SHORT SHAFT DRIVER VS. MINI DRIVERS // Is the mini driver better than driver with a shaft

[@RomeyStewart]

Great content gents... 4 handicap here... I toyed with the idea of a mini driver but settled on a second shorter driver. The confidence behind the ball being a full size head is undeniable, and I swing smoother bc of it... So I took the 3 wood out of my bag completely (which has always been hot or super cold, and only ever hit it outside the tee box MAYBE 2-3 times every 40 rounds or so), and I replaced it with a PXG 43" 12 deg driver head turned up to 13.5 deg and added an additional 10 gms to the rear port. It is my 260+ fairway finder and I can shape it however I want with confidence... Paired with my PXG 10.5 @ 45", my tee shot arsenal has greatly improved... I wish I would have done this YEARS AGO!!

[@auntielolo2023]

1 handicap female and I've been playing a Titleist 13.5 3+ wood for over 10 years. I could never hit a 15 degree 3 wood to save my life. But the 3+ has been a game changer for me. And I'm a good driver of the golf ball, but giving me that access to par 5's in 2 or another good option for those shorter par 4s has been the reason it's been in my bag so long.

[@shaunkelley55]

Recently purchased the new TM Mini Driver it’s hands down the best club I’ve ever purchased

[@jaehoonjang9398]

Agreed, I bought it a couple of months ago and since then I've been recommending it to all my buddies.

[@shaunkelley55]

@@jaehoonjang9398 100 %

[@factsunbiased5157]

Why did you purchase the Mini, were you struggling with the driver?

[@shaunkelley55]

@@factsunbiased5157 no not at all Drivers one of my strongest clubs, I purchased it initially to hit low flighted bombs teeing it low to potentially replace my 3 wood, but after experimenting with it I cranked it down to 9.5 dg heavyweight forward teed it up high and it’s incredible it goes as far as my driver, and with the shorter shaft it’s so accurate, so I now predominately use it as Driver

[@ddw3968]

@@factsunbiased5157To hit by others driver

[@imCurveee]

I've found a lot of success playing a 3W shaft in my driver. Nice to be in the fairway again.

[@jwfriend6952]

Did you have to adjust the head weight?

[@imCurveee]

@@jwfriend6952 I didn't and it feels fine to me. My driver and 3W shafts weren't the same to begin with though, so hard to compare feel between the two. They're totally different shafts.

[@wannabegolfin24-72]

Interesting. I'm not struggling with my driver at all (actually hitting it better than ever) and I notoriously struggle. I've never thought about going to a 3-wood shaft. Luckily I'm a club builder so I can tinker if I start struggling. Thanks for sharing.

[@dead_prez7266]

@@imCurveee same here - 42.5” length shaft in my Taylormade Sim2, I barely lost any distance and struggle to not find a fairway. So much more confidence. I didn’t change the weight either.

[@hippocampulus7854]

Nice to see this! Just made myself a Ping G425 Max 12 degree "mini driver" at 44" with an 80 gram shaft. Game changer. Use it on all the holes I would normally tee off with 3W. Straighter, longer, and more confidence looking down at a 460 cc head. And my 5W gives me all the distance I need off the deck.

[@TheTurbomopar]

What shaft?

[@Kylez1212]

Dumb question... but 44 inches with the head on I assume?

[@lawbinson]

Probably with a heavier weight on the head?

[@erock1070]

@@lawbinson Actually Ping heads weight pretty heavy to begin with.and they use counterbalanced shafts to bring the swing weight back to normal. If he put in an 80g shaft that is worth a couple extra swing weight points. At 44" it probably plays/feels pretty normal swing weight wise.

[@lawbinson]

@@erock1070 but if you're already used to a Ping driver, or are playing 2, then it helps for consistency to weight them appropriately.

[@ricebowljl]

On holes where I absolutely need to find the fairway, I will choke way down on my driver grip where my hands almost touch the shaft. Creates a situation where it’s about hybrid length but with the forgiveness of the driver head. It’s about 15-20 yards shorter than full driver distance but a reliable fairway finder.

