Quick, what is the word for something that most human beings on planet earth are absolutely terrified of but also one of the most famous putter lines of all time?
Well, of course it’s Spider.
In 2021 it definitely looks like TaylorMade is committed to putting their putter focus towards the iconic name and being honest with the debacle that was the Truss line, and it is a pretty solid game plan to get that taste out of consumers mouths. But rather than just a refresh of one variation, the mothership is dropping four members of the Spider family for 2021.
Let’s take a closer look at each.
TaylorMade Spider X Hydro Blast
First is the new iteration of what has become the flagship Spider shape, the Spider X. With its more compact look while maintaining the MOI benefits of the original Spider shape, the X is one of the most popular putter models out there.
This year the TaylorMade Spider X Hydro Blast is being released with a new “Hydro Blast” finish that is actually more of a new application process. Here, water is applied during the process to create the smooth premium finish, which in this case is a deep, rich, silver.
Along with the return of the multi-material construction and return of the white True Path alignment design, the Spider X this year will utilize TaylorMade’s white TPU Pure Roll insert which is the softest of the company’s inserts. The Spider X Hydro Blast comes with a chrome KBS CT Tour putter shaft and TM branded SuperStroke GTR 1.0. Additionally, it will be available in RH and LH in flow neck and single bend variations.
TaylorMade Spider EX
The Spider EX is a shape with softer overall lines and more rounded rear section. The head is also a bit larger heel to toe and front to back than the Spider X, offering another unique visual in the lineup. There are multiple materials at play here in the form of heavy tungsten (20g, 25g, or 30g) being placed in the back weights of the aluminum composite frame which also has heavy steel (28g each) co-molded into the from on the heel and toe areas of the forward putter area. Also, the EX features TaylorMade’s first Co-Molded Pure Roll insert which uses both TPU and silver aluminum beams.
For aesthetic and alignment, the Spider EX comes in white, silver, or blue main colors while each utilizes TaylorMade’s white True Path alignment. This version of True path however, is unique to this new shape as it flares out at the face to let golfers align the face easier and at the same time make use of the dual-line and 3-dot topline alignment aid.
The EX uses the newly engineered Fluted Feel putter shaft which has a softer section 5-inches from the tip in a nod to the original fluted shafts as well as to increase feel without sacrificing stability or dispersion. The Spider EX is finished with a TM branded SuperStroke GTR 1.0 and comes in short-slant, flow-neck, and single bend options that are all available in both dexterities.
TaylorMade Spider S
The “S” is back this year as well with its heavy tungsten rear weight bar that connects the “wings” while also working in conjunction with two 42.5 cast-in sole weights near the face on the heel and toe side to create optimized stability according to TaylorMade. The weight bar comes in four different masses ranging from 40g up to 70g and makes the Spider S have the deepest center of gravity of all Spider putters.
Finished in a platinum silver body, it also uses a True Path alignment design which is specifically created for this head shape. This variation is the exact width of a golf ball and created to make centering the ball to the face as easy as possible.
The Spider S uses the same TPU Pure Roll insert that is in the X to create a softer feel and consistent roll. It is also rounded out with the previously discussed new Fluted Feel shaft and TM branded SuperStroke GTR 1.0 grip to complete the performance and aesthetic package. The Spider S comes in plumber’s neck and single bend options for both RH and LH golfers.
TaylorMade Spider SR
Last but not least, the Spider SR putter is a winged/fanged mallet design more reminiscent to another hyper popular shape on Tour than the Spider namesake it’s working with. Overall, it is similar to the Spider S but rather than using a rear weight bar to connect the wings, it has a middle forward flange.
That flange is where the True Path alignment for this shape resides while using weights (7.5g to 22.5g) on the back of each wing in conjunction with 58g cast in forward heel and toe weights on the sole. The TPU Pure Roll is in play here as well, again emphasizing providing a softer overall feel.
The whole design is wrapped up with the new Fluted Feel putter shaft and TM branded SuperStroke GTR 1.0 grip. For the Spider SR, it is a platinum silver finish which ties the whole lineup together. In terms of neck options, this one will be available for golfers standing on both sides of the ball in a flow neck as well as single bend option.
The Details
The new TaylorMade Spider X Hydro Blast and EX putters will be available on 3/12/21 and the Spider S and SR will drop officially on 4/9/21. Our friends at BudgetGolf will have them in stock on release day.
How do the wide variety of new Spider options strike you? Do you plan on giving them a roll? Be sure to let us know below or jump into the conversation on the THP Community as well to be heard!
only thing thats kept me from TM putters is the PureRoll insert. ive never been a fan of them
They have done that in the past too. Heck there was even a spider blade putter about 6-7 years ago. I do think it’s smart to expand it because spider is their bread & butter when it comes to putters.
What I really want to try is the insert thats in the EX. That co-molded insert with TPU and aluminum beams. First time they’ve done that so I’m certainly interested to at least give it a roll, even if it’s not my desired shape.
@Jman, do you have any photos is the co-molded pure roll insert?
the copper one or whatever was decent but just feels off whenever I try one out. Granted I do have a weird thing with Taylor made…. trying to get over it haha
Nope, not quality ones. Looks like the white insert with aluminum grooves coming through based off the TM photos we are dealing with
Their insert has historically lagged (no pun intended haha) behind others, it’s always been the only true hiccup imo
I agree. Just something about it that doesn’t feel right/keeps me from really jumping in
The others might look better in person but that’s TBD.
All told, I think I like the #7 shape the best.
It really surprises me we haven’t seen them come out with some more radically different insert designs by now.
I’ve thought the same thing. I know a few people that love the shape and look but don’t get enjoy the insert. Hopefully they come up with something new at some point.
Going on what feels like two decades with this one, I sadly doubt it. Especially since the co molded sounds potentially MORE firm.
Years ago they had a pretty awesome putter team. Toulon, Jose, etc. They still have some very smart people designing, but as a person that knows those two guys well, I liked that the push for new was always there.
They found something that works, but I long for some subtle changes. The Hydro Blast looks really good though.
The head is big. Quite big. I didn’t mind the alignment, a little busy but the two lines are close enough together that visually it just looks like a single stripe.
What I didn’t like was the sound from the insert. It didn’t feel soft or firm. It just sounded really different. To read that the insert is aluminium is of no surprise, it’s really unlike anything else.
Is anyone gaming one of the Spider EX’s on tour..?
I have a few old school putters with the fluted shaft. Maybe I should give the EX a roll and see what all the fuss is about.
I noticed the head size. It looks good at a distance but it was a little too big once aligned. i didnt care too much for the feel of the face either.
gb
I’m surprised at how little talk there is about that insert. Good, bad, indifferent.
It’s…metallic.