Is the Taylormade Burner Mini Driver POINTLESS?

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Hi I’m Rick Shiels, welcome to my channel RickShielsPGAGolf. This KZbin channel is designed to help you play better golf, also to help you enjoy your golf more!
I specialise in golf club reviews, golf club unboxing, golf club news, golf club head to heads, and all about golf clubs.
I also want to make you play better golf by providing coaching video on all topics about golf, how to fix your slice, fix your hook, help you drive the golf ball longer, hit your irons more pure, hit your irons closer to the hole and help you draw and fade your golf shots.
I will also help you lower your score by chipping better by stopping you duff and thin chips, pitch the ball closer and also create backspin. Also I will provide you help to putt better and hole more putts!
On this channel I also make fun and entertaining golf content based on crazy and sometimes “gimmicky” golf clubs. I like to cut through the marketing hype about products and I like to give you the honest truth about golf equipment.
If you enjoy the channel make sure you hit subscribe and also tap the notification bell so that you are always notified when I release a new video.

[@xerodeus2337]

"I don't get it" - continues to pipe it down the middle with ease lol - "I still don't get it"

[@jh898d7]

that’s the detailed, analytical insight you get with all of these videos 😂honestly they’re so basic, no comparisons to a wide range of clubs. Utterly pointless

[@donth826]

as someone who hits driver pretty badly i thought maybe Rick could use one

[@SmokeyRobbo]

@@jh898d7it’s almost like the entire channel and this video is for clicks and not to educate us? 😅

[@miguelitogg]

It doesn't fill a slot in the bag, if you're some who struggles with driver, then why hit a smaller club. If you're hitting from the fairway, it's safer to hit a 3 or 7 wood or a 2 iron.

[@user-fd5gw1sl3l]

@@miguelitoggit’s to replace the 3 wood because it’s easier to hit on more narrow fairways or when you aren’t hitting your driver well. Go hit one dude trust me it’s super straight but gaps really well with a 5 wood

[@deshunwatson3254]

You hit it 310 and straight. Try using it on Break 75 or when you play your matches against Tour Pros, it might actually surprise you.

[@scottwatson9479]

Surely the most sensible use of this club would be to replace a 3 wood for golfers who cannot 3 woods (and there are thousands of golfers out there like this), it makes sense as a 3 wood replacement for golfers who hit their 3 woods off the tee quite a lot but I am not so sure there will be many golfers who would benefit from hitting this club off the fairway, yes Jake Knapp does but his driver ball speed is 190+ mph so who can relate to those numbers.

[@Justinvan1097]

Never have understood Rick's bias with the mini driver reviews on this channel and was hoping to see something different here. Finishes the video with a 310yd bomb and doesn't see a point in the club lol. For a decent mid-handicap like myself this club is a godsend. My biggest struggle was always getting off the tee box and I had resorted to teeing off with my 3wood as I couldn't get more than 220-230 out of my driver if I wanted to hit a fairway. With the shortened shaft and smaller head (compared to today's driver monstrosities) I can swing this thing full-speed and consistently get 250 dead center of the fairway with CONSISTENCY. There is ABSOLUTELY a market for a club like this and more manufacturers should consider bringing a 2W or mini-driver option to market.

[@nathaniverson6828]

I’m starting to think it’s click bait for comments and what not. Rick is a smart guy not sure how he doesn’t see the point.

[@robster230]

Yeah so true, you'd think with his own troubles finding fairways lately that this makes perfect sense if you're worried about scoring

[@Justinvan1097]

@@robster230 yeah I’m watching his current break 75 now and chuckled a bit. I’m a big fan of his and didn’t want to come off as a troll so I resisted leaving a comment on that video that this pointless club could be useful for those fairways he keeps missing lol. Long has never been my game so I’ll take accuracy over distance any day if it means lower scores. But I actually increased distance with the mini driver.

[@iLovettGolf]

Scratch golfer here finding it damn useful over a 3 wood, especially as 5 woods can go so much further now, 3w is pretty much redundant. Surprised a person testing clubs all the time doesn’t see the benefit 😂

[@IverKnackerov]

For many golfers it just replicates the driver. For £400. Maybe not for you, but that’s why

[@cghinds]

The reason its selling out is the same thing you mentioned. You enjoyed hitting it. That is what its all about. I love mine from last year I use it alot on Par 5's and off the tee on short par 4's. I absolutely love the flight on it.

[@garygary6729]

10 years reviewing clubs and states he “Doesn’t get it” 😂 He then states who it’s aimed at but still “Doesn’t get it” he then pipes it straighter than his own driver with similar distances but much straighter, but still “Doesn’t get it” If anyone needed a Mini Driver it’s Rick Shiels, love it when he says during a break 75 he’s driving it well when we have watched him hook one, slice 2 and hit 3 fairways out of 12 so far, Rick is the Mini Drivers main audience

[@charlessimons1692]

love you rick, but no one needs a fairway finder more than you.

[@janoelfke1004]

Rick rather wants to play out of the bunker all the time...😂

[@Hatori64]

FACTS!

[@andrewash4393]

Me

[@antondeklerkdrtony3d412]

Haters be hating!

[@latenite3931]

Damn why you have to say all that?

[@tx52dave]

I don't understand you, Rick. Far better results with that club than both your 3 wood and Driver. No huge left or right misses. You would probably break 75 finally with that club.