[@starnerd1366]

I bought the Taylor made because I was having trouble finding the fairway off the tee and had issues with my 3 wood and found my mini driver was constantly farther and more consistent fairways I find it easier to hit the smaller head consistently rather then all over the face of the driver

[@jbweezer]

Loved the video and this is the exact comparison the golfing public needs to see. I'm very keen to weigh in on this topic as a golf tinkerer. I was really struggling with my driver last year (ultimately more professional swing lessons fixed this for me this year and I am driving to scratch-golf distance averages and very tight dispersion this year). So I cut my PXG Gen5 driver to 43.75 inches just like the TM mini BRNR length and I re-weighted the head with the optional weight kit. I got the SS and ball flight characteristics that I was after (on Trackman). This club got me off the tee and kept me on the fairways, and to a degree, kept me in the game of golf, as I've only been golfing a few years and always struggled with a slicey driver, that was very frustrating. On average, I was now hitting better fairway-finding drives than my buddies by the end of last season. I got refitted for a premium driver shaft last December and ultimately decided to keep my playing length at 44.5 inches for this year. To me, anyway, that is the sweet-spot for swing speed (no material loss or maybe 1 mph at the most), control/strike, total yardage and dispersion being the most optimal, when looking at all those variables in concert. I also find I have a way easier time training myself to hit up on the ball. Now I can hit this club better than my old mini-driver, which I now sold to my buddy who is still dealing with the even worse driving struggles than I used to have. 10.5 head, lofted up to 12. BIG smile on his face as he is now getting off the tee and staying in play and hitting further because of how the club is setup and because he is hitting it straighter. Changed the game for him and his ego is still intact, imagine that. I am with Ian that if you are going to go down the mini driver route, might as well go the shorter driver route because you get all that extra forgiveness and face real-estate and confidence at address. Ok, last point: I had one more last-gen PXG 12* driver head and a spare shaft kicking around. I got that cut to 44 inch playing length and re-weighted the head. My OTHER buddy was out for only his 2nd round of the year and while he has a great swing, he is a very nervous golfer off the tee. Lofted it up to 13.5 degrees. I handed it to him and said to just hit it. First swing ever and he ripped it down the middle of fairway, about 245 yards, and, yup, a big smile on his face. "That was just too easy", he said. So now that shortened driver is now sitting in his bag for the season!! In conclusion: Shortened-and-re-weighted drivers change golfer's lives and my buddies keep trying to lift them off of me!!! And they are more forgiving on heel-and-toe strikes due to the extra mass in the head. If you can game a 45.5+ driver and bomb it down the middle all the time, all the power to you, but in my estimation, there is a HUGE cohort of golfers what would benefit from fitted shorter drivers between 44 and 44.5 inches (always re-weighted like Ian said). After experimenting with two shortened lengths, I would concur with Ian that for a shortened driver, best to go with 44 inches and not shorter than that, if you want the best blend of benefits. I'm now done with my shortened-driver odyssey for awhile, but I'm really glad I went down that rabbit hole.

[@jimvoelz7444]

Currently a 16 handicap and really struggle with the Driver. Bought a TM Mini Driver a few months back and am very happy with it. I did a range session a few weeks back where I hit regular driver and mini driver and I had an average ball speed 1 mph more with the mini. The confidence i have with the mini on the tee is really valuable. Like Ian’s video, I have more solid/consistent contact with the Mini and that inspires confidence when I’m standing over the ball. Maybe I’ll try a shortened driver in the future but for now I’m hoping to work my swing so I have confidence with both options and use the Mini only on tight driving holes.

[@Hagiazo]

Nice seeing this. I brought my driver in yesterday to swap to a new shorter and lighter shaft. A lot cheaper than any mini! Looking forward to hitting some balls with it tomorrow.

[@jeffproehl295]

I have struggled with driver for 38 years. Got the smoke mini 13.5. I actually get 10-20 more yards than my last driver. And just as if not more accurate. Last driver was 12 degree stealth he in senior flex. Callaway mini instills me with so much confidence. 60 years old. 11.6 handicap. Mostly due to no penalty shots and getting better and short game. Thanks for video and having the conversation. Very much personal taste

[@kimm8675]

What shaft did you end up using? The regular flex from Callaway? Or did you have to get fitted for a senior flex shaft? Curious cuz I am in the same boat with a 12 degree driver in senior flex

[@jeffproehl295]

@@kimm8675 the Denali. 50 gram and 5.5 flex

[@kimm8675]

Is that the stock option in regular flex from factory? Thanks for your reply

[@jeffproehl295]

@ I want to say yes. Theses were in such short supply I had to order over the phone from a golf shop in NH. It’s what came with it. I just knew I needed regular flex for my swing speed. I got lucky it’s been great

[@kimm8675]

@@jeffproehl295Thanks for your replies! Much appreciated. You are one of the lucky ones! I will see if I can find one second hand. I was curious about the shaft because all my other woods are senior flex as well. Tee’d up I hit my 3 wood almost as far as my driver. I am hoping the mini can replace both clubs for me.

