I bought the TM mini copper 11.5 lifted to 12.25 and it’s a monster. Still get 300 and way more consistent than my driver. I’ll hit it into the wind off the deck no tee and it’s a bullet
James The Callaway is actually 10% bigger than the TaylorMade (340cc vs 304cc) with I think gives more confidence off a tee shot but less on a fairway shot. Callaway also has the same AI face as its larger driver which should make it more forgiving than the TM version. Callaway state that its dispersion is better than its mini driver competitor (obviously the TM) which you also seem to have seen indoors.
The Callaway has it's AI face, but the TM has that brand's twist face, so face vs fave is probably a tie. It is a little bigger, though, so might be more forgiving off the tee. My take (without having had an opportunity to hit the Callaway) is that the Callaway is more driver replacement and the TM is a bit driver and a bit fairway.
Great video as always. It did seem like you had a predetermined bias from the get go towards the Taylormade. Both clubs suit a purpose and can be very useful if you use them as they are designed to be used. Anything to keep the ball playable and keep players from spending too much time in the woods from errant tee shots is always a welcomed thing.
I have been using a Taylor mini driver since they first came out. It’s still in my bag use it on short par fours and on par fives. Great for keeping it straight.
Have the TM MD left hand 11.5 turned to 13.5 in the bag as my 3 wood replacement old SIM Ti (which I loved and didn’t think would ever leave my bag). This TM MD is a game changer. Super long, forgiving and actually can hit it better off the turf than my old 3 wood. BUY ONE!!!
I bought the Callaway. Been struggling with the shaft length of modern drivers for ages. This gives me confidence to stand on the tee and spank it! Goes an easy 230-240 and in play. You can play any course doing that. My scores are coming down, which is what we all want.
I’ve been using a TM Mini Driver for 2 yrs now and absolutely love the consistency and distance. I’m usually the longest drive and i get asked all the time, “what are you using?”
I play it as a driver in 11.5 because I am 5’9” and don’t like the 460cc driver heads and 45” shafts. Perfect driver for weekend golfers. TM is very low spinning so lofting up is ideal and distance is absolutely fine
I bought the TM BRNR and it serves as a weapon when teeing off. It also works well on the fairway when there is a lot of space. I also got the AI Smoke Triple Diamond Max driver. It would be convenient if companies released all their new items simultaneously, allowing you to compare clubs and create a uniform set.
I have a better option than a mini-driver. Picked up a Cleveland Haywood 17 degree 3+. It can be long off the tee, be a long hybrid and is way better than a 3 or 4 fairway and any mini-driver. It won’t be as long as a mini-driver but it is plenty for long par 4’s and any par 5 you don’t build up a big dream about hitting in two. Controllable left to right, powerful club and it can honestly open up your bag when you have a club than you can tee off with and hit as a 220-240 hybrid or 3/5 wood. Just an amazing club all around.
I went the same way, initially because it is IMPOSSIBLE to get either of the mini drivers with an A flex light weight shaft (shame on the manufacturers) and I got the 3+ Hy-wood. Absolutely brilliant! I now also have the 4+, I use the 3+ off the tee and the 4+ from the fairway. Love them.
Hey James, I have not seen the Cali mini driver, but could you use a left handed clubs collar to give you 2.deg down and 1.5 deg up on a right hand club.? Just thinking out of the box! Thanks for all you do. Pat USA Southern California 👍🇺🇸
I think they might be a hair bigger in the head than fairway woods, so that, along with all the modern driver tech for forgiveness, makes it a little better than a typical 2W, but yes, it seems like it's just that, a slightly bigger and modern 2W.
@@MrMatthew262 I was fit into the 11.5° model. The Titleist TSR2 was longer, but the dispersion on the Mini was only 19 yards. I hit it well off the deck, so I replaced my regular 3 wood with the 13.5° and lofted it up a little.
"One of the tightest driving holes..." ..any course in NE Pennsylvania has at least 3 holes that make that par 4 look like an airport runway lol And that's why I'm buying a mini driver - plus I quit using tees to stay more consistent anyway
Surprised you didn’t test them with both set to the same loft. Least in the studio to see differences (if any). On course I suppose you’d set them up for how you’d want them to play on that particular day.
