The MINI Driver that really impressed me! (Callaway Ai Smoke Mini)

[@Packer2401]

I'm 65, a mediocre-at-best golfer, and my driver has long been my biggest issue in our golf league, adding strokes to my round on half my tee shots. The Ti 340 Mini Driver came to my attention two weeks ago and I immediately ordered one. Got it two days ago and hit it last night for the first time in our winter simulator league. With the two-inch shorter shaft and the smaller head, I had better control of the club during the swing. The head is much larger and taller than a fairway wood; it feels like a driver head. The shot lengths rivaled my driver and my accuracy was much better. I had a playable lie following every drive. On the two par 5s, I even tried hitting my second shots off the deck with the Ti 340. No trouble getting the ball up, good height and length surpassing my now retired three wood. At night's end, I was jazzed. Can't wait to hit this outdoors. Most of the online golf reviews are done by excellent players and a common critique is where would the club fit in their bags, who is this club for? Man, it's for guys like me! Imagine feeling confident on the tee box with a sense of where the ball is headed!

[@nic38211]

Probably the tightest dispersion we've ever seen you hit Rick honestly. I'm not playing over 6,400 yards any time soon but if I did this would for sure be in the bag between driver and first wood.

[@Steve-jq4st]

Played my 13.5 BRNR mini driver yesterday in a competition for the first time. Hit every fairway except one where I was at fault. Only around 10 meters shorter than my G430 Max 10.5 driver at worst but straighter and lower flight (using a lower tee?). We have good fairways and I hit it better than my G430 three wood, longer, straighter and lower with good run. I took my driver and three wood out of the bag to resist temptation and will be leaving them out in future. The mini driver is literally a game changer. You need one Rick.

[@jwilder2251]

The shorter shaft is what makes it easier. I went to 43.75” in my normal 10.5 deg driver and it’s been a game-changer. Put that to the test, Rick!

[@themuscovyducks]

Mini driver is perfect for if someone regularly plays shorter courses and wants more accuracy. I would say sub 6500 yards on older style American courses or links courses it would help a lot of people, especially those who struggle with driver and prefer 3 metal.

[@3nCounting]

Or if you actually play from the correct set of tees...

[@joeflynn7768]

If I could 10k like this to get you to put it in the bag I would!!!! Do a round where you crank it down to 11 degrees and use as your driver on the front 9 then put it back to 13 degrees and use it as a 3wood on the back9!!! Love the HIT channel great content!

[@karlmeaden6868]

Great idea this. 💡

[@nicholasmcvey]

Been a subscriber for years Rick. I've legit never seen you hit a club so effortlessly, that straight, that distance. That clubs seems like an easy "shut my brain off, and push the ball 250 dead straight down the fairway"

[@delhump22]

I don't know why you wouldn't at least throw it in the bag for a few rounds and see how/if it benefits your game! I'm an avid viewer, watch every episode of Break 75, etc. I don't see you pulling 3 wood THAT often from the fairway/rough, and this would at least give you another option off the tee when driver goes a bit haywire. . .definitely think it's at least worth a shot! Great review!

[@cheslyndavids7370]

Bros got a point

[@Johndavidson4]

Rick gets fitted for all the best clubs in the world, plays and practices as much as he wants, and gets lessons and advice from literally legendary golfers and teachers. Yet he still struggles. Equipment is the 100% not Ricks problem. The work need to go into his mental game. I understand that the courses played by the man are above average difficult, and every shot being seen by millions of people puts on pressure. But based on actual time swinging a golf club, im shocked at his consistency levels.

[@delhump22]

@Johndavidson4 yeah. . .I think there's quite a difference between getting all those lessons, playing all these rounds, etc., for content purposes versus if Rick was out there trying to just play the best golf he could. Definitely not saying that a club is going to fix issues (pretty sure Rick doesn't say that either). But there's certainly nothing wrong with making a club switch like this to see if it leads to better scores/finding more fairways, especially for someone who admits to having never tried a switch like this/that style of club before. I won't say anything negative about Rick's game - I think there's an untold amount of pressure and the fact that he plays all the courses, often for the first time, while being filmed, and is still able to post decent scores (because let's face it, sub 85 on tour level courses for anyone but a tour pro or a plus handicapper is still really decent golf) is still impressive. And More importantly, entertaining to watch!