[@Clyde__Frog]

His ego wont let him haha

[@sherlockholmes60]

I like Rick, but a lot of selections seem to be about looks/ego and not what's best for his game.

[@aaronburkegolf5121]

The funniest thing to is that he got the 13.5 and hit it 311. Imagine what the 11.5 head lifted to 9.5 would do.....

[@mitendavda1095]

Hi Rick. Love your show. I am part of a large market segment that hit their drivers quite poorly and benefit massively from a more lofted, forgiving head and a shorter shaft. I bought mine before the start of last season and have played over 50 rounds with it. Its not a gimmick. Its a great club.

[@MrJohnr47]

I agree with you totally. There is a niche for a club that is between the three wood and Driver. I myself do much better with a three wood shaft length

[@Chris54321]

Out of curiosity, the driver that you hit quite poorly, what is it's loft? And your mini driver, how do you have the loft set on that?

[@TTDefender]

A smaller head is never a forgiving head. The most forgiving heads are 460cc driver heads - high MOI designs preferably like G430 Max or 10k, Qi10 Max, Ai Smoke Max D and the like. If you really want a fairwayfinder, take one of those heads in the correct loft, get the weight up to 210 to 212 grams, build it to 44 Inch and you’re good to go. I used to play my drivers like that, but after improving my swing and finding a setup, that suits me well, I‘m back to 45.5 Inch and don’t see myself going back again. I also tried a Mini Driver a couple of years ago - X2Hot 2Deep. It worked for some weeks, but mishits are punished just more than with a forgiving driver head. I‘m currently into a Callaway Paradym Max 12* with an ACCRA FX 2.0 50 M4.

[@mitendavda1095]

@@Chris54321 I used to game a Ping G410 10.5 deg driver and now I carry a 11.5 deg mini driver (both reg shaft). The degree difference in loft perhaps isn't as key as the shorter shaft length. But the mini driver combines the two and that works brilliantly well for me.

[@mitendavda1095]

@@TTDefender Great - I am happy for you. Everyone has their journey I guess. I happen to be at the mini driver stage and its awesome ;)

[@user-fd5gw1sl3l]

Dude you literally saw how well it performed, how well it does off the deck and everything and didn’t even give it a chance to go into the bag

[@darrenrider5676]

He's right though, it doesn't make sense to replace a full size driver, and it's too long to replace a 3 wood, because that would create too much of a gap between his 3I and the mini driver, and it would be stupid to take out any other club. It just doesn't fit in the yardages for most golfers

[@TheSimCaptain]

​@@darrenrider5676Yeah, I see your point, but let's get it on the fairway first. There's no point taking out a 3 wood to hit a par 5 when you're stuck behind a tree and in a ditch. Rick needs this club btw.

[@darrenrider5676]

@@TheSimCaptain look at all the drivers he's tested 🤣🤣 when the used the paradym max driver from 2023, he said he was so accurate he genuinely thought he wouldn't miss a Fairway 🤣 the mini driver is definitely not a replacement for a full sized driver. For anyone, and not rick

[@TheSimCaptain]

@darrenrider5676 By definition, a shorter shafted driver must be more accurate because there is less variability for the clubhead to be out of position. That's why irons are more accurate (shorter shafts). In the video, he hit a drive of 310 yards, and he didn't even crank it as low as 9 1/2 degrees, which he could have. Rick is often missing the fairway by a few yards, but it has often destroyed his round. This should definitely go in his bag.

[@user-fd5gw1sl3l]

@@darrenrider5676 but he isn’t a good wedge player so drop the 56 and switch to a 52 58 gapping and have a 3 iron 5w and mini

[@womblehunter]

That's the most fairways I've ever seen rick hit in a video.

[@georgebranning3349]

I don't get your assessment. If your audience is the club player, or the public course player, they absolutely will love this club. It is a fairway finder. That's why it is so popular. If you're saying, I don't know why Rick Shiels would buy it, you're creating an audience of one. We tune in to you to find ways to improve our "non professional" game. I have had my Mini Driver for a month and my Fairways Hit immediately improved with very little loss in length. My scores dropped. I'm sold. BTW...you hit this club better than your driver and 3 wood, when you look at dispersion.

[@andrewsheppard2404]

George I couldn't agree more, my driver went 270 but I had a tendency to slice it. I'm an 8 HCP and the mini driver was a game changer for me and dropped me to a 6.5 HCP. It goes the same distance if not a bit further and the dispersion is so much better, I'm fairway 80% now Vs 50% with driver. Absolutely love it.

[@mbfblues1431]

I got mine, and was able to order it in custom specs... absolutely the best addition to my bag! I'm a decent length player, and play a lot of shorter courses with my dad, and driver is too much on a lot of holes, so this has come in handy! Tested off the fairway, so when I do play longer courses, off the deck in to crazy long par 5s, is also a go! Struggled for years finding a consistent and good feeling 3 wood, this bad boy is replacing that! I have it at 13.5, down to 13, 1/2 inch short, x flex Kaili blue shaft, and my Z grip (non cord) grip. Absolutely LOVE it! Plus had a burner titanium back in 99, so the retro vibe is strong!

[@garyco766]

So what did you take out of the bag for it?

[@kyleinabinette508]

Rick, reviewing a club that would help him with some stuff that’s lacking in his game: “I don’t get it, why do people even want this?!” Rick, reviewing the thinnest, most difficult-to-hit irons: “I think I might add these to the bag!”