[@zip006]

recently shorted my driver to 44", i've definitely been hitting more fairways but i didnt think about losing swing weight. Thanks for the tip gents

[@jaycevs]

I cut my last driver to 44, and used a Winn Dri-Tac lite midsize that was 23 grams (replacing a golf pride MCC plus midsize that are 67 grams).

[@nellyandbert]

Exactly what I wanted to see. Thanks guys!

[@dennissmith1904]

Tom Wishon has preached shorter driver for years. I currently play 44.5 " with 54⁰ lie angle and Ventus Blue 7s with the Wishon 919 driver

[@chriscruz2761]

I think that Cobra has been marketing/making a "Tour Length" (i.e. shorter) for their drivers that play at 44.50". From what I can remember, they have the shorter shafts in their fitting carts, along with the heavier weights for the standard heads to keep the swing weight at a reasonable level.

[@ronl.6342]

Follow up video idea: best driver to cut down and use as 2W/mini driver replacement?

[@barrygoodson4952]

I have several 44 " drivers I have built over the years because they are easier to hit fairways with and are not quite as long as my normal diver. I play TM M4 10.5* at 45" and a Titleist 910 12* at 44". My next wood is a TM M4 HL 16.5*. These 3 cover and tee shot I need but I also have a TM Rocketballz 3 Tour 14.5* I use sometimes in place of the Titleist 910 12* also depending on the course. You want fairway finders that give you the best chance at having a good 2nd shot into the green. You don't need to spend $400 to $500 on a mini driver to have a shorter fairway finder. I even have a old TM Firesole bubble shaft 10.5 I occasionally use as a 2nd driver. The head being smaller isn't the big deal it's the shorter shaft that allows you more control and more fairways !

[@djrixxard]

What a diabolical fairway with those pot bunkers 😆

[@shannonsanders5250]

I went through this same fitting last year due to a right shoulder surgery , ended up cutting my TSR 2 at 11 degrees down to 44.5 “ but left the swing weight the same. I found the burner to be heavy for me personally so this felt like a much better route. I have found more fairways this year than ever and I have progressively got more distance with a ball change and more confidence. I think I might mess with the weight a bit , thanks for the great content guys ! I love the short driver , I cut down my 3 wood and my 7 wood a smidge and now they are the same distance as before but I rarely hit a shot off the map anymore.

[@Golf-R00LS-73]

Very informative video lads.... I agree with Ian on this one. I'd feel more confident standing over a shorter driver on the tee than a mini driver. I get why people love them and I certainly won't rule one out in the future. I'll persist with my own wee experiment in a shorter driver shaft. I tried it at 44" with same flex and mid launch. I found this flew too low and a bit right. I think maybe a softer flex and higher launch shaft is the way ahead for my own experiment.

[@randallpennington5976]

I use a shorter driver and a 3 wood but this is the video I have been waiting for!

[@jim52356]

I think something to consider is the golfers height. I forget the book but there was a formula that measured your thumb distance (arms hanging) to the floor and then use that to determine your driver distance. I think for example the avg male heigh of 5'8 dictated a 43 inch driver shaft just as an example of how crazy long drivers have gotten. Tiger who is over 6 feet was playing a 44 inch shaft for a long time. I'd love to see a 460cc head tested on a 42, 43, 44 and 45 inch shafts. Maybe try to get a avg height golfer as well

[@dead_prez7266]

I use a Taylormade Sim2max exclusively with a 42.5” length shaft - it’s the greatest thing ever!

[@AsadKhan-lm6yr]

Did you put the shaft in the standard head or did you adjust the head with weight?

[@dead_prez7266]

@@AsadKhan-lm6yr standard. Didn’t mess around with weights at all.

[@PurplDrank]

Whats your loft on that sim 2 max ?

[@dead_prez7266]

@@PurplDrank 10.5

[@PurplDrank]

@dead_prez7266 why not a higher loft like some of the mini drivers ?

[@MrBrendon7]

I'm experimenting at the moment with a 3 wood shaft in an aerojet head. I find it way better, no doubt swing weight is off but that's something I can't test. Feels fine and easier to keep in play, distance is just as good

[@tuamgolfer]

For years I played a Slazenger persimmon 2 wood (12 degrees of loft) with 42 inches in length and it was great off the tee and off the fairway. That was in the 80’s.

