z tour putter

Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker

TaylorMade Spider Tour Series S, V, X and Z Putters Review

Published: 19 September 2023 Last updated: 21 May 2024

At a glance

• TG Rating 5 out of 5
• Owner Rating Not yet rated
• The counter-weighted Spider Tour S is a brilliant addition to the family.
• These are just the most stable putters used on tour.
• Finally fitters can dial you into your best fitting Spider model.
• Depending on your view, we've seen three of the models before.

What we say...

The five-model taylormade spider tour series putter family brings additional forgiveness, new designs, and an extra level of personalization..

The TaylorMade Spider Tour Series putters are the culmination of almost 20 years of dedication to helping golfers hole more putts through stability. During that time TaylorMade has gone from absolutely nowhere to creating some of the best putters and most winningest flatsticks available. At times they’ve also bossed retail sales.

Over the last 20 years, the Spider franchise has played a major role in convincing Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and now Scottie Scheffler to use more stable, forgiving modern mallets, in a bid to improve their stats on the dancefloor. And it’s no secret when using his favourite Spider X Rory has gained 1.25 strokes a round versus a less forgiving blade.

DJ’s seen good gains inside 6 feet with his Spider Tour putter as well, all of which has now led world number 1 Scottie Scheffler to flirting with the franchise too.

Spiders are the best TaylorMade putters ever made, and they’ve reached a level where some models now have a legacy and genuine cult following. But the Spider X Rory McIlroy uses, launched back in 2019, and the famous Spider Tour that put TaylorMade putters on the map in 2017, are both barely available to buy.

So TaylorMade have decided now is a great time to re-introduce their most famous Spider putter models. They’re also introducing some interesting new head shapes and ideas to elevate the franchise to a brand new audience of golfers who may never have tried Spider putters before.

Welcome to the TaylorMade Spider Tour Series S, V, X and Z putters.    

Everything you need to know about the TaylorMade Spider Tour Series 2023 putters

Synonymous with stability.

From day one in 2008 when Spider putters launched onto the scene the franchise has always been about upping stability. Additional stability translates to maintaining ball speed on off-center hits, so putts don’t behave like miss-hits even when they don’t impact center face.

The idea means golfers get greater distance control from long range and additional accuracy when closer to the hole. To ensure the Tour Series putters fulfil their MOI and center of gravity goals there’s a wireframe construction to position weight accurately and a new undercut thin wall concept helps boost MOI to new levels too.     

Multiple materials

Spider putters have never been simple one-piece cast constructions. That sort of basic idea would be way too inefficient to offer the ultimate levels of forgiveness that genuinely help golfers hole more putts.

Like their ancestors, the new Spider Tour models boast multiple material constructions to remove inefficient mass from every conceivable location. New for this family though is a concertina-shaped Hybrar Echo Damper (yes we saw the same material in the SIM Max and SIM Max irons ) behind the face. It controls vibration and tunes sound to higher levels than previous Spider models.      

Let’s talk True Path

True Path alignment systems have been part of the Spider family since 2019 when TaylorMade unveiled the first Spider X putter . It’s so good at helping golfers aim more accurately and consistently it runs through all models within the new Tour Series line-up.

Brian Bazzel, Vice President of Product Creation at TaylorMade commented: “The contrast between the white color and green grass behind activates the retina in a golfer’s eye, to heighten the sense of alignment”.  

There’s a new finish

If there’s been a tiny chink in the armor of previous Spider putters it’s how they’ve usually come with painted finishes. On the plus side, that means TaylorMade have been able to offer several different stock colours, and through their MySpider customisation platform allow golfers to personalise their new putter to their own preference.

But painted finishes are prone to chipping and wearing. Each new Spider Tour Series model now comes with a super sleek Gunmetal PVD finish, which doubles down on durability and creates a really desirable-looking putter.

Each new Spider Tour Series putter also comes with a stepless KBS CT (Constant Taper) 120G black PVD shaft , and SuperStroke Pistol 1.0 putter grip.

Pure Roll insert

Over the years TaylorMade have done tons of research into the best feeling inserts, and face groove patterns that ensure great roll across the surface of the green. Thanks to the success of previous models, the new Spider family all come with a Pure Roll 5mm surlyn insert. Downward facing 45° grooves help impart topspin and deliver better end-over-end roll.  

Choose the CG location and MOI of your putter

Tons of golfers now get fit for drivers and irons but TyalorMade want fitters to tailor more putters to golfers too. So the five-model Spider Tour Series has been specifically designed to give fitters CG placement options, toe hang choices, and different levels of MOI.

