Equipment

TaylorMade launches SLDR Mini

Published

10 years ago

Apr 7, 2014

TaylorMade is betting that bigger is better with the SLDR MiniDriver, its newest metalwood that blends the forgiveness of a driver with the versatility of a fairway woods.

“The general premise is based on how our tour players are using their 3 woods,” said Brian Bazzel, TaylorMade’s product creation manager. “They’re hitting it off the tee way more than they’re hitting it off the ground.”

The SLDR Mini hits shelves on May 2, and will be available in three lofts: 12 degrees, 14 degrees and 16 degrees. It measures a beefy 260cc, about 100cc larger than the company’s SLDR and JetSpeed fairway woods, which gives the club a substantially larger clubface area. The larger size and 43.5-inch stock shaft length, which is 2 inches shorter than the company’s SLDR driver, makes it an attractive option for golfer who either:

Hit their 3 woods primarily off the tee.
Struggle with the accuracy of their driver.

Above: The SLDR Mini (left) and SLDR 460 driver.

Like TaylorMade’s SLDR drivers, the SLDR Mini has a low, forward CG that TaylorMade says contributes to a higher launch, lower spin and more ball speed. Its construction is more similar to the company’s SLDR fairway woods, however, with a steel frame and face and the latest version of TaylorMade’s Speed Pocket, a polymer-filled handle-bar shaped slot in the front portion of the club’s sole that also helps shots launch higher with less spin and contributes to faster ball speeds across the clubface.

Above: The TaylorMade SLDR Mini (left, 260cc) is considerably larger than Callaway’s X2 Hot 2Deep (right, 210cc). It’s also much larger than Ping’s new Rapture fairway wood (219cc), which like the Mini and 2Deep are also designed for golfers who use their 3 woods more from the tee than from the ground.

TaylorMade’s Staff Member Troy Matteson made headlines at the Valero Texas Open when he decided to take his SLDR driver and 3 wood out of the bag for two SLDR Minis: a 10.5-degree version that he used off the tee and a 12-degree version that he used as his 3 wood. Matteson has been the exception, however, as most tour players who have tested the SLDR Mini have opted for one model with a loft between 12 and 14 degrees.

TaylorMade engineers took care in the design of the SLDR Mini to ensure that it was playable both off the tee and from the fairway by adding increased curvature, or radius, to the sole of the club. That slightly decreased the clubface size, but allows the SLDR Mini to slide more easily through the turf. From the ground, Bazzel says the club’s taller, or deeper face will allow it to spin more, which will help golfers who want the SLDR Mini to land softly on the green. Off the tee, Bazzel recommends teeing the SLDR Mini with the ball about halfway above the club’s crown.

The SLDR Mini will sell for $279 with the company’s Speeder 57 shaft, which has a 0.350-inch diameter and is available in M, R, S and X flexes. A SLDR Mini TP ($379) will also be available. It comes with Fujikura’s Motore Speeder 7.3 Tour Spec shaft in R, S and X flexes and has a 0.335-inch diameter.

Click here to see what GolfWRX Members are saying about the SLDR Mini in our forum.

Click here to see what GolfWRX Members are saying about the SLDR Mini in our forum.

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38 Comments

cmyktaylor

Jun 26, 2015 at 9:23 am

Just bought a used 14 degree Mini with a x-stiff Diamana blue shaft. I had been using a stock Taylormade Burner Superfast 1.0 3 wood (15 degree) with their stock stiff shaft to drive, but was looking for a little extra distance and a little extra control.

Found the perfect solution! The Mini is only one degree less loft, but with the stiffer and lower profile shaft, this doesn’t fly too high. The shaft is also the same length as the 3 wood, so it’s easy to control. I’ve never been able to keep up with my brothers-in-law when it comes to distance (285-300), but I don’t need to with this. I’d rather be 260-270 in the fairway (68% per golfshot) than in the woods.

I’m also able to hit the Mini driver off the deck, so my son just inherited my old Burner Superfast driver and 3 wood!

Reply Report comment
Fred

Aug 22, 2014 at 3:25 pm

Hey, I have one of these…it’s called a 975d!