[@adamw9764]

i went through the pros and cons of mini driver vs 3 wood and ended up settling on the mini driver. I found that its very very good off the tee, and with the deeper face i can get it off the deck even at the stock 13.5 loft and still have good carry and distance. I only really need a "3 wood off the deck" club for one course I play sometimes, and the mini driver just gave me everything I wanted. My distance gapping works extremely well with this setup.

[@Longarmshortarm]

Swing speed?

[@tonyzidar4851]

At the beginning of this year I put my old 3 wood shaft (43 inch Fujikura Pro 72) on my driver head (Callaway Rogue at 9.5). I'm 57 and am hitting drives that I haven't hit in 20 years. Ball is landing at around 260 and straight as an arrow unless I severely toe or heel it which doesn't happen very often since there is such great control. The shorter/heavier shaft makes my driver feel like it is just an extension of my arms and hands, not something I have to try and tame and control. Highly recommend giving it a try.

[@madflava21]

Golf is such a weird sport and 'feels' is an ever important factor. I have always struggled with driver, but not fairway woods and own both the 11.5 degree mini and tsr4. Without question I find the mini easier to hit and longer than my TSR. I don't hit the TSR poorly but I've set the mini driver on what I call 'ludicrous' settings (lower on the hosel and heavy weight forward) and I hit 280+ carry twice yesterday. The best I could post with the TSR with similar settings (A1 and heavy weight forward) was a couple 270+ carries. The tsr ball speed was higher but the spin was also higher while the mini driver stayed around 2000. It's an absolute bullet and I'm struggling to find a reason to keep the tsr, despite really liking it. Go try stuff, some things may work for you and not the next guy.

[@shaneadams8178]

Have used a shorter 44" driver for years now. Better consistancy (without too much loss in distance due to a better strike most of the time compared to a 45.75" club). Currently using an older Ping G30 SF head with a Ping Alta shaft and Golf Pride Tour Velvet grip. The head is fitted with a heavier aftermarket weight plug to bring the SW back up to D2. Good feel and a consistant fairway finder with enough distance to keep me happy at 66 years old. I've always been of the belief that distance without accuracy is just a recipe for higher scores, frustration and lost chances to play better golf. I think most "average" golfers would be better off with a shorter length driver in their bag tbh.

[@Bingerz11]

I've personally gone with the short driver after watching a video from PINGs Marty Jertson a few months back. It's been amazing off the tee. So much forgiveness in the G430 Max and still carries around 255-260 for me. I'm a pretty confident driver of the golf ball but the short driver is great when holes tighten up, it allows you to stay aggressive. I've then got a 5 wood which can deal with second shots into par 5s etc, similar to what Ian was saying. Love this video guys, keep the content coming :) Sam

[@jongeephotography]

Cheapest option to try this is to put a non-tapered grip on your regular driver and "choke down on that thang"

[@gtfan998]

I feel like I'd have to yell hawk tuah when swinging it though

[@inflatablemooseadventures]

@@gtfan998😂😂 “HAWKKKKK TUUUAHHHH” 🏌️‍♂️

[@jimiverson3085]

With modern woods, if you use the same manufacturer, it's easy to transfer your 3-wood shaft to the driver for the first quick look-see. Swing weight will be off, but you can get an impression.

[@venkataramansubramanian3949]

I tried in two of my drivers (Paradym and Cobra LS) and the experience is just superb, I lost around 10+ yards but straight like an arrow, every time I got 240+ yards. Thanks for this tip bro.

[@davidb8586]

I’ve made myself a 42.5” PXG 0211 driver @13.5 degrees. No loss of distance and my ball flight is much straighter.

[@ianwoollard2063]

Picked up the burner yesterday will be gaming it on Sunday. I’m hoping to reduce dispersion and dial down the distance for tight holes. I stopped playing my 3 wood about a year ago I’ve never really had confidence in it. Should be a fun round coming up, I’ve not had time to practice with it yet and not looking like I will on the intervening days till Sunday. Keeping an open mind and not placing any expectations on performance. Busy life but a proper range session and even a lesson coming up soon

[@ipotato95]

I built my dad (probably swung between senior and regular flex) a driver with a 3 wood shaft. It was a great option to do a driver on a budget for someone who needed to find fairways

[@RVK11-lr2no]

Perfect timing on this video - recently have been struggling with driver this off-season & coach suggested to shave an inch off the shaft for better strike consistency (have a bunch of shafts in the garage so if it didn't work, no big deal). TSR4 now playing at 44.5" compared to 45.5" has been a god-send. Little bit down on swing speed for now & swing path has been more neutral than before so still adjusting to that change, but striking it better & it feels like I'm carrying the same distance as before but with less effort

