2025 is shaping up to be the year of the mini driver. With PXG already in the game with its Secret Weapon, Titleist’s GT280 confirmed and COBRA testing a prototype on Tour, the latest addition to the trend comes from Callaway.
Spotted on the USGA conforming list, Version 2 of the Callaway Elyte Mini driver appears to be the most Mini Me offering in the category so far. In every meaningful respect, it’s a scaled-down version of the Elyte Driver, offering the same 3-position movable weight in a smaller package.
USGA list details are spartan as per usual, but the provided details suggest that, like Callaway’s full-sized drivers, the Elyte Mini will offer a 10X Ai face.
It’s listed in nominal lofts of 11.5- and 13.5 degrees with additional adjustability provided by Callaway’s OptiFit hosel adjustability.
The Unknowns
First, I have no idea what became of Version 1 of the Elyte Mini Driver. That said, the biggest unknown is how big Callaway has made this Mini. Last season’s Paradym Ai Smoke Ti 340 Mini (340cc) was the largest Mini on the market. Granted, at the time, there was really only one other (TaylorMade BRNR).
PXG is in at 300cc, TaylorMade’s BRNR (and we expect something new is in the pipeline) is just a few CCs larger, while Titleist’s 280 is quite a bit smaller.
Will Callaway carve out its place as the biggest Mini, or will it try and compete on versatility with a smaller offering this time around? The name is considerably shorter this time around, so maybe.
TBD, folks.
Release Date & Pricing
As of now, Callaway has not confirmed a retail launch date or pricing for the Elyte Mini. However, given its appearance on the conforming list, a release in time for the Masters (mid-April) seems likely. Price-wise, it should sit in a range comparable to previous mini drivers, which often land slightly below flagship drivers but above premium fairway woods.
More info as it becomes available.
Chris G
1 year ago
Bigger question: When will the GT280 be released to the public???