Reply Report comment
Pingback: TaylorMade Driver Review - JetSpeed to Mini - The Golf Shop Online Blog - The Golf Shop Online Blog
Lee H

Apr 17, 2014 at 5:42 pm

I hit the mini SLDR today (14 degree model)…Great feel and easy to control for this 12-14 handicap. I am actually interested in hitting the 12 degree when it comes out, to replace my driver. My carry was about 10 yds further than my R1 with a similar launch. Only thing I did not like was the light 57 gram speeder shaft, which is what the standard SLDR uses as well. I think they could’ve offered it stock in 67 and then heavier in TP model.
Overall, a solid club. I love my 14.5 original RBZ Tour 3 wood. But I could see carry the 12 SLDR along with it.

Reply Report comment
- steven hansen
  
  Sep 2, 2014 at 2:18 pm
  
  Well I bought the 12 regular shaft and cant hit it. Super clunky, I have a RBZ 17 hl and hit the pooooooh out of it, back to Dicks the 12 SLDR Mini goes
  
  Reply Report comment
luke keefner

Apr 8, 2014 at 12:54 pm

wait for next spring and
buy it for $125

Reply Report comment
- pk20152
  
  Apr 9, 2014 at 7:09 am
  
  Next spring? you mean next month… they’ll have it’s replacement out next week. Then it’s replacement’s replacement the week after….
  
  Reply Report comment
  - luke keefner
    
    Apr 21, 2014 at 6:24 pm
    
    I stand corrected
    
    Reply Report comment
Gary

Apr 8, 2014 at 11:17 am

I have to assume that since the length is 43 1/2″ that the head weight is the same as a #3 wood (210 grams). They have copied the same concept as Hireko Golf (component company) has had for the past 2 years in making a shorter length, heavier head weight, extra loft driver.

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Yam

Apr 8, 2014 at 2:27 am

Why is it not adjustable???? That makes no sense whatever! What if I wanted to quickly try a different 3-wood shaft?

Reply Report comment
- Brick
  
  Apr 8, 2014 at 12:53 pm
  
  It makes total sense….the adjustable version will be released in about 3 months when TMAG hits their forecasted benchmark in sales with this version…pretty smart business wise.
  
  Reply Report comment
Mark

Apr 7, 2014 at 9:36 pm

Currently, there is no pre-order option for an x-stiff on the non-tp version. Hope they change this once the club is out. Would rather pay $280 than $380 for a large 3 wood.

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Jim

Apr 7, 2014 at 4:56 pm

It does look good but probably not going go sell very many. I prefer the look of the ping rapture to all of the said mini drivers. But neither one is for me. Ill stick to my g25 driver 3 wood and 3 hybrid

Reply Report comment
steve

Apr 7, 2014 at 3:16 pm

I love sliders

Reply Report comment
- steve
  
  Apr 7, 2014 at 3:23 pm
  
  260CC is the new driver size? Cool I am going to the garage and getting my 975d, 260cc also. I bet this thing can’t compare to my old 975d.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Larry
    
    Apr 7, 2014 at 10:04 pm
    
    I have a 15 year old Callaway Hawkeye driver that works fine as a “3” wood replacement…these club companines are really streching to make money to pay thier pros….
    
    Reply Report comment
  - Lucas
    
    Apr 8, 2014 at 7:36 am
    
    Steve your an idiot.
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Elliott
      
      Apr 10, 2014 at 7:42 pm
      
      Lucas, you should realllllllly work on your use of your and you’re when calling someone an idiot.
      
      Reply Report comment
  - ya
    
    Apr 8, 2014 at 6:35 pm
    
    Don’t count on it…
    
    Reply Report comment
David McCuiston

Apr 7, 2014 at 3:14 pm

Appears to be a big fairway wood that is hard to hit off the deck, available in 12 degree loft. Already done!

Even the pro was using a 10.5 degree that isn’t available.

Make the 10.5 or 9.5 degree fairway sized driver that is primarily for off the deck.

Reply Report comment
Jason

Apr 7, 2014 at 11:47 am

I don’t see this being a great seller.

Reply Report comment
Gerard

Apr 7, 2014 at 10:43 am

This is already available in Australia, I’ve hit it a few times and it does fly pretty damn well. Noticeably further than my 3 wood off the tee and easy to get up off the deck.

