2024 TM BRNR Mini Driver

[robin_w]

I have the older version, feels pretty good, just never know how it could fit into my bag

[manVSgolf]

I bought the 11.5* ‘23 version (set to 13*) a few weeks ago.  Absolutely love it.

 

I bought this cosmetic update and am picking it up today - got the 13.5*.  This one will not get played, but now I’ll feel less guilty about hitting my 11.5 off the deck!!  Love having more copper and a bigger old-school logo (wish they never got away from those things - the copper is iconic).
 

Changes in my bag: I kept my 9* driver (Ping g430 10K).  I set the ‘23 BRNR to a 2 wood loft, adapter settings and shaft to promote higher flight and fade bias, with 3 wood length. The 9* is currently set to promote lower flight and a draw.  I altered my 3 wood to 4 wood loft to help the gapping throughout the bag.  From there, I play 3 hybrids (TSr 3, 4, and 5) set 4* between. 6-9 irons, 3 wedges (48, 52, 58), putter.
 

For those on the fence, I recommend giving these a whirl.  Will work much better for a lot of those who make contact on the downstike off the tee.  There ARE playable off the deck too, I’ve hit some really good ones sans tee.

Edited April 5 by manVSgolf
Formatting

[PARETO]

Ordered my 13.5 today. I see a place in my game for it. 

[5yddraw]

Mine gets in next week.  Really excited for this club.  

I could not find anywhere to test these other than the stock offerings at golf galaxy and PGATSS.  I’m going with the same Hzrdus smoke black shaft I have in my 16.5 TSR2 4 wood but it’ll be 44” playing length.  
 

[Nickeagle]

I absolutely love playing last years. Super fun to hit off the deck. Off the tee it’s a really strong ball flight. My problem is I just can’t seem to really find a place in the bag for it. I put a Ventus tr blue 8x at 43” in mine. 

Edited April 17 by Nickeagle

[dugue4]

I'm going to check it out next time I'm at PGASS

[zeebot]

Looks sweet

[tele_pathic]

On 4/5/2024 at 10:57 AM, manVSgolf said:

Changes in my bag: I kept my 9* driver (Ping g430 10K).  I set the ‘23 BRNR to a 2 wood loft, adapter settings and shaft to promote higher flight and fade bias, with 3 wood length. The 9* is currently set to promote lower flight and a draw. 

 

This was a player's setup, basically, at the Master's last week. I can't remember who it was, but he had driver for one side of the course and a 2 wood for the other side, both off the tee. Makes a lot more sense, to me, than having two different swings, which can lead to more double-crosses than simply the same swing with two different clubs off the tee. 

[WillieGnarls]

I’ve tried a lot of drivers.. g430 10k max, tsr2, cobra max.. and a lot more. I swing hard and i tend to slice or pull. I basically suck with driver and I swing around 115-120 mph. So when that slice comes it’s bye bye score. 
 

I’ve left the driver at home a few rounds and been playing my fw3 stealth 2 plus at 17* with a red ventus tr 7x. Last time I was playing hit it 260 yards from tee.. standard about 250 yards. 
 

I could notice that my score became a lot better and I find the fairways a lot more now. 
 

that birthed the idea of the mini driver. I didn’t have a chance to play it yet, but I’m hoping it’s gonna help me gain a few extra yards from tee. Also if I need it, I can always turn up the loft to 13* and close the face a little! But I’m hoping to come closer to 300 yards with this setup. 
 

Waiting for adapter and grip to dry..

Edited April 17 by WillieGnarls

[JungleJimbo]

 

https://www.golfwrx.com/737627/heres-why-rory-mcilroy-will-likely-use-the-new-taylormade-brnr-mini-driver-copper-at-the-rbc-heritage/

 

 

[Floris]

I received my 11.5º today, but am struggling with what to do with the shaft. 

 

I want to fully replace my driver with the BRNR, so it'll be set to 9.5º.

