TaylorMade’s new BRNR Mini Driver, which goes on sale from April 21, pays homage to the brand’s iconic Ti Bubble 2 driver that dominated the professional tours in the mid-1990s.
Offering a trip down memory lane for fans of the original model, the BRNR Mini features the Ti Bubble 2’s unmistakable copper-and-black colour combination and even features TaylorMade’s old logo. The popular UST ProForce 65 shaft is revitalised and dressed in black and copper to resemble the original Burner Bubble, while a 50g SuperStroke S-Tech grip adds to the aesthetic, as does the retro barrel headcover.
The 304cc model features a modern twist with a reimagined K-sole resembling the Ti Bubble 2. The K-sole helps the club glide smoothly through the turf while reducing resistance and promoting a consistent strike. TaylorMade says this will enable golfers to have ‘driver off the deck’ distance with the consistency of a higher lofted fairway wood.
The head features two moveable weights on the sole – a 13g weight in the back and a 1.5g weight in the front – which can be switched around to create different ball flight. In the standard setting, with the 13g weight in the back, it provides the optimal blend of long distance, forgiveness and versatility; while moving the 13g weight to the front produces a low spin setting for longer distance with a piercing trajectory and increased roll. This setting reduces spin by approximately 200rpm.
TaylorMade says that the BRNR Mini Driver, which is offered in 11.5° and 13.5° lofts, is uniquely placed to appeal to a wide range of players. Firstly for better players – Tommy Fleetwood used one at last week’s RBC Heritage – looking for a club they can play off the tee with enhanced accuracy while still maximising distance. Its design tightens dispersion for powerful players with ultra-fast ball speeds without sacrificing too much distance. Players in this category also like hitting it off the deck, making it a valuable weapon on second shots into long par 5s.
The second type of player who it may appeal to are those who struggle with the size of a 460cc headed driver, especially those who hit down on the ball and fail to optimise launch with larger heads. For these players, the BRNR Mini Driver provides an advantage over a 3-wood because of its larger face, which adds forgiveness and offers more face area for contact. Overall, it is a versatile club that for fast swing-speed players looking for accuracy off the tee to average golfers looking for a more forgiving and easier-to-launch alternative to fairway woods.
Tomo Bystedt, TaylorMade’s Senior Director of metalwood production, said: “The BRNR Mini Driver is a modern interpretation of a classic driver, showcasing our long-standing heritage in the sport. While it has retro aesthetics, it’s no showpiece to hang in your office. It has the horsepower to attack golf courses and can be a major asset in the hands of the right golfer. We aimed to balance throwback elements with modern looks, technology and performance.”
RRP: £379, taylormadegolf.com