TaylorMade swear a deep center of gravity is essential for upping forgiveness (something Cleveland and their Frontline Elite putters would argue against), but between them, the five new Spider models have CG locations ranging from 27 to 38mm deep. There’s also a choice of either a small slant hosel or double bend set-up so golfers get the opportunity to choose which best suits their straight or arcing stroke.

Here’s the center of gravity location, MOI, and toe hang for each model in the family.  

Counter-Balanced putters are bang on trend

Golfers who’ve watched any tour golf this year will know counterbalanced putters have exploded back onto the scene. Two majors were won with counterbalanced putters in 2023. Wyndham Clark used one during his US Open win, and Brian Harman snaffled the Open Championship using a previous TaylorMade counter-weighted Spider OS CB. The resurgent Rickie Fowler and perennial tour winner Keegan Bradley also both use counterbalanced putters too.

So with Counter Balanced putters (where mass is positioned above the hands inside the grip) trending up, TaylorMade have taken the opportunity to introduce a bigger, heavier and counterweighted Spider S. The model will likely satisfy the increased demand from golfers looking to emulate Brian Harman and the performance of his Spider OS CB putter at The Open in July 2023.  

Weights = options

Weights have been a common theme running through tons of TaylorMade products since the company revealed the first adjustable R7 driver in 2004. The original Spider Tour famously housed two TSS weights within its jet engine-style rear ports, and for this new generation, the TSS weights have once again made the cut.

Where the company look to create deeper CGs within the Tour and Tour S heads, the weights remain in the rear position. But, on the X head they move to the rear sole, where for the Z and V models to help create a more forward CG, the weights are positioned behind the face.  

Video: How do the TaylorMade Spider Tour putters compare to other leading 2024 models?

Meet the TaylorMade Spider Tour Series 2023 models

TaylorMade Spider Tour Series putter

The original Spider Tour burst onto the scene back in 2017, when Jason Day shot the lights out and rose to world number 1 using his famous red-colored model . Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm were also massive fans. It’s no surprise then that this famous model, which racked up dozens of worldwide tour wins, has been selected for re-introduction.

Thanks to a refined weight set-up, the model offers 700 more MOI points than its predecessor. The small slant hosel gives 29° of toe hang, making this set-up good for slight arc strokes, where the double bend set-up is face balanced and better for straighter strokes. A new longer 38” counterbalanced set-up is also available in the USA.

The short slant hosel gives 30° of toe hang, which will suit golfers with a degree of rotation in their putting stroke, or those that prefer the feeling of the putter releasing through impact. The double bend shaft set-up is face-balanced and a better choice for straighter stroke players.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Series X Putter   

This head shape is a proven winner, and from my experience while testing it’s a reliable and consistent performer on the dancefloor. I really like the flowing body lines whereas some of the competition adopts much sharper-edged more angular approaches. If there’s such a thing as a classic MOI putter the Spider Tour X is it.

In previous generations, the X has been an award winner here at TG, and I reckon the new black shaft, refined sound and feel, which is more muted than the original, and more durable gunmetal PVD finish which won’t chip like the previous painted models, elevate the X onto the MOI putter podium once again.   

TaylorMade Spider Tour Series Z putter

The Z is one of two new models within the family. Its shape has been designed to pay homage to the wing shape of the original Tour, but thanks to sole weighting behind the face golfers get plenty of toe hang and a blade-like feel.

A model that frames the ball beautifully at address. Thanks to how low its body sits to the putting surface, this is a very simple and comfortable putter to set up at address.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Series Z Putter

The double bend hosel option like the rest of the family is face balanced. It’s a good option for straighter-stroke golfers who don’t want the complexity of wing or back weight structures distracting the eye from their beautiful new modern MOI mallet.

With a center of gravity location just 27mm from the face (the smallest of the Spider Tour family), expect a substantial 32° toe hang, and the Spider putter that will feel and behave most like a blade. This should definitely be a consideration if you’re transitioning into MOI putters for the first time.

If you’re really sensitive to the feel of putters the Spiders surlyn and aluminum combination works great with different golf ball compressions and cover materials, as some insert putters can feel very spongy if you also play very soft golf balls.

With a Spider model to cover off all wants and desires in the MOI market in 2024 I believe the franchise is very difficult to shun this year.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Series S putter

The Tour Series S is TaylorMade’s response to the resurgence on tour for counter-weighted putters. On the surface, the model may look very similar to the standard Spider Tour putter, but the head is 3mm longer from toe and heel and 8mm wider from face to back. The extra size allows TaylorMade to up head weight and create a counter-balanced model.

