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.
TaylorMade Spider Putter
TaylorMade Spider Putter dominates the greens with its high-MOI stability and pure roll.
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.
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.
TaylorMade Spider Putter
TaylorMade Spider Putter dominates the greens with its high-MOI stability and pure roll.
Is the TaylorMade Spider Putter Worth It?
Absolutely, while the TaylorMade Spider Putter is a great product, there are a few pros and cons that you need to be aware of:
Pros:
High Forgiveness : The putter's high MOI (Moment of Inertia) ensures stability and forgiveness on off-center strikes, reducing errors.
Alignment Aids : Features like the True Path Alignment system help golfers line up their putts more accurately.
Soft Feel and Roll : The Pure Roll insert enhances feel and promotes a smooth roll on the greens.
Cons:
Bulky Design : The large head shape may not appeal to players who prefer traditional putters.
Weight Issues : Some golfers may find the heavier weight challenging to handle.
Distance Control Challenges : High MOI can make controlling putt distances tricky for some users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the TaylorMade Spider Putter unique compared to other putters?
The TaylorMade Spider Putter stands out due to its advanced technologies, including Pure Roll inserts for enhanced ball roll, perimeter weighting for high MOI (Moment of Inertia), and True Path Alignment systems that improve accuracy and visualization on the greens.
Is the TaylorMade Spider Putter suitable for all types of putting strokes?
Yes, the Spider Putter offers various hosel designs to accommodate different stroke types. The slant neck provides toe hang for arcing strokes, while the double bend is face-balanced for straight-back-and-through strokes.
How does the True Path Alignment system improve performance?
The True Path Alignment system runs across the top of the putter, helping golfers better envision their line to the hole. This feature enhances confidence and accuracy, especially on tricky putts.
Are there customization options available for TaylorMade Spider Putters?
Customization options vary by model. Some allow adjustments in length, grip type, and weights to suit individual preferences. However, color and alignment customization may not be available on all models.
What are the main advantages of using a mallet-style putter like the Spider?
Mallet-style putters like the Spider provide increased stability and forgiveness due to their larger head design and perimeter weighting. They are particularly effective for players who struggle with consistency in their putting stroke.
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.