I bought the mini Callaway. Dialed it down to 12.5. Love it! Use it all the time for both driving, and, fairway shots, it's a breeze to use. The 3 metal is in the closet now. I'm getting older so the yardage drop from the driver isn't much at all. The driver could be in the closet next.
I would like to try a mini driver. But I really have no reason to as I’m hitting driver really well. Maybe a 3w off the tee replacement? I don’t hit 3w off the deck unless it’s a 540+ par 5. Maybe I should just strength the lift on the 3w 🤷🏽♂️
I’d def go Callaway, the loft sleeve is way smarter, hues it only goes down 1° but you can get an align grip and it stays in the same place (good work cogs!) and you can change the lie angle as well, Taylor made only goes up and down in loft - no lie angle change and it turns the shaft - no good if you like an align grip 🙈
I would have loved to be able to hit these and test side by side, but the TMs are nearly out of stock before the Callaway has hit the stores. What's worse is that there are rumors that Titleist and maybe PXG are also coming out with mini drivers at some point and, when they do, I'm sure both the TM and Callaway will be sold out. With either of these clubs, it seems a lower tee is the way to go, between fairway and driver height, as they are between those two clubs.
I've been using the TM BRNR for about 4 months now. It's hands down the best club I've ever purchased. For me the recipe for success is a low tee height, slightly higher than if you were teeing a 3 wood, and a nice smooth tempo and the club just smashes it straight. Nice piercing ball flight. 11.5 degrees set to upright and I'm finding fairways all day.
As long as it’s built right - adding more weight to the head and properly tipping the shaft. Most people don’t do either and just lop off 3” off the shaft.
I just don't understand the point. I hit driver and 3 wood just fine, play on a "normal" length course, and don't see the point of filling a gap between driver and 3 wood, or replacing my 3 wood
I honestly think most amateurs will buy this to replace their drivers...most amateurs can't hit a 3 wood off the deck (consistently) so they will be worse trying to hit 1 of these off the deck. This will be for short par 4's or narrow fairways for most buyers and i would rather spend the money on a few driver lessons than these clubs. Plus my 3 wood is adjustable and i can knock it down to 13 degrees....would i hit these further than my 3 wood....no not much if i did so not for my bag as i am consistent with my driver as well
I tested the Mini TM last year before getting the Paradym Triple 💎 at the PGA Superstore and it just didn’t feel right in my hand. They look nice but it depends on the golfer.
I use last year's Taylormade turned up to 15*. I am a slow swinger so 3 woods don't work for me. This gives me 3 wood like performance off the tee and off the fairway and the speed slot makes even the worm burners go over 100 yrds. Perfect for my high handicap, old man swing!
I think that's because the TSR2+ is about 190 cc which is much closer to the fairway wood category (QI10 Max 3 wood is 200 cc) than the Mini Driver category that's 300+ cc. Titleist does have a TSR 2 wood that's only used on tour and not available in retail that would be much more comparable to the Ai Smoke Ti 340 and BRNR.
I think most people buying these will keep them at 13.5 I'd like to see someone on UA-cam test them both at 13.5 Hopefully James can test those for us. Cheers!
At age 65, my driver is just too long on shorter courses so hitting the mini driver instead at about 250-270 yards and 13.5*. I don’t bother with a 3 w anymore.
Taylormade all day I have a ping g430 10k driver and I am only 10 yards back from my driver but 90% off time straight down the middle my driver left and right 25% on fairway so going to sell driver just feel better hitting mini driver always have doubt and lack off confidence with driver another great video 👍
Taylormade should over better shafts. The one I have is stiff but still too soft my balls stays out to the right all the time. Needs a $600 upgrade to a ventus shaft
They are just fairway woods. Which for past 2-3 years before these came out, the UA-cam “experts” were telling us to drop from our bags. What’s up with that?
Both are pointless, 2 woods are not required with modern equipment. The various incarnations of max drivers are easy to hit, 3 woods come in so many lofts and are easier off the deck, so leaves the 2 wood irrelevant
I bought the TM mini copper 11.5 lifted to 12.25 and it’s a monster. Still get 300 and way more consistent than my driver. I’ll hit it into the wind off the deck no tee and it’s a bullet
I love how every youtube commenter hits it 300.