[@aaronburkegolf5121]

🤣🤣👌

[@stuboy13]

He'll occasionally admit it on the podcast when I've listened... But he's set in his ways isn't he. Remembers the good drives and thinks thats what's gonna happen and not the missed fairway.

[@toj718]

I am the latter of the 2 you mentioned, I play a links course and my driver goes quite a distance. Since having this in the bag it has become my go to on tight narrow holes. Been a game changer.

[@jeremykempf9557]

Just bought one in 11.5 degree about a month ago. Always had problems with my driver I had. Just didn't like the look of a big headed driver on my tee shots. I have a burner superfast 2.0 3 wood I was hitting better than my driver so I figured why not try the 11.5 mini driver. Finally got to hit it yesterday and kept it at factory setting. All I can say is it was the best money I have spent lately. Hits way straighter and farther than any driver I have opened. Just have so much more confidence over it too. Nobody was out driving me at the range that day. It is a good setup if you have problems with coming down on your driver swing like I do. Love it

[@ldaubler781]

Love my mini driver from 2022. Just one suggestion instead of making up scenarios in range mode of the simulator, why don’t you pick a specific hole and course in the system with a tight fairway and landing zone? Would make for much better visualisation! Cheers!

[@Willp03]

I agree. Also test it against 3 wood and driver at the higher and lower lofts.

[@patrickmailloux8235]

Been using it for a year as I don't hit a real driver very well. Excellent club. I didn't know about the headcover trick though: will flip it out today! Cheers Rick!

[@johnmiller7682]

I used to carry a 2 wood (same thing) for that exact reason. You still get mostly good distance, with much better accuracy. Everyone is saying Rick could use this. But it's Guy who could really use this.

[@miscstuff7473]

I am overall a 15hdcp, but a 30ish hdcp in driving. I've been playing for 30 years. Have taken years of lessons. Tried so many drivers. Currently playing the Ping G425 Max (very forgiving driver, first 10K MOI). Still lose ~5 balls per game from my drives. Zero confidence with the Ping. I have no idea where it will go. Bought the TM Mini Driver (last year's model) and it has completely changed my game. Same ball speed, with a bit higher spin and higher launch. I lose about 5 yards from my "average good drive", but haven't lost a ball yet. Saved me so many strokes. It is much easier to hit than a driver. I love this club so much!

[@andrewferguson1013]

Hi there, sorry to ask a couple of questions here, but I too struggle with my driver, and also having lessons! May I ask plse if you are using the 11.5 degree model, or 13.5? Dispersion to one side, is it much easier to hit than your Ping G425? Many thanks Andrew

[@rowdyrich69]

My exact story! I love this club.

[@andrewferguson1013]

@@rowdyrich69 Hi there, sorry to message you directly but are you having a lot of joy with this TM mini driver then? I've ordered one on a whim, although not due for 4 weeks, but just hoping I haven't wasted £380 lol!? Many thanks Andrew

[@rowdyrich69]

@@andrewferguson1013 Yes I am enjoying it. To be honest I'm a low/mid handicapper but over the past couple of years I've been struggling with Driver. Usually for me a slightly high attack angle and hitting down too much with driver. If I hit a good drive, it goes 5-10 yards further than the mini, but I hit way more fairways with this. I'm also a shorter guy so the club length is good for me. I also feel I can raise my swing speed and still trust I'll hit a good shot. I would say if you are more concerned with hitting fairways and keeping he ball in play, you'll enjoy the mini. I did go to the range and made adjustments that fit my swing, which I would recommend you do. Also I keep my regular 3 wood in the bag (smaller head/higher loft) and just use the mini as my driver. You have to forgo ego to game this club. I hit it further than my buddies hit their drivers and I'm usually in the fairway, where they're not LOL. If all that sounds like you, you made the right decision.

[@andrewferguson1013]

@@rowdyrich69 Hi there, many thanks for replying, and most useful information! I'm only 5ft 8 myself, so shorter shafts have always been preferred! I believe I've made a positive move here, although time will tell! That said, looking at some of the crazy prices this club is going for on ebay, AND used, this could well be an investment lol!! Also got a 60-day trial with it, so I can return within that period if things just aren't working out, although there must be NO sky-marks on it, which can be my nemesis sometimes!! 🤢

[@PolochAngriff]

My dad got a Sim 2, supposed to be a huge upgrade from his 2006 Callaway X 460. Annnddd he hated it. Said the head was way to big compared what he was used to and felt it all a bit awkward. The man was a 3 handicap with a drive with (comparably) tiny head. He felt that "if it isn't broke, why fix is," and put the Callaway back in the bag. So, I took it off his hands and got him the Burner Mini. He loves it. Modern tech in a form factor that he is used to. Gave him on average 10 yards of carry over the old tech, and the man DOESN'T miss a fairway.

[@imakeuc1]

I received one as a gift. As I am older and don't have the speed for a 3 wood, this club makes the difference. Mine is turned up to 15 deg. and works on long par 3s and on fairways, with a good lie, I can get 170 yrds. Even worm burners go further! Great addition to my bag.

[@jopo7996]

I wonder how Minnie Driver feels about this.

[@Ghost-Of-Kyiv-]

😂😂😂🎉

[@thebigkahuna2753]

That's GOLD !!

[@lucasgrant-maw5619]

Kirkland Driver in the background 🧐

[@tombennett9790]

They knew what they were doing with that.