[@inb4230]

​@@Johndavidson4equipment DOES play a big role in Rick's case tough, because he insists in putting a low spinning driver in the bag when he misses it both ways with driver,insists in putting thin cavity back irons in the bag when he's got that snap hook tendency so the less his irons can work the ball the better he'll be so game improvement players irons alone would win him probably 3 shots per round and insists in using vokey wedges with probably tour grind and bounce because they look good in the bag and make him look like a +player. A driver like this, some Cleveland wedges with 10/12° and a set of say AP3's or P790s and I would bet 10k he'll break 75 every single time, I remember a video he shot around level or one under using only some Callaway game improvement irons, rogue's or apexes can't remember, then proceed to put some taylormade half blades in the bag I'm surprised he didn't game the Ricky Fowler set to be honest 😂 Rick should prove me wrong and play with a mid handicap set for a couple rounds,some big head strong irons so he doesn't need to pull 4i 200 yards out wich is ridiculous,some Cbx wedges and a high spinning driver so he can experience an approach from the fairway once in a while!

[@FF04RDF]

Good comment ! Absolutely agree with you

[@per-davidalm1434]

I use this club (Callaway Mini Driver 11.5 set to 12.5 with 12g weight in the front position) as a pure driver replacement. I love it! Much improved accuracy but I lose some distance compared to my paradym driver. More specific carry distance. Mini driver might be around 10-15 yards shorter!? But i flies like a bullet and runs forever after carry so average distance is not far from a normal driver. But standing on every tee box knowing the ball will end up in a playable spot beats the slightly shorter distance👍😃

[@garyglad]

Interesting video, Rick. If you are worried about the loss of distance, why not try this experiment: play a round with 2 balls where, on the longer holes, you play one ball normally with your main driver and drop the second ball 240/250 yards from the tee in the middle of the fairway and see what you score from there? What is the difference between short/straight and long/inconsistent?

[@GolfGunsNGears]

265 yard tight draws on repeat and virtually no negatives off the deck. You either need to replace your 3 wood with the 13.5* immediately or give the 11.5* a go at your driver. The ball flight mixed with the confidence you have in the club is a must have Rick.

[@deadgum11]

Bought one of these and love it, haven't lost much distance and I hit the middle a lot more often

[@travman39]

Walked out of my golf shop 20 minutes after watching this video today. 20 minutes later I’m laughing on the driving range having the most fun range session, what a club! Great review, I didn’t even know about this club but you sold me!

[@Tau-]

My “mini driver” is an old big bertha 2 wood with a steel shaft. Super forgiving and I like the taller face! And it was only $10 mint condition!

[@RadioJack]

Just got mine in today. Took it out on the course. Perfect addition to my AI Smoke Max driver and AI Smoke Max 5 wood. Gave up my 3 wood and 7 wood and it's a perfect combo.

[@danielnoftall1633]

I am a Taylormade guy, been branching out more now but the mini driver is just an oversized 3wood. That ai smoke actually looks like what a mini driver is. Sounded great as well.

[@dustincorradino3048]

Hell yea been waiting for this video. I gotta say Rick you’re hitting that mini driver straight as an arrow buddy. Maybe consider putting it in the bag and can’t wait for the head to head mini driver video! I knew it was coming

[@DeeJayStrokes]

Even with him hitting this club better off the ground. For the other mini drivers he’s reviewed, he’s said he doesn’t understand the purpose of it. Watching all of the break 75’s, he only hits his 3wood 1-2 times a round maybe. There are plenty of holes he could hit mini and have more accuracy and be just short of trouble off tee boxes…more often.

