Coming into 2017 Taylormade wasn’t exactly lighting it up in the putter market like they were with drivers and irons. That changed overnight when they introduced Spider family of putters. Inspired by the likes of Jason Day and Dustin Johnson, Spider putters were coveted overnight by the best players in the world and weekend warriors alike. It comes as little surprise that the Spider received a Gold Rating on the 2018 Golf Digest Hot List. If you’re a player looking for a forgiving putter with the most advanced design and technology, you can’t go wrong with the Spider putter.
Key Features
Pure Roll Technology gets the ball rolling quickly for enhanced speed and distance control.
Perimeter weighting increases MOI and makes the Spider one of the most forgiving putters on the market.
Face balance and toe hang designs provide options for players with both arcing and square-to-square strokes.
Design and Technology
When a new putter hits the market and becomes the most popular putter in PGA Tour events for 17 out of 18 weeks, there’s a reason why. That’s exactly what happened with the Taylormade Spider putter when it was first released in 2017 and its popularity hasn’t slowed down. The 2018 family welcomes a couple new models that feature improved technology and additional cosmetic options.
All Spider putters are built with an insert the utilizes Roll Groove Technology. The main feature of Roll Groove Technology is grooves that are angled downward at a 45-degree angle. The grooves flex at impact and impart 20 more RPM of forward roll on the ball than other putters on the market. This helps putts to stay on line and improves distance control.
Spider putters are strategically designed with 13 pieces put together in a way that spreads the majority of the weight to the perimeter of the putter head. The result is higher MOI and increased forgiveness on mishits.
While most mallet style putters are face balance, the Spider is available in a toe hang option as well. Face balance putters are ideal for people with square-to-square strokes. With up to 38 degrees of toe hang in the most toe balance model, the Spider gives players with arcing strokes the benefits of easy alignment and increased forgiveness that are sometimes lacking in blade style putters.
TaylorMade Spider Putter
This putter automatically captures stroke metrics such as timing, tempo, stroke length, speed, and rotation, allowing golfers to analyze their performance through the free app for iOS and Android. Imagine being able to understand your own putting performance on a whole new level.
The Spider Interactive Putter offers you that opportunity. And let me tell you, when you start utilizing the data collected by this bad boy, you’ll see targeted improvements in your putting game like never before. Precision and consistency become your new best friends on the green.
PROS
- Pure Roll Technology is proven to get putts rolling on line quickly for greater consistency
- Perimeter weighting increases MOI allowing putts to roll squarely and consistently even on mishits
- A variety of head styles and cosmetic options allow players plenty of options when choosing a putter
CONS
- Some players say the insert is too hard and lacks the responsiveness of softer-face putters
- The head design is not as traditional as other mallet putters and may take some getting used to
- Cost may be a burden for some players as the Spider is one of the more expensive putters on the market
Our Experience
The Spider putter is a significant departure from traditional blade-style putters. It features a mallet design with a large clubhead behind the ball, which takes some getting used to. The main benefit of this design is the improved balance and weight distribution, which enhances the consistency of the roll.
The face of the Spider is soft, and the weight is balanced, allowing for a consistent roll regardless of where you make contact on the face. This putter felt and sounded better compared to my older model, and it provided slightly better distance control on longer putts.
From 6 feet, both putters performed similarly. However, from 12 feet, the Spider offered a more consistent roll. Although the difference was not substantial, it was noticeable. Overall, the Spider putter improved my putting performance, especially on longer putts.
After considering all aspects, I concluded that the Spider is an excellent putter, particularly for low handicaps looking to enhance their game. It is also a good option for those who do not mind the price. However, for the average player, the cost might not be justified, as the improvements are primarily in feel and sound rather than actual performance.
While the Spider is one of the best putters available, it might not be the best fit for everyone. For those seeking alternatives, we recommend exploring our "best of" guides for more options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Taylormade Spider Interactive Putter Be Used by Both Left and Right-Handed Players?
Yes, the TaylorMade Spider Interactive putter can be used by both left and right-handed players. It offers compatibility for left-handed use and usability for right-handed players, making it a versatile option for golfers.
Is the Blast App Compatible With All Smartphones, or Are There Specific Requirements for Using It?
The Blast app is compatible with both iOS and Android, providing interactive feedback on putting performance. Its sensor technology captures valuable stroke metrics, including timing, tempo, and rotation, helping to analyze and improve your game.
How Long Does the Battery of the Blast Sensor Last Before Needing to Be Recharged?
The battery life of the blast sensor is impressive, typically lasting for several rounds of play before needing a recharge. Its accuracy in tracking putting metrics, seamless data tracking, and regular firmware updates enhance the overall user experience.
Are There Any Additional Accessories or Attachments Available for the Taylormade Spider Interactive Putter to Enhance Its Performance?
Yes, there are customizable accessories available to enhance the TaylorMade Spider Interactive Putter’s performance. Add-on weights, different grip options, and sightline attachments can be used to tailor the putter to your specific needs and preferences.
What Is the Warranty or Return Policy for the Taylormade Spider Interactive Putter?
Why wonder about warranties and return policies? TaylorMade’s customer service ensures product quality. Engage with them for peace of mind. They have your back.
Conclusion
The Taylormade Spider line of putters have revolutionized putter design. Tour players, high handicappers, and players in between are shooting lower scores thanks to the Spider putter. It is safe to say that Taylormade has swept away the competition with putters just as it previously did with drivers.
Paul Liberatore
As the Founder of Golfers Authority Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated Golf and GolfWRX. After graduating with honors from Purdue University, he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube, he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry.
