Small Headed & Mini Drivers 2023
The majority of drivers on the market today possess 460cc heads. While these are fantastic for increased forgiveness, and a consistently high launch, they reduce workability for superior golfers.
In this post, I outline the best small-headed and mini drivers for 2023.
If you feel that your oversized driver is hampering your control and preventing you from initiating a draw or a fade, you will appreciate a more compact design and we’ve listed the very best on the market right here.
AT A GLANCE
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1. Callaway Mavrik Subzero Driver – (Best Choice)
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2. Callaway Rogue Triple Diamond LS Driver – (Best Premium)
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3. Ping G400 – (Best Value)
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4. Callaway Big Bertha Mini 1.5 Driver
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5. Titleist TS4 Driver
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6. TaylorMade Golf M5 Tour Driver
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7. 905T Titleist Driver
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8. Honma Golf- TR20 440 Driver
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9. Taylormade 300 Mini Driver 13.5 Degree, MiDr Proto 65 Regular Flex
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10. Srixon Z-745 Golf Driver
THE TOP 3
#1 – Callaway Mavrik Subzero Driver – Best Choice
3 Selling Points
- Explosive ball speed
- High MOI
- Added distance
Key Features
The Mavrik Sub Zero contains a Flash Face SS20 with two internal jailbreak bars and a 450cc head. In addition, it includes two interchangeable weights to alter launch and spin, along with an adjustable hosel.
Loft
The Sub Zero is available in a 9 and 10.5-degree loft option, making it better suited to moderate and faster swing speeds.
Head Size
At 450cc, this driver’s head is marginally smaller than the regular 460cc construction.
Performance & Accuracy
This driver delivers a low to mid launch with low spin to maximize your total distance. Plus, it prompts accelerated ball speed across the clubface and produces exceptional MOI. As a result, you receive consistent distance and forgiveness.
Who Should Buy
The low to mid launch coupled with rapid ball speed makes this driver ideal for mid and low handicappers, with fast and moderate swing speeds
Pros:
- Low spin
- Low to mid-launch
- Enhanced forgiveness
- Adjustable weight and hosel
- Built for players with fast and moderate swing speeds
Cons:
- Slow swingers may generate not enough spin and ball speed to consistently launch this driver.
- Moderately expensive
Overall Rating: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#2 – Callaway Rogue Triple Diamond LS Driver – Best Premium
3 Selling Points
- Low spin
- Strong ball flight
- Impressive workability
Key Features
A tungsten speed cartridge adds 23-grams low and deep in the head, and it combines with an A.I Jailbreak Speed Frame. Lastly, a titanium unibody construction creates a low spin head design.
Loft
Like the SubZero, the Rogue LS Driver, this Callaway design is available in a 9 and 10.5-degree.
Head Size
The Rogue Triple Diamond has a slightly smaller 450cc head.
Performance & Accuracy
This driver produces a mid-degree launch, lowest spin, and a neutral flight. Furthermore, it offers a high level of forgiveness.
Who Should Buy
The launch, low spin, and neutral flight of this driver make it an ideal companion for mid handicappers, with a fast and moderate swing speed.
Pros:
- High forgiveness
- Mid launch
- Low spin
- Neutral flight
- Promotes consistent workability
Cons:
- Slower swingers will struggle to launch this driver
- It does not suit players who slice their shots
Overall Rating: 97/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#3 – Ping G400 – Best Budget
3 Selling Points
- High forgiveness
- Sublime acoustics
- Aerodynamic crown prompts accelerated clubhead speed
Key Features
A faster-forged face collaborates with back tungsten weighting, dragonfly technology, and an aerodynamic head. Moreover, it features an inspired look and elevated acoustics.
Loft
Ping offers this driver in two lofts, 9 and 10.5-degrees. These options are better suited to golfers with fast and moderate driver swing speeds.
Head Size
The Ping G400 has a 445cc head, which is 15cc smaller than the standard 460cc design.
Performance & Accuracy
A combined MOI of above 9,000 restricts your face from twisting during your swing to produce straighter flying shots. In addition, you can strengthen or weaken your loft by 1-degree, thanks to the adjustable tungsten weight.
On top of its forgiveness, dragonfly technology positions the CG low and back to prompt high launching shots for maximum forgiveness.
Who Should Buy
Based on the high forgiveness and impressive acoustics, the G400 best suits low and mid handicappers.
Pros:
- Maximum forgiveness
- Deep CG for a mid to high launch
- Superior acoustics
- Prompts faster clubhead speed
- Modern look
Cons:
- Difficult to find this driver
Overall Rating: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#4 – Callaway Big Bertha Mini 1.5 Driver
3 Selling Points
- 235cc driver head
- Adjustable loft and lie
- Produces rapid ball speed
Key Features
This 235cc driver features 14-degrees of loft and an adjustable optic fit hosel. Moreover, a warbird soleplate enhances turf interaction and a hyper-speed face cup.
