Equipment
TaylorMade launches SLDR Mini
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.
- LIKE9
- LEGIT2
- WOW7
- LOL1
- IDHT0
- FLOP2
- OB0
- SHANK0
- Max Homa what’s in the bag accurate as of the Masters.
Driver: Titleist TSR3 (9 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Black 6 X
3-wood: Titleist TSR2+ (14.5 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Red 80 TX
5-wood: Titleist TSR2 (21 degrees @19.25, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 9 TX
Irons: Titleist T100S (4), Titleist T100 (5), Titleist 620 (6-9)
Shafts: KBS $ Taper 130 (4-9)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (46-10F, 50-12F, 56-14F), WedgeWorks (60)
Shafts: KBS $ Taper 130 (46) KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 135 X (50, 56), KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 125 X (60)
Putter: Scotty Cameron T-5.5 Proto
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Ball: Titleist Pro V1
More photos of Max Homa’s WITB in the forums.
- LIKE7
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK1
Driver: Krank Formula Fire Pro (6 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS T1100 75g 6.5
Mini driver: TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver (11.5 degrees @10)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS T1100 75g 6.5
- Unconfirmed. We are working to gather details.
5-wood: Krank Formula Fire
- Unconfirmed. We are working to gather details.
Irons: Avoda Prototype (5-PW)
Shafts: LA Golf Prototype
Wedges: Ping Glide 4.0 (46-12S @45, 50-12S, 56, 60)
Shafts: LA Golf Prototype
Putter: SIK Pro C-Series Armlock/LA Golf Proto
Shaft: LA Golf C2L-180
Grip: JumboMax JumboFlat 17
Grips: JumboMax UltraLight XL
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash
- LIKE10
- LEGIT2
- WOW2
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
Accra Golf shafts have long been synonymous with fitting, and the new GX line of driver, fairway, and hybrid shafts continues that legacy.
Since 2004, Accra has been making high-end performance golf shafts that use the latest in materials and design philosophy. Their group of around 350 fitters are some of the best and most highly ranked in the world. While you might see other brands on professional tours more often, there are plenty of touring pros using Accra products and winning.
Accra’s new GX line of shafts is designed to offer a consistent and accurate shaft to a wide range of players. The GX line consists of 3 different shafts in driver, fairway, and hybrid designs.
The Accra GX shafts are designed for fitters to dial in golfers to the perfect shaft for their swing. Accra included a ton of technology into the GX line including their S3 profiling, DyMatch, and Constant Flex technology. DyMatch has been Accra’s quest to ensure that all shafts in a family feel and perform similar from driver to hybrid or iron shaft. Typically shafts get stiffer as they go up in weight, but Accra’s Constant Flex keeps the flex of the shafts consistent so fitters and golfers can dial in the weight that the golfer need without have to work around a stiffer or softer flex. Accra worked with Cool Clubs to build out its S3 Shaft Profiling system that not only allows a quick and easy EI profile of any shaft, it helps with quality control to ensure shafts come out of production exactly as they were designed.
Accra GX Red 300 Series
GX Red is lowest launching and spinning option in the GX line. Driver shafts have fewer options with just the 360 and 370 models that come in at 63 and 71 grams. The GX Red is made for faster swinging, or stronger, players who require a stiff (M4) or x-stiff (M5) shaft for their swing. Fairway and hybrid models are also on the higher weight side with the fairway clocking in at 80g and 90g for the hybrid. Accra designed this series with one of the stiffest tip sections of any Accra shaft in the current line, and while it is built to control launch and spin, the Red 300 Series will still offer that smooth feel.
Accra GX Green 100 Series
If your swing usually works best with mid-launch and spin, then the GX Green 200 series might be the right shaft for you. Offered in more weight and flex options, you can get a GX Green in 52 grams and all the way up to 70 grams in regular, stiff, and x-stiff flexes. GX Green will give the player a smooth feel and transition from the handle down to the tip section while still providing great stability and consistency. Accra also focused on the energy transfer of this shaft, and golfers can see some increased ball speed compared to other shafts.
Accra GX Blue 200 Series
While the GX Blue 100 Series is the highest launching and spinning option in the GX lineup, it will still give golfers the control and consistency they need. Starting off at 40g, the GX Blue series puts an emphasis on lighter weight to allow players to swing the club faster, promoting more distance. Accra touts the stability of the GX 140 Blue driver shaft by stating that some long driver competitors have put it in play to try and gain every MPH they can. Matching fairway and hybrid shafts are both on the lighter side at around 60g for the fairway and 65g for the hybrid depending on the flex.
