Earlier this year, TaylorMade quietly added a new loft option to its R7 Quad Mini Driver: 15.5 degrees.
That was significant because modern mini drivers had settled into both 11.5˚ and 13.5˚ options, with 13˚-13.5˚ being the most common for golfers to find a suitable club to replace their 3-wood and give themselves a true secondary option off the tee.
And if the modern 3-wood sits between 14˚ and 16.5˚, what is the purpose of a 15.5˚ mini driver? On this week’s episode of GOLF’s Fully Equipped, co-hosts Johnny Wunder and Jake Morrow discussed this topic.
In the episode, as Morrow and Wunder explained recent changes they’ve made to their bags in the last few months, Morrow noted he’s playing a TaylorMade R7 Quad 15.5˚ Mini driver.
“I don’t understand it,” Wunder said. “I don’t know what universe that has benefits for anybody.”
But Morrow explained that the 15.5˚ loft solves a simple problem.
TaylorMade R7 Quad Custom Mini Driver
PERFORMANCE FOR THE MODERN PLAYER
Inspired by one of the most iconic models in TaylorMade history, the R7 Quad Mini Driver pays homage to what’s come before, while creating its own modern identity in the same breath. It’s that very modern design that incorporates proven TaylorMade technologies to give golfers versatility and playability.
R7 QUAD WEIGHTING SYSTEM
The new quad weighting system features four movable weights (13g x2, 4g x2) that provide the ultimate in spin management and shot shape control. Forward CG creates a penetrating flight best suited for maximizing distance whereas rear CG helps prioritize control and ease of use from the deck. Shot shape can also be fine-tuned helping create the most optimal flight. Additional weights can be purchased for a wider range of adjustability.
INFINITY CARBON CROWN
A new satin Infinity Carbon Crown has been added to the R7 Quad Mini Driver chassis creating a stunning look while saving weight for better mass optimization. The cosmetic package is clean, elegant, and confidence-inspiring.
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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA TOUR Superstore, TaylorMade
Many players agree that the R7 Quad sits slightly shut at address, and many players loft down the club to help solve for that. But then you’re playing with less loft than you want simply for optics’ sake.
With a 15.5˚ mini, you can loft the club all the way down on TaylorMade’s 2˚ FCT adapter and play the club at a 13.5˚ loft with a square or even open face angle.
“It’s literally built so you can put the adapter in the lower position and have a square face,” Morrow said. “It’s a square-faced, 13-and-a-half-degree mini driver. That’s what it really is.”
This setup works well for Morrow because if he’s going to play his mini driver, he doesn’t want it to go more than 260 yards. While you might want to set up a driver to go as far as possible, the mini driver is more of a position club. That’s also why Morrow’s mini driver is just over 42 inches long.