New TM Mini coming?

[dcmidnight]

5 hours ago, Circaflex said:

What type of player is this gear towards?

 

I've tried out minis before - multiple ones actually - and I still have no clue who they are marketed towards.

 

When I got fit for a driver a couple years back, even with a pretty decent SS (~106) I was fit into a 12* driver cranked down one notch, so right in this neighborhood loftwise. I also choke down a couple inches on a 45" shaft so again, in the neighborhood. What does this bring me off the tee? Or let me flip that around - if you are looking at the mini why would you not consider a higher lofted driver with 50% more size/forgiveness?

 

All that being said - I fricking LOVE the look of this...so...its 50-50 that I buy this one too. Or 95-5, whatever....

[markheardjr]

1 hour ago, dcmidnight said:

 

I've tried out minis before - multiple ones actually - and I still have no clue who they are marketed towards.

 

When I got fit for a driver a couple years back, even with a pretty decent SS (~106) I was fit into a 12* driver cranked down one notch, so right in this neighborhood loftwise. I also choke down a couple inches on a 45" shaft so again, in the neighborhood. What does this bring me off the tee? Or let me flip that around - if you are looking at the mini why would you not consider a higher lofted driver with 50% more size/forgiveness?

 

All that being said - I fricking LOVE the look of this...so...its 50-50 that I buy this one too. Or 95-5, whatever....

They are marketed at two groups of people IMO. Most folks on here, that are interested, are looking to knock spin way down, don't need the forgiveness...and like to hit low flat fairway finders. For the masses that swear they can't hit a driver, but can hit a fairway wood, this is a mid-way alternative. Its bigger than a fairway wood but more loft than a driver. Or its just a large 2wd to them to fill in a gap between 15° FWY wood and a their driver.

 

I have hit the Original One, it is stupid low spin. And I hit the 11° lower than my 8.5° driver, much flatter trajectory. I hit my Sim 3wd 245y and my driver 255y stock. For whatever reason, confidence, spin, who knows, I can absolutely smash my 3wd and "overswing" on it to get it into the 260-270y range off the deck. My driver when i overswing is just a high right fade that still only goes 255y. I have put the same shafts in both, I have swapped shafts in between. I have tried the 65, 75 & 85g version of the same shaft in both 3w & driver. Same results. 3wd smashes, driver is meh.  So i'm interested to try the new mini, already had 4 shafts to try in it.

[holdenapair]

For those who game this behind a std driver, what sits between this and your next club down? 5w, utility/hybrid?

[MPAndreassi]

12 hours ago, Circaflex said:

What type of player is this gear towards?

Personally it’s a good club for my home course as we’re short and tree lined. The par 5s don’t require a 3/4 wood approach for me, but some of the shorter par 4s do require a more accurate tee shot than my main driver.  

 

7 hours ago, dcmidnight said:

if you are looking at the mini why would you not consider a higher lofted driver with 50% more size/forgiveness?

For me, I have my gamer driver as well as a second driver built that I swap in and out with my 4 wood. The second driver is a TS2 10.5* lofted at 12*. It’s 42 1/2” long, but it still goes a touch too far for what I’m looking for out of this type of club. Also, the benefit of being able to loft down from 13.5 instead of up from 10.5 is better for my misses. 

 

1 hour ago, holdenapair said:

For those who game this behind a std driver, what sits between this and your next club down? 5w, utility/hybrid?

In my set up it would likely be driver, mini, then my hybrid and that would make up the top end of my bag. 

[Orange Hog]

I love my Original One 11.5* and don't think I'll ever get rid of it.  That said, it's not my everyday driver that's in the bag.  I play a SIM 9*/Ventus Black 6 combo on most course layouts where I live but there are a few narrow tracks where I'll drop the SIM and opt for the mini driver.  In terms of yardage it sits between my 3W and Driver but offers me really predictable performance off the tee when I need it.

 

I'm a big fan of giving consumers options and this definitely checks that box.  It's not for every golfer but it gives people an option on tighter courses or gives the player who struggles with a driver an option off the tee that will be easier to hit than a 3 wood.  Really interested to see this next variation.

[adh2k1]

4 hours ago, holdenapair said:

For those who game this behind a std driver, what sits between this and your next club down? 5w, utility/hybrid?

 

I generally go Driver, OO 13.5, 20 hybrid. I am toying with a 5W though because the distance gap between the OO and 20 hybrid is obnoxious. 40 yards or so.

[bjh1]

On 5/26/2021 at 12:09 AM, nosedive32 said:

Should we expect Callaway to attempt to create an Epic Mini to sway Phil away from the Original One and compete with this rumored 300 Mini?

 

The Bertha Mini didn't seem to have near the success of any of the 3 TM iterations of the mini-driver.

If they come out with an Epic mini, I will be first in line to buy one.

Edited June 2, 2021 by bjh1

[bjh1]

On 6/1/2021 at 5:12 AM, PhilWhitUK said:

I wonder if Callaway will bring out a rival...?

