IGNORING this FAIRWAY FINDER is a HUGE MISTAKE!

It's not quite a driver and it's not exactly a fairway wood. It's a mini driver and I finally put one to the test.
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[@Cathalthewise]

I have the 2023 model. Put the driver away and started using the mini driver, 5 wood, and 7 wood. My game has wildly improved by 7 strokes a game. Game changer

[@gregbarthjr9621]

Yep mini, 5 wood and 2 hybrids a 4 and a 5. Dropped my handicap 6 strokes easily. And I'm still improving.

[@nathaniverson6828]

I’m same

[@rowdyrich69]

Did you replace other clubs with your 7 wood? I've been thinking of getting a 7 also, just not sure where in my bag it should go.

[@gregbarthjr9621]

@@rowdyrich69 I strongly consider a 7 wood in my bag. At the time it would've replaced my 4 iron. I found a deal on 2 hybrids that were weaker lofted. That replaced my 4 and 5 irons perfectly.

[@nathaniverson6828]

@@rowdyrich69 I go Mini ,17* 5 wood , 21* 7 wood, then 5i which is my 200 yards iron. 7 wood is really versatile if you hit fairway woods well esp if you shape shots. Mine fills a gap of 200-243 yards then my 5 wood starts at 240- 276 yards and I never feel like I have problem gapping or I don’t have a shot for that. One reason I’ve bagged a 7wood for many years. Really fun to be creative and way steeper landing angles into greens.

[@shaunkelley55]

Recently purchased this club it’s probably the best club I’ve ever owned, I bought the 11.5 dg positioned the heavy weight forward and boom, it’s as long as my driver but so easy to hit, so accurate, it looks and feels incredible this thing is a weapon

[@LetsPlayThru]

Very nice 🙌

[@AJayTCP]

I shortened the length of an old Ping K15 12 Deg driver to about the length of a 3 wood. It’s my homemade Mini Driver and I’ve been loving it so far.

[@mikehlee69]

Exactly. 43in driver will help hi handicap players

[@gregbarthjr9621]

This will work for a few. But most of the time. Just shorting a driver shaft to make a mini driver can throw off the swing weight. But as I said. This will still work for a few

[@gregbarthjr9621]

Yes yes yes! Thank you for this review. I have the TaylorMade 300 blackout version. It's Not as easy to hit off the deck as the new burner mini. Plus you forgot to talk about the cc. Most drivers are 460 to 440cc. The mini 300 is 307 and the new mini burner is 304. I'm gaming the new mini burner as my Driver and 3 wood. It works that good. Keep up the great work. I did try the new Callaway mini driver. Not nearly as efficient off the deck. TaylorMade rules! In the mini driver market. Lol! Can't wait for your next video.

[@jeffreymarkanich6076]

Forget the “mere mortal” stuff by only buying the mini driver in 13.5. I am a 12 handicap and bought the 11.5 a month ago and it is a beast of a driver replacement. More fairways….longer than my driver…..more consistency, more fun, etc. I have always struggled with driver consistency and this thing fits the bill. I simply love it. FYI, if you hold the club where the TaylorMade lettering is upside down, you can see the K on the sole. Not a perfect K, but a K nonetheless the less. I would love to see you hit the 11.5 and compare it to your PING G430 10K. I bet there is practically zero difference (5 yards or less) in length with better dispersion. I would also love to see a comparison between this and the Callaway mini. IMO, while the Cally is very nice, it is not as versatile off the deck due to its 430 cc size in comparison to the TM. However, it is also very nice. As always, thank you for another great video. Your content is the best and always interesting for sure! Much appreciated!

[@Aaron-mn2ro]

need a range comparison vid between the takomo 101s, the maltby ts3s, 4s and 1IMs

[@starks1974]

I bought last years version and it was too inconsistent vs my gamer, Ping 400 Max. Maybe it was me trying to swing hard to get every yard out. Then again if you slow your tempo down you probably are more consistent and not need a mini driver.

[@LTZ_Z71]

The 11.5* version of this mini driver turned down to 9.5* is ridiculously good! For fun, I tried one at a local golf store and had the 11.5* set to 9.5* and was able to swing out of my shoes and still hit it pretty darn straight. Really fun to hit and I didn't lose much distance from my actual driver.

[@LetsPlayThru]

Yes, if you have a higher swing speed, that would be amazing.

[@LTZ_Z71]

@@LetsPlayThru Thanks for the reply Gabe. For reference, my swing speed with driver is between 108-115.

[@DrRockso.]

Another great review. 👍

[@GONADSable]

Way to go mini drivers love them

[@keithp5568]

Thanks for the great review. If possible in the future with the weight swappable option, it’d be great to note which way you’re playing it and/or swap the weights and show/comment on your thoughts and results in both configurations. Thanks again!