 

My current setup on the top-end:

- TaylorMade SIM 9º (9.2º) head with a HZRDUS Green 60gr in 6.0 flex

- TaylorMade SIM 15º (3W) head with a HZRDUS Green 70gr in 6.5 flex

- TaylorMade SIM 18º (5W) head with a HZRDUS Green 70gr in 6.5 flex

- Mizuno ST220x 21º head with a Kai'li 70x shaft

 

I'm not very confident with the driver. The head is just too big and maybe the shaft is a tad too flexible.

I'm VERY confident with the 3W/5W, they just perform absolutely insane looking at flight and distance.

The 7W is a recent addition to the bag, I feel I have to lay back on it just a bit to get optimal flight+distance. When I'm going for it, it seems less stable.

 

I'm thinking of either putting an Oban (White, 65gr, 4-flex) in it for now as I have it laying around. Or buying yet another HZRDUS green. But I'm wondering if there's another shaft I should be looking at.

[doctor220]

46 minutes ago, Floris said:

I received my 11.5º today, but am struggling with what to do with the shaft. 

 

I want to fully replace my driver with the BRNR, so it'll be set to 9.5º.

 

My current setup on the top-end:

- TaylorMade SIM 9º (9.2º) head with a HZRDUS Green 60gr in 6.0 flex

- TaylorMade SIM 15º (3W) head with a HZRDUS Green 70gr in 6.5 flex

- TaylorMade SIM 18º (5W) head with a HZRDUS Green 70gr in 6.5 flex

- Mizuno ST220x 21º head with a Kai'li 70x shaft

 

I'm not very confident with the driver. The head is just too big and maybe the shaft is a tad too flexible.

I'm VERY confident with the 3W/5W, they just perform absolutely insane looking at flight and distance.

The 7W is a recent addition to the bag, I feel I have to lay back on it just a bit to get optimal flight+distance. When I'm going for it, it seems less stable.

 

I'm thinking of either putting an Oban (White, 65gr, 4-flex) in it for now as I have it laying around. Or buying yet another HZRDUS green. But I'm wondering if there's another shaft I should be looking at.

Having 3 clubs from 15-21 loft is way overkill imo. I almost never hit my 3 wood. How far do you hit those? It’s just not common im trying to approach a green from 260+. Or where 240 vs 260 really matters that much like I’m basically never going to go for a forced 240+ carry off the deck as a + handicap who swings 120. 

[Floris]

1 hour ago, doctor220 said:

Having 3 clubs from 15-21 loft is way overkill imo. I almost never hit my 3 wood. How far do you hit those? It’s just not common im trying to approach a green from 260+. Or where 240 vs 260 really matters that much like I’m basically never going to go for a forced 240+ carry off the deck as a + handicap who swings 120. 

Being not as comfortable with the driver, I often choose to use the 3W or even 5W from the tee. The way my homecourse is set up, that works pretty well for me. Quite a few holes where there's water or some sort of hazard where I cannot use the driver anyway. 

 

My swingspeed is in the 108-115 range and I'm playing to 3.2WHS. According to Arccoss my average real life on the course distances, are:

Driver - 252m (down from 263 before the winter, approx 276/288 yards)

3W - 242m (±265 yards)

5W - 220m (±240 yards)

7w - 200m (±219 yards)

 

I'm hoping the gapping with the BRNR will make sense or I might yeet the 3W and put in the 60º again. Not that I'm using that club 😛

Edited April 18 by Floris

[Nard_S]

I like everything about this driver. A #2 wood would fit my course a lot better. The online reviews are very positive. May buy an 11.5*, get a #4 and leave a spot for a bomber or a driving iron to use dependent on conditions of day. 

[Georgie Z]

Is anyone playing a 42” shaft or less? Thinking of putting my 5 wood shaft into this.

[Arlin964]

Ordered mine earlier this week and it gets delivered today.  I had them tip the shaft 1/2" so to get it shipped within a couple days is really impressive.  Granted, I live in San Diego so the transit time isn't much, but impressive nonetheless.