For an equal comparison maybe have them both set in original loft or at least the same , just a thought.
Taylormade is 304cc compared to callaways 340cc
James
The Callaway is actually 10% bigger than the TaylorMade (340cc vs 304cc) with I think gives more confidence off a tee shot but less on a fairway shot. Callaway also has the same AI face as its larger driver which should make it more forgiving than the TM version. Callaway state that its dispersion is better than its mini driver competitor (obviously the TM) which you also seem to have seen indoors.
The Callaway has it's AI face, but the TM has that brand's twist face, so face vs fave is probably a tie. It is a little bigger, though, so might be more forgiving off the tee. My take (without having had an opportunity to hit the Callaway) is that the Callaway is more driver replacement and the TM is a bit driver and a bit fairway.
Great video as always. It did seem like you had a predetermined bias from the get go towards the Taylormade. Both clubs suit a purpose and can be very useful if you use them as they are designed to be used. Anything to keep the ball playable and keep players from spending too much time in the woods from errant tee shots is always a welcomed thing.
The TM BRNR is probably the best club I’ve ever purchased it’s unbelievable
I have been using a Taylor mini driver since they first came out. It’s still in my bag use it on short par fours and on par fives. Great for keeping it straight.
Have the TM MD left hand 11.5 turned to 13.5 in the bag as my 3 wood replacement old SIM Ti (which I loved and didn’t think would ever leave my bag). This TM MD is a game changer. Super long, forgiving and actually can hit it better off the turf than my old 3 wood. BUY ONE!!!
I think the Callaway is a better replacement for driver and TM better replacement for 3 wood. Both look amazing and I’m loving my TM Burner
I bought the Callaway. Been struggling with the shaft length of modern drivers for ages. This gives me confidence to stand on the tee and spank it!
Goes an easy 230-240 and in play. You can play any course doing that. My scores are coming down, which is what we all want.
I’ve been using a TM Mini Driver for 2 yrs now and absolutely love the consistency and distance. I’m usually the longest drive and i get asked all the time, “what are you using?”
I'm so glad to see someone testing and comparing clubs. Seems like that hasn't been happening nowadays. luv it!
I’m a club junkie and the mini burner is the best club i’ve used in 30 yrs.
I play it as a driver in 11.5 because I am 5’9” and don’t like the 460cc driver heads and 45” shafts. Perfect driver for weekend golfers. TM is very low spinning so lofting up is ideal and distance is absolutely fine
The Taylor made is 304cc I thought?
I bought the TM BRNR and it serves as a weapon when teeing off. It also works well on the fairway when there is a lot of space. I also got the AI Smoke Triple Diamond Max driver. It would be convenient if companies released all their new items simultaneously, allowing you to compare clubs and create a uniform set.
Both seem to hit straighter than a regular driver. Thanks for the video James. That golf course looks really nice too.
I have a better option than a mini-driver. Picked up a Cleveland Haywood 17 degree 3+. It can be long off the tee, be a long hybrid and is way better than a 3 or 4 fairway and any mini-driver. It won’t be as long as a mini-driver but it is plenty for long par 4’s and any par 5 you don’t build up a big dream about hitting in two. Controllable left to right, powerful club and it can honestly open up your bag when you have a club than you can tee off with and hit as a 220-240 hybrid or 3/5 wood. Just an amazing club all around.
I went the same way, initially because it is IMPOSSIBLE to get either of the mini drivers with an A flex light weight shaft (shame on the manufacturers) and I got the 3+ Hy-wood. Absolutely brilliant! I now also have the 4+, I use the 3+ off the tee and the 4+ from the fairway. Love them.
I have the BRNR and 😮 it’s amazingly consistent and surprisingly not bad off the deck.
Keeps the ball in play.
Hey James, I have not seen the Cali mini driver, but could you use a left handed clubs collar to give you 2.deg down and 1.5 deg up on a right hand club.? Just thinking out of the box!
Thanks for all you do. Pat USA Southern California 👍🇺🇸
Do you have stock shafts in these or did you put your own shaft in?
its the long lost 2 wood
Exactly
I think they might be a hair bigger in the head than fairway woods, so that, along with all the modern driver tech for forgiveness, makes it a little better than a typical 2W, but yes, it seems like it's just that, a slightly bigger and modern 2W.
