At a Glance
The TaylorMade’s putter is not afraid to take chances and has always been innovative as ever. A decade ago, they proudly released their Spider that also gained popularity amongst the Tour models.
Their new Spider S has expanded their franchise more with its higher moment of inertia and bolder shape. And with the Spider S Putter’s extreme forgiveness and bizarre looks, the legacy of the Spider goes on.
Also Read: Best Golf Putters
TaylorMade Spider S Putter Review
Technology Used
High Grade Materials and Machine Milled Shaping
The TaylorMade Spider S Putter Has a 100% machine milled technology and a high-graded 6061 aluminium built for precision shaping.
Its frame is supported with tungsten sole weights on the heel & toe that weigh 48 grams. This optimizes the center-of-gravity location, while adding stability.
The shaping and materials overall boost the putter’s moment of inertia, thus adding forgiveness and stability to supply sufficient consistent rolls no matter where the location of the face is being hit. And with the 6,000 rating of moment of inertia, the Spider S becomes the most forgiving model in the lineups of TaylorMade’s Spider.
ExtraTungsten Bar
A heavy Tungsten Bar is located in the back area of the putter’s head. It possesses a different weight ranging from 55 to 80g, depending on what the length of the putter is. This technology helps maintain a balanced and appropriate weight across the head.
But on the front of the sole are two tungsten weights as well that weigh 48 grams. This makes the head highly stable on the left and right. So if you strike the ball away from the middle of this putter’s race, the weights will maintain the stability of the head. While also limiting the capability to send and twist your putts off the line.
The reason behind the extra tungsten weight results in high levels of forgiveness, too.
Pure Roll Insert
The TaylorMade has stuck the face of the Spider Putters with their reliable Pure Roll Insert technology that is also being used by Jason Day and Rory Mcllroy, and John Dam to their Spider putters.
But for the Spider S, this insert was thickened to around 5mm for improved sound & feel, and to encourage greater forward roll.
Looks
In more than a decade of the Spider being around, golfers have gradually accepted its bizarre looking style.
However, the rectangular hole in the center amplifies the size from the front to back, which some golfers find quite annoying. And if you’re very much familiar with using a similar-shaped putter like the Spider S, it may take some time before you get used to a traditionally shaped putter again.
But if you’re the type of golfer that doesn’t mind putters with stop sight lines, then the Spider S putter is just right for you.
This putter is available in two colors — chalk and navy. The chalk version features an off white color with a back bar and black line. Whilst the Navy edition has a silver back bar and white sight lines.
Performance
The flashy and large shape of the TaylorMade Spider S Putter brings one aim: to boost up the moment of inertia. By pairing the shape with tungsten and aluminium construction, it has reached a moment of inertia by 6,000, making it the highest putter in the lineups.
Now, what does a 6,000 moment of inertia mean? It means that within ten feet, you can strike a putt almost in any part of the face and still see it precisely go in. The forgiveness is as highly necessary as the lag putts, whereas the mishits no longer mean gazing at an eight-footer par.
The only flaws of the Spider S Putter in terms of performance is that it only comes in face balanced configuration. Other mallets generally offer two models, but the Spider S would be a more captivating competitor if only it had that flexibility.
If you ever sent your very first mid-range putts past the hole, don’t worry because this is normal. You will gradually adjust to it as long as you keep practicing with it. That being said, this putter is not just something you can pick up from a pro shop and quickly be okay with it after only a couple of practice strokes. Just like other putters, you have to test it thoroughly before deciding to have it in your bag.
All things considered, you will really enjoy using this putter for shorter putts, since the extra forgiveness across the face and easier alignment helps a lot as well. For these putts, even the smallest level of mistake can make a difference between missing a putt and holing it. That being said, if the technology can allow the face to become more stable each impact, then you can still consider it as win-win.
Another exceptional feature of the TaylorMade Spider S Putter is that it can scoop up the ball if you press it down. All thanks to the hollow cavity that is located in the center of the putter’s face.
Sound & Feel
The Pure Roll Insert provides a really soft feel, which has been around for many years now. That’s why it’s so popular among Tour pros and amateurs.