Not the biggest fan of the colour scheme though, leaves a bit to be desired I reckon.

Reply Report comment
- David
  
  Apr 7, 2014 at 2:58 pm
  
  Can i ask what loft did you try? 14 or 12 degree?
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Gerard
    
    Apr 8, 2014 at 4:53 am
    
    It was the 12 degree, really nice club. But it feels like more of a beefy 3 wood than a small driver.
    
    Reply Report comment
    - David
      
      Apr 8, 2014 at 11:19 am
      
      Cool – thanks I’m going to order one today! Appreciate the feedback
      
      Reply Report comment
Ben

Apr 7, 2014 at 10:09 am

looks like a B to try and take off the deck

Reply Report comment
J

Apr 7, 2014 at 10:08 am

3 – 400.00 for a fairway wood.

Way to help grow the game Taylormade…. You brazen hypocrits you!

Thumbs Up!!

Reply Report comment
- joe doaks
  
  Apr 7, 2014 at 10:29 am
  
  What a ridiculous comment.
  
  Reply Report comment
- greg norm
  
  Apr 7, 2014 at 10:34 am
  
  Heads up! The days of it being cool to be hyper-critical of everything TaylorMade does have past. Your comment isn’t cool.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Jeff
    
    Apr 7, 2014 at 10:49 am
    
    No, it’s still cool. We haven’t even received our order of Jetspeed stuff and now the big stores are already offering ‘buy a Jetspeed Driver rcv a Jetspeed fwy wood or hybrid free’ deals.TM has no interest in the small guy.
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Alex
      
      Apr 7, 2014 at 6:22 pm
      
      Fulfill your duties and keep tailor-made happy and you wouldn’t have an issue. I’m sure you jacked them around at one point and now they’re jacking you around. You need them more than they need you. Its sad you don’t realize that.
      
      Reply Report comment
      - Alex
        
        Apr 7, 2014 at 6:22 pm
        
        TaylorMade**
        
        Reply Report comment
      - Jeff
        
        Apr 8, 2014 at 12:01 pm
        
        Haha Alex….you seem to know it all. No, never jacked them around. Bills paid on time etc. Do we need them ? No. We sold more Titleist drivers last season than Callaway and Taylor Made combined. What’s more, we can still sell Titleists at the same price today as last year. The R1s we have are being sold at 50% off. I’m not saying Taylor Made is no good, just saying they are not interested in the smaller guys. Their prerogative I suppose.
        
        Reply Report comment
      - Jeff
        
        Apr 8, 2014 at 12:05 pm
        
        On a side note, do you realize the absurdity of your comment ? The retailer is one of their customers. The customer is supposed to fulfill their duties and keep the manufacturer happy ??????
        
        Reply Report comment
  - ya
    
    Apr 8, 2014 at 6:37 pm
    
    LOLs
    
    Reply Report comment
c masty

Apr 7, 2014 at 10:07 am

Where’s the slider?

Reply Report comment
Matt

Apr 7, 2014 at 9:56 am

How does it compare to the ping rapture?

Reply Report comment
Sldr

Apr 7, 2014 at 8:54 am

Love the look of this

Reply Report comment

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Equipment

A shocking Backstryke putter appearance + 7 interesting gear photos from the Zurich Classic

Published

11 hours ago

Apr 25, 2024

Andrew Tursky

Welcome to New Orleans, where TPC Louisiana plays host to the 2024 Zurich Classic. In between breakfast beignets and nightly Creole feasts, PGA Tour players are also competing in the unique two-man format at the Zurich this week.

Although the vibes in Nawlins are a bit lighter-fare than the recent back-to-back competitions the Masters and the RBC Heritage signature event), the gear news was no less serious this week.

We spotted some recent changes from Rory McIlroy, a very rare Odyssey Backstryke putter, dove into the bag of legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and spotted Patrick Cantlay continuing to test new equipment.

Get your beads out and crack your crawfish, because it’s time for an equipment rundown from The Big Easy (meaning New Orleans, of course, not Ernie Els).

See all of our photos from the Zurich Classic here

Rory’s on-and-off lob wedge

Since the end of 2023, Rory McIlroy has had an on-again, off-again relationship with a Titleist Vokey K-Grind lob wedge. In his last start, it was on, and the wedge is back in the bag again this week. We got a great look at the complicated grind that McIlroy uses.