I game two BRNR Mini drivers. An 11.5° heavy weight forward as my driver and the 13.5° turned up to 14.25° heavy weight back as my fairway wood.
Don’t think I’ve ever seen someone playing two mini drivers
I like that idea. Such a versatile club.
@@MrMatthew262 I was fit into the 11.5° model. The Titleist TSR2 was longer, but the dispersion on the Mini was only 19 yards. I hit it well off the deck, so I replaced my regular 3 wood with the 13.5° and lofted it up a little.
Sad show your Bias from the start. Leave them both at 13 degree and you will get a true comparison
The TM Mini Burner is my favorite club in the bag. Fairway finder and confidence inspiring.
"One of the tightest driving holes..."
..any course in NE Pennsylvania has at least 3 holes that make that par 4 look like an airport runway lol
And that's why I'm buying a mini driver - plus I quit using tees to stay more consistent anyway
Surprised you didn’t test them with both set to the same loft. Least in the studio to see differences (if any). On course I suppose you’d set them up for how you’d want them to play on that particular day.
I bought the mini Callaway. Dialed it down to 12.5. Love it! Use it all the time for both driving, and, fairway shots, it's a breeze to use. The 3 metal is in the closet now. I'm getting older so the yardage drop from the driver isn't much at all. The driver could be in the closet next.
Bought the TM BRNR a few months ago and absolutely loved it, planned to keep in the bag for years, then Callaway went and released this!! 🙄
I would like to try a mini driver. But I really have no reason to as I’m hitting driver really well. Maybe a 3w off the tee replacement? I don’t hit 3w off the deck unless it’s a 540+ par 5. Maybe I should just strength the lift on the 3w 🤷🏽♂️
If you replace the Callawya sleve with green dot sleve, you can loft down with 2* instead of 1*.
Love that they aren’t set up exactly the same for a “test”
Cheer up
I use the taylormade original one mini and I love it when I out drive people that use full sized drivers!
In terms of clubhead speed is your regular driver or mini driver quicker and roughly whats the difference
I’d def go Callaway, the loft sleeve is way smarter, hues it only goes down 1° but you can get an align grip and it stays in the same place (good work cogs!) and you can change the lie angle as well, Taylor made only goes up and down in loft - no lie angle change and it turns the shaft - no good if you like an align grip 🙈
So if I play short courses and I only play once a month why would a mini driver be a bag option?
I got the TM 11.5, I actually sold my PXG driver because I’m more consistent and confident with the mini driver
I would have loved to be able to hit these and test side by side, but the TMs are nearly out of stock before the Callaway has hit the stores. What's worse is that there are rumors that Titleist and maybe PXG are also coming out with mini drivers at some point and, when they do, I'm sure both the TM and Callaway will be sold out. With either of these clubs, it seems a lower tee is the way to go, between fairway and driver height, as they are between those two clubs.
I've been using the TM BRNR for about 4 months now. It's hands down the best club I've ever purchased. For me the recipe for success is a low tee height, slightly higher than if you were teeing a 3 wood, and a nice smooth tempo and the club just smashes it straight. Nice piercing ball flight. 11.5 degrees set to upright and I'm finding fairways all day.
Build a second driver with short shaft and you will have even better results than either Mini.
As long as it’s built right - adding more weight to the head and properly tipping the shaft. Most people don’t do either and just lop off 3” off the shaft.
I use this instead of a driver🤷♂️
Callaway was the first to address the issue of weights in the Subzero. Callaway is 340cc.
I would love to be able to hit like you with clubs like those
I just don't understand the point. I hit driver and 3 wood just fine, play on a "normal" length course, and don't see the point of filling a gap between driver and 3 wood, or replacing my 3 wood
For all the comparison videos out on these 2 heads, you are the first to miss to misquote the size of the brnr head size. 👍
which one is best for a slower swing
The Callaway is available in a 11.5 as well as the 13.5
Realistically gorgeous, realistically
Thanks James, nice comparison on them. Which one would you go with, off the tee V off the deck.