[@fretless05]

Forget the deep grass, I need to keep my tee shots in play, and my driver gives a pretty good chance of going OB. I'm going this weekend to check these out and see if they can help my game.

[@commonman317]

I'm starting to believe that the shorter shaft length and the smaller CC's of the driver head really do equal better accuracy. As a continuing, struggling beginner, I have yet to find a driver that works for me. So glad you tried and reviewed this mini driver Gabe. Tx.

[@LetsPlayThru]

Reviewed it thanks to your comment. Not sure if you saw it at the end of the video.

[@commonman317]

@@LetsPlayThru Sure did, always grateful.

[@knuterockne4060]

Gabe, I would consider it an awesome favor if you could do a full review on the Callaway TruVis Yellow and Black chrome soft golf balls…There just aren’t enough reviews on these golf balls on line to warrant the price point asked…I bought used ones and I really love them because I’m blind in my left eye and less than 20/20 in my right eye…They are the only ball I can find to use so I can actually see and play golf without my buddies, which really sucks…Any who, I love your videos and they have changed my golf game tremendously

[@patrickbeach3070]

I think the 11.5 turned up in the loft sleeve would be the best for most people. You get the nice closed face to promote straighter ball flight and you get the same loft.

[@LetsPlayThru]

It’s a good idea for sure

[@user-bx1hv4lz5r]

​@@LetsPlayThru I have an older cobra long tom 2 wood. I switched shafts, but still can't hit it consistently with height. When I do, it's amazing. Looking for one that would be consistent in fairways hit. If you would like to try it on your show, o can send it for you to try! Thanks for all the awesome videos fir mortals!!

[@junekearns6698]

Lovely looking club. Maybe taylor made missed something here possibly a 460cc version could be produced limited edition

[@heretoday8519]

To be able to market things like "longest drivers", these golf companies have used some cheats. Longer drivers. Just 10 years ago, the standard driver length was 45". Now they're 45.75". As someone who is 5'9" with longer arms, this caused me to set up toe up. I have shortened my ai smoke to 45" with a velacore+ shaft, and it lies a lot more neutral at address now. I put a bit of lead tape on it to get that swing weight higher. 43" shaft is modern 3 wood length, and that works really well with the smaller head. I demo'ed this club recently, and it definitely feels great swinging it. I think it really could benefit a WIDE variety of golfers. For example, Older and junior golfers who may have a bit of difficulty getting the ball in the air...not because of bad technique but due to slower swing speeds. I think 13.5 degree model could really help a lot of people get the ball up in the air at a more optimal launch angle without sacrificing much distance, if any at all due to more consistent impact and launch conditions. If you're a lower handicapper? I think there could still be some benefits if you absolutely crush your driver and have it set to 7-8 degrees...then considering gapping, the 13.5 really does become your 3 wood. Really an intriguing product, and I think it really depends on the type of golfer you are. If you don't hit the center of the club face too much, then this may not be ideal because you lose a bit of sweet spot size with the smaller clubheads. You'll have to see if the shorter shaft benefits you or the smaller head hurts you if you don't have consistent impact. Definitely need to try it out and maybe even get custom fitted for one to truly know if you could really benefit from it.

[@wks4511]

Great looking club.

[@JimmyHamAnp]

I upgraded from the first TM mini to the new burner in 2024. I swapped the shaft out for a full-length senior flex after talking to TM. I am 79 but still manage to hit the new one consistently over 200 yards. It's a keeper for me!

[@justinhamrick384]

Love my mini. You can also turn the headcover inside out for some crazy old-school looks. I loved my burners back in the day, and I love this club. My 3 wood is out of my bag.

[@LetsPlayThru]

Oh, I did not know that! Now I have to try it.

[@richdouglas2311]

I've played the SLDR, the Original, the 300, and the BRNR. (No need to play the current one since it's just a cosmetic update.) I can attest that the BRNR is the longest and straightest of them all. Each has been a fairway finder, sure. But the BRNR rivals my custom-fitted PXG Black Ops (when I'm not hitting it well), and continues to be a reliable choice both off the tee and from the fairway.

[@capnhook33_]

I have the 2023 in 11.5 and it is an absolute rocket. I do the top of my bag with the mini, a 16.5 degree c723 from tour edge, and a 19 degree cobra speedzone hybrid. I think it depends on what you want the club for. If you want a potential driver replacement, go 11.5, but if you want versatility, then the 13.5 is probably right. I wish I knew what it was about this club, but it just is so great to hit. I am thinking about regripping it though, as i don't live the stock grip.