Loft
This driver offers a weaker loft than the average option on the market, with 14-degrees. That makes it easier for slower swing speeds to consistently launch.
Head Size
The 235cc head is slightly larger than a Callaway fairway wood.
Performance & Accuracy
This smaller head offers a lighter driver, enabling slower swingers to increase clubhead speed and consistently launch the ball. Furthermore, the opti-fit hosel allows you to strengthen or weaken the loft for the ideal launch.
Additionally, a warbird sole plate encourages superb turf interaction for a clean strike from any lie. The hyper-speed face cup produces rapid ball speed across the face, even if you miss the sweet spot of the face.
Who Should Buy
The Bertha Mini driver works well for slow swinging high handicappers who struggle to consistently launch a stronger lofted driver.
Pros:
- Weak loft
- High launch
- Adjustable hosel
- Explosive ball speed off the face
- Exceptional turf interaction
Cons:
- Difficult to find this driver
- Faster swingers may generate excess spin and balloon their shots with this club.
Overall Rating: 93/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#5 – Titleist TS4 Driver
3 Selling Points
- Ultra-low spin
- Straight ball flight
- Increased total distance
Key Features
The TS4 contains a 430cc driver head with a low and forward CG to reduce spin. Callaway also included an ultra-thin crown, a thin, fast face, and an aerodynamic head design.
Loft
Titleist offers the TS4 in an 8.5, 9.5, and 10.5-degree loft. Based on these stronger lofts, this driver suits best fast and moderate swing speeds.
Head Size
This driver provides a reduced head size of 430cc.
Performance & Accuracy
Thanks to the low and forward CG, this driver delivers a limited spin and straight ball flight, to induce maximum distance. Besides, the thin, fast face and streamlined shape initiate accelerated clubhead and ball speed.
Who Should Buy
The low spin, ultra-distance, and strong lofted driver best suit low and mid handicappers with moderate to fast swing speeds.
Pros:
- Low spin
- Faster ball speed
- Prompts increased clubhead speed
- Delivers straight ball slight
Cons:
- The strong lofts do not suit slower swinging golfers
Overall Rating: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#6 – TaylorMade Golf M5 Tour Driver
3 Selling Points
- Highly forgiving
- Combats slices
- Adjustable weights
Key Features
A speed injected twist face, an inverse T-track and hammerhead 2.0 technology make up the M5 Tour driver. In addition, it sports a 435cc to produce a player’s look, which is suitable for lower handicap golfers.
Loft
TaylorMade offers this driver in two loft options, 9 and 10.5-degrees. Based on the strength of these lofts, they best suit players with fast and moderate swing speeds.
Head Size
This 435cc head offers a tour look that lower handicappers and professionals appreciate. In addition, the refined profile enables one to better shape their tee shots.
Performance & Accuracy
Thanks to its speed-injected ports, the M5 Tour driver produces explosive ball speed off the clubface. That means you enjoy consistently long distances, even on mishits. Furthermore, the twisted face prompts a square clubface at impact to deliver straighter ball flight.
TaylorMade’s engineers added an inverse T-track with adjustable weights to position the face for the ideal flight. Finally, the hammerhead 2.0 expands the sweet spot for consistent ball speed and restricted spin across the face.
Who Should Buy
As a result of their sturdy loft and reduced head size, this club is built for low handicappers with fast or moderate swing speeds.
Pros:
- Expanded sweet spot
- Prompts accelerated ball speed
- Encourages straighter shots
- Combats sidespin
- Reduced backspin leads to added distance
Cons:
- The reduced head size may prove challenging for high handicappers to strike
- The sturdy loft does not suit slow swinging players
Overall Rating: 93/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#7 – 905T Titleist Driver
3 Selling Points
- An attractive appearance at address
- Smooth feel
- Increased forgiveness across the face
Key Features
The 905T driver comprises titanium, which provides a fast face, pleasant appearance, a smooth feel, and pleasing acoustics.
Loft
Titleist ensured that the 905T suits golfers of all swing speeds. You can find this driver in a 7.5, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, and 11.5-degree design. That means that, whether you swing over 105 mph or below 83 mph, there is an option for you.
Head Size
The head size of this driver is 400cc, which is well below the standard 460cc structure.
Performance & Accuracy
The titanium face of this driver delivers explosive ball speed and a penetrating ball flight for maximum total distance. Plus, the titanium provides a smooth feel and pleasant acoustics to enhance your experience.
Who Should Buy
There literally is no category of golfer who cannot swing this club. However, the reduced clubhead size may play tricks on the minds of beginners used to swinging a 460cc driver.