[@rdalmasso7326]

Using 3 wood few times is quite normal, some course ill use the 3 wood 1 or 2 times, some ill use 9 times. I dont get what you say, a mini driver isn’t much more forgiving than nowadays 3 wood, and a 3 wood is so much more versatile.

[@DeeJayStrokes]

@@rdalmasso7326 the few times is more of the issue. The point is having more options that give you more of an advantage. Mini gives you a larger face and for most amateurs that gives more confidence or safety. I’d argue that the advantage of being able to hit Mini off more tee boxes out ways hitting 3wood off tee boxes for most amateurs. I’d also say more often than not, hitting 3wood into par 5’s leaves amateurs in less advantages spots than if they would have chosen to hit a hybrid or iron.

[@MichaelSisley-fw3xr]

My driver is a 3W. All I focus on is keep it on the short grass. On my course I have a ridiculous tight fairway that opens up at about the 230yd mark. On that hole, 7W for me from the tee. It goes straight and I am at 175yds. I think there are a lot of people that would benefit with a mini driver vs Driver for a lot of shots. Retiring the driver has lowered my handicap. Adding woods down to 11W helped. It all comes down to where the ball goes. If it is in trees or water , the creek or sand, you are adding strokes. Use the tools that help you the most.

[@lawbinson]

I think these are actually really good to have when playing in the wind if your normal driver flight is quite high. Longer and easier to hit than a Driving Iron.

[@fredtotal33]

Many decades ago they used to call these a 2 wood. My first set of clubs when I was 14(now I'm 75) had a 1-2-3-4 woods. I used the 2 wood quite often...of course back then the woods were wood and much smaller than todays clubs....but the 2 wood served the same purpose. they were H&B Power Built

[@mbfblues1431]

I put the BRNR mini in to replace my 3 wood...off the deck it is WAY easier to hit! I love it! Struggled with fairway woods for so long...but no more!

[@WilliamWright-hf8ob]

Love mini drivers , have both the new Callaway and the new Taylor , i like them both but the Taylor for me is better , easier off the deck and I like the head size better but can't go wrong with either !!!

[@Captainchaos14]

just bought an 11.5 head from the van. absolutely stoked to get it rolling

[@DHall24]

Looking to put one of these in the bag. Plan on keeping my driver, 9 degree and using this club for tighter fairways and tee shots where driver can get me into trouble. Might ditch the 3 wood, and get a APEX UW 17 degree as a 3 wood replacement and shots into par 5’s.

[@Krusher_WrW]

I would absolutely be putting this in the bag!! 🤘

[@xJoeSL]

Been waiting for this one ❤

[@BrandonGavin_EDC]

That’s like the size of my old Titleist 975J. I freaking loved that driver. You could almost play that as a 3 wood in the bag.

[@AFTERMATH_8]

PUT IT IN THE BAG!!!!!!!!! Love thr content and really think your next break 75 video should be with the new mini driver .

[@G1ngerNinja]

Funny, as I've just been experimenting with my driver. I have a Cobra F9 driver and I've also got a Cobra F6 3 wood so I decided recently to swap the shafts over. So driver with 3 wood shaft about 2inches shorter and 3 wood with driver shaft. I was quite surprised when using them that they actually worked. Still didn't stop me slicing them though unfortunately.

[@Rudisascencio]

That thing is a best beast! Callaway has been so good the last few years!

[@TheMustangGolfer]

I definitely think you should test it head to head with your 3 wood. We don't see you get excited about golf clubs very often like you did this. I think it could be a great 3 wood option for you!

[@5Iron]

I still have my 340CC driver I bought when it was 'large'. I swear there are times I'll break it out and feel I'm doing better than with my 460CC driver. One thing to consider is that the ball takes up a larger percentage of the club face area.

[@pcodd33]

Ai Smoke Carry 244, total 261 TaylorMade BRNR Carry 251, total 268 Both in 13.5 degrees of loft, why the love for the Ai and not for the BRNR? 😂

[@knightriderkitt3000]

Thank you! I was wondering the same thing! And the dispersion isn’t all that different either!

