2024 TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper

[bsbmike5]

Taylormade BRNR Mini Driver Copper – Initial Review​

The “2nd” slot in my bag (after driver, typically a 3 wood), is an ever-going carousel of golf clubs. I don’t often hit 3 wood off the deck during a round whether it be the lack of the situation happening, or having the confidence in the scenario where the reward would be worth it. So typically, I try and find some kind of strong 3 wood to put in this spot that I can use off the tee if driver isn’t going well, or I really feel like I need to hit a draw.

I had posted it in another thread, but the golf club I wish I had back was my old 12-degree SLDR Mini Driver. It had an OG Whiteboard in it, and I could hit that thing however I wanted. For a short time, I had taken driver out and only hit that.

Now as I said the 2nd slot has been a roller coaster for me. It’s mostly been a placeholder and sometimes taking it out for another wedge or a driving iron and hybrid.



Enter in the BRNR Mini Driver Copper.



I didn’t pull the trigger on last year’s Mini Driver and was kicking myself going into the off season. I tried a couple of 3 woods out but never fell in love with any. I had hemmed and hawed at it but decided to give it a shot this year.

I like the visuals of this driver. I know the copper edge doesn’t sit right with everyone, but I dig it. The headcover design is wonderful and I love paying homage to the old school vibe.

I am also a big fan of the adjustability of the TM loft sleeve. Being able to affect the loft and lie that much is super nice and gives a ton of options to fitters and players. I know I am still myself dialing mine in.

So far into the season, I like this club. I’m not sure if I’m in love with it yet. I think a lot of that comes down to getting this club dialed in. I haven’t found the setting yet where I feel all the confidence in the world. Like I mentioned, I like this club to be able to hit the power draw when I need it and I’m just not getting what I need. I am also feeling really good with my Darkspeed driver and haven’t had a ton of opportunities for this to shine. The LIN-Q blue in it feels good and I’m getting some good ball speeds, but it’s not exactly “there” yet.

I have a feeling this club may up in the bullpen as a “break in case of emergency” if my driver starts feeling too loose. I just haven’t had the confidence to shape this club how my SLDR did in the past or how some other 3 woods can.

I do have an ST-G 3 wood on order that acted REALLY nice in the bay for me. It will be a battle of these 2 throughout the spring and summer, and I’ll be sure to update the thread as I have more to contribute.

 

[Jman]

Not sure its any better than my 300 as I hit them side by side, and I think the 300 feels/sounds better too. But, the copper retro look is just fun enough I might not care about performance hahaha

Stock shaft isn't a great fit, but, I knew that when I traded in for the club.

It never ceases to amaze me how well I hit these stupid clubs off the turf hahaha

 

[jfrigo1003]

Not sure its any better than my 300 as I hit them side by side, and I think the 300 feels/sounds better too. But, the copper retro look is just fun enough I might not care about performance hahaha

Stock shaft isn't a great fit, but, I knew that when I traded in for the club.

It never ceases to amaze me how well I hit these stupid clubs off the turf hahaha

i too think the 300 was awesome at what i needed it for but completely agree the copper look is awesome. You and i were always in that minority that preferred the white chalk framing of the SIM models compared to the blacked out look of the stealth. I really like the copper frame on the new BRNR over the previous model

 

[bsbmike5]

i too think the 300 was awesome at what i needed it for but completely agree the copper look is awesome. You and i were always in that minority that preferred the white chalk framing of the SIM models compared to the blacked out look of the stealth. I really like the copper frame on the new BRNR over the previous model

I loved the chalk outline of the SIM...still holds up for me too

 

[MH]

I'm looking forward to getting this out on the course for another round. I had good results first time out, next round is on Saturday and this one will be used for the same 3 holes. Sound and feel is a little dead (not sure if that's the right word), definitely not bad but wish there was a little more audible pop to it

 

[jfrigo1003]

I'm looking forward to getting this out on the course for another round. I had good results first time out, next round is on Saturday and this one will be used for the same 3 holes. Sound and feel is a little dead (not sure if that's the right word), definitely not bad but wish there was a little more audible pop to it

Its definitely a muted/dead sounds. Similar to a well hit wood baseball bat

 

[Jman]

i too think the 300 was awesome at what i needed it for but completely agree the copper look is awesome. You and i were always in that minority that preferred the white chalk framing of the SIM models compared to the blacked out look of the stealth. I really like the copper frame on the new BRNR over the previous model

Agree on the frame, it’s the only reason I used my trade in funds on this versus just getting last years version haha

It does pose some….coordinating…issues when it comes to what shaft is installed in it, but that’s ok.

I wouldn’t be surprised if I just stayed with the 300 though.

 

[TheBuffmuffin]

Also, I should add that going with the Kal’li 70x was a great decision. Super smooth shaft that pairs well with the 13.5* head

Did you go Kal’li white/blue, what’s your typical Driver SS with the x flex?