@Sub70Golf@JaySub70 Sub70 - you need to do this!!

Edited June 2, 2021 by bjh1

[TK3309]

Mid July release for the Mini Driver. I think it hit the USGA conforming list early as someone is looking to put it in play soon on Tour. 

[J13]

I think these types of clubs are going to rise in popularity due to the Bryson effect.  As people experiment with longer driver setups it might beneficial to have a long drive type driver for holes where you have some room and would benefit from the extra distance then for more "normal" holes where accuracy is at a premium you use the mini driver as your controlled fairway finder that's 20-30yds shorter.

[dcmidnight]

1 minute ago, J13 said:

I think these types of clubs are going to rise in popularity due to the Bryson effect.  As people experiment with longer driver setups it might beneficial to have a long drive type driver for holes where you have some room and would benefit from the extra distance then for more "normal" holes where accuracy is at a premium you use the mini driver as your controlled fairway finder that's 20-30yds shorter.

 

Eh. 

 

Like I said I've been buying/using/BSTing minis for....7 years now? I was on the TM trip to Dallas when they kicked off the first Mini release which I think was 2014? So 7 years of different mini ideas and I just havent seen it take off.

 

I dont know. But like I said, its not going to stop me buying/trying this one either.

[TK3309]

4 minutes ago, J13 said:

I think these types of clubs are going to rise in popularity due to the Bryson effect.  As people experiment with longer driver setups it might beneficial to have a long drive type driver for holes where you have some room and would benefit from the extra distance then for more "normal" holes where accuracy is at a premium you use the mini driver as your controlled fairway finder that's 20-30yds shorter.

 

Couldn't agree more. Especially at courses where a 3 wood won't be used due to length and not needed for shots into par 5s. 

[J13]

33 minutes ago, dcmidnight said:

 

Eh. 

 

Like I said I've been buying/using/BSTing minis for....7 years now? I was on the TM trip to Dallas when they kicked off the first Mini release which I think was 2014? So 7 years of different mini ideas and I just havent seen it take off.

 

I dont know. But like I said, its not going to stop me buying/trying this one either.

 

Yes but they keep making them so that tells you they are selling well.  OEM's have figured out it's better to do small runs of niche products and it can be profitable.  I've had the same experience as you with mini drivers but I could see me experimenting with a 46.5" driver then 44" mini 

[toddyc]

4 hours ago, J13 said:

I think these types of clubs are going to rise in popularity due to the Bryson effect.  As people experiment with longer driver setups it might beneficial to have a long drive type driver for holes where you have some room and would benefit from the extra distance then for more "normal" holes where accuracy is at a premium you use the mini driver as your controlled fairway finder that's 20-30yds shorter.

For me it could also help with hitting a different shape drive. I cannot draw my 46” driver and don’t want to. But if a shorter mini driver was something I could draw a little bit that could be nifty to have since I rarely need anything beyond a 5 wood normally

[adh2k1]

There are some people that can hit their mini off the deck and use it as a 2 wood. Phil has hit his off the deck numerous times and seems fond of it. I can hit mine off the deck more reliably than a 3 wood for whatever reason. It's similar to a driving iron I feel. Not everyone needs one for off the tee and not everyone can hit it off the deck, but there is a combination of using it where enough people fall in one of the two categories or a combination of both. I just really love the OO Mini can couldn't imagine not having it in the bag. 

[bubbagump]

13 minutes ago, adh2k1 said:

There are some people that can hit their mini off the deck and use it as a 2 wood. Phil has hit his off the deck numerous times and seems fond of it. I can hit mine off the deck more reliably than a 3 wood for whatever reason. It's similar to a driving iron I feel. Not everyone needs one for off the tee and not everyone can hit it off the deck, but there is a combination of using it where enough people fall in one of the two categories or a combination of both. I just really love the OO Mini can couldn't imagine not having it in the bag. 

 

Nice.  The mini's arent really too hard to put together who they are for, they are for those who can get the most use out of them lol.  I use mine in the same way as you, basically as a 2 wood and use it off the tee and deck, and it my favorite, most trusted club in the bag and has been since the SLDR mini came out.  No ridic gaps, no redundancy, no confusion.....great club.  

 

A common feedback on minis seem to be that you can do X to this club and get the same thing, or why not get X instead?  Kind of missing the utility of them at that rate, and most clubs in the bag could probs cover for another when manipulated.  

Edited June 2, 2021 by bubbagump

[TaylorMade Golf]

Wait?...what?...there's a new (old) mini coming? We're in.

[PNW]

2 minutes ago, TaylorMade Golf said:

Wait?...what?...there's a new (old) mini coming? We're in.

 

bro you cant just nonchalant show up like this. bring some deets!

[markheardjr]

11 minutes ago, TaylorMade Golf said:

Wait?...what?...there's a new (old) mini coming? We're in.

You should just stamp them all T##### B3 to mess with all of us. Tour Issue 300 to the moon!!!!!!!!