[@justinstephenson9360]

Finally someone willing to call a spade a spade. The standard mini-driver (at 13.5 degrees) is a modern take on a 2w, shaft length is a modern take on an old 2w shaft. Willing to accept the strong mini-driver at 11.5 degrees is a mini-driver, but not the 13.5 degree lofted mini-driver. I have nothing against a 2w, I started golf (many decades ago) with an old hand me down 2w as my longest club. I have played a driver short at 44.5" and it performed similarly to the driver at 45.5" but just a touch more consistent. Currently playing the driver at 45.5" but gripping down an inch.

[@NemoLax]

Great that this just came out. I recently had a driver fitting with Cobra. My club came last week and i've been to the sim twice now and i just can't seem to hit it well. They added 1/2" because of my height. When i choke down on it i really see a massive improvement. Might be worth looking into getting it fitted properly and try a shorter shaft as well. Thanks guys!

[@J_B72]

I’ve played mini-D for years and worked my way into it by Frankensteining my way into a 44” TS2 like the boys did here. Titleist’s weight ports are critical. The mini-D makes little strategic sense at 11* (unless you really struggle with driver). Just hit driver. For some courses that take Driver out of your hands (forced carries, hazards, etc), a 13.5* mini-D is tremendously effective. It’s practically unmissable. Moral of story for me, mini-D is not a “compromise driver” it’s an “improved 3-wood for tee shots”.

[@and16942]

I had a chance to test the minis from both TM and Callaway. TM gets the edge for me as it plays better off the deck. Both are great off the tee. Callaway is prettier imo. Unfortunately doesn’t fit my bag so I had to pass. Love hitting driver so Mini would be a utility club for specific distances… which is what my 3w is right now and it never gets touched.

[@nealfreeman01]

So the Callaway mini is a really good option if it was available. Now to see a low spin head into a 44 inch shaft to drop that spin rate and get some extra distance. :) so many fun options when you can get in the fitting kitchen!

[@jcstreck74]

I have both the BRNR and Ti 340 mini's because I just couldn't get a normal driver strike to get out of the heel. I did a PXG fitting 2.5 weeks ago, and they ultimately fit me into their BO driver at 44.5". I'm a fan of the shorter shaft if it means more centered contact, which will translate into more yards in the end.

[@Bevo_Baker]

I put my 3 wood shaft on my driver, and it’s worked out very well for me. I might have lost a little distance, but I’m dead center of the fairway.

[@seanpeacock5595]

After your video on the 🇨🇦 Autoflex I had you make up an ACCRA 3.0 140 for my PXG Gen6 @45”. Better performance that the PXG fitted shaft and a joy to swing. On a hunch, cut it down to 44” 😮 💥 WHAT A BOMB! Straighter, more consistent, fun to swing and hit my longest drive of the year!!!

[@trippjay1117]

What about the Callaway Smoke Mini??

[@kyungkim5764]

What were the specs on the shaft for the shortened driver, specifically the weight. What would happen if a heavier shaft at shorter length was used, closer to a 3 wood spec?

[@jojosaute]

I've hit my buddies mini and mashed it. More consistent than my driver but slightly shorter. I recently got a tour length aerojet. Longer than my current ltdx and an inch shorter!

[@jporter504]

Several years ago I cut my Ping G410 driver to 44.25 inches (grip end). Ordered a few heavier weights to compensate and it wasn't hard to get the swing weight where I wanted it. Lost a little clubhead speed but seem to strike the ball better. In the end, the club is noticeably straighter and just as long with the exception of those rare perfect hits with the full length club. Totally DIY.

[@jordandillard8469]

I have the TSR2 10º (C1) in a Diamana DF 60TX playing 44.5in. Hit it further on average than 45"+ because of strike consistency. Won a couple LD contests in scrambles with it too. Just a great blend of accuracy & distance.

[@ajaytuk7416]

totally agree, if its off the tee only a shorter driver has more advantages than the mini driver in my opinion. I carry a 12.5 degree Callaway Paradym teed down ( but with standard length shaft though). as a fairway finder and a 11.5 degree Cobra dark speed for extra carry, median distances from shot pattern app is almost identical but the flights are very different

[@ReelCinnemonProducts]

I’ve been using a 13.5 Cobra 3-wood for a couple years now and it has helped my game. On par 4’s and 5’s I noticed I would opt out of hitting driver and instead hit my 5-wood or hybrid for ball placement, so my driver would not get used a lot, if at all. With a driver, sure it’s fun hitting a 300+ swing to the middle of the fairway but if that approach shot is in between clubs that could mean a +1 or +2 when it coulda been par or birdie with a full swing approach.

