Top Choices for Mini Drivers in 2025 - Our Preferred Picks Based on Testing Results
Sure, let's chat about mini drivers, yeah? The mini driver – it's like the badass little brother of the traditional driver, if you will. Fancy Dan Tommy Fleetwood is one of the OGs when it comes to rocking the mini driver, and when the tour pros hop on board, us mere mortals tend to follow suit, even if it ain't always a 100% perfect match for our own games.
So what gives? Mini drivers sit smack-dab between a traditional driver and a 3-wood, with a smaller head and more loft, and a shorter shaft length. You might have seen some persimmon 2-woods in the tour bag back in the day, or maybe even TaylorMade's first mini release back in 2014. Now, it seems like most big-time brands are getting on board with the mini driver revolution.
So who will benefit from using one of these bad boys? The pros are typically using 'em at those tight courses that prize accuracy over length, like when Scottie Scheffler was busting out a TaylorMade model at the RBC Heritage Classic. These cats might need a club that doesn't offer up too much oomph but still hits the mark with pinpoint precision.
As for us, low-handicappers, we ain't usually struggling with driver distance, so the mini driver can actually be a pretty swell option. The shorter shaft supposedly makes it easier to control, while still offering more forgiveness than some of the best fairway woods. And who doesn't like the sound of more accuracy and plenty of leniency?
Most mini drivers are also designed to be used off the fairway, though they might not be as good at the job as some of the best hybrids. The current designs do utilize some fancy-pants technology meant to help out in this regard, but it might not always be a walk in the park.
We checked out the latest models from all the big brands, and we spill the beans on our detailed thoughts and opinions in this here guide. That way, you can figure out if a mini driver is right for your game, and if so, which one you should stick that bad boy in the bag with.
The Quick List
Looks that KillTaylorMade's R7 Quad adds some adjustability to the mix, making it a solid pick for a range of players.
Fly Like a Butterfly, Sting Like a BeePXG's Secret Weapon is an awesome newcomer to the mini driver scene, offering both style and versatility.
Got Your Back on the FairwayCallaway's Elyte Mini gets surprisingly solid results from the fairway, and it's ready to replace your old fairway wood.
Best Mini Drivers of the Year
Looks that Kill
TaylorMade R7 Quad Mini Driver
Give this baby a yank, and you'll be greeted with a divine-looking club, especially if you were a fan of the original R7 Quad driver. TaylorMade paid homage to that design, especially from the underside of the club. From above, the infinity crown borrowed from the Qi35 drivers is a major upgrade from the spirit crown used on the BRNR mini. For us, it results in a clean, streamlined look that we loved.
This baby uses Speed Pocket and Twist Face tech, as well as the same adjustable weighting system from the R7 Quad driver. They've made the club a tad more closed at address, which can be rectified by adjusting the loft sleeve, though some might not be jamming with the new “hidden' loft.
With the R7 Quad, it delivers the same tight dispersion and accuracy that we saw with the BRNR mini, but with the added adjustability making it a significant improvement.
Fly Like a Butterfly, Sting Like a Bee
PXG Secret Weapon Mini-Driver
This bad boy should appeal to you if you have a weakness for PXG's Black Ops driver, with similar visuals and a shape and profile that falls somewhere between a shrunken driver and an enlarged 3-wood. The sole isn't quite as pretty to look at, but it does offer four adjustable weights, thanks to the brand's Precision Weighting Technology. This adds a degree of adjustability, combining two 15g weights and two of the smaller 2.5g weights, which we found fantastic for creating bias and adjusting launch and spin.
The high-strength ultra-thin titanium face is designed to crank out maximum ball speed and ideal launch conditions, and dang if it doesn't do the job. Despite a deeper face, it's pretty simple to smash off the fairway, offering more flight than the BRNR's Copper mini. If you're on the hunt for a mini that improves your accuracy without taking distance, this might be your new best friend.
Got Your Back on the Fairway
Callaway Elyte Mini Driver
Visually, this Elyte mini driver shares the same good looks as the Elyte driver, looking like a smaller version. Callaway says the head has been shaped for improved aerodynamics, which should help rake in more speed and yards. The high-strength carbon crown is a smashing look, and it plays a role in the club's acoustics too. If you're a fan of a more subdued sound rather than something louder and tinny, then the Elyte mini won't disappoint.
The larger volume and deep face make this a solid alternative for those considering a mini driver instead of a driver off the tee. You'll find it accurate without losing too much distance, thanks to the option to change the CG through three weight ports on the sole. It's no surprise that it proved to be pretty easy to hit off the fairway, and it performs better than we expected from this close from the deck.
How We Test
We don popular mini drivers in the same manner as we do all the clubs we review, taking a thorough and comprehensive approach. We test these clubs in controlled environments, using a swing monitor for accuracy and solid data to compare the performance of the clubs. Once we've got some solid numbers, we head out to the course to test these bad boys under real-life conditions, seeing how they perform over several rounds and giving you unbiased opinions and insights based on our experiences on the course. Our team is headed up by PGA Pro Joe Ferguson, and our testers include players with varying handicaps, so we can better understand the requirements of all our readers and offer helpful, insightful reviews.
Decision Time
Distance
If you're toying with adding a mini driver to your bag in hopes of finding more fairways, you'll still need a club that offers reliable distance. Choosing a mini driver with a larger head size might help maximize the yardage, while an adjustable weighting system can help you improve your numbers if you're dealing with a slice or some other issues costing you distance.
Forgiveness
The appeal of a mini driver is the promise of greater accuracy, which to some extent comes from the shorter shaft length and smaller head size, making it easier to find the center of the clubface. Choose a model that delivers plenty of forgiveness on off-center strikes, and adjustable weights in the sole can help tremendously.
Style
Every golfer has their own taste, but you'll want to choose a mini driver that makes you feel confident over the ball, matching your eye, head shape, and size, as well as sight lines and alignment aids.
Feel
Good reviews can't be bought, so hit the range and see what feels best, focusing on acoustics as well as the feel at impact. Choose a club that hits the right notes for you and makes you want to tack it up in your bag.
For more buying advice in the mini driver space, check out our guides on the best mini drivers for beginners, or the most forgiving mini drivers.
- The understated looks of the Callaway Elyte Mini Driver make it a good choice for golfers who prefer a more subdued appearance in their clubs.
- The adjustable weights and design of the PXG Secret Weapon Mini-Driver make it an excellent option for golfers who want versatility and the ability to fine-tune their performance.