- LIKE1
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP1
- OB0
- SHANK0
Dave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters
John Daly stuns fans into silence with brutal opening tee shot on PGA Tour Champions
Things got heated at the Houston Open between Tony Finau and Alejandro Tosti. Here’s why
Tiger Woods arrives at 2024 Masters equipped with a putter that may surprise you
Scottie Scheffler WITB 2024 (March)
Photos from the 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
Report: Tiger Woods has ‘eliminated sex’ in preparation for the 2024 Masters
Joaquin Niemann names 3 PGA Tour events he’d love to play each year ‘in a perfect world’
Spotted: Bettinardi irons at the Arnold Palmer Invitational
‘Seems suspect’ – PGA Tour pro hits out at decision to hand Adam Scott and Webb Simpson Bay Hill sponsor exemptions
Max Homa WITB 2024 (April)
Max Homa what’s in the bag accurate as of the Masters. Driver: Titleist TSR3 (9 degrees, D1 SureFit setting) Shaft:...
Bryson DeChambeau WITB 2024 (April)
Driver: Krank Formula Fire Pro (6 degrees) Shaft: Project X HZRDUS T1100 75g 6.5 Mini driver: TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver...
Scottie Scheffler’s winning WITB: 2024 Masters
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (8 degrees @8.25) Buy here. Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X (45 inches) 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (15 degrees) Buy...
WITB Time Machine: Danny Willett’s winning WITB, 2016 Masters
Driver: Callaway XR 16 (9 degrees) Shaft: Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana W-Series 60 X Length: 45.5 inches 3-wood: Callaway XR 16 (15 degrees) Shaft: Mitsubishi...
-
19th Hole6 days agoDave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters
-
19th Hole2 weeks agoThings got heated at the Houston Open between Tony Finau and Alejandro Tosti. Here’s why
-
19th Hole7 days agoTiger Woods arrives at 2024 Masters equipped with a putter that may surprise you
-
19th Hole2 weeks agoReport: Tiger Woods has ‘eliminated sex’ in preparation for the 2024 Masters
-
19th Hole1 day agoTwo star names reportedly blanked Jon Rahm all week at the Masters
-
19th Hole2 weeks agoAddiction, spinal fusion, and scam artists – Everything Anthony Kim revealed in candid interview with David Feherty
-
19th Hole2 weeks agoAnthony Kim says doctors told him that he ‘may not have much time left’ ahead of LIV return
-
19th Hole1 week agoBrooks Koepka and Sergio Garcia make significant equipment changes as 2024 Masters looms
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!
Fred
Aug 22, 2014 at 3:25 pm
Hey, I have one of these…it’s called a 975d!
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.
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
luke keefner
Apr 8, 2014 at 12:54 pm
wait for next spring and
buy it for $125
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….
luke keefner
Apr 21, 2014 at 6:24 pm
I stand corrected
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.
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?
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.
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.
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
steve
Apr 7, 2014 at 3:16 pm
I love sliders
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.
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….
Lucas
Apr 8, 2014 at 7:36 am
Steve your an idiot.
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.
ya
Apr 8, 2014 at 6:35 pm
Don’t count on it…
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.
Jason
Apr 7, 2014 at 11:47 am
I don’t see this being a great seller.
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.
David
Apr 7, 2014 at 2:58 pm
Can i ask what loft did you try? 14 or 12 degree?
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.
David
Apr 8, 2014 at 11:19 am
Cool – thanks I’m going to order one today! Appreciate the feedback
Ben
Apr 7, 2014 at 10:09 am
looks like a B to try and take off the deck
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!!
joe doaks
Apr 7, 2014 at 10:29 am
What a ridiculous 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.
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.
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.
Alex
Apr 7, 2014 at 6:22 pm
TaylorMade**
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.
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 ??????
ya
Apr 8, 2014 at 6:37 pm
LOLs
c masty
Apr 7, 2014 at 10:07 am
Where’s the slider?
Matt
Apr 7, 2014 at 9:56 am
How does it compare to the ping rapture?
Sldr
Apr 7, 2014 at 8:54 am
Love the look of this