I honestly think most amateurs will buy this to replace their drivers...most amateurs can't hit a 3 wood off the deck (consistently) so they will be worse trying to hit 1 of these off the deck. This will be for short par 4's or narrow fairways for most buyers and i would rather spend the money on a few driver lessons than these clubs. Plus my 3 wood is adjustable and i can knock it down to 13 degrees....would i hit these further than my 3 wood....no not much if i did so not for my bag as i am consistent with my driver as well
The Callaway is already sold out. But you can still order a Taylormade.
You forgot to add “one big problem”
Cheers up Matthew
TM is 304cc not 340
SOOOO much talking. Narration is one thing, this is something else.
Great video. Can you please share the length of these drivers?
You answered your own question at the end. The Callaway clearly is straighter…. That should be the deciding factor for about 97% of golfers
Why can't they make a 3 wood with a 250cc head.
Either one would be nice just way to expensive,Should be good for your Dad and senior golfers too like me
I just bought the TaylorMade. I tried it at a range. It did feel good. But everyone has a different preference when it comes to clubs
I tested the Mini TM last year before getting the Paradym Triple 💎 at the PGA Superstore and it just didn’t feel right in my hand. They look nice but it depends on the golfer.
I use last year's Taylormade turned up to 15*. I am a slow swinger so 3 woods don't work for me. This gives me 3 wood like performance off the tee and off the fairway and the speed slot makes even the worm burners go over 100 yrds. Perfect for my high handicap, old man swing!
They need to make one of these in like 8 or 9 degrees. These aren't drivers.
These has the size and length of older drivers but with new tech.
Just buy the the TM 11.5* and loft it down by 2*.
Everyone forgets about Titleists TSR2+ which is also 13.5 degrees
I have both TM & tsr2+ both beasts but tsr2+ easier for me off the deck
I think that's because the TSR2+ is about 190 cc which is much closer to the fairway wood category (QI10 Max 3 wood is 200 cc) than the Mini Driver category that's 300+ cc. Titleist does have a TSR 2 wood that's only used on tour and not available in retail that would be much more comparable to the Ai Smoke Ti 340 and BRNR.
I think most people buying these will keep them at 13.5
I'd like to see someone on UA-cam test them both at 13.5
Hopefully James can test those for us.
Cheers!
James have you ever tried the titliest mini driver in comparison
Callaway 👌
I got the Callaway and I love it. Very consistent numbers and a fairway seeker.
Good comparison. Was in market for one but decided to go tsr2 plus 3 wood route instead as couldn't get hold of others and atleast 100 quid cheaper
can you test a circle t Scotty cameron and compare it to a retail model
Two stunning looking mini drivers
Lousy adjustable hozzel.
At age 65, my driver is just too long on shorter courses so hitting the mini driver instead at about 250-270 yards and 13.5*. I don’t bother with a 3 w anymore.
What happened to last Sunday's next 100 video? Was it posted? It kind of wrecked my Sunday morning coffee by not being there...
We struggled with the upload but Saturday Sunday will be a Double header! 🙌🏼
@@JamesRobinsonGolf thanks James
TM is 304cc and the Callaway is 340cc.. This dude needs to get his facts straight.
Taylormade all day I have a ping g430 10k driver and I am only 10 yards back from my driver but 90% off time straight down the middle my driver left and right 25% on fairway so going to sell driver just feel better hitting mini driver always have doubt and lack off confidence with driver another great video 👍
Taylormade should over better shafts. The one I have is stiff but still too soft my balls stays out to the right all the time. Needs a $600 upgrade to a ventus shaft
It's like the Bentley or the Rolls Royce of golf, both good but if don't suit your eye agghhh
🚨 TRIGGER WARNING 🚨 think James has set some sort land speed records for words per minute 🤯
They are just fairway woods. Which for past 2-3 years before these came out, the UA-cam “experts” were telling us to drop from our bags.
What’s up with that?
If I could taylormade all day
I will take the Lazarus 2 hybrid all day.
What lol
Radnom question, did you invest in crypto?
Waste of money
Both are pointless, 2 woods are not required with modern equipment. The various incarnations of max drivers are easy to hit, 3 woods come in so many lofts and are easier off the deck, so leaves the 2 wood irrelevant
Irrelevant to you.