The deceptive benefits of a 15-degree small driver, explained
Earlier this year, TaylorMade quietly added a new loft option to its R7 Quad Mini Driver: 15.5 degrees.
That was important because modern young drivers had settled on both 11.5˚ and 13.5˚, with 13˚-13.5˚ being the most common for golfers to find a suitable club to replace their 3-wood and give themselves a real second option off the tee.
And if the modern 3-wood sits between 14˚ and 16.5˚, what is the purpose of a smaller 15.5˚ driver? On this week’s episode of GOLF’s Fully Equipped, partners Johnny Wunder and Jake Morrow discuss this topic.
In the episode, as Morrow and Wunder explained the latest changes they’ve made to their golf clubs over the past few months, Morrow noted that he was playing a TaylorMade R7 Quad 15.5˚ Mini driver.
“I don’t understand,” said Wunder. “I don’t know which atmosphere is beneficial to anyone.”
But Morrow explained that the 15.5˚ loft solves a simple problem.
TaylorMade R7 Quad Custom Mini Driver
PERFORMANCE FOR TODAY’S PLAYER Inspired by one of the most iconic models in TaylorMade’s history, the R7 Quad Mini Driver pays homage to what has gone before, while creating its own modern equivalent. It’s that modern design that incorporates TaylorMade’s proven technology to give golfers flexibility and playability. R7 QUAD WEIGHTING SYSTEM The new quad weighting system includes four moving weights (13g x2, 4g x2) that provide the ultimate in throw control and shot position control. Forward CG creates an inward plane that is better suited for increasing distance while the rear CG helps prioritize control and ease of use from the desk. The position of the shot can also be fine-tuned to help create a high-quality flight. Additional weights can be purchased for a wider range of adjustability. INFINITY CARBON CROWN The new satin Infinity Carbon Crown has been added to the chassis of the R7 Quad Mini Driver which creates a stunning look while saving weight for better weight development. The cosmetic packaging is clean, beautiful, and inspiring.
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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA TOUR Superstore, TaylorMade
Many players agree that the R7 Quad remains closed at address, and many players lift the club to help solve that. However you are playing with less loft than you want because of the optics.
With the 15.5˚ mini, you can lift the club all the way down on TaylorMade’s 2˚ FCT adapter and play the club at a lofty 13.5˚ with a square or open face angle.
“It’s literally built so you can put the adapter on the ground and it has a square face,” Morrow said. “It’s a little square-looking driver, 13 and a half degrees. That’s what it is.”
This setup works well for Morrow because if he’s going to play his short driver, he doesn’t want it to go more than 260 yards. While you may want to stop the driver from going as far as you can, a small driver is a club for position. That’s also why Morrow’s smallest driver is just over 42 inches long.