 

I went with the 11.5 and stock shaft, tipped 0.5".  

 

The copper will go quite well with my preferred colors - just check my avatar.

[me05501]

Mine arrived today: 11.5 with Tensei Blue 65R at +1/2". This is the same shaft that works well for me in my driver. 

 

It's a little curious to me that when you spec this shaft in a Callaway product it comes with a glossy finish. The shaft provided by TM has a matte finish. 

[robin_w]

On 4/5/2024 at 12:57 PM, manVSgolf said:

I bought the 11.5* ‘23 version (set to 13*) a few weeks ago.  Absolutely love it.

 

I bought this cosmetic update and am picking it up today - got the 13.5*.  This one will not get played, but now I’ll feel less guilty about hitting my 11.5 off the deck!!  Love having more copper and a bigger old-school logo (wish they never got away from those things - the copper is iconic).
 

Changes in my bag: I kept my 9* driver (Ping g430 10K).  I set the ‘23 BRNR to a 2 wood loft, adapter settings and shaft to promote higher flight and fade bias, with 3 wood length. The 9* is currently set to promote lower flight and a draw.  I altered my 3 wood to 4 wood loft to help the gapping throughout the bag.  From there, I play 3 hybrids (TSr 3, 4, and 5) set 4* between. 6-9 irons, 3 wedges (48, 52, 58), putter.
 

For those on the fence, I recommend giving these a whirl.  Will work much better for a lot of those who make contact on the downstike off the tee.  There ARE playable off the deck too, I’ve hit some really good ones sans tee.

Thank you!

 

For me if I'm using the same shaft as my driver, I do have nothing to complain about the club, the only issue is I don't hit this club better than my driver. So the only difference is one distance. 

 

You inspired me to set one into fade bias and one into draw bias, I never thought about that! I can hit draw and fade if I'm really trying, but as a 17-handicapper if the club can draw/fade for me, that's gonna be much easier. Since most of the time my only goal is put the ball on fairway.

[RobotDoctor]

I like the looks of the 2024 TM BRNR.  I have a TM 300 Mini at 11.5 degrees.  I use mine as a driver replacement.  I'm not sure whether there are enough enhancements to justify buying one at full price. 

[B_of_H]

I have one coming tuesday.  13.5 with a hzrdus black 70 6.5.  I don't think i've owned a taylormade club since I was 16 or 17 years old.  Like a lot of people on here I don't use 3w much off the deck and I find myself wanting something that goes a little further (than 3w), especially into the wind, and that I can turn over easier than driver.  I've played 13.5 degree 3 woods in the past but I don't really hit them more than 5-7 yards further and usually at the expense of accuracy.  I love my 5w and use it a lot of the deck/out of the rough.  So here we go...I have 3 events to try it out on (thurs to sat).  unless i have a major issue on the range its going straight into the bag and I may use it quite a bit off the tee just to get used to it.  

[ovodeano]

On 4/5/2024 at 9:57 AM, manVSgolf said:

I bought the 11.5* ‘23 version (set to 13*) a few weeks ago.  Absolutely love it.

 

I bought this cosmetic update and am picking it up today - got the 13.5*.  This one will not get played, but now I’ll feel less guilty about hitting my 11.5 off the deck!!  Love having more copper and a bigger old-school logo (wish they never got away from those things - the copper is iconic).
 

Changes in my bag: I kept my 9* driver (Ping g430 10K).  I set the ‘23 BRNR to a 2 wood loft, adapter settings and shaft to promote higher flight and fade bias, with 3 wood length. The 9* is currently set to promote lower flight and a draw.  I altered my 3 wood to 4 wood loft to help the gapping throughout the bag.  From there, I play 3 hybrids (TSr 3, 4, and 5) set 4* between. 6-9 irons, 3 wedges (48, 52, 58), putter.
 

For those on the fence, I recommend giving these a whirl.  Will work much better for a lot of those who make contact on the downstike off the tee.  There ARE playable off the deck too, I’ve hit some really good ones sans tee.