[@cwanddj6984]

I've been playing TM Mini-BRNR for the last year. Index is down 6. Hardly ever out of play, penalty strokes nearly eliminated. I won't be changing unless a gamechanger comes along.

[@dtgpsinc.4289]

Designer of a well know golf shaft in ca 1992-2000 has researched the mechanical properties and concluded that tip diameter 0.335 inch limits driver length to under 45 inch driver for consistent control. At and beyond 45 inch driver is not possible to be consistent due to tip diameter, regardless the material used. If driver is to be 45" plus, then the tip and hosel,has to be larger diameter. it is no coincidence that very many PGA players are under 45 inch for their drivers.

[@scooter0012]

Hi guys. Observations from owning both TM and Callaway minis. 11.5 degree models. Stock shafts. Test conditions were high 50’s / low 60’s F temps. 10 mph wind. Carnoustie. Both clubs struck properly were 15 yards behind like for like driver. Callaway way stronger flight and higher launch. Callaway way more stable in flight. Both clubs were much easier to hit than driver. Taylor Made lost a huge amount of distance into the wind. Taylor Made was easier to hit off the fairway due to lesser cubic size. Conclusion. Custom fit shaft option is a must. Callaway mini was the better ‘off the tee’ option and performed as a second driver. Taylor Made would need an after market fitted shaft to be an option. Taylor Made

[@fix123drange8]

I am generally a pretty good driver of the ball, and having the mini has come with only positives. Made my driver 46 inches and for the days my body doesn’t behave it’s self with driver, the mini is superb. The mini driver is 43 inches, with ventus blue tr. mini goes 260 meters with mostly draws

[@scottyuska3107]

Reasonable speed gap between mini and short driver. Was that a confidence thing? At the same speed you’re probably getting more out of the Mini.

[@dtgpsinc.4289]

IMO the advantage of the mini driver is to be used as a 2 wood from the fairway for added length over the 3W. My driver Stealth Plus, 43.75 inch and Callaway 1.5 mini driver is 43 inch..

[@kennethleonard2779]

It would be cool to see if you took the extra 6G out of the back and added hotmelt to the front part of the head how much it would change the spin.

[@bonobobananas7702]

I think what you missed here was the section of people not using mini driver just as a tee club, but also as a replacement 3 wood. I use it off the tee where I need a bit more accuracy, but also instead of 3 wood. It’s just as easy to hit off the deck and it’s 20 yards longer which is helpful at my SS of around 100-103 driver

[@Dan-hn1lx]

I have an old R9 Taylormade driver and I'm tempted to take some length off it and just see if its more consistent.

[@milanboskovic9618]

Can you install 45 inch driver shaft in the mini and test that!!!

[@dougmael]

That is a combination that I would NEVER want to try. Why go with the 45" shaft on a smaller-headed club that requires a more precision strike in the center of the clubface?

[@milanboskovic9618]

@@dougmaelBecause it is a fun test… I like the smaller head and would like that better than these giant driver heads…

[@parmanduke]

I often play with 2 drivers. One is 9* and the other 12*. I hit my 12* driver off the deck more effectively than my 3 wood plus it’s way more forgiving off the tee. For me the 12* driver is my 240-250 yard fairway finder.

[@mrtopramen]

I made a shorty with a 12 degree Aerojet and put the heaviest weight in the head I could find. It’s with a 7-9 wood shaft. Works fine. I put it to 13.5 degrees and it would send it into the stratosphere with a draw even. Haven’t used it at all lower loft yet. I do like the look and feel of the mini brnr better. I’ll use both depending on how I’m feeling (basically whether I feel like hitting up with the driver or down slightly on the ball with the mini).

[@rl4laburay1]

Played a Great Big Bertha Deuce off the tee in the 90's and it was 10 yards shorter for me,but much easier to hit in the fairway consistently

[@michaelsmoot5200]

Meaningful topic & analysis that answers a variety of possible questions & concerns. Thank you.

[@Gentsgolf]

Playing the bruner TM mini driver for a couple of months very happy. Previous I shortened my Radspeed with added backweight. The TM I can play conformtable at 9.5 or 11.5.... depending on the conditions. TH 460 Radspeed isn't as consistant for me.