[@GOLFADDICT65]

I had this club but then had to sell it to pay for a vet bill i regret selling it everyday since was a great club for me off the deck and off the tee hope to get another one soon good review Gabe cheers from Vulcan Canada

[@markzinda8863]

Basic Course Management for Mere Mortals: Keep it on the Short Grass. I’d rather hit a 9-Iron from the Fairway vs a Wedge from the Second Cut.

[@gregbarthjr9621]

Yep, I totally agree with this statement.

[@nathaniverson6828]

According to strokes gained 120 from fairways is same as 80 from the rough. Longer is better for everyone. That said play “your game” if you struggle with rough don’t put it there at all cost… same with bunker … ect

[@markzinda8863]

Have been playing golf since 1969. Have played with all sorts of equipment. One universal truth has held for 50+ years: Golf is easier when playing from a fairway, regardless of distance. Given a choice, I’ll opt for the short grass.

[@nathaniverson6828]

@@markzinda8863 that very well may be your game. But the universal truth of strokes gained just doesn’t agree with you. Most elite golfers use Decade and all play the higher percentage shots. I will 100% take a 80 yards from the rough or a green side bunker than over 120 in the fairway. And honestly you probably should too unless in all those years of golf you haven’t developed those skills.

[@markzinda8863]

Nathan, glad to hear that you’re an elite golfer with amazing skills. But I’m just a Mere Mortal like Gabe. And I’m truly confident that I could get up and down from a fairway lie 120-in than you could from tall grass or sand. Come on down to Tampa and I’ll prove it.

[@shanewilliams1216]

I have a TM original SLDR 12* mini driver ( plays 44" long) and I play it every so often, I like it as its easier to keep in fairways AND its easier to hit off the deck on LONG par 5's when a 3 wood just wont make it ! It has its place on some of the longer courses I play here in Kansas.

[@Newts65]

I picked up a used 11.5 degree TM 300 Mini Driver about a month ago and absolutely love it. Pulled my SIM out of the bag and haven’t played my 3-wood since. I’m killing it off the deck and really think it’s the shaft length that is the key for me. I grew up in the days when drivers were in the 43-44” range and have struggled with the longer shafts and huge heads of modern drivers.

[@LetsPlayThru]

Do you plan to add any clubs to the bag to replace the 3 wood?

[@Newts65]

@@LetsPlayThru I’m thinking about a 7-wood. Have never played one, but looking all of a sudden. I guess I’m going to be a 2, 5, 7-wood kind of guy as I roll into my 60s.

[@the_full_english]

33-34”??? I don’t ever remember drivers being as short as a putter 😂

[@Newts65]

@@the_full_english fair enough. Fixed that.

[@tcofield1967]

It’s a definite maybe for me depending on the course. I think playing a course like Chambers Bay, which has great rollouts and wide fairways wouldn’t be a course for the mini driver. At the same time there are more than a few tight courses where this club might help. My question would be is the Mini Driver enough of a difference from a 3 wood to bother putting it in the bag for those tight courses.

[@chrisduxberry8327]

Limited runs of goods just push an already extortionate cost of golf paraphernalia even higher. I love the logo and the identity of the products. But as you are already giving the company free advertising maybe think of the little guy (people like me) who give up all luxuries to try play golf at a nice club not necessarily the best clubs and carry some nice merchandise. For the likes of myself I won’t be able to afford or even try these mini drivers for 3-4yrs due to cost, but if they are short runs like here in the UK. The prices will just keep going up even in the second hand market like several other clubs over the last 5yrs

[@LetsPlayThru]

Yes to be honest I’m not thrilled about the limited edition games that TM & Callaway are playing.

[@imakeuc1]

I use mine turned up to 15* as a better 3 wood. My old man slow swing speed can't work a 3 wood, but this thing is much hotter off the face and gives me better performance even off the deck.

[@mjgholfza]

I like it!

[@RaingerrrYT]

is it basically a 2-wood?

[@ryanchurchill8534]

Can you do a comparison video between the new Calloway mini driver and the new tayor made mini driver?

[@sassyfassy8594]

I love the old school vibe

[@LetsPlayThru]

Funny enough, in the renderings, I thought it was kind of ugly. But when I saw it in person, I was shocked how much I liked it.

[@jackjetpilot]

I want your driver consistency!

[@richdouglas2311]

When I'm cranking it, my PXG Black Ops has a total distance `20 yards longer than my BRNR. But when I'm NOT hitting the ball well, the BRNR is just as long as my driver. It's a great fall-back, and it is always a fairway finder. I've been gaming the TM mini since its inception (the SLDR). Having the BRNR, there's no reason to go with the latest since it's just a cosmetic change. BTW, I haven't carried a 3-wood in the 10 years since.

[@nathaniverson6828]

@@richdouglas2311 what loft mini vs the black ops?

[@richdouglas2311]

@@nathaniverson6828 BRNR is 13.5. Black Ops is 9 elevated to 10.5.