Do you have added head weight for the brnr with the short shaft?

[manVSgolf]

8 hours ago, ovodeano said:

Do you have added head weight for the brnr with the short shaft?

I went with a heavier stiff shaft.  TPT Fairway 15hi.  
 

the more I use this club, the more I reeeeeally like it.  I can honestly see myself playing plenty of rounds without a traditional driver.  It’s that good.

[me05501]

I got my new 11.5* Mini out for a nice range session yesterday. I'm really impressed with it. 

 

I've been playing a 13.5* BRNR with the HZRDUS Red 5.5 shaft and set to stated loft. It's become a 3-wood replacement for me which is both a safety tee club and an infrequent off-the-deck option. 

 

My driver is a Paradym Triple Diamond 10.5*. I'm not a high speed player but I have a consistent smooth tempo and I keep the ball in play. My driver carry is around 220-225y and I depend on roll to get into the 235-250y range. There have been short spells where I've seen even better numbers with driver but it has always been fleeting. 

 

I ordered the 11.5* Mini on the same shaft I have been fit into for driver: Tensei Blue 65R. I ordered it 1/2" long. Since I'm auditioning the 11.5* as a driver replacement I left it at stated loft. 

 

I was on a grass range with no tech so I don't have numbers. However I can say that the 11.5* is just as easy to launch as the 13.5*.

 

I tee either up about 1" off the ground and monitor impact location with face stickers. Using a fairly normal fairway wood setup I was able to get a lot out of the 11.5* without a whole lot of effort. The ball was clearing the 200y pole by 10-12y and landed with a strong forward trajectory that suggests a lot of roll is there to be had. 

 

Since I was hitting the ball pretty well yesterday I took several swings with my Paradym as well. The results were similar in distance and trajectory but less consistent with bigger misses. 

 

I'm leaning hard toward carrying both Mini's and no driver for a few rounds. My plan would be to set up the 11.5* to have a penetrating, chasing trajectory with the 13.5* being set up more to fly high and settle softer. 

 

FWIW I have tried bigger driver heads on shorter shafts but only with mixed results. When you put a 460cc head on a 43-44" shaft it seems to cause some ballooning (at least in my hands). My relative success with the mini's may have me revisiting shorter drivers but if the two mini solution works out on the course I don't see much point in it.  

[jjzee]

On 4/17/2024 at 3:04 PM, WillieGnarls said:

I’ve tried a lot of drivers.. g430 10k max, tsr2, cobra max.. and a lot more. I swing hard and i tend to slice or pull. I basically suck with driver and I swing around 115-120 mph. So when that slice comes it’s bye bye score. 
 

I’ve left the driver at home a few rounds and been playing my fw3 stealth 2 plus at 17* with a red ventus tr 7x. Last time I was playing hit it 260 yards from tee.. standard about 250 yards. 
 

I could notice that my score became a lot better and I find the fairways a lot more now. 
 

that birthed the idea of the mini driver. I didn’t have a chance to play it yet, but I’m hoping it’s gonna help me gain a few extra yards from tee. Also if I need it, I can always turn up the loft to 13* and close the face a little! But I’m hoping to come closer to 300 yards with this setup. 
 

Waiting for adapter and grip to dry..

Wow. Please excuse me, I need to head to the Taylormade website real quick...

[robin_w]

11 hours ago, me05501 said:

I got my new 11.5* Mini out for a nice range session yesterday. I'm really impressed with it. 

 

I've been playing a 13.5* BRNR with the HZRDUS Red 5.5 shaft and set to stated loft. It's become a 3-wood replacement for me which is both a safety tee club and an infrequent off-the-deck option. 

 

My driver is a Paradym Triple Diamond 10.5*. I'm not a high speed player but I have a consistent smooth tempo and I keep the ball in play. My driver carry is around 220-225y and I depend on roll to get into the 235-250y range. There have been short spells where I've seen even better numbers with driver but it has always been fleeting. 

