Taylormade BRNR Mini Driver Review 2023 – Who is it for?
“The Taylormade BRNR mini driver still stands as one of golf gear’s most peculiar anomalies; but it just may be the solution you’ve been looking for.”
First of all, we’re not talking about a notable British actress from the late 90’s when we say, mini driver.
We are literally talking about a driver that is smaller than most drivers on the market.
In reality, the Taylormade BRNR mini driver sits somewhere between a large fairway wood and a driver. So should anyone be gaming it in 2023? What merits does it offer? Let’s find out.
The Taylormade Mini Driver Family
“Believe it or not, Taylormade actually made more than one of these things.”
If at the end of this review you aren’t sold on the Taylormade BRNR mini driver, you may want to check out the AeroBurner mini driver. The AeroBurner is actually smaller than the Taylormade BRNR.
It has a 253cc head volume and feels considerably lighter than the Taylormade BRNR mini driver.
Based on our testing, we would say that the AeroBurner mini driver would be better for anyone who thinks the Taylormade BRNR mini driver felt too slow or cumbersome in the hands.
The AeroBurner may also be better for players with swing speeds in the 50 – 60 MPH range.
Is it Good for High Handicappers?
“The Taylormade BRNR is loaded with forgiveness features that would make it a good choice for a particular type of high handicapper.”
Namely, one who needs-driver like flight and distance off the deck. The Taylormade BRNR comes in 11.5° and 13.5° lofts.
Furthermore, it is small enough (43.75”) to be viable off the deck. Basically, the Taylormade BRNR mini driver was designed and spec’d to be played off the tee and the deck.
Furthermore, if you struggle with reigning in a regular-sized driver off the deck, the Taylormade BRNR mini driver may be a good choice.
It sports a 304cc head so it is much more manageable on the downswing if you are a high handicapper who struggles with club head control. Control is the key word here.
During testing, we enjoyed a great deal of control over the club head – being able to square it at impact and keep track of it on the downswing.
Is it Forgiving?
“One of the things you should be aware of about the Taylormade BRNR is that the smaller head has a very interesting effect.”
The 304cc head allows for a CG that is almost perfectly aligned with the shaft axis. To put it plainly, the smaller head means it’s much easier to turn over at impact.
This means straighter, more accurate shots for players who struggle with accuracy.
It was very easy to consistently square the face at impact with the Taylormade BRNR mini driver. The Taylormade BRNR mini driver also sports a carbon fiber crown and a thin titanium face.
These appointments (along with shrinkage of the head and shaft) make it very light.
Players who struggle with accuracy off the tee will find the Taylormade BRNR more forgiving than a traditional driver.
And most golfers will also find that it plays longer than their 3 and 5-woods. Basically, it’s easier to keep the ball on-line from the tee and easier to get distance increases off the deck with the Taylormade BRNR.
Difference Between the Taylormade BRNR and Taylormade AeroBurner Mini Drivers
“The most obvious difference is size.”
The head of the AeroBurner mini driver is even smaller than the Taylormade BRNR.
But there is an even bigger difference: the Taylormade BRNR mini driver features adjustable weight positions while the AeroBurner has no weight adjustability.
We also like the bronze/black color scheme of the Taylormade BRNR more than the red/white color scheme of the AeroBurner; but that’s just our opinion.
Available Shafts
- UST Proforce 65 (regular and stiff flex)
Is the Taylormade BRNR Mini Driver Worth it?
“The Taylormade BRNR would be worth it for a few reasons.”
First of all, if you have a negative attack angle with your fairway woods, the Taylormade BRNR would fit you like a glove off the deck.
It will provide you with a lower launch that will optimize your distance on the fairway.
Secondly, if you find the length of your current driver to be hindering your swing accuracy, the Taylormade BRNR may be worth a try.
Lastly, the adjustable weight (13g that can be moved into a forward or rear position) makes the Taylormade BRNR a good play whether you need less spin or max forgiveness.
Taylormade BRNR
In 20 Words or Less
“It’s very easy to get a straight shot with the Taylormade BRNR from the tee. Great distance off the deck.”
Taylormade BRNR – First Impressions
“The Taylormade BRNR is like having a cheat code off the deck.”
Most of us were first impressed (although it should have been expected) with the sheer distance from the fairway.
Those of us who could adjust to the face shape that is. For some, the Taylormade BRNR will provide too much face and not enough loft to get used to as a fairway wood.
Taylormade BRNR Mini Driver Selling Points
- Titanium face
- Carbon fiber crown
- Adjustable weights (13 grams can be placed in the front or back of the head)
- Speed Pocket for better distance on low-face shots
- Twist Face technology
- Adjustable loft sleeve
Who is the Taylormade BRNR Mini Driver for?
“As long as you can get past the smaller head and shaft, the Taylormade BRNR can work for a number of players.”
It is amazingly adjustable with movable weights and a loft sleeve. No matter what your swing bias is, the Taylormade BRNR will likely be able to make up for it.
At the end of the day though, the Taylormade BRNR may be better for beginners and high handicappers who need a greater semblance of control from the tee and more distance off the deck.
Distance: 97/100
Accuracy: 96/100
Forgiveness: 96/100
Feel & Control: 95/100
Overall Score: 96/100
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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!
