WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Four new TaylorMade Spider models: EX, X Hydro Blast, S and SR each utilise the company’s “True Path” alignment system and 45-degree angled grooves with a variety of head designs, weights and shaft options in a high moment-of-inertia mallet head.
AVAILABILITY: All of the new Spider putters are available for pre-order. The EX and X Hydro Blast will be at retail March 12 and the S and SR on April 9. Each available in 33-, 34- and 35-inch lengths with the Super Stroke Pistol GTR 1.0 grip stock. The EX ($549) is available in Platinum/White, Navy/White and Ghost White with three hosel options. The X Hydro Blast, S and SR each cost $499.
THE DEEP DIVE: Since its debut in 2008, TaylorMade’s line of Spider mallet putters have gained wide acceptance on the professional tours and at retail. Now the company is expanding its line by adding four new models to the Spider franchise: Spider EX, Spider X Hydro Blast, Spider S and Spider SR.
Key to each of the models is the company’s “True Path” alignment system that is present on its Spider X model.
In developing the True Path system, the company consulted eye specialists who figured out the ideal shape and width of the crown lines and band, to better guide golfers into visualising the ball’s path.
“A lot goes into hitting a solid putt,” said Bill Price, head of product creation for putters and wedges for TaylorMade. “With this new class of Spider putters, we focused on removing two of those variables: aim and alignment. Each model features its own True Path that simplifies the aiming process and helps golfers set up to the ball the same way time after time. While each putter brings something unique to the table, they are bonded by a foundation of forgiveness, stability and True Path alignment that makes it easier to aim.”
The EX boasts a lighter aluminium body (as opposed to steel) and a carbon-composite centre to allow more weight to be placed around the perimeter to increase stability and performace on off-centre strikes. It also puts more mass directly behind the face for enhanced feel at impact. The EX has two 28-gram steel weights near the heel and toe, as well as heavy tungsten weights – the amount changing depending on length of putter for swingweight purposes – near the rear. The head is modestly longer than the X from heel to toe and front to back and features a more rounded backside.
The revamped “True Roll” face insert features an aluminium piece fronted by a thermoplastic-urethane layer where eight beams work with the 45-degree grooves to interact with the ball to promote a forward roll with a crisp click.
The Spider X Hydro Blast takes the best-selling model in the line (the X), keeps all its tech and freshens it with a high-pressure application of water to the aluminium body that generates a rich silver appearance. The process adds to the putter’s durability as well, as the absence of paint means no paint chipping and better resistance to scratches.
The high moment-of-inertia Spider S was introduced in 2020, but has an updated True Path design featuring an arrow-shaped alignment aid. The square-shaped putter head is outfitted with two 42-gram sole weights placed near the toe and heel. A heavy tungsten back bar (with weights ranging from 40 grams to 70 grams) is used to further optimise swingweight based on the length of the putter.
The all-new Spider SR is a high-MOI mallet with the double-wing shape that has become popular on tour and at retail. The multimaterial head boasts a pair of back weights made from steel (10 grams) or tungsten (15 or 20 grams) to dial in swingweight.
The SR differs from the S in that the True Path alignment feature is positioned within the cavity behind the putter face and both the SR and S come with a new fluted shaft, delivering enhanced feel and optimal stability to putters that are already designed for forgiveness.
