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.
Tour Edge Golf has today introduced the all-new Exotics mini driver, engineered to deliver a powerful combination of speed, control, and versatility in the long game.
The Exotics Mini combines a titanium face with a stainless-steel body in design to balance ball speed with stability and control, creating a versatile option at the top end of the bag.
At the core of the design is Tour Edge’s proprietary Combo Brazing technology, a high-precision thermal bonding process that seamlessly fuses a titanium cup face to a stainless-steel body into a single, continuous structure. By eliminating energy loss found in traditional multi-piece constructions, Combo Brazing is designed to deliver faster face response, more efficient energy transfer, and a uniquely powerful yet controlled feel.
The multi-material construction also allows mass to be positioned lower and deeper in the head in a bid to increase stability, while the thin titanium face is engineered to maintain ball speed across a wider impact area.
“While the initial goal was to enhance control and versatility in the long game, Combo Brazing ultimately drove measurable gains in ball speed and distance within the mini driver category. In robot testing, we’ve documented higher ball speeds, higher launch, reduced spin, and increased carry and total distance compared to leading models.” – Vice President of R&D Matt Neeley
In addition to distance performance, the Exotics mini emphasizes forgiveness through a heavier stainless-steel body that shifts mass toward the perimeter. This configuration increases MOI relative to traditional all-titanium mini drivers, helping preserve ball speed and directional stability on off-center strikes. Paired with Pyramid Face Technology from the Exotics metalwood line, the design is intended to support consistent speed across the face.
To further enhance MOI, a lightweight carbon fiber crown frees additional mass that is strategically repositioned low and deep in the head in design to improve stability and promote optimal launch with controlled spin.
“We designed the Mini to be about five millimeters shallower than other mini drivers on the market. That change improves playability off the deck. From a clean fairway lie, it can function as a strong 3-wood alternative while still providing control off the tee.” – Tour Edge CEO David Glod
An adjustable hosel system allows for loft and lie tuning to dial in trajectory and shot shape, while a fixed 13-gram rear weight helps stabilize the head through impact to improve dispersion consistency. The Exotics Mini Driver is available in 11.5 and 13.5-degree lofts in right-handed models.
Pricing & Availability
The Exotics Mini Driver is available for pre-order beginning today for $399.99 USD at touredge.com, and will be available for purchase at retail outlets worldwide on May 22, 2026.
In our forums, our members have been pitting a Srixon ZXi combo against a TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo. WRXer ‘edutch22’ is on the hunt for a new set of irons and kicks off the thread saying:
“Looking at picking up a new set of irons and think I’ve narrowed it down to Srixon ZXi combo or Taylormade P7CB/770 combo. I am currently a 5 cap and allbeit I feel irons are my weakness. My miss is a little to the toe side. I am decently steep at 4-5 down. Always thought I am high spin but recently on trackman my 7 was spinning at 5800 roughly.
My question or looking for thoughts on which one would benefit me more from a forgiveness standpoint? Or is there another iron is should be looking at entirely? I only get to play about once or twice a week, if I am not playing a 2-3 day event. Thanks in advance.”
And our members have been sharing their thoughts and suggestions in response.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- manima1: “You just can’t go wrong with Srixon ZXi7.”
- MattM97: “You have to hit them to know, the V-Sole on the Srixon can be make or break for many.”
- dmeeksDC: “P7CB is more forgiving for me than ZXi7 because my main miss is low middle and the P7CB still flies and spins great on that miss. These are both really nice irons but I like the P7CB more than the Zxi7 and the P770 (or P790) more than the Zxi5. The Srixons are larger so if that gives you confidence that is the way to go. I don’t feel like I get any benefit from the V-sole and the P7CBs live up to their high Maltby forgiveness rating so the TaylorMades have been great for me.”
Entire Thread: “Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss”
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @pianoman0123 has a 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo up for grabs.
From the listing: “2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade Combo. 4-8 irons are CB’s and the 9,PW are Blades. 5-PW have Project X 6.0 Shafts and the 4 Iron has a Steelfiber CW110 Stiff Shaft. Standard Length, Lie and Lofts. These are in very good condition the shafts just don’t work for me. Like new Lamkin Grips on the 5-PW and a stock Golf Pride on the 4 Iron. $525 OBO.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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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