[@ndmagic99]

Best club i’ve hit in 30 yrs. At 11.5 degrees, it’s an absolute weapon. To the point that I use my actual driver maybe 3 times a round. Distance, feel, sound and accuracy are all insane.

[@LetsPlayThru]

So are you carrying both in the bag? And do you also carry a 3 wood or what’s your next club?

[@ndmagic99]

@@LetsPlayThru both for now. Never carry any fairway woods. 2 iron is my longest club next to driver usually. Will probably dump the driver and just add a 5th wedge. Mini driver is a 275-285 club for me and that’s all i really need.

[@neilmackison1329]

Gabe You need to review the new Callaway mini as well

[@LetsPlayThru]

Will def try to do soon

[@JAW_73]

You are looking healthy and fantastic. Might want to start another channel about how to burn the pounds and get in shape.

[@rvoykin]

If your driver swing speed is around 119 to 121 would you recommend the 11.5?

[@LetsPlayThru]

Yes

[@mikecadney4141]

$52.99 a dozen here in Canada. 😢

[@timlaing9599]

Just picked up a TM 300 mini 11.5 degree lofted up to 13.5 removed my 3 wood absolute weapon

[@oldsparky14]

I replaced my ping g425 3 wood with this up lofted

[@LetsPlayThru]

Are you still carrying a driver as well? If so, in what situations do you choose one over the other?

[@oldsparky14]

@@LetsPlayThru yes mate a g400max

[@jimmydelrio8662]

I think the Titleist 917 fd strong fairway wood does a lot better than this TaylorMade. The surefit technology allows for more face adjustability and it is as good off the deck as the tee.

[@zacarich]

I have an Adam's super speed ls that is a 13 degree 3 wood . With a kuro kage shaft. For 40 bucks. It is a bomber. Like 270 all day . Dead straight.

[@LetsPlayThru]

Nice

[@yorainman]

I heard there’s a surprise if turn the head cover inside out.

[@justicarjoshua]

Lovely club! Worth the hype perhaps! Hey Gabe how do I get in touch to send these Maltby TE’s over to you?

[@LetsPlayThru]

Thanks my friend. If you could email me to lets play thru at gmail dot com, that's ideal.

[@justicarjoshua]

Will do!

[@AZstu324]

​@@justicarjoshuayou sending the original TE's or the new TE+ V4's?

[@FLueNT360]

KITH x TaylorMade is good for golf!

[@dylanmoore5138]

Taylormade is becoming a marketing brand more than a golf technology brand.

[@xavierperez9725]

Crank the loft down and switch the weights.

[@LetsPlayThru]

I’ll def try it

[@xavierperez9725]

Very cool interested to see what it does distance and distribution wise for you.

[@nbargolf]

For me I couldn't afford to lose 13 yards average off the tee.

[@LetsPlayThru]

That’s valid. Probably need to hit the ball at least 240 consistently for something like this to be useful.

[@deankyall1]

Got rid of mine , not any better or easier than a decent 3 wood

[@LetsPlayThru]

Curious…what’s your swing speed with a driver? And were you getting similar distances?

[@basec0m]

It's a 2 wood... we used to have these

[@marcusgeorge1825]

A 2 wood is about the same as a 2 iron. Useless. Hence why no one plays with these anymore.

[@basec0m]

@@marcusgeorge1825 A 2 iron is usually 17 or 18 degrees, this is 13 degrees.

[@marcusgeorge1825]

@@basec0m You missed my point. Plus a 2 iron is usually between 16 and 19 degrees. As you are only allowed 14 clubs in your bag then which one are you taking out to put in a 2?

[@basec0m]

@@marcusgeorge1825 I've already said and you confirmed that a 13 degree 2 wood and 18 degree 2 iron are nowhere near the same. Your point is not relevant as the video is talking about using a higher lofted driver to hit more fairways.

[@marcusgeorge1825]

@@basec0m OMG. My point is relevant (based on responding to the persons initial statement). Never said a 2 wood and 2 iron are the same. Peps just don’t use them anymore. As a 50 year old PGA qualified instructor for the last 30 years, who’s been playing for 44 years and still has a low single digit handicap this particular club is irrelevant even for high handicap players. Again, which club would you take out for this one? If the answer is your standard driver then that’s simply a bandaid and not fixing the reason why you would consider this club in the first place. If you are chasing greater consistency from the tee and don’t put the effort into learning how to hit a driver then use your 3 wood. As hitting this wood only requires very minimal (if any) adjustment from off the tee to off the fairway.

[@whocares3986]

It looks horrible.Great performance, though.

[@paulmcgee1867]

Yep not my cup of tea

[@walkerscarpetcare]

Last year's paint scheme looked about better.