Pros:
- Smooth feel
- Pleasant acoustics
- Fast face
- Delivers optimal total distance
- Suits golfers of all swing speeds
Cons:
- Expensive
Overall Rating: 84/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#8 – Honma Golf- TR20 440 Driver
3 Selling Points
- Heightened COR
- Prompts accelerated clubhead speed
- Adjustable loft and lie
Key Features
The TR20 contains a Titanium carbon fast frame and a light ET40 carbon crown. Vertical grooves are added to the clubface, and adjustable weight allows you to alter the loft and launch profile for an optimal result.
Loft
With a 10.5-degree loft, the TR20 is well-positioned to help moderate swing speeds consistently launch the ball high and long.
Head Size
Measuring 440cc, this driver contains a smaller head compared to standard products on the market.
Performance & Accuracy
The light construction of this driver combined with a fast face leads to maximum COR at impact. As a result, it delivers consistent ball flight and distance. Moreover, the internal grooves and variable face thickness aid the cause of accelerated ball speed.
Who Should Buy
The TR20 works for mid and high handicappers with moderate swing speed.
Pros:
- Faster ball speed
- Increased COR
- Rapid clubhead speed
- Adjustable loft and lie
- Suits golfers with moderate swing speeds
Cons:
- Moderately expensive
Overall Rating: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#9 – Taylormade 300 Mini Driver 13.5 Degree, MiDr Proto 65 Regular Flex
3 Selling Points
- High launching
- Forgiving
- Optimal playability
Key Features
This 307cc driver head includes a V steel sole for enhanced turf interaction and a twisted face for straighter drives. Plus, a thru slot speed pocket increases the flex of the clubface, and an adjustable loft sleeve helps you set up for your perfect launch.
Loft
TaylorMade sells the 300 Mini in two loft options, 11.5 and 13.5-degrees. These weaker lofts are built for slower players who struggle to launch a stronger lofted driver.
Head Size
The Mini driver offers a reduced head size of 307 cc. While that promotes increased playability for lower handicappers, the high loft suits best beginners and high handicappers.
Performance & Accuracy
The V steel sole encourages improved turf interaction to help you hit clean shots from any lie on the golf course. In addition, the flexible clubface combats low face strikes to deliver consistent ball speed on low face strikes.
Who Should Buy
The higher loft options of this driver make it ideal for slower swinging players who find it hard to strike lower lofted clubs.
Pros:
- High launching
- Forgiving
- Increased playability
- Weak lofts suit slower swingers
- Combats slices
- Adjustable loft sleeve
Cons:
- Limited improvements from the original option
- Cheaply made headcover
Overall Rating: 93/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#10 – Srixon Z-745 Golf Driver
3 Selling Points
- Limited spin
- Increased workability
- Adjustable weight
Key Features
Srixon crafted the face with 6-4 titanium and threw in a heavier clubhead, a counterbalanced shaft, and a lighter grip. These features combine to create Dual Speed Technology.
Loft
There are three loft options with this driver that suit fast and moderate swing speeds. Your options are 8.5, 9.5, and 10.5-degrees.
Head Size
The Z-745 is 430cc in size, slightly lower than the average. That also means that it offers exceptional workability compared to most of the options on this list.
Performance & Accuracy
Thanks to its compact head design, this driver allows superior golfers to work their ball, offering better players increased control off the tee. Furthermore, the employment of Dual Speed Technology develops rapid clubhead and ball speed, along with low spring for maximum distance.
Who Should Buy
Based on its reduced head size and stronger lofted options, this is a driver for fast and moderate swinging lower handicappers.
Pros:
- Increased workability
- Accelerated clubhead speed
- Rapid ball speed
- Suits players with fast and moderate swing speeds
Cons:
- Reduced forgiveness
- It does not suit high handicappers and beginners.
Overall Rating: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Conclusion
That wraps up our review on the lesser sought-after drivers. Small heads typically produce little forgiveness but increased workability, which is better suited to low and mid handicappers. However, with the innovations in golf equipment manufacturing, there are now options for high handicappers.
Golfers looking to maximize their bang for their buck should keep reading into the G400. Those who have the budget might find the newly released Rogue Triple Diamond LS worth testing. Now, keep in mind that there are severe supply chain shortages in the industry at the moment, so you may need to think of a backup option.
Although each driver on this list stands out in their individual categories, there can only be one winner. The Callaway Mavrik Sub Zero is the best of the small-headed and mini drivers in 2022. It limits spin, provides ample forgiveness, and prompts rapid ball speed for optimal distance.
Aidan is a low-handicap golfer who came from over 110 to breaking 80 in less than 1 year.
Aidan has become obsessed with becoming a scratch golfer and plays golf on every possible occasion, even in the snow!
