Within the ever-evolving panorama of golf tools, few golf equipment have skilled such an enchanting resurgence because the mini driver. Sitting someplace between a compact driver and an outsized fairway wooden, these versatile alternate options have seen their depend of accessible choices already quintuple in 2025 (though, admittedly, that’s not saying a lot).
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for extra accuracy off the tee, don’t have any explicit use for a 3-wood or are simply interested by this rising class, this comparability information will show you how to navigate the world of mini drivers with the benefit of a tap-in putt.
What precisely is a mini driver?
A mini driver is a little bit of a cross between a conventional driver and a fairway wood. Small driver? Huge fairway? I suppose both description is suitable relying on the precise mannequin in query.
The hook is that, for a lot of (if not most), minis will show extra correct than a driver and longer (and likewise possible extra correct) than a fairway wooden. Whilst you’re virtually actually going to surrender a ways stepping down from a full-sized driver, the chances are you’ll be higher positioned to navigate shorter par-4s and any state of affairs the place the white stakes are uncomfortably near the golf green.
And whereas, by the numbers, a full-sized driver goes to supply larger MOI, a mini will exceed the MOI numbers of a fairway wooden and by way of sensible forgiveness (straighter photographs, tighter dispersion), the mini may be the best choice of the three.
Who ought to think about a mini?
The mini driver makes explicit sense for a number of varieties of gamers.
- Golfers who don’t hit 3-wood anyplace however off the tee. The decline in 3-wood use on the PGA Tour, for instance, is probably going probably the most vital motive why minis are rising in reputation.
- Lengthy hitters on the lookout for an possibility that gained’t outkick their protection.
- Gamers on the lookout for a situational membership that may be swapped in when course circumstances demand it.
- Anybody who persistently struggles to remain out of bother with their driver.
On paper, most use circumstances development in direction of higher gamers however I’ve met a couple of higher-handicap golfers who’ve embraced mini drivers and swear by them.
I’m coming off a protracted winter. I’m rusty, sore and borderline damaged. I’ve discovered {that a} mini driver retains the ball between the strains and hits extra fairways.
For positive, it’s costing me some yards. Finest to greatest, there’s a couple of 20-yard distinction however, worst to worst, the outcomes are considerably higher with the mini.
Because the season ramps up, I’ll want to determine if a mini replaces the motive force, the 3-wood or one thing else. It might very nicely show to be situational however I feel there’s a spot for it in my bag and I believe that as extra golfers strive minis, they’ll attain the identical conclusion.
I suppose there are related inquiries to be requested about PING’s Thriver and whereas I’ll briefly point out it once more in a bit, it’s exterior the scope of what we’re right here to speak about at this time.
Mini driver story of the tape
| Membership | Extra Information | Measurement (cc) | Loft | Inventory Size | Movable Weights | Inventory Shaft | Inventory Grip | Retail Worth | Get Yours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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TaylorMade R7 Quad Mini | 305 | 11.5° (RH, LH), 13.5° (RH ONLY) | 43.75 | (4) – 2x4g, 2x12g (Excessive, Low, Draw, Fade) | Fujikura Speeder MD | Golf Pleasure Z-Grip | $479.99 | See the Best Price! |
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Titleist GT280 | 280 | 13° (RH, LH) | 43.5 | (2) – 11g, 3g (Excessive, Low) | Mitubishi Tensei 1k Blue, Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Black | Titleist Common 360 | $499.99 | See the Best Price! |
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Krank Method Fireplace Mini | 305 | 11.5° (RH ONLY) | 44 | na | Fujikura Speeder X Tour, Fujikura Speeder X Lite | Krank Tour Wrap | $499.99 | See the Best Price! |
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Callaway Elyte Mini | 340 | 11.5° (RH, LH), 13.5° (LH, RH) | 43.75 | (1) – 12g (Draw, Impartial, Fade) | Challenge X Denali Charcoal | Golf Pleasure Tour Velvet 360 | $449.99 | See the Best Price! |
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PXG Secret Weapon | 300 | 12 (RH, LH) | 43.75 | (4) – 2x2g, 2x15g (Excessive, Low, Draw, Fade) | Challenge X Denali Blue | PXG Z5 Black | $449.99 | See the Best Price! |
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Options to think about
Head measurement and form
It’s vital to distinguish between measurement and form when evaluating mini drivers. Whereas smaller head quantity typically suggests simpler playability, the profile (tall versus flat) could make a smaller quantity more durable to hit or a bigger one simpler than the numbers would possibly point out.