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A full look into McIlroy’s bag above also shows that he switched out of the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper that he used at the RBC Heritage, and he’s back into the Qi10 core 3-wood. As we discussed last week, McIlroy will likely keep the BRNR around as a course-specific club, trading it in and out for the 3-wood.

See Rory McIlroy’s full 2024 WITB from the Zurich here

Turning Back the clock

Unless Tommy Gainey is in the field, it’s unlikely you’ll ever see Odyssey’s Backstryke technology make an appearance on the PGA Tour.

But then, when you least expect it, Russ Cochran shows up.

For more than a decade – since the 2013 Sony Open in Hawai’i – Cochran has been stuck on 599 PGA Tour starts. This week will be his 600th.

Cochran is in the field at the Zurich this week playing alongside Eric Cole, whose regular caddie is Reed Cochran, Russ’s son.

The Backstryke putter was first released back in 2010, and its unique design helps shift the axis point of the putter closer to the CG of the head. And, the putter is getting a nod this week at the Zurich Classic, thanks to Cochran’s 600th career PGA Tour start.

The putter is certainly awesome, but don’t forget to check out Cochran’s full WITB from this week.

Drew Brees with a Super Bowl winning Scotty Cameron putter

Drew Brees, a legendary retired quarterback for the hometown New Orleans Saints, made an appearance at the Zurich’s Wednesday Pro-Am, playing alongside Zach Johnson, Ryan Palmer, and current Saints QB Derek Carr.

Brees’ bag included a TaylorMade Stealth2 Plus driver, a BRNR Mini 13.5-degree, a Stealth 5-wood, a mixed set of P-790 and P-760 irons, Milled Grind Hi-Toe wedges, and a custom Scotty Cameron “New Orleans Saints” putter, which Scotty made for Brees following his Super Bowl MVP-winning performance in 2010.

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It should also be noted that Brees has his Venmo QR code as a bag tag.

If you’re gambling with Brees on the course, just know that not having cash won’t work as an excuse.

Brilliant.

See Drew Brees’ full WITB from the Zurich here

Stricker’s unrecognizable putter

Steve Stricker has made numerous upgrades to his bag recently, including a new TSR3 driver and T100 irons, but his longtime Odyssey White Hot No. 2 putter is still going strong. It’s the most recognizable unrecognizable putter ever.

Here’s a better look at Stricker’s flatstick, which he started using back in 2007.

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Patrick Cantlay has opened the equipment-switching floodgates

Over on the PGA Tour’s Equipment Report this week, we covered Cantlay’s recent switch into Ping Blueprint S irons, and a Titleist TSR2 driver.

Cantlay hadn’t switched irons for about seven years, so the iron switch he made at The 2024 Masters came as a shock to the norm. He simply isn’t one to change gear very often, so anytime Cantlay makes a switch, it’s news.

It seems the floodgates of equipment testing have opened up a bit for Cantlay, who was also spotted testing a custom Scotty Cameron blade putter on Tuesday this week. By Wednesday, Cantlay was back practicing with his familiar Scotty Cameron T5 Proto mallet, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward.

Daniel Berger’s custom Jailbird site lines

Berger, who’s currently using Odyssey’s Ai-One Mini Jailbird mallet putter, has a unique 3-dot, 2-line alignment on the crown of his navy-white-navy-white mallet putter. Looking down at the putter, it’s easy to see why this alignment system would help; it just seems impossible to set up to the ball off-center, or misaligned to the target.

Also, for anyone worried, you can rest easy. Yes, he’s still playing the 2013 TaylorMade TP MC irons, which we highlighted in our recent “Modern Classics: Old vs. New” video testing series.

FitzMagic teams back up

Brothers Matthew and Alex Fitzpatrick are teaming up once again at the Zurich this year, and Bettinardi Golf hooked them up with some festive “FitzMagic” headcovers to match this week.

See what else is in Alex Fitzpatrick’s WITB here

And, with that, we say goodbye to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Don’t forget to check out all of our photos from this week, including 30 unique photo galleries full of equipment photos.

We’ll see you next week in Texas for the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson!

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