The Spider S Putter also performs excellently, particularly on mishits. If you tend to catch a putt from the toe, you can really feel the head being stable across the face. That means you won’t get the seemingly noticeable drop offs if you can’t hit it well.
And even though the extra weight may take quite some time to get used to, particularly on longer putts, it still mesh well with the face’s softer feel. This way, you can still feel like you’re stroking the ball instead of striking it towards the market.
Upon impact, the TaylorMade Spider S Putter has a form ‘click’ sound. It is neither too muted, nor too loud, but sounds very solid. And considering all these, the sound and feel the Spider S provides matches its performance very well.
Shaft
The KBS Stability Steepless CT Stability — is the entire length of the Spider S shaft (which is also made of steel) has been encompassed to make it another and more stable, while providing an easy putting stroke without worrying the shaft flexing or whipping. The feature of this shaft shows a single made hosel for a more balanced face.
Price Point
The TaylorMade Spider S Putter costs makes it at the top end of many players’ budget. But the Super Stole Group is included and you can still get a headcover that has a delicate quality.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
FAQs
Q. What is the loft and lie of the TaylorMade Spider S Putter?
The TaylorMade Spider S Putter has a loft of 2.5 degrees, and a lie angle of 70 degrees.
Q. What is the length of the TaylorMade Spider S Putter?
The TaylorMade Spider S Putter has a length of 34-35 inches.
Q. Who’s the TaylorMade Spider S Putter aimed for?
Since the TaylorMade Spider S Putter is face-balanced, it makes a suitable fit for players that have a straight-through, straight-back putting stroke. Any golfers that find the heavier profile, added stability, steady feel, decent amount of forgiveness, and added weight will definitely enjoy the performance of this putter.
Q. What is the shaft of the TaylorMade Spider S Putter?
Weighing 120 grams, the TaylorMade Spider S Putter has a KBS Black Stepless CT Stability shaft.
Intersted in more Putters? Check out the following reviews:
- Odyssey White Hot OG Putter Review
- Odyssey EXO Putter Review
- Odyssey Red Ball Putter Review
- Pinemeadow Golf Men PGX Putter Review
- Ray Cook Silver Ray SR500 Putter Review
- Kirkland Signature KS1 Putter Review
- PXG 0211 Hellcat Putter Review
Final Thoughts about TaylorMade Spider S Putter
The TaylorMade Spider S putter has an undeniable level of forgiveness that is hard to resist. If you can find confidence and comfort to this putter’s massive head and bizarre shape, then you will absolutely enjoy harnessing the impressive results you can get from the strikes across this putter’s face.
And even though the Spider S Putter costs a bit high, the feel is really nice, and the performance is incredibly consistent. Then throughout the season, you will surely find the extra forgiveness extra helpful in gaining your confidence once you perform on the greens.
All things considered, the Spider S is one of these putters that both TaylorMade and mallet fans will generally love. It also possessed the hallmarks of the Spider model, including the Pure Roll Insert and the higher moment of inertia, but features a slightly different design.
Alternatives to Consider
Odyssey Eleven Putter
The Odyssey Eleven Golf Putter has a high moment of inertia, alongside the alignment lines and amazing hosel preferences. Not to mention the alignment lines that give impressive consistency for off center strikes.
Just like the TaylorMade Spider S Putter, the Odyssey Eleven Putter has a shape and color that is quite odd to some players. Both are not traditionally looking, but are highly reliable and useful.
The Odyssey Eleven performs more brilliantly than the Ten, and has more innovative technologies, pleasing sound & feel, and game-changing performance.
TaylorMade Spider X Putter
Compared to the TaylorMade Spider S Putter, the X Putter has a mid-sized profile, with a high moment of inertia. The decent amount of forgiveness is still there, all thanks to the Try Path alignment line. This also allows players to hole more putts.
This putter is also greatly known for its impressive looks, performance, and features. So frankly, I don’t think it needs anymore revamping. The price it brings may not be the lowest in the market, but still very reasonable, making it worth having in your bag.