[@bobj8877]

Rick obsesses with looks lol. Except most people find the BRNR to be exceptionally beautiful.

[@nikmc7539]

Love to see some different shafts in these woods. Head to head velocore v non velocore. Tour AD reviews. I’d bet……..you pick up some performance with the right shaft. AD-DI or the VR

[@ronswinford4952]

At that loft it is a 2 wood. With a longer shaft it would be a replacement for driver with some people. I think a mini-driver, 4 wood, 7 wood lineup would help on some courses where you need to be straighter off the tee.

[@jamielahugh8316]

Straight in the bag Rick!

[@toxicroak_gaming6754]

seems like a good thing to put in the bag. You praised it so much

[@mikemorales6591]

I liked this video just to see this club go in the bag. You better do it.

[@michaelrogers3582]

I think you need to compare it to a 3 wood off the tee and off the deck so we can see if it is worth putting in the bag. Keep up the great work.

[@tomreidy1237]

I have an older Cobra driver made before they became so large. I carry it in my bag and use it when I absolutely need to find the fairways

[@sheevakai]

Can you put in the lower spin setting as well? Thanks

[@starnerd1366]

I will admit I bought this years Taylor made and started hitting it off the tee and it is working wonder knocked my handicap down by 4 I’m still a 20 but now my tee game is a lot better then it was

[@brunsonbehning4724]

Rick, you have to try the TSR2+ fairway wood. It is an absolute rocket. Fairway finder off the tee and so easy to hit off the deck. I struggle with finding the perfect fairway wood and I switched to it a couple months ago and I don’t see it coming out of the bag anytime soon.

[@mattrusthoven1060]

Just rewatched the brnr review and I don’t get it, Rick was hitting the taylormade just as straight and a little further than this (a lot of his shots there carried in the 260s and rolled out to the 270s) - he even said “sold” on it before saying he “didn’t get it” - is it just the look of this that makes him feel more confident or something?

[@TheTdriver9]

Unfortunately Rick seems to be caught up in the “ego” of not hitting anything that helps his game. Trying to play blades and low spin drivers when he’s not in as good of form as he used to be and still struggles to find fairways and short game issues. Lots of golfers myself included like to think we are better than we actually are 😂 and rule out clubs that would help a lot

[@Slowrida123]

@@TheTdriver9 I don't think Rick is sponsored by Ping or TaylorMade. Bashes the clubs before he even hits them, has great results then says things like 'I don't get it' or 'The sound is tinny'.

[@nikmc7539]

Take out a hybrid? Maybe switch up wedges, take out highest lofted? I don’t know where this fits but I’ve hit it too with almost exact results

[@FF04RDF]

Really fancy one of those. I play 3 wood off the tee on 2 holes sometimes 3 at my home course and I’m ok with a 3w but they’re not the easiest even off a tee. Rarely hit 3w off the deck as my home course is pretty short. This has me thinking 🤔

[@16pennynails]

Maybe a little larger than an original Great big bertha, I dont remember those numbers anymore, the overall length (43.75) is like the old days too, and probably my favorite feature here. Looks like a fairway finder to me!

[@Roberto-bd9fq]

I've been thinking of one, but it really ticks me off way they are doing it, to make the most possible money by doing limited runs. So, I will probably never get one, as even used they are not cheap, though it would probably be of use to me. I would do the 11.5 as a driver replacement which is currently a 910 D2, the great grandaddy of modern drivers.

[@jessepippin9698]

I'd be curious to see how it performs with a longer shift. Also, just as a comment on mini drivers in general; I feel like they've basically just reinvented the traditional 1 wood.

[@matthewgruver602]

Yeah Rick. Comparisons on if there’s a difference to a normal driver. Considering this for narrows tee shots and par 5s. Let’s see you dive in!!!!🔥🔥🔥

[@georgemanners2575]

Keen to try a mini driver !