Thanks to its additional size and weight the S is only available at 35” and 38” lengths, both come with counter-balanced grips. If you’re looking to buy into Rickie Fowler or Wyndham Clark levels of performance by moving to a counter-balanced putter it’s well worth remembering both employ an Odyssey Versa Jailbird putter at 38”.

Create your very own personalized Spider Tour Series putter

As brilliant as the Spider Tour Series putters are, TaylorMade understand modern golfers love creating their own personalised flatsticks nowadays. So, through the brand’s MySpider personalization platform, both the Spider Tour and Spider Tour X are available for additional customization.

Expect four finish choices (Hydro Blast, Black, Gunmetal and Rose Gold), plus options of face insert material and color (surlyn three colours or a slightly firmer aluminium in 10 colors). Further customization comes through sightline design, sightline color, true path color, sole plate, back badge, weight color and two headcover options.

All in we reckon the MySpider options are a brilliant proposition as they’re available for just £50 more (£349) than the non-customized models (£299).

READ NEXT: – Everything you need to know about the TaylorMade TP Reserve putters

Product Information

Taylormade spider tour series putters.

Stock shaft: KBS CT 120g Black PVD

Stock grip: Super Stroke Pistol GT 1.0

CG Location: 35 MM    MOI: 5700    Toe Hang: 29° 

TaylorMade Spider Tour Series Double Bend putter  

CG Location: 35 MM    MOI: 5700    Toe Hang: Face Balanced 

TaylorMade Spider Tour Series S putter  

CG Location: 38 MM    MOI: 6063    Toe Hang: Face Balanced

TaylorMade Spider Tour Series X putter

CG Location: 33 MM    MOI: 5000    Toe Hang: 30°

CG Location: 29 MM    MOI: 5050     Toe Hang: 29°

CG Location: 29 MM    MOI: 5050     Toe Hang: Face Balanced

CG Location: 27 MM    MOI: 4900    Toe Hang: 32°

For further information visit the TaylorMade website here

Photo gallery.

Your Reviews

Taylormade putters user reviews.

Procore Championship

Silverado Resort (North Course)

TaylorMade Spider Tour Series putters: What you need to know

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The Spider Tour mallets revolutionized TaylorMade’s position in the marketplace with near equal top-level success on tour and at retail, but while the company explored other versions and shapes the last two years, the use and demand stayed with the original now-iconic shapes like Spider Tour and Spider Tour X. So rather than try to discover a new Spider, the company is launching a new Spider Tour Series with five options all built on the original platforms, including shapes made popular by Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Jason Day and most recently Scottie Scheffler. The models employ the same wireframe construction, a variety of sole weighting to emphasize different centers of gravity to match different stroke types, and the distinct wide white aiming stripe, as well as the grooved Surlyn face insert.

PRICE: $350 (Spider Tour, Spider Tour X, Spider Tour Z, Spider Tour S), available for pre-order now, at retail on Oct. 27 (except Spider Tour S, which is scheduled to be at retail in the spring of 2024).

TaylorMade returns to the core shape of its Spider from five years ago, one of the most successful versions of the mallet brand that has become an icon. What’s intriguing is from that base model, the company is launching a collection of five versions that share the same concepts of high stability with clear alignment and a face with grooves to enhance initial roll. Helped by research in recent years that shows how different players respond to center-of-gravity depth, each model pushes weight selectively back or forward.

More on this club

3 COOL THINGS

1. A restoration, rebirth, reinvigoration of an original: The Spider family of putters easily has been the most popular mallet design in TaylorMade’s history, and leading its success on the professional tours and in the marketplace has been the Spider Tour family. Spider putters have reportedly been a business all on its own worth more than $250 million with more than 1.5 million units sold. And while the company spent the last few years trying to reinvent the iconic mallet, this reintroduction or rebirth of the original has all the markings of a Gil Hanse renovation of a Donald Ross golf course. The reasoning is simple, said Brian Bazzell, TaylorMade’s vice president of product creation. Mallets, and in particular the way the Spider Tour models have been able to accommodate and improve different tour players strokes, are just better.

