It’s been a decade since the creation of the original Spider putter started turning heads on the PGA Tour. With its unique design, spider started the move towards high-MOI, or more forgiving putters, and data has increasingly demonstrated the putters are statistically better for all levels of players. TaylorMade has reimagined the Spider X for its 10th anniversary, with a new alignment system that is capturing the attention of golfers.
“When we first introduced the original Spider putter in 2008, we never could have anticipated the global phenomenon it has become,” says Bill Price, Senior Director, Product Creation, Putter & Wedges for TalyorMade.
Features & Benefits
True Path Alignment System
Chris Trott, who promotes the company’s putters on the PGA Tour, says TaylorMade tested 10,000 putts from 12 feet and found toe strikes two-thirds of the time. That led engineers to change the mass of the putter head and add the new alignment system.
X Design
The sightlines on the putter are one of its key distinguishing characteristics, and many of TaylorMade’s key staffers—Jason Day, Dustin Johnson and others—provided input for this alignment system, says Trott, which is the most aggressive the company has created to date. It is worth noting that initially Day preferred no alignment system on his Spider, but his opinion began to shift as he contributed to the True Path concept.
More stability
To create a higher MOI, TaylorMade moved more weight to the outside of the frame, creating a centre of gravity that is three times deeper than a blade putter. The more stable head shape provides more weight on the outside of the frame (36% on both perimeters versus 30%). The head design of the Spider X is more stable than ever, with a deeper centre of gravity (37mm), which is three times deeper than a traditional blade putter.
New Pure Roll Insert
Getting a putt to start properly off the face is key. Spider X incorporates a new thicker insert for better roll, as well as better sound and feel. The new insert promotes forward spin off the strike, for better accuracy and distance.
Who’s it for?
The Spider X was initially designed around the games of tour pros who, surprisingly, didn’t catch the centre of the putter as often as one might initially think. Input came from the game’s best, but Trott says it isn’t just Rory McIlroy who will benefit. In fact, higher MOI putters like Spider X are ideal for higher handicap players who struggle with the same issue—finding the middle of the putter. With a dramatic sightline for aiming, and a more stable clubhead, this is a putter that every golfer comfortable with a heavier, mallet-style putter is going to want to consider.
Spider X is available now in select stores and online.