You could argue that, over the last decade, no golf club has made more of an impact both on the professional tours and in the amateur game than the TaylorMade Spider putter.
At the WGC-Workday Championship, 71% of the field were using a mallet putter, and every year more and more golfers are making the switch to bigger-headed putters which offer better forgiveness and more consistency across the face.
It's no surprise, then, that TaylorMade have announced the addition of four new models to the Spider range for 2021, with each putter designed to make aim and alignment easier thanks to True Path systems. Let's take a closer look...
TaylorMade Spider EX Putter
This is the flagship model of the new Spider range and features an advanced multi-material construction to provide optimal levels of stability.
The lightweight aluminium frame and carbon composite centre allow for strategic perimeter weighting, which increases MOI for a more consistent roll across the face along with added forgiveness.
Two 28g steel weights are placed in the toe and the heel, as well as heavy tungsten weights at the rear. The exact amount of tungsten varies depending on putter length to provide precision swing weighting.
Compared to the Spider X, the new EX model is slightly larger (+3.5mm from heel to toe and +2.7mm front to back) but with a more streamlined shape that features softer lines and a more rounded back end.
It has a new True Path alignment which has been optically engineered so that it is easier to aim, with a reflective white colour across the putter's topline allowing golfers to use the face for alignment.
The dots enclosed by dual rails are used to frame the ball in the centre, and promote a consistent address position. White was chosen strategically as it is the most reflective colour, and provides a clear focal point which makes the stroke and path of the roll more visible.
The Spider EX features a new Pure Roll2 insert, their first multi-material insert made with a co-molded construction. White TPU urethane surrounds eight silver aluminium beams to create 45° grooves to produce better roll and fel.
The Fluted Feel shaft adds to the putter's feel too. It features a soft tip section, designed to enhance feel, increase stability, and tighten dispersion.
The Spider EX putter will be available at retail from 12th March and is priced at £299, in stock lengths of 33", 34" and 35". You can get it in three different colourways - Platinum/White, Navy/White and Ghost/White - with three different hosel options available.
TaylorMade Spider X Hydro Blast Putter
The Spider X is the best-selling putter in the range's history, and has been very successful among the pro's too with 11 victories over the last two seasons.
The Hydro Blast builds on that tradition of success with a new colourway and finishing process. Applying water to the aluminium body creates a smooth and premium finish in a rich silver colourway, which also adds durability so you should't get as many chips and scratches on the putter head.
It features the same multi-material construction as the Spider X, relying on aluminium (2g), steel (6g) and tungsten (12g) weights and a composite centre to optimise MOI and stability.
The True Path design aids alignment, while the white TPU Pure Roll insert delivers a soft feel with 45° grooves to encourage better forward roll and improved sound, feel and roll in comparison to a solid face.
The Spider X Hydro Blast is available from March 12 with an RRP of £269.
TaylorMade Spider S & Spider SR Putter
Introduced in 2020, the Spider S was said to be the most forgiving model in the Spider range thanks to an MOI of over 6,000.
This year the putter benefits from an updated redesign, with a new arrow-shaped True Path that TaylorMade say is inspired by archery's pinpoint precision, designed to make it even easier for golfers to aim.
Located on the topline, this new alignment system provides a clear focal point which is the same width as a golf ball to help with consistent address positions and face direction.
The Spider S is manufactured from a high-grade aluminium and is 100 percent machine milled for a precise result. The square-shaped head has two 42g sole weights placed near the toe and heel, to provide extra stability and optimise CG placement.
The putter also benefits from a heavy tungsten backbar used to optimised swing weight based on the length of the putter. It comes in four different weights from 40g to 70g, and can be designed to influence head weight, feel and performance.
The all-new Spider SR (Stability Refined) delivers high-MOI performance with a Tour-inspired, double wing shape.
The multi-material design features two back weights generated from either steel (10g) or tungsten (15/20g) to optimise swing weight.
The Spider SR has a slightly lower MOI than the Spider S due to a footprint that is 5mm shorter from front to back, although it is still among the most stable and forgiving putters in the Spider range.
Another key difference is the way in which True Path is positioned within the cavity behind the putter face. The arrow-shaped design delivers an easy-to-aim alignment tool, which promotes a consistently centred address position.
Both the Spider SR and Spider S are equipped with an all-new Fluted Feel shaft, to deliver enhanced feel and optimal stability on top of the already-forgiving putters.
Like the rest of the range, the TPU Pure Roll insert provides a soft feel, and 45° grooves for better forward roll and improved sound, feel and overall roll.
The Spider S and Spider SR will be available from 9th April and will be priced at an RRP of £269.
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