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TaylorMade have produced their most forgiving drivers to date in their new Qi10 range. We have more forgiveness and larger head designs which appeal to the mass majority of golfers. But what if you preferred something smaller in head shape with a higher launch but still had the forgivness you are looking for?
Well, TaylorMade have that option in their new BRNR Mini Driver Copper. The question is how different are they if you put them head-to-head? Well, that’s exactly what we are going to tell you. The Qi10 goes up against the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper.
So, let’s dive in and see just how they compare.
PROS
- 304cc head easy on the eye
- Adjustable weighting for different ball flights and speed
- Retro logo’s inspired from the 90’s Burner
- Twist face and Thru Slot Speed Pocket deliver forgiveness on
CONS
The TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper is a versatile offering from TaylorMade. It can be used as a higher lofted driver in a smaller head, or it can also be used as a stronger lofted oversized 3-wood. It is a 304cc head which is significantly smaller than the 460cc heads in driver that we see in driver, but the shape is still larger than you might think. The adjustable weighting plays a big part in the launch, speed, and forgiveness. The 13 gram and the 1.5 gram can be moved forward and back with the two weight ports nearer the club face and the rear of the club. If the heavier weight is further forward you will see a lower launch and faster speed, if it’s further back you will have a mid to higher launch which is also more forgiving. Now the Twist Face tech and Thru Slot Speed Pocket is delivering that forgiveness on those off-centre hits making sure if it is low in the face, off the heel or toe of the club you will see straighter shots.
From an aesthetics point of view, it’s awesome. Based on the iconic 90’s TaylorMade Burner the retro logo allows you go back down memory lane. From the grip to the headcover they haven’t missed a trick, it still holds that classic look and feel that the TaylorMade burner driver did.
PROS
- Infinity carbon crown save weight to increase MOI for more forgiveness
- Carbon 60x face delivers explosive speed and distance
- Twist Face technology straightens out those mishits
- Thru Slot Speed Pocket delivers lower spin on low strikes
CONS
- Feel might not be for everyone
One of the biggest launches from TaylorMade came in the form of Qi10 range. It is no surprise that almost everyone who used a TaylorMade Stealth driver in the past is now gaming a TaylorMade Qi10. Let's take a closer look at the technology under the new infinity carbon crown. This Carbon Crown is a whopping 97% of the crown on this driver. This has allowed weight to be better distributed around the head. In this 460cc head TaylorMade have lowered the centre of gravity in this driver, which helps to increase launch and ultimately increase distance off the tee. Internally, there is a new ledge design that houses the face in a position that flexes on impact, which helps to maintain and transfer energy for better speed off the face. The TaylorMade Qi10 is aesthetically pleasing on the eye with the gloss finish and delivers the best of both worlds when it comes to distance and forgiveness. It’s Carbon 60X face is lighter allowing again more weight to be saved and redistributed to increase overall performance.
Conclusion
Driving the ball off the tee is all about confidence. Some people like a larger head shape which gives them more confidence, but others may like the look of something more compact.
The difference between the Qi10 shape and the BRNR Mini Driver Copper is quite significant. You have a 460cc driver head versus a 304cc driver head.
Now the Qi10 is going to be the most forgiving because of its size and shape but for some they may not like a larger driver head. The BRNR Mini Driver is compact in comparison but may suite the eye of other golfers who prefer a smaller shape. Now the Tech is fairly similar with the Twist Face and Thru Slot Speed Pocket giving better distance low strikes and straighter shot shots on mishits.
The Qi10 is a great option if you want distance but forgiveness, but it doesn’t have the same level of adjustability and versatility as the Mini Driver. The versatility in the BRNR mini driver comes from the adjustable weighting and higher loft. It can be used as a compact driver or a stronger three would. The weighting allows you to have two club in one. You can have a very forgiving strong three wood or a driver that is small forgiving and explosive of the face.
It’s a club which even the Pro’s have put in play but it also appeals to the higher handicappers as well who want a driver that is high in launch, forgiving, fast and compact. It’s appealing to golfers of all level and has many uses. The Qi10 is without a doubt a superb driver with explosive distance and forgiveness which is why Rory Mcilroy games it. But if you want a higher launching, forgiving and versatile option in a smaller head design the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper is a great option.
How we picked
Performance Consistency
We meticulously evaluated each piece of equipment's performance across a number of variables.
Forgiveness and Playability
With golf clubs, our assessment always considered the versatility and forgiveness levels, especially on off-centre strikes.
Innovative Technology
We scrutinise the incorporation of innovative technology in each piece of equipment we review.
Customisation
We consider factors like adjustable features and customisation options available to the buyer.
ALL ABOUT THE OPEN
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