 

I ordered the 11.5* Mini on the same shaft I have been fit into for driver: Tensei Blue 65R. I ordered it 1/2" long. Since I'm auditioning the 11.5* as a driver replacement I left it at stated loft. 

 

I was on a grass range with no tech so I don't have numbers. However I can say that the 11.5* is just as easy to launch as the 13.5*.

 

I tee either up about 1" off the ground and monitor impact location with face stickers. Using a fairly normal fairway wood setup I was able to get a lot out of the 11.5* without a whole lot of effort. The ball was clearing the 200y pole by 10-12y and landed with a strong forward trajectory that suggests a lot of roll is there to be had. 

 

Since I was hitting the ball pretty well yesterday I took several swings with my Paradym as well. The results were similar in distance and trajectory but less consistent with bigger misses. 

 

I'm leaning hard toward carrying both Mini's and no driver for a few rounds. My plan would be to set up the 11.5* to have a penetrating, chasing trajectory with the 13.5* being set up more to fly high and settle softer. 

 

FWIW I have tried bigger driver heads on shorter shafts but only with mixed results. When you put a 460cc head on a 43-44" shaft it seems to cause some ballooning (at least in my hands). My relative success with the mini's may have me revisiting shorter drivers but if the two mini solution works out on the course I don't see much point in it.  

Thanks for the info! 

 

I'm kind of surprised that in your case bigger driver heads on shorter shafts cause some ballooning, I tried doing this as well, and for me it works fine just as expected, 10 yards shorter, a touch tighter dispersion. 

[me05501]

9 hours ago, robin_w said:

Thanks for the info! 

 

I'm kind of surprised that in your case bigger driver heads on shorter shafts cause some ballooning, I tried doing this as well, and for me it works fine just as expected, 10 yards shorter, a touch tighter dispersion. 

 

Maybe I've just never found the right combo of shaft and head to run a shorter driver. I had a shaft fitting two seasons ago and we tried shorter and longer shafts but ended up pretty close to Callaway std 45.5". 

 

It surprises me that I'm able to get similar results from a 10.5* driver and an 11.5* mini on a shorter shaft. I measure impact on my driver face and it's mostly centered or slightly toward the toe from center. I've tried various lofts, swing weights, adapter settings, etc. and I've never found a driver setup that I felt great about.

 

But for whatever reason I can take a straight off the rack TM Mini and get results that are plenty good enough. 

 

[zstokes]

I have the 2023 all black crown, 13 degree model turned down to 12.  I put a 43" VA Composites 65 S Nemesys shaft in it.  What an excellent club for me.

460ccm drivers are just too darn big for me.  I was fit for it, but I just have no confidence.  Now with this club, I can tee it down and keep my face to path relatively square.

Also subjectively, the Nemesys color scheme just works perfectly for this club.

[5yddraw]

Picking mine up tomorrow and getting a round in tomorrow afternoon!  Will report back

[B_of_H]

The new brnr arrived yesterday and I briefly hit it on the range.  The hzrdus (70g 6.5) is kind of soft feeling but performed well.  I'm used to Titleist heads and always think TM stuff feels hollow and a little 'tinky'.  this was no exception but the feel is good enough overall (i'll definitely get used to it) but could use a little hot melt perhaps.  Hits high launch/ low spin bombs if you tee it up and it can be flighted.  Pretty happy with the first session.  launch was pretty low (and spin a little high) for me off the deck but that is fine.  I can see this being used instead of DOD into the wind for low cuts (couldn't do that with my 3w without the ball ballooning)

 

The club is far more versatile off the tee than a 3w.  Tee height adjustments can make a pretty dramatic difference in flight. 

Edited April 24 by B_of_H

[Golfrtm]

Bought the 13.5 and changed shafts. Remove the 1.5g weight for a 6 gram weight to make my Tensei Pro White shaft sw out at D5. Hitting it in the shop the distances were 15 yards behind my driver which works out well. I can drop my 3 wood (mostly use of the tee) and use my APEX UW 17 off the fairway when needed.