TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini Driver

Loft Options & Stock Shafts

Technology

Players Distance Driver

The AeroBurner Mini is TaylorMade's answer to a question a lot of golfers were quietly asking in 2015: what do you hit when the big driver is too much club and a 3-wood off the tee gives up too much distance? It splits the difference. The head measures about 260cc, roughly half the size of a full driver but noticeably bigger and deeper than a fairway wood, and it sits on a shorter shaft than the standard AeroBurner driver. That combination is the whole point.

The shorter shaft, around 43.5 inches, makes this thing easier to control than a 460cc driver at full length. You give up a little swing speed, but you find the middle of the face more often, and center contact with a mini head still gets you plenty of ball speed. The low center of gravity and the Speed Pocket slot behind the face help get it airborne, which matters because a 260cc head with 12 degrees of loft needs help launching high off the deck or a low tee.

This is a niche club, and TaylorMade knew it. It won't replace your driver on wide-open holes. What it does is give you a confident swing on tight par 4s, long par 3s, and tee shots where you'd rather find the fairway than chase 20 extra yards. If you've ever teed up a 3-wood and wished it flew a bit further without the twitchiness of the driver, this is built for exactly that gap.

• You want a tee club that flies further than a 3-wood but is easier to keep in play than a full driver.
• Tight, tree-lined courses where finding the fairway matters more than raw distance.
• Players who struggle to launch a 3-wood high enough off the tee and want more carry.
• Golfers comfortable with a fixed setup who don't want to fiddle with adjustable weights or sleeves.
• Anyone looking for a versatile club that can go off a low tee, off the deck on long par 5s, or as a driver alternative on scoring holes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AeroBurner Mini a driver or a fairway wood?

Neither, exactly. It's a mini driver, a category that sits between the two. The head is about 260cc, bigger than a 3-wood but far smaller than a 460cc driver, and it rides on a shorter shaft. Think of it as a driver you can control or a fairway wood that flies further off the tee.

How much distance do you lose compared to a full driver?

You'll typically give up somewhere in the range of 10 to 20 yards versus a well-struck driver, mostly because of the shorter shaft and lower swing speed. The trade is worth it for a lot of players because center contact happens more often, so your average tee shot can actually end up in a better spot even if the longest ones are shorter.

Can you hit the AeroBurner Mini off the fairway?

Yes, and that's part of the appeal. The low center of gravity and the Speed Pocket help it launch off the deck better than most drivers ever could. On long par 5s or into a green from a good lie, it's a usable option, though it still asks for a clean strike since the head is smaller than a fairway wood.

Is the AeroBurner Mini adjustable?

No. There's no loft sleeve and no moveable weights. You choose your loft, usually 12 degrees, and that's the setup. Keeping it fixed lets TaylorMade put the weight low for launch and keeps the club simpler and cheaper than an adjustable driver.

Who should choose the AeroBurner Mini over a regular driver?

Golfers who fight accuracy off the tee or play tight courses get the most out of it. If your driver misses find trouble and your 3-wood leaves too much into the green, the mini gives you a middle gear. Higher-handicap players and those with moderate swing speeds tend to see the biggest benefit from the added control.

Alternatives to the TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini

Other players distance driver models from different brands, closest to its model year.