[@drewpee7]

Playing my g425 driver w/ g425 3 wood shaft… 65 gram stiff 43.5 inches…maybe 3 wood tipping helps no extra weight needed since ping has heavy heads …. Been a game changer

[@dougmael]

I played Kingsbarns just a bit less than two months ago, and on hole #14 I took driver (10.5* loft, 45" playing length Paradym AI Smoke TD) and hit directly over the RH fairway bunker, which was 198 yards to reach and a bit more than 210 yards to carry. That was the perfect club choice for me as it left a PW or 9I (I went with the PW at the advice of my caddie) into the wind for my second shot, which I hit to about 15' short of the rear pin. If I had a choice between a Mini Driver or a 44" long 440 to 460cc driver at this hole, I'd almost certainly opt for the larger-headed 44" long driver and go with the same type of tee shot as I hit at this hole on May 28.

[@FreeFlorida]

BRNR ticked up to 14* with HZRDUS HC Red 75G @ 43.5"- - - Cobra Aerojet LS ticked up to 10* with Fuji 757 Evo V @ 44.5"... finding more fairways, which a guy my age is most important thing there is.

[@Milkywaymike]

I attempted to make my own mini driver using a 15 Degree aerojet max w/ a 43.5" shaft but the problem I ran into was with the short shaft it was easy to pull the shots left even with added weights and the distance would vary too much (sometimes the number I wanted and other times 30 yards short). I had another shaft that was about an inch longer and I reduced the weight which turned it into a 230-260 yard fairway finder (or in the first cut at worst).

[@janvanloggerenberg7444]

Cut my SLDR down to 5 wood lenght and added weight.Headweight 216g and i have never been more consistent fairway and distance wise.Actually getting more distance on average.

[@thormorales652]

A few questions after watching (High Handicapper with driver issues): 1. What would you guess the numbers would be if the lofts were matched? Also curious what the accuracy/numbers would be if you went with the 13.5 degree option and took a 12.5 degree driver and added loft 2. If the swing speed were to be around the 100mph (more of an 'average' golfer), would the MOI of the short driver be more beneficial than the decreased headsize of the Mini in terms of 'point and shoot'?

[@stjudetheobscure]

There’s something you’ve maybe not figured in. At my club the prevailing wind blows down the long, narrow par 5s and a couple of long par 4s. I play those with a 14 degree SLDR tour edition strong 3 and knock it 275. The extra loft works for both accuracy and distance…

[@MrJkrolling]

The stats of get down the fairway further and go lower from Arrcos Is that on a Tour level or weekend golfer level ?? I regularly play 4i - 4i - Wedge on Par 5 and shoot Par or less often.

[@uNkLeRaRa4]

I have a Mizuno St-190 that had the shaft break right at the adapter. I ordered a new adapter and put it back on the same shaft. It's now about 1.5" shorter. I don't game it just because I prefer my TM M5, but it's a great little fairway finder now.

[@geoffgray1166]

For the shorter driver what weight and flex did you start with and what was the final weights and flex did it come out when it was built

[@henrymonster9926]

I went mini driver because of my swing, I think a more level delivery is easier for me. As Ian noted, the tilt and how it affects the club face was more trouble for me.

[@jeremygricar4361]

My current problem with driver, especially out on the course, is an inability to close the face at impact and everything is a push fade. My 3 wood is near perfect either straight or slight draw. Currently have a 44 inch driver setup that hasn't helped much and thinking either trying higher loft or a mini driver. When finished with this video I hope to get my answer.

[@christophersamson5100]

It is my understanding that the average on the tour is 44.5 inches. Which given most players are over 6feet tall this would suggest that most amateurs should have something less than 45 inches.

[@freddym6643]

What about a driving iron as the second tee club after driver? -What about into green? Almost never need anything as long as wood or mini-driver into greens. -What about holes where full driver run into hazard etc? I can just tee the driver low, less speed more spin, less distance with same swing and club. -What about better dispersion with driver with less distance loss? Stats say 3-wood and mini-driver aren't that much more accurate compared to driver, so not safe enough as a second tee club when driver dispersion is too large. -What about turning over easier? Doesn't matter if I already draw driver and don't want to shape the ball. Curious about thoughts on this.

[@nellynelson9387]

My shaft snapped just inside the tip. Cut away the frayed bits the now have 44" shaft. Not lost any real distance. My strike is miles more consistent and all round dispersion smaller

[@ScottDreyfus]

That mini works so good on links golf. I watch a kid absolutely melt a brnr mini last weekend.