“The reality is mallets provide a performance element that blades simply can’t—we’ve actually proven this out on tour,” he said, noting that Rory McIlroy improves by 1.5 strokes per tournament with his Spider Tour X compared to a blade, while Dustin Johnson and his Spider Tour is better from six feet and in than he is with a blade. “There are some incredibly popular models that we’ve had over time, and there’s this built-up demand for us to sort of come back and re-birth some of these incredible shapes. And we’re not going to just do that. We’re going to also come with a few others that are going to fit a few more golfers. Spider is synonymous with stability. That means when you hit that putt off-center we maintain that ball speed so it doesn’t act like a mis-hit.”

2. How to make mallets for all strokes: The range of elite players using Spider Tour over the years runs from Jason Day to Sergio Garcia, and from Dustin Johnson to Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. Not one of those strokes are similar, and that’s why this reborn Spider Tour line includes five models. The group includes an original Spider Tour with its rear “jet engine” like heel and toe weights for increased moment of inertia (stability on off-center hits). There’s also the Spider Tour X, where those weights are featured in a more compact wing-less shape. The intent is to shift the weight a little more forward while maintaining high stability. A couple of new models will come to the line this fall. Those include the Spider Tour Z, which maintains the sleeker shape of the Spider Tour X but moves the heel and toe weights well forward in the sole; and the Spider Tour V, the most compact of the models which eliminates the wing structure completely while also keeping those heel and toe weights well forward in the sole.

Finally, a heavier, larger Spider Tour S will come along in the spring, using a 38-inch shaft to achieve a stroke stabilizing counterbalanced weighting (where there’s heavier weight in both the head and grip ends).

Altogether the distance the center of gravity is from the face changes from 38 millimeters back on Spider Tour S to 27 millimeters back on the Spider Tour V. That difference in CG depth is meant to accommodate how much easier the face can rotate back to square in the stroke (farther back accommodates a more straight-back, straight through stroke, for example). It also is one reason that the models feature a fairly wide range of moment of inertia, from 4900 grams-centimeters squared on the V to over 6,000 on the S, although each of those is significantly higher than a traditional blade style design.

3. A consistent feel, borrowed from iron designs: Each of the Spider Tour putters will benefit from an undercut chamber in the sole behind the face that is filled with a corrugated structure made of Hybrar, a vibration damping thermoplastic rubber that’s been used on irons like the M5 and Stealth to enhance feel. Also familiar is the company’s Surlyn face insert, which features angled grooves to improve initial roll. As well, the Spider Tour’s familiar wide width aim and alignment design, called True Path, is part of the line throughout, adding a distinct contrast to the gunmetal finish.

More from Golf Digest

Trending now.

• Buying Guides
• Equipment News
• Equipment Reviews
• Instruction

TaylorMade Spider Tour Z Putter Review

For nearly two decades we’ve seen the rise of the Spider putters, becoming one of the most-known brands in the game today.

Now, TaylorMade are looking to revitalise the essence of the iconic Spider with a new family of putters featuring even more renowned technologies in the ‘Spider Tour’ range.

In this review we're taking a deep dive into the Tour Z putter, a brand-new sleeker shape not seen before in the Spider family, looking to retain the same feel and performance we’re used to with an elevated, sleeker appearance.

TaylorMade has removed excess weight to engineer a super stable structure with a thin wall undercut . The Spider putters feature a steel wireframe to better control the weight distribution and CG location, with every Spider Tour model featuring a different CG location to allow for the optimal putter fitting.

We also see the addition of the Hybrar Echo Dampener , which sits behind the face to reduce any unwanted vibrations and give the best sound and feel on every putt. This is combined with grooves angled at 45 degrees for a better sound, feel, and overall roll characteristics.

TSS weighting helps to provide balance and a durable PVD coating gives these putters a high-quality finish.

As usual with the TaylorMade Spider putters, we see the True Path Alignment system running all the way across the top of the putter to help golfers better envision the line to the hole.

To give a soft feel on impact, these putters feature a white TPU Pure Roll insert made from a blend of Surlyn and aluminium. This white insert combines with the white true path alignment to give an overall symmetry to the putters.

Throughout the series we see two different hosel shapes and designs – the small slant for more toe hang, and double bend for a more face balanced design.

Each putter comes finished with a KBS CT putter black PVD stepless shaft and a super stroke Pistol GT 1.0 white grip.

Watch on YouTube

You can watch my full review via the Golfalot YouTube channel here:

If you like what you see, please make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel to see all Golfalot video reviews.

The Spider Tour Z model features a brand-new shape not seen before in the Spider family. This shape is at the other end of the spectrum compared to the standard Spider Tour putter I tested at the same time. The Tour Z is sleeker, with a smoother