TaylorMade introduces SLDR Mini Driver

TaylorMade SLDR Mini Driver sits between a 3-wood and driver to deliver more power and accuracy from both the tee and fairway

TaylorMade SLDR Mini Driver
TaylorMade has announced the launch of the SLDR Mini Driver

TaylorMade SLDR Mini Driver sits between 3-wood and driver to deliver more power and accuracy from both the tee and fairway

TaylorMade has introduced the SLDR Mini Driver, designed to give golfers a different, more powerful and more accurate option off the tee.

TaylorMade wanted to build on the fact better players and professionals hit more fairways with a 3-wood, and its manufacturers have designed a club to bridge the gap between the two models.

The SLDR Mini - sized between a 3-wood and 460cc driver - incorporates cutting-edge metalwood technology, including TaylorMade's special distance-enhancing Speed Pocket, to deliver more distance and accuracy than a 3-wood.

The 260cc SLDR Mini comes with a larger size and deeper face than a traditional 160cc 3-wood, which provided more stability and forgiveness on mishits.

The ability to tee the ball higher also makes the TaylorMade SLDR Mini easier to launch.

Like TaylorMade's other metalwoods, it has a low-forward centre of gravity which, along with the Speed Pocket, promotes more ball speed and less spin.

The SLDR Mini driver also features a 43.5" shaft (compared to 45.5" for the average driver) designed to provide additional clubhead control.

The TaylorMade SLDR Mini isn't designed exclusively as a club to be hit off the tee, though, and a smaller sole makes it easy to hit off the deck.

The SLDR Mini driver comes in two models: Standard and TP.

The Standard model comes with a lighter, driver-weight shaft, while the TP has a 3-wood-weighted version.

The SLDR Mini follows on from the launch of the original SLDR driver, which went on sale in August 2013.

Click here to see Golf Monthly's TaylorMade SLDR driver review

Nick Bonfield
Features Editor

Nick Bonfield joined Golf Monthly in 2012 after graduating from Exeter University and earning an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon. He is responsible for managing production of the magazine, sub-editing, writing, commissioning and coordinating all features across print and online. Most of his online work is opinion-based and typically centres around the Majors and significant events in the global golfing calendar. Nick has been an avid golf fan since the age of ten and became obsessed with the professional game after watching Mike Weir and Shaun Micheel win The Masters and PGA Championship respectively in 2003. In his time with Golf Monthly, he's interviewed the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabal, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Billy Horschel and has ghost-written columns for Westwood, Wayne Riley, Matthew Southgate, Chris Wood and Eddie Pepperell. Nick is a 12-handicap golfer and his favourite courses include Old Head, Sunningdale New, Penha Longha, Valderrama and Bearwood Lakes. If you have a feature pitch for Nick, please email nick.bonfield@futurenet.com with 'Pitch' in the subject line. Nick is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade M1 Fairway wood: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid: Ping Crossover Irons (4-9): Nike Vapor Speed Wedges: Cleveland CBX Full Face, 56˚, Titleist Vokey SM4, 60˚ Putter: testing in progress! Ball: TaylorMade TP5x