[@maniacunbound]

I've had my 3D Ai Smoke cut down an inch from standard, had a lighter but 'stiffer' shaft, and my SG off the tee has improved by 3 shots. Custom fitting matters.

[@kiefnerlewis2176]

I’ve been playing a second driver ping g425 max 12 degree (@ 10.5) at 42.5” with a ventus tr black 8x tipped 1.5”. It’s great. 260 carry. Tried mini drivers and found the driver head was more forgiving.

[@GNPit]

Great vid guys. Just wondering why you hit the shortened driver off a small tee?

[@Brewskie86]

You're killing me Smalls!

[@sizzln_bacon4813]

Mini driver is my get right club off the tee. That's what i saw in this video. short driver was squirrelly the first time through, then you hit mini and you saw the results the 2nd time through with the short driver immediately after.

[@bboisblanc5084]

It goes without saying that Ian is a great golfer so no doubt he was able to adjust to get the cut down Driver to go straighter on the second round. But, the TM Mini is just point and shoot every time. That's a big reason for that club. If you need something that is nearly always dead straight for those tight tee shot occasions, hard to beat the TM Mini.

[@johnsahhar7599]

Great video. Technically, from your perspective as a fitter, is there anything wrong with a golfer simply choking up on the driver? I do this on tight holes and when I am not playing well off the tee. I do this with 3W and 5W, too. Thoughts? Thanks.

[@johnmagnell8902]

I think of it more as a big 3wood. Not a small driver. They are brilliant.

[@Kevin-yh6dn]

Lads, How short is too short for a 460 cc driver head or mini driver head? Is a 40-42 shaft length with regular to senior flex possible? Thor’s hammer type club with even more control. What limits are we taking about here? Irons are at all lengths, lofts, flexes and weights. Can the same be done for woods to help us hit more fairways? Would love to know everyone’s thoughts. Probably a very stupid question but I’m very new to the game and love the different possibilities with the clubs and technology. Thank you.

[@duane05]

TM Mini is a great club for me. Couldn’t find a 3 wood where misses wouldn’t hook into the woods even with weights in the toe. Can hit the mini off the deck with height.

[@CraigWilliams-Winchester-UK]

When shortening the shafts for this test, are you using driver shafts? Butt trimming or Tipping to reach the desired length?

[@BaldyFella]

I've just traded in my driver, 3 wood and 5-wood for this very mini-driver. I've had a succession of drivers and I've even tried having a shorter shaft fitted and none of them work. I hit about 50% half decent drives and the remainder are either slices or I go the other way and hold onto it and a low horrible duck hook appears. the big slice and the duck hook kill your game. You're either in the trees, in a penalty area or thick rough or oob. Double bogey at best and often a triple or quadruple. Even off 18 handicap that kills your score. Mini loses about 10 yards of distance but keeps the ball in play. I started playing back in the 80s before the big headed drivers. I think the larger heads give too much confidence and encourage people to try and smack it, whereas the smaller head and shorter shaft encourage a proper measured back swing and trying to find the middle of the club face. If you can hit a 3 hybrid off the tee or a 7-wood then you can definitely hit a mini driver with pretty much the same swing. Unless you are a cat-1 golfer and feel the need to hit par-5s in 2 and are playing courses approaching 7000 yards in length you can easily get away without the driver.

[@jon4715]

Finally. Been waiting for this.

[@adamsegura7630]

Makes total sense! Thanks for this guys

[@hack.nicklaus]

mini driver arrives today, going driver - mini - 5W - 4i.. think it’ll be the money combo

[@TheOgieone]

Was the small driver’s ball position the same as 2 wood?

[@ignorance123]

Currently game standard length driver and strong 3 wood -- gives me the option of hitting off the deck on the second shot and as an alternate to driver when I need something shorter. Finding with the G430 LST not really an issue offline.

[@zacharymilos392]

You'll need to take my mini out of my cold dead hands. I honestly barely hit my driver and longest fw anymore. Short driver is nice but how many people are going to have access to a fitter who actually can fit this, and then build it? How about handle raisers who will end up dynamically even more toe down after cutting 1.5" off the driver?

[@BillyMillz]

I play a x stiff 5 wood shaft in my driver and hit it just as long as my driver shaft but straighter. Hit it a little lower but it takes spin off and rolls a mile. Hit it in the middle of the face more often too. I’ll never switch back to standard length