[dcmidnight]

2 hours ago, TaylorMade Golf said:

Wait?...what?...there's a new (old) mini coming? We're in.

 

The first time you dropped one, the GOAT was building me one straight out of the van...just saying...

 

(and yes I fanboyed and had him sign my headcover)

 

 

[Valtiel]

On 6/1/2021 at 3:16 AM, dcmidnight said:

 

I've tried out minis before - multiple ones actually - and I still have no clue who they are marketed towards.

 

When I got fit for a driver a couple years back, even with a pretty decent SS (~106) I was fit into a 12* driver cranked down one notch, so right in this neighborhood loftwise. I also choke down a couple inches on a 45" shaft so again, in the neighborhood. What does this bring me off the tee? Or let me flip that around - if you are looking at the mini why would you not consider a higher lofted driver with 50% more size/forgiveness?

 

All that being said - I fricking LOVE the look of this...so...its 50-50 that I buy this one too. Or 95-5, whatever....

I've always assumed the market was aimed squarely at the demographic that favored smaller driver heads and shorter playing lengths, guys that were in their mid 20's/30's back in the early 2000's who we regularly hear say "I played X driver back in college and loved it". Usually a Titleist or Taylormade driver from that period in the 300cc range. 

[Clubhoe]

The OO is the best (and only) driver I've ever been able to hit consistently off the tee. Never have much trouble off the deck either.

Love the looks, feel, solid feeling off the face. Taylormade nailed it.

I hope the new one is just as good in those areas. If they make it easier to hit off the deck, it will be a knock out.

 

Any pics of the crown etc?

[jll62]

On 5/31/2021 at 11:42 PM, grm24 said:

The Original One Mini Driver from 2019 was $399.99 upon release. No doubt this new version will be priced the same or higher. Wonder how many uninformed people will run out and buy the new version thinking it's the same TM OO mini driver Phil won the PGA with.

 

I doubt there will be many. If someone is aware that Phil had an Original One in the bag, they're informed enough to know the difference.

 

What if he puts a 300 mini in at Torrey? That would be something. 😄

[QuigleyDU]

17 hours ago, adh2k1 said:

There are some people that can hit their mini off the deck and use it as a 2 wood. Phil has hit his off the deck numerous times and seems fond of it. I can hit mine off the deck more reliably than a 3 wood for whatever reason. It's similar to a driving iron I feel. Not everyone needs one for off the tee and not everyone can hit it off the deck, but there is a combination of using it where enough people fall in one of the two categories or a combination of both. I just really love the OO Mini can couldn't imagine not having it in the bag. 

I hit my OG of the deck a few times. It was never that difficult. Mostly I used it off the tee as a two wood. I kinda regret getting rid of it. But I wanted to fund something else. 

[chipa]

I have been experimenting with various cheaper versions of the mini for my driving woes. I have finally settled on a 98 Big Bertha 12 driver (womens) that I got on ebay for $15. Its 17-4 SS. So far I have hit is straighter than anything I have tried and maybe am only 20 yards shorter at most than my 9.5 driver. It has an 84 gram 43.5" 3 wood shaft and lead tape to get it to 205 grams. The head size is similar to smaller fairway woods at 150 cc but is actually 195 cc because it has a deeper face, which is what I really need.

[Duffer222]

On 5/16/2021 at 6:13 PM, ian-500 said:

Oh wow. Loved the OO 13.5. I will have to try this one if it gets released in the UK. I like the look at address.

I’m with you!  I have to look at the bottom of the club every time I put the headcover on!

[Duffer222]

On 6/2/2021 at 11:52 AM, J13 said:

 

Yes but they keep making them so that tells you they are selling well.  OEM's have figured out it's better to do small runs of niche products and it can be profitable.  I've had the same experience as you with mini drivers but I could see me experimenting with a 46.5" driver then 44" mini 

“Selling well” and “being profitable” are usually not feasible on niche products that fill a (for the most part) not required role when it comes to “tools”.  They’re still trying, so it must be at least close!  Maybe this time!

[chip75]

On 6/2/2021 at 12:38 PM, bjh1 said:

If they come out with an Epic mini, I will be first in line to buy one.

 

What about a The Littlest Big Bertha Driver? with a S2H2 changeable neck?

[Clubhoe]

On 6/2/2021 at 2:08 AM, holdenapair said:

For those who game this behind a std driver, what sits between this and your next club down? 5w, utility/hybrid?

I go OO, then 3 wood, 3 utility.

The OO mini is very close to standard driver distance. It also has the versatility to be my 2 wood distance off the deck.

Its basically an extra club in the top end of the bag, and opens up more options.

Edited June 3, 2021 by Clubhoe

[Rich Douglas]

I played the first one that came out in the SLDR family and liked it. Upgraded to the OO and yes, it is a low screamer. But it's pretty easy to hit off the deck. Another poster called it a 2-wood with a bigger head and I could not agree more. I dumped my traditional 3-wood for the original SLDR mini-driver and have never looked back.