[@RunnaNo1]

It was there in the last video too

[@PJo336]

Kirkland review coming!!!

[@andrewash4393]

Dropping Easter eggs

[@snaphookright4767]

I’ve been intrigued by the mini driver through many of its iterations and they have nailed it in this and the previous version. The weight forward option was the difference maker. By way of background, I’m one of those that can hit their fairway wood further than driver. This is because I can consistently “hit down” with my clubs. I can hit my driver high on the face and get max distance that exceeds the mini driver, but I’m not as consistent hitting up than I am hitting down, hence the variable distance with driver. Unsurprisingly, my average distance with this is in between my driver and 3w. However, I have so much confidence with this that I can reach my driver when I really start swinging freely. I terms of gapping, my next club is a 17* super hybrid that replaces 3 wood, then a 19* hybrid. Basically, at the top end of my bag I have gone with the shortest shafts possible opting for consistency, and relying on doing pushups, or other exercises, for strength and speed. We’ll see if this works out.

[@goosegotagun3071]

Played my first round with it today. I am playing around 21, still pretty new to golf, but it fills me with confidence from the tee box. Didn't feel like i needed my driver today to be honest. For a weekend warrior like myself with very limited time for practice, this just works.

[@user-ts3ib3ek6m]

Hi Rick. I am a Senior golfer, playing to a 4 handicap index. I bought an 11.5* Taylormade Mini Driver two weeks ago and I love it. Replaced my driver, why? The feel is awesome, it sends the ball on a boring flight and I get some run out, very controlled. I'm not chasing distance, I'm too old but I have gained 20 to 30 yards over my driver. I was getting good flight with my Srixon Z5 Driver but no run out. Probably because I wasn't fitted but that's an issue of location (no club fitters nearby). Anyway I love the Mini Driver and it's a steady performer. Love your videos, keep up the great work. Cheers from Atlantic Canada

[@jimharty1604]

It's not for everyone, but to some it's prefect. I picked up a used Original One Mini last year (11.5deg) and love it. Always wanted to try it, and by buying it used if it didn't work I could always sell it for what I paid and get my $ back. Put me in the category of player that just can't get on with a driver, always found the length and head size too unwieldly. Often, I used to find my 3W longer than my D (3W would fly straight and D would be massive slice). The Mini is a fairway finder. Off center strikes with the Mini go as far as my 3W centered, and the Mini centered is not far behind the "potential" distance I rarely get out of my D.

[@minisandgolf8933]

I picked one up as a 3 wood replacement and I absolutely love it. There are quite a few holes at my course that driver just isn’t worth the risk.

[@timothyhuckaby8256]

Love this! I love the retro vibe this mini driver brings. My dad had the original burner with the bubble shaft!

[@davidmumma4084]

I typically carry a driver, 2 iron thru approach wedge, a couple of vokeys, and putter. I had a bad day with driver yesterday, and seeing this video I am now considering the mini driver. I can hit it off the tee and deck, so it may be a better choice for me on days where it is the only wood in the bag. Loved the video. Happy to see HIT with frequent posts. Fun.

[@ryanmarshall3487]

The inside out head over look was THE thing for us in high school golf from ‘99-‘03. I had to skip forward to find out immediately when it was brought up at the beginning of the video. Always a pleasure to see those make a small comeback.

[@Bingerz11]

Is it just me , or was the quality of the video poor at the beginning. Either way loved the vid. Keep them coming Rick!

[@fatcully2012]

Lighting definitely off

[@ryanj1262]

Yeah me too. Weird. Normally they're sharp.

[@Hassanryt]

that section of the video didn't render properly

[@VanishingImage]

@@Hassanryt yea that seems to be the issue, its not a lighting or issue in his studio it was uploaded with issues. Either KZbin or just got messed up during upload.

[@kravdraa7]

He's got the settings wrong and the ISO probably too high, with the NR kicking in big-time...??

[@pekkalaaksonen8384]

Thanks Rick! Good one! I have the older version and I love it. Works also in conjunction with the driver. Driver for wider and longer fairways, this for narrower/shorter and will suffice and works also on the deck. Much more confidence inspiring than three wood, because of the size and the gapping works well between the driver and the 5/7 wood. Awesome club (for me at least).

[@KMMHL2012]

As a slicer of the golf ball with a driver, and someone with a steep angle of attack, Driver is in the woods, and a 3W is skied, this club is a godsend. Gives me the forgiveness of a larger face, I can come down steep, and the backspin is manageable. so I go from 30% fairways found to 65%....

[@ConfusedCurling-ob5lo]

Hi Rick , bought one of these 3 weeks ago as I was really struggling with my driver. Worked well but then had an invite to the belfry and so went back to my driver and smashed it. Maybe a good addition in windy conditions when needed or for a little confidence booster when the big dog isn’t behaving. Worst case scenario I can always stick on eBay and make a huge profit. Win win

[@bjjbenoit]

The thing I like about mini driver is if you swing a driver hard. Your driver is fit to a high swing speed. A 7.5 degree driver with stiff shaft isn't great for taking a half swing. So if you want to get some distance but with a bit more control it is great.

[@folmerchristensen323]

It’s absolutely beautiful club! I still have my old burner irons from the 90’s and my son started with the too! I still love hitting them. And have the Ti bubble 2 driver! I love the copper. I just bought a set of p790 the next week they came out with copper ones! Super bummed I didn’t wait another one to two weeks before buying my p790. But oh well!