[@Justgamingbrobro]

As for someone new to the game and struggling a bit with driver but very comfortable with long irons, should I lean more towards a mini driver with more loft while I continue to learn or will it hinder the progress I can make just practicing with a normal driver

[@SamRowe-q9f]

You know what we’re saying brother! Bloody put it in the bag!!!

[@rdalmasso7326]

Honestly, i do like Titleist more than any other brands, but i had so many different 3 woods, some impressed me more or less, but the TSR2 is a bomb ! It’s really like a mini driver but super versatile,I’m not necessarily a big hitter as a 3 handicap but i can hit 275 yards high draw, straight or a touch cut 265 yards stock shot, and be sure the carry at least 250 yards off the ground for longer Par 5 second shot. I have tried the mini burnr, even tho it felt nice to hit, i see no clue having this to replace either a Driver or those modern days 3 woods. Genuinely please someone could give their good reason why they would have those mini drivers in the bag and what will it replace ?

[@johnkokott8570]

TaylorMade mini 13.5 turned down to 12 degrees. Am I shorter with it? A bit, yes. Do I find way more fairways? Definitely. Last night: downwind 288, into the wind 256. Works for me, and I am quite a bit older than Rick 😊

[@MikeTrenton-u9c]

Hi Rick, would you recommend mini driver for a senior golfer who doesn’t hit it long. Possibly to replace driver to find the fairway. Thanks

[@fretless05]

Great video Rick; I'm pretty excited about this club and worry that they'll sell out with preorders before I even get a chance to hit one to see if it'd be a good fit in my bag. I simply can't hit my driver with any consistency and I like how this is a mini driver as opposed to TM's version, which looks more like a big fairway. A couple thoughts: first, I'd love to see you try this with a better fit, either using the sleeve or moving the weights or, preferably, to see you get fit to use either the 11.5 or 13.5 properly adjusted and then see how that would compare to your current 3W and driver. After all, to consider putting it in the bag, you'd have do that, right?

[@sandersson2813]

I reckon you could order one, and sell it on of it doesn't suit you without losing much. I'm considering that.

[@fretless05]

@@sandersson2813 I thought about it, but I did hit the TM Mini and couldn't get decent launch numbers with it. I tried the 11.5 and the 13.5 in stiff and reg, but couldn't get any help at the shop so didn't get to try any sleeve adjustments or weight changes. Maybe if I got fit, it might have worked, but it put me off a blind buy.

[@Tommy3Dice]

Genuinely tempted to get one of these, but it would require a complete rebuild of the top end of my bag with at least one more club purchase to make being a 5 wood 🤔

[@kakimotoK20]

Yeah I’m thinking about getting one because I scrapped my 3w and currently just have driver 5w 7w this seems like a perfect addition

[@TheCoopz1992]

That looks unreal, would be great to see it in your bag

[@kadengg1958]

Can you review the vice golf clubs please? I'm curious about how they perform compared tp others

[@kevingowdy3651]

I need this in my bag! 👏👏

[@DavidMacpherson-j8h]

Very interested. I play my Smoke TD 10.5 off the fairway when needed. This interests me very much.....

[@pumpalies1711]

It’s basically an easier 3 wood. Being a lefty it’ll be hard for me to find one 😢 just to get my T200 irons with amt black shafts ( for lower ball flight ) took 5 months. Lol

[@earlwood9977]

I have an old Ti Burner Driver. Looks pretty similar to these mini driver.

[@markbailey9503]

Looks fantastic Rick WOW.🏌‍♂️👍

[@nealhamamura4263]

I got the Callaway mini driver. Don’t need it to hit off the ground. I just want it to hit farther than my 5 wood and hit the fareway.