If you happen to’re utilizing your mini driver solely off the tee, there’s a case to be made for the upper MOI of a much bigger head. This explains why PING provides a “Thriver” construct—basically a full-sized G440 (sometimes the MAX mannequin) constructed to mini driver size with added scorching soften to achieve normal swing weight.
Shaft choices
For off-the-rack consumers, inventory shaft choices range considerably between producers. Whereas customized upgrades are all the time accessible (some free, some matching the standard $350 driver improve cost), inventory choices aren’t essentially inferior—simply totally different.
For my part, Titleist provides the very best inventory choices (Tensei 1K Black or Blue), adopted by PXG and Callaway (each providing flavors of Project X Denali).
For the DIY crowd, mini drivers are sometimes constructed to 3-wood specs, with no matter shaft you select tipped half an inch. Titleist makes use of a fairway wooden adapter and has designed the GT280 to work seamlessly with a 3-wood shaft. Callaway makes use of a driver adapter whereas TaylorMade and PXG use the identical adapter for each drivers and fairway woods. This successfully implies that 3-wood shafts you would possibly have already got for TMaG and PXG will match (although size may be off) whereas Callaway requires a extra customized strategy, leveraging fairway-spec shafts with a driver tip.
Adjustability
All mini drivers on this checklist supply some type of hosel adjustability though the vary differs by producer. Except for Krank, every additionally options movable weights.
The Titleist GT280 provides front-to-back weight positioning much like the GT4. Callaway’s system mirrors the Elyte series. PXG and TaylorMade each make use of four-weight programs that present each trajectory management (excessive/low) and left-to-right shot form correction.
One vital observe: With the smaller footprint of the mini driver heads, weight is consolidated in a extra compact space, that means changes may have much less influence on ball flight than they’d in a full-sized driver head. I’m not suggesting the changes are ineffective, simply that they don’t work to the identical diploma as in bigger heads.
Loft choices
Nominal lofts for mini drivers vary from 11.5 to 13.5 levels. Each TaylorMade and Callaway supply 11.5 and 13.5 fashions. Logically, the 11.5 model works extra as a direct driver alternative whereas the 13.5 must be extra playable from the golf green.
PXG and the GT280 can be found in 13 levels solely whereas the Krank is available in 11.5.
Whereas there are variations between adapter programs, each mini driver mentioned right here is adjustable by 1.5-2 levels in both route.
Which mini driver is best for you?
MyGolfSpy testing is ongoing however the clearest solutions emerge on the extremes of use circumstances.
- If you happen to’re by no means going to hit it off the golf green, begin with the 11.5-degree Callaway Elyte.
- If you happen to want your mini to be as very like a 3-wood as attainable, the GT280’s extra compact and fairway-friendly design could be my place to begin.
My strongest suggestion? Get fitted and demo off grass if attainable. Even on the extremes, you’ll possible discover you may hit the GT280 successfully off the tee and lots of gamers can hit the Elyte off the golf green. They simply occur to be higher suited to sure points of play than others.
With that in thoughts, the PXG Secret Weapon and TaylorMade R7 Quad could possibly be thought-about probably the most versatile choices. Frankly, regardless of some selection in footprint, very like the motive force class generally, the designs are related. Variations possible come all the way down to becoming the person golfer and value level though I wouldn’t sweat the $30 distinction if it means higher efficiency for you.
I don’t have any hands-on expertise with the Krank mannequin so I’m hesitant to make particular suggestions.
Last ideas
Mini drivers aren’t new however the 2025 class has expanded dramatically with expectations of extra choices on the way in which. There’s loads of curiosity and lingering questions on the place mini drivers match and the way golfers would possibly profit from enjoying them.
This information serves as an introduction to what’s presently available on the market. If you happen to occur to have already got a mini in your bag, tell us which one you’re enjoying, the way it’s figuring out and what membership you sacrificed to make room for it.
The publish The Mini Driver Matrix: A Comprehensive Comparison For Every Golfer appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