[@Ironhide8500]

I was gonna get the QI10. Then I seen your reduced price Sim2 Max review.. so I bought the Sim2 Max and with the money I saved, I put that extra money towards a Brnr Mini Driver in 11.5 that I had to drive hours 1 way just to get my hands on it… love it so much… replaced my 3 wood and also use it if driver gets outta wack… love your content as always Rick!

[@knightriderkitt3000]

So did you even test the QI10 and Sim 2 Max to see if the results are the same for you? If I recall, the shaft he used in both clubheads isn’t one you can get in the Sim 2 Max so just buying one off the shaft probably isn’t the best idea without testing.

[@TheShaming]

I swapped out the driver with this. I hit more fairways than ever before, with little difference in yardage. I now have a mini driver, 5 wood and 7 wood. There is golf equipment out there to make it easier for us, and this is one of those products.

[@TheKevfromcanada]

I demoed last year’s model last fall on the range, and I absolutely loved it. Something about smaller club heads forces my subconscious mind to concentrate on a good strike. I’m a 12 hcp and I would toss my 460cc Titleist “balloon on a stick” for one of these. I don’t mind the thought of dialling my 3 wood from 15° up to 16°+ and losing 10 yards off my driver if it means I can hit so many more fairways. Also, the “gold-brown” colour is called copper. ;) Love the HIT channel Rick! Keep it up!

[@marcusc8760]

I saw Rory McIlroy doing a promo video for this recently. And he was absolutely smoking it 300 every time. Brought up a great point for pros that do crush it . And certain courses you still want your 300 carry but more narrow and danger courses less forgiving on wayward drives. So they talked about certain courses be would consider using this on.

[@jeremyarnholt134]

I picked up one of these (11.5 degree) for a couple reasons. I have good distance with a driver but can be quite eratic. If it's a bad day with the driver, I can switch to this off the tee and be a little more in control. But mostly, it's a complete 3w replacement. I hit a high ball with everything but a driver, so I can pick an 11.5 off the turf, hit further than the 3w, and keep it low enough that it doesn't get in trouble in the windy conditions I play in. It's a wonderful club. Niche, but fantastic.

[@felonnious]

I bought one last year I absolutely love it I didn't like the fact that my yardage seem to suffer from a big driver but I can't hit a big driver safe or straight this year I bought a big driver after hitting the mini driver and now I've gained my distance I almost used it as a training tool for a big driver as I was never able to hit a big driver without slicing it.

[@fretless05]

Here's my take on why this is a popular club: modern golf teaching produces a lot of beginning golfers that struggle with slice and a club with a lighter head and shorter shaft will help them close the face while giving a bit more forgiveness than a typical 3W, which people complain about almost as much as driver. Honestly, I have hit this driver and didn't get on with it, so it's not an option for me, but the newer Callaway mini driver which is larger may fit me better. That said, I understand it's an expensive bandaid for an issue in my game, the driver, which could be better fixed with lessons and practice. So, it's a choice between an immediately playable but shorter club or the time and effort of lessons and practice to master the longer driver. As a middle aged mid-handicap weekend player, I'm not sure which choice I'll make.

[@alextruelove7198]

My take: many golfers don't carry their driver very far and therefore don't need to gap out 14 clubs over 0-300+ yards like Rory. It's either smaller gaps or 12-15y gaps with a couple extra/fun clubs like a 2 wood/mini second driver.

[@andre1022c4]

As an Ultra High Handicap and beginner golfer (30.7 on second season), I’m a big fan of my 16° TM SLDR Mini Driver. I found that it has been a more consistent club for me than my driver and 3 wood. I’ve noticed significantly less dispersion left and right. While I’m still getting lessons and working on the consistency of my swing and strike my mini driver and 5 hybrid are my go to clubs off the tee. Lastly, on a long par 4 or par 5 I’m delighted to hit my mini driver out of the rough.

[@erichann9335]

It's selling out cause they aren't producing a ton of these. If they remade the Golf pride Victory Chords they'd sell out in minutes. We love a throwback.

[@robertakerson7186]

Mr. Shiels- I submit that this club is really closest to being a 2 wood (brassie). I think lots of golfers probably could benefit from the shorter shaft and higher loft than a typical driver has. Plus it does not look like one of the old Fred Flintstone clubs from my youth. Fun video! Bob

[@stop736]

I was a caddy back when the original Burner came out. It was in all the members bags it seemed like. Ping Eye 2 irons or Tommy Armour 845’s irons were what a lot of guys used. I loved being a caddy honestly. I was good at keeping my mouth shut even as a teenager. 😅

[@paulsummerside]

When I played a lot years ago I always nailed my 3 wood & would split the fairway. Whereas I could often be a bit wayward with driver. If I could get the same consistency with a mini-driver as i got with a 3 wood then a mini-driver would go straight into the bag. Maybe not at the price they are asking. I’d take consistency over distance every day of the week. But I do really love the retro looks. Heck, if I could fill my bag with clubs that all had retro looks and feels, maybe even a retro looking bag, I’d be there in a flash. Oh btw, it’s the driver that I would take out of the bag. The logic being; let’s set the scene, walk up to the tee with all your mates in a 4 ball, and the head covers come off the clubs you’re going to play. Now prior to getting to the tee, thought is 3iron or 4iron, perhaps 3 wood, but at least 2 of your mates are going with the big stick, of course you are going to follow suit, no matter what logic says, it’s that combination of ego and peer pressure of not being left out, by taking what you might perceive as being the wimp out play, even if it’s the sensible play to simply play for position. If you’ve deliberately left the driver at home or have popped in a mini-driver, you can still save face & have a really nice excuse for being a few yards back down the fairway when one of your mates is 20 yards in front of you on the fairway, one has sliced into the woods and another has drawn his shot so much he’s on another fairway. Yep, I’ll take that mini driver .