[@01linnjd]

Can you do a video of Ai Smoke driver v mini driver v 3 wood please? Be interesting to see the difference between the 3 clubs and actually understand where the mini driver sits in all that. Plus feel like it’s been a while since you’ve tested some 3 woods 😅

[@detectivecluggins3843]

Hey Rick! Just thought I’d say your content has been amazing as always, and have loved watching you progress in your game. You are a huge part of the community. Cheers mate!❤️

[@Nikbirdyboy]

Rick Put it in Your bag!

[@wadegunnell]

Rick can you do the vice wedges and irons please !! I’ve been waiting lol

[@BarrieFitzgerald-ch2rw]

How can you be critical of mini driver she’s lovely person

[@DMKFACTOR]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Sungie264]

😂😂😂

[@Sungie264]

😂😂😂

[@TREVINparty]

test out the ai smoke 3 woods, i love them

[@dominationdoctor]

I enjoy how this really looks like a mini driver, but I do see how it may be harder to use out of the fairway with the taller face and the whole bottom of the face not being as close to the ground as a 3w.

[@brannenlive]

I really like the idea of a mini driver. I think it’s worth at least trying it for a round!

[@lawbinson]

Gimme all the Mini Drivers!

[@alexanderperl6945]

How would you say it compares to just having a 5 wood which I'm sure would be easier to hit off the deck?

[@slothsd1]

Need a mini driver challenge at Formby Ladies GC with Rick, Matt and Pete. Callaway and TaylorMade mini drivers plus a Ping kids driver.

[@BobbysMoney640]

I’m gonna say it again, please review a Krank driver for us Rick!

[@robertflint4115]

Rick Shiels is the “Rockstar” of golf content creators. 🤘😎

[@Lybra338]

So he’s through with standing in lines to clubs he’ll never get in?

[@beyoncehadoneofthebest]

please test the 11.5 vs the driver

[@skizzot91r]

I feel like that taylormade qi10 max 3wood looks like a mini driver lol i love it

[@philhazel4810]

Please play around with the loft and weights if you compare it to the driver. If it's a utility driving club, I'd love to see it in low spin mode to see what it can do

[@heysonlanders3366]

Callaway, what a good brand!!

[@jpdst29]

Rick, just throw it in the bag for a couple rounds and see what happens. There’s no harm in that. I said the same thing when you reviewed the Taylor Made Brnr because you were hitting it so well.

[@salparadise7034]

Put it in the bag Rick. No offense but you are the ideal mini driver customer.

[@Stommy-bq9pq]

Would love to see a video against the burner BUT also against a regular driver with the shorter shaft and see how much of a fairway finder that is

[@Thealmostaveragegolfer]

Interesting results

[@Skye_the_toller]

i do not feel that this will be longer than the 3 wood.. may be higher ball that will be hit more by any wind, while it is possible to keep a 3 wood lower and more wind penetrated...

[@johnsola12]

I would love to see Rick add the mini and a 7 or a high loft 5 wood to the bag and to get rid of his 3 wood and 3 iron.

[@Bertieuz]

This video is going to have the most likes of any Rick Shiels video ever

[@joelviney5625]

Great idea to test against the Taylormade mini driver and normal AI Smoke driver but I’d love to see it head-to-head with your 3 wood as that’s what it is really aiming to potentially replace and the spot it would take in your bag. 👍🏻

[@Papa-Bogey]

Excited to see the results for this club. If they keep getting smaller, will my original Big Bertha be “big” again?😅

[@MarkSamora]

I may have to buy this club!

[@samthecann]

please review the takomo irons!

[@ronj9460]

Do a head to head comparison vs a Callaway Bertha Mini 1.5

[@JonathonOliver]

Nice video, go with 15 clubs for a round and see if you use this or 3 wood

[@PlatinumStryker]

I’ve tried a mini driver before. I was always wanting more from it off the tee distance wise, or easier to hit off the ground. Made no sense for me, could not knock out of my bag a full driver or a 3 wood….

[@fatseaturtle]

Callaway Ai competing with Mini Drivers! I am stoked for the Taylormade v Callaway mini Drive off!

[@natebaker8896]

Put it in the bag!