TaylorMade recognised the popularity of Mini drivers both on the PGA TOUR and for amateurs and wanted to further push the envelope of what’s possible in terms of both tech and performance. To do so, they looked back on what’s worked in the past and found inspiration from the R7 driver.
Released in 2004, the R7 was one of the most popular drivers in TaylorMade history. It captured over 30 wins worldwide, including the 2004 US Open. The R7 driver was also the first driver to incorporate TaylorMade’s Movable Weight Technology which revolutionised the way the entire industry thought about adjustability.
The R7 Quad Mini Driver incorporates that same technology allowing golfers to dial in spin, distance, trajectory and shot shape with precise centre of gravity placement. The Quad Weighting System includes two 13g and two 4g weights with two ports at the back of the clubhead and one each on the toe and heel.
By moving weight and centre of gravity towards the front of the club, golfers experience a penetrating ball flight that’s ideal for maximising distance. Conversely, placing more weight in the back of the club and moving the centre of gravity accordingly in that direction, golfers find enhanced control and ease of use from the deck. Additional weights can also be purchased for an even greater range of adjustability.
A key element in designing the R7 Quad Mini Driver was minimising mass in the top of the head. The incorporation of a satin Infinity Carbon Crown allowed engineers to not only save weight, but relocate it to other parts of the head where it’s used more efficiently. Visually, the Infinity Carbon Crown presents a clean, elegant profile that inspires confidence in the playing position.
The R7 Quad Mini also incorporates Twist Face which helps golfers maintain tighter downrange dispersion, especially on mishits. Speed Pocket increases face flexion and rebound at impact to enhance ball speed and launch, especially on shots struck low on the face. Together, these technologies work in conjunction to provide golfers increased versatility and playability.
While the design and technology in the R7 Quad Mini Driver’s head is cutting-edge, the complete component packaging is equally so. The stock Fujikura Speeder MD shaft, which measures 43.75 inches, is specifically designed to help keep spin rates low while also aiding in stability without adding weight.
Aesthetically, golfers will appreciate the black head with white, red and yellow accents that hark back to 2004 and the era of the original R7. The black headcover also features the original R7 logo with red, white and yellow trim.
Taylormade Product Manager Chandler Carr said: “The R7 Quad Mini Driver is one of those projects that got everyone excited from the initial concept, and being able to bring back one of the most iconic clubs in TaylorMade history was a dream come true. We couldn’t be more excited to continue setting the pace in the Mini Driver category.”
The R7 Quad Mini Driver is available in 11.5° in both RH/LH and 13.5° head in RH only. The lie angle is 57° and the head measures 305cc. The stock shaft is the Fujikura Speeder MD in 6x, 6S and 5R. The stock grip is the Golf Pride Z-Grip Black/Red 52g 0.600.
The R7 Quad Mini Driver will be available for pre-order on April 15 for £399 at taylormadegolf.co.uk, and at retail from May 1.