[@TheTurdEye]

He answered his own question at the beginning, 2 types of player game these. All the comments are proof that there absolutelty is a market for this club. I am the first type, new golfer who can sometimes break 90 but struggle with accuracy with driver. I still practice my driver it is getting way better so at some point I might use the mini less but for now it's a fairway finder 250ish yard and it's perfect!

[@loganjensen9983]

Have you tried a 13 degree driver with a 44 inch shaft? It'd be even more forgiving than this

[@TheTurdEye]

@@loganjensen9983 I have not but this winter I practiced and was able to get a more neutral swing path and swing on the way up properly. Being out to in so much was my main problem. Hitting driver feels great now I just need to practice more to be really comfortable to take it out on the course. I want to break 90 everytime I play so I am careful about finding fairways more than maximum distance off the tee. I have a ping g425 max and I did cranked it to 12degree and actually hit my longest drive on the simulator. It's in progress!

[@Kenmcfarland001]

The elephant in the room is that modern day drivers are very inconsistent to hit accurately. This mini driver is super easy to hit with little change in set up required. Used mine for the first time last weekend with out even practising with it first. My handicap came down for the first time in a long time. Didn’t loose a single ball off the tee. Fantastic club .

[@muemue888]

consistency is probably why people love it. easier to strike compared to something with a longer shaft and you also have the benefit of using it 2-3 times reducing swing adjustments.

[@wessims3412]

Well done Rick! In following your videos for many years I know you’re normal desired carry is about 280 yards. Many of the new 2024 drivers have failed to even reach that mark! If they meet it they barely hit a couple of yards past that, But here is a club that is likely at least 2 1/2° higher loft than the drivers that you test and try your hardest to carry 280 yards and get over 300 here is a mini driver that carries 287 yards and rolls out to 311 yards! How often does your old ping G425 not meet that distance LOL? I’m sure the new cobra dark Speed LS is capable of that and more however this little club is a bomber! That’s why they are sold out

[@markreider9663]

It’s all about the dispersion I think. I still have my old 90’s Burner 9.5* driver with the bubble shaft - straightest hitting driver I ever played with.

[@RichEvansGolf]

This was the first mini driver I purchased, I use it because it goes straight, very very straight and I hit it between 265-270 carry. If my driver is acting up or it’s very tight I pull out the mini driver. Also have a few courses that my driver is too long for, so the mini driver comes in huge for the drop of distance from my driver, and I generally just leave the big stick at home for those courses now and am able to throw another club in. Also it’s pretty insane off the deck.

[@JosephPacia]

I'd honestly be curious to see you take it out on the course and use it as your driver in a future video or two or more.

[@Goonertopcat]

I use last years, and I’m hitting as far as my m8s do with their drivers, I’ve never been some1 who can hit a driver consistently so bought it last year after I had the SLDR 1 , love it

[@beaulandexavier5486]

Can't drive can't spell?

[@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 Rick cheers from Vulcan Canada

[@jasonphilp4444]

Huge fan of all your stuff Rick 👍 I’d say this was a perfect club for you after some of your rounds the last 6 months. Especially seeing where your driver has been putting you. Bet you wish you had it when you played Sergio). Please do a break 75 with it

[@randalllassila9090]

I got this driver last year & really like it. First of all, the shorter shaft--43.75, makes it easier to control at my height (5'8"). I had been playing a Ping G425, which I hit will, but not consistently in the sweet spot. With the massive heads on today's drivers, there were times I felt the ball just got lost in that huge face. I'm teeing the ball a lot lower with the burner and hitting the sweet spot far more consistently. I'm normally carrying it 225 to 230, which is satisfactory at age 67. Yesterday, I rolled one out to 270 and another to 262, so it's good for me. Last year I got on a par 5 in 2 with a 255 yard roller with the burner off the deck. I don't think Rick is taking this driver seriously enough. There's a niche for it, and I'm in it. Mine is the 11.5.

[@edlo8099]

For a minimalist golfer like myself I love that I can have one less club. With a mini driver I now only need 8 clubs. Mini driver,3 hybrid,5,7,9,pw,sw putter.

[@iLovettGolf]

I play a LOT of rounds so often take a half or quarter set out - Mini Driver is a staple that can shotshape surprisingly well

[@dannystarbs]

100%

[@HalfSetJeff]

Drop the PW and you have a “perfect half set”!

[@bartbennema6672]

I stopped playing golf about 20 years ago. Last year started again and I simply can't get used to the big 460 cc driver, it's way to big for me. The mini driver was a real gift and it performed very wel for me.

[@richardlamb7791]

I have to agree with a few comments I’ve already seen on here; you don’t get it but you are hitting everything down the middle which I very rarely see you do on driver reviews or course vlogs. I’ve played with quite a few people who use mini drivers and everyone of them swears by them; they are great clubs and combined with the retro looks for nostalgia value is why this club is selling out.

