especially the best like pros, rarely hit their 3 wood off the deck. It is almost exclusively a tee club. However, it also doesn't offer a substantial accuracy gain over a driver, certainly not enough to compensate for the decreased distance. So therefore it is better to replace it with something that is more forgiving and longer, like a mini driver. The reason you don't just get two drivers is that a mini driver is easier to turn over, which is the whole point of the club. You have your driver set up to fade the ball, which modern driver designs are the most suitable for. Then you have a mini driver with a smaller head and more loft than your driver. Which means you can set the ball position further back in your stance and hit a draw without changing from your normal swing, and still end up with near driver launch conditions. If you don't have your driver set up for a fade, and your mini driver for a draw, then there will be little benefit to having it.

[@discr1709]

Well said, but not true for all golfers. For me the mini driver is substantially more forgiving than my driver, so driver is pulled only for open fairways or when I absolutely need to try and get maximum distance. I play off 12, so consistency off the tee saves me penalty strokes every round.

[@WilliamWright-hf8ob]

The mini is awesome but liked it even more once I put a upgraded shaft in it !!!

[@volkerpetersen2671]

The power of confidence can make up for 100 hours of training. I have a 20 year old Ben Hogan 4h...can hit it 180 yards in a draw...never loose a ball right. Maybe this Minidriver can do same for me with 240 yards? I would be a happy golfer

[@clow242]

Love the brnr hate the shaft

[@Willp03]

I don’t think this club was meant to be a driver replacement for higher swing speed guys, it was built to be a 3 wood replacement. Its basically a 2 wood. Not for someone like me, but I can see the appeal. If i want to hit a fairway finder low driver, or a bomb high draw 3 wood it would go the same distance as the brnr.

[@theCycleReport]

I felt the same when the last one came out vs the '300' mini from a few years ago (which I bought and used for a while). Again, nothing wrong with it but since its becoming more normal in their stable, why do the limited run, juat put it in the lineup.

[@socalgolf9978]

Ian was hitting the mini and 3 wood basically the same .

[@dubbs1923]

I wonder what the outcome would be for someone with a 100, 105, 110 chs

[@Teejbanf]

Backwards hat Matt does not mess around

[@jaywood9415]

I gotta be honest, i cant hit my driver unless i slow down my swing. at 105mph i hit my driver well abour 270. But any faster i slice. I could work to stop slicing but id need to change my swing and i just dont have the time for it. The mini burner i hit it 300total and it has a slight draw. Its in the bag for the year for sure

[@cdmurray23]

I have 0 confidence in my 3 wood off the tee (and ground really). I'm not sure why but the larger face and ability to tee it up a bit higher and boom, this slides in nicely and the 3 wood is gone.

[@mogley71]

How much harder is this to hit off the ground compared to a 3 wood?

[@kevinzaun9594]

I don’t want it as a driver. I want it as a DD off the deck for a three wood. I think that’s its purpose and that weird long spot 262 270 into a hole in the long part five I think it’s worthwhile.

[@richardgriffiths1725]

The best review i have watched on this club…Thank you

[@EJRodriguez1]

Would love this but im not good enough to justify a $400 club

[@The_sunday_lout]

Nice one Matty, straight honest review. Good stuff

[@JayFF66]

damn it, i didn't need to see this.

[@victorsandoval1298]

I mean to be fair if everyone just worked on their swing, club sales would plummet. Companies make their money by telling you that the problem isn’t you it’s the equipment. All things being equal, if I can get a little help from a club instantly vs countless hours and money on lessons I’m going the club route. Most of us don’t have the free time needed to be genuinely good at the game.

[@robcouch81]

Have you tried it off the deck on grass????

[@peterfconley]

I can see where you’re coming from.

[@chadillac1127]

There you have it folks, yearly releases are a marketing ploy.

[@markushayes]

This means we’re 30 years out from the Qi10 mini driver!!!!

[@arsalansyed3619]

If only I could hit mine 300 yards

[@naj959]

Could be wrong but I think videos like this show how irrelevant a potential driver rollback would be. At least in terms of size and length.