 

[jfrigo1003]

Agree on the frame, it’s the only reason I used my trade in funds on this versus just getting last years version haha

It does pose some….coordinating…issues when it comes to what shaft is installed in it, but that’s ok.

I wouldn’t be surprised if I just stayed with the 300 though.

my rainbow KBS TD is pretty darn ugly with the copped head lol


Im liking the BRNR right now bc it's in a better spin window for me. The 300 would get too low spin for me at times and go farther than i actually wanted

 

[Jman]

my rainbow KBS TD is pretty darn ugly with the copped head lol


Im liking the BRNR right now bc it's in a better spin window for me. The 300 would get too low spin for me at times and go farther than i actually wanted

Rainbow and copper is definitely a bold combo hahaha

 

[bsbmike5]

Feel like I made a little improvement with this club...took 1 click of loft off and just that touch of less loft and face opening up made it perform a bit better!

 

[MH]

Did you go Kal’li white/blue, what’s your typical Driver SS with the x flex?

I went with the white, my driver speed ranges from 105-110. Sometimes a bit quicker sometimes a little slower. This shaft is not stout at all

 

[MH]

2nd round in the books for mini. Went a lot better today by adjusting the tee height a bit. Club is easy to turn and is the perfect club for 3 holes on my home course. Even hit it off the deck out of the rough due to being way left on a dogleg right hole and results were really good. It’s not hard to elevate off the deck . Too early to say if it will always be in my bag as I really like 3 wood but will be course dependant

 

[Jman]

13.5 spiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnsssssssssss

Surprised me, a lot, way more spin than my 300.

Monitor time tomorrow I hope, try to get it sorted out.

 

[bsbmike5]

13.5 spiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnsssssssssss

Surprised me, a lot, way more spin than my 300.

Monitor time tomorrow I hope, try to get it sorted out.

I’m surprised!! Weight back?

 

[Jman]

I’m surprised!! Weight back?

Yes, but so too is the weight in the 300 I was hitting prior to trading for this one. Even flipping forward, I don’t expect insane changes. That said, after turning it all the way to 11.5 it was better.

Can of course also alter shaft, but it doesn’t make the difference the internet thinks when it comes to spin haha

 

[bsbmike5]

Yes, but so too is the weight in the 300 I was hitting prior to trading for this one. Even flipping forward, I don’t expect insane changes. That said, after turning it all the way to 11.5 it was better.

Can of course also alter shaft, but it doesn’t make the difference the internet thinks when it comes to spin haha

Agreed on the shaft logic! Clubhead always rules spin in my book

I found better luck turning mine down as well, but I didn’t have the 300 either!

 

[MH]

13.5 spiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnsssssssssss

Surprised me, a lot, way more spin than my 300.

Monitor time tomorrow I hope, try to get it sorted out.

Crazy how different everyone is, I’m finding this to be lower spin than I expected. I am no where near a low spin guy either

 

[MH]

Family 9 holes at a course I never play unless it’s with the family. My wife’s school has a corporate membership so it’s a great place to play with kids. The pace of play there would give @JB an aneurism for sure and makes the slowest THP round look fast. Anyway I’m just there to hit balls and enjoy the day with the kids. ( pace of play kills me) I hit the mini a lot and even off the deck. I think this club has a spot in my bag, I was concerned about off the deck but it is easy to elevate and really shines as a second option off the tee.

 

[Jman]

Lost all my freaking data from today.

UGH.

In standard with heavy back, the club spun 308 RPM more than with it forward. It also spun 127 RPM more than the 300 with the same shaft, and weight back.

 

[Slaphitter]

I picked up a used Hzrdus Red in 5.5 flex and 42”, at 2nd Swing. Instant, huge improvement over the whippy stock shaft. And slightly shorter length has me making even better contact than before. Hit it very well today.

 

[Jman]

Well, I just hit it too well to ignore. The 13.5 at heavy BACK and turned down to 11.5 has been the sweet spot so far on the course. I get the trajectory I want that still works to a 33-34Y apex.

It annoys me, but, I’ve always loved mini’s and hit them well, and as a guy who uses 3W as a tee first, even my super deep Tour paradym doesn’t offer as much forgiveness as this does. Plus, I hammer it off the deck when needed.

 

[MGoBlue]

Love my OG BRNR, and I’m pretty happy with the stock Proforce shaft. However, seeing the comment about the HZRDUS Red got me wondering. I have one of those from a TSR FW that I’m using a different shaft in. So I may have to pull the Titleist tip from it and pop a TM stop on and see how it does.

 

[Jman]

Pretty sure @Pops saw yesterday why I’ve taken out the Paradym Tour 3W head we both agreed I should never take out of the bag.

This one is a lot of fun for me, and it’s easy distance which is so stupidly frustrating as I both hate and enjoy having it in the bag.