[@GolfTestDummy]

Ive talked about my 300 Mini on my channel, and I didnt get it at first either... but, its changed my tee game. Bigger, modern drivers have such massive heads, and the face is enormous. Its like swinging a balloon on a stick. Lots of drag.

[@SasquatchTour]

Simple Rick. I added last year's 13.5 model to the bag to replace the 3W. I would rather choke down and tee down a driver than hit a 3W off the tee. Driver is so much more forgiving. Most courses I play half of the par 5s have water around the green so if you are 250y plus carry out it is a dangerous shot and being a longer player i rarely have the yardage for a 3w into greens which means the 3W needs to be more accurate than the driver off the tee to be useful in the bag which is why I use the mini driver since I probably hit 9 tee shots for every shot off the fairway with a 3W. I setup the mini driver to have the same ball flight and spin as a 3W. The mini driver is a little faster ballspeed than a 3W with the same shaft length and spins more with the same loft setting. The three biggest advantages with the mini driver is the having the extra spin and forgiveness it makes for an easy club to draw without risking a toe low spin hook and the taller face makes for an easy low launch trajectory into wind. The third advantage is for someone that hits up on a driver about 3-5 degrees, having a mini driver with a 3W length shaft makes it easier to get a zero attack angle and control start lines. My AOA with a 3W are 0 to 1 degree up sometimes hitting high on the face with a shallow 3W when I tried to hit down. The taller Mini D face allows me to get 0 to 1 degree down off the fairway and with the weighting on the club it actually is easy to elevate. It's a fantastic option off the tee or occasionally from the fairway.

[@adrianneale3368]

Getting on a bit with a slow swing speed, so couldn't get a 3W off the deck. A few years ago I bought a 2nd Callaway XR 'driver' but set to 15.5deg (13.5 +/-2), and one inch shorter than my other XR Driver set to 12.5deg (11.5 +/-2) but it wasn't called mini though 🙄. It gave me a fairway finder in much the same way as this Taylormade club does, and is also handy for some long par 3's (slow swing speed, short hitter). I could easily use just that 3W off the tee but the Drviver isn't that unreliable anyway, but it has been a useful addition. The 5W is fine off the deck anyway. I don't see why more 'wouldn't' want a more 'manageable' driver, so not surprised it's selling well.

[@RVK11-lr2no]

I've tried this out a couple different times (last yrs and this one) and personally can't find any use for it. The 2 key disadvantages I found were it messed up my gapping and I struggled to hit it off the deck. My driver is an 8 degree TSR4 so the small head doesn't bother me and it already flies fairly straight so if I needed to find the yardage between that and the 3W off the tee, I'd just choke down on the driver and basically got the same distance. 3W is the main weakness in my game atm and I've slowly figured out how to hit my SIM2 3W off the deck reasonably well but for some reason I couldn't hit this one off the deck with any consistency. Looks fantastic but won't be going in my bag anytime soon

[@SMUGAMER]

Agree Rick! It does NOT replace my more forgiving/longer driver nor does it replace my 3 wood due to better contact/strike off the deck. It's for those that have a mental block with a 45 inch club or chase distance (extra 10 yards) over their 3 wood. Yet in reality, given strike will be less with Mini off the deck, I bet their AVERAGE shots off the deck will be worse in both distance and dispersion, as compared to a traditional 3 wood (after taking average of 20 or more fairway shots).

[@boabyfirmino3826]

My issue is not being able to turn a driver club face due to the size so i think this would help most people with the same issue. Looks unbelievable, get it in the bag!

[@ndmagic99]

I hate hype and didn’t want to like this but 6 rounds in and it’s the best club i’ve ever bought..and i buy a lot of clubs. Off tee and ground it’s spectacular. I’m a 4 handi and get an easy 265-275 off tee with this and i am stunned how good this is off ground. An easy 250-255

[@ThatBonzaLife]

Recently got the Wilson D9 13.5° 3 wood and it's very similar club, although non adjustable and I got it for £40 definitely one to consider.

[@waynesansom14]

I’m so bad with driver but good with a 3 wood i might have to give this a try.

[@samuelmillers5709]

What difference did you do at address I have replaced my driver with the 2023 version but did you set up like a 3 wood or still like a driver ie ball position and tee hight thanks

[@charlesbarry7479]

What's crazy is that in the old days golfers used to carry a 2 wood. Now we are right back were we started. In the early 2000s I had an Izzo 2 wood. Found it in a sporting good store bargain bin. It was 12 degrees, 43 inched long and impossible to miss the fairway with it. I dumped my driver and 3 wood. 20 years later, wish I still had that club. For a guy that struggles to hit the fairway with his driver, you should put it in the bag. Replacing your driver and 3 wood with the mini would give you a slot for a chipper to use around the green. You're getting to the age where your ego is limiting your scoring.

[@ForeMoreGolf]

I've got one in the bag and it's easily as long as my g430 max only straighter. I've not been brave enough to try it off the fairway yet as my stealth 2 titanium fits that role perfectly.

[@sizzln_bacon4813]

What you dont understand Rick is that not all golfers enjoy/can swing a frying pan sized driver. I love the size of this mini driver. Feel totally connected and in control of the club head at all times.

[@austinmeehan3522]

Loved the AeroBurner Mini Driver. I'll have to try the BRNR.

[@flyinghobbitfpv4483]

Not sure what’s hard to get… I think it’s pretty obvious given how popular this class of club is becoming that it replaces the three wood for a lot of folks. It possibly even replaces driver for people who struggle with a full length driver shaft. Definitely adding my 2023 Mini Driver to the bag has shaved strokes off my scorecard.

[@bradyplustwos]

Very inviting to trade in driver and 3 wood just for this club🤔 gain another wedge 😅 Love the retro look, still have both Burner driver and 3 wood in garage with bubble shafts Great video Rick!

[@williamkerner]

Okay....Ricky I have several bones to pick with you. I think bringing in a guy that is a 10 hcp and hitting this club might give some additional insight. If the average golfer loses 20 yards in hitting this club but they are hitting the fairway 25% more it might be worth it. I do kind of agree with you about "I don't get it." I have a 10.5 Taylormade Sim 2 driver and a Sim 2 fairway wood that is 15 degrees. So I agree with you about "I don't get it" either. I love when you compare cheaper clubs with the higher price ones, I'm still waiting for you to review MacGregor MT-86 and the RAM FX-77. I will keep nagging you until you review these clubs, best wishes Bill.

[@nicksundstrom7341]

I remember the pure joy of turning my burner bubble head covers inside out when I was 14 and finding that haha

[@gilguisler2215]

I’d use it for tight fairways and/or the necessity to hit a drive that doesn’t go as far to avoid trouble like water or bunkers. I currently have an old Callaway 3+ wood that’s 12.5° that I use for this situation. If this new mini driver did that but more consistent and forgiving, I’d be interested.

[@lavin214]

A guy I play with uses one as a strong 3 wood. He practically never hit his 3 wood off the ground, it only got used off the tee. They are perfect if you want a 3 wood that you only hit off the tee and want something easier to hit.

[@jsnoble23]

Love how he placed the Costco Driver box in the background. 😂

[@as14842]

Replaced my 3 wood with this. I’m not getting as much height as I would like but still a work in progress.

[@onthemarc22]

I am struggling with my driver but can hit my 300 Mini Driver the same distance and right down the middle. I love having it as an option

[@jpm.06]

I can imagine someone having a normal driver, this mini driver and maybe like a 4/5 wood, instead of like a 2 iron or hybrid or something. For people who prefer fairway wood/driver shapes as opposed to an iron or hybrid shape.

[@iLovettGolf]

I go driver > brnr > 5 wood - rotating out either a high/low bounce wedge depending on the ground and adding in a 2i if it’s wildly windy

[@jeremyarnholt134]

I hit a high ball. I can build a driver to stay low, but this thing is great for a 3w replacement. Then my next club is a Cobra Bio Cell 2i hybrid set to 17.5° that I seem to hit lower than any 5w.

[@kenhill3601]

Absolutely love mine. More control. And ball flight gets me ridiculous runout. Fairly easy to shot shape as well

[@user-ku4bv6oj7g]

I could see this coming in handy in a 4 or 5 club challenge, good mix between driver and 3 wood

[@scottysize]

I don’t understand why Rick doesn’t get this club, as he doesn’t like his Threewood anymore than I did. I got rid of my three wood last year and went to this burner club and never regretted it. It’s the most accurate club in my bag.

[@foreleafsports]

Mini Driver/5w set up is underrated.

[@jl3303]

“8 bit Rick isn’t real, he can’t hurt you” 8 bit Rick:

[@NextFairwayNorm]

Coolest club ever made get on board Rick. It’s like art work in your golf bag. I replaced my 3 wood with the Mini Driver and mostly hit 3 wood from the tee. It play like a 2 wood/ strong 3 wood. Ask Tommy why he uses one. Did you hit the mini driver further than your driver 😊

[@MichiganJohn]

Love to see this matched up to your favorite 3w off the tee.

[@Dropthemout]

I bought last year's model and put a mitsubishi tensei blue 3 wood shaft in it. My fairway percentage went up drastically and I find it easier to hit than my driver. I don't need 300 plus yards every time, I need fairways and this club delivers every time.

[@darrenmcgowen2705]

I think it definitely has a place for many players. I'm sure it's easier to shape for the better player and a little easier to control for a mid-high hdcp

[@iLovettGolf]

Yeah I’ve not seen reviews on workability but that’s the best thing I find about mine… due to bulge and roll high/low on the head makes cool flights easy and heel-toe is so much more forgiving than a 3w or 1iron

[@MissingLinkCards]

I saw a huge change in performance when I changed the stock shaft to my Ventus Red 6-S .

[@chrish1585]

For players like myself who have trouble hitting a giant head driver, but hit smaller head drivers just fine. I play an R580 with a head size roughly the same as the mini driver.

[@Steve-jq4st]

I’ve just ordered a BRNR 13.5. I hit my Ping Max 430 driver pretty well but my 3 wood is basically useless as I can hit my 5 and even 7 Ping 430s further off the tee or deck most of the time. When I get it my 3 is going to take a holiday in the garage. I’m looking to see if the BRNR lives up to the hype.

[@derekunderwood3356]

I think a lot of golfers don't like how shallow the 3 wood's faces have become. I know that is beneficial in its own way but it doesn't come with the same cofidnence as a mini driver or deeper faced 3 wood, especially when hitting off of a tee. 3 woods seem to get used more off of the tee box than in the fairways in my experince. And if you are buried in some rough, you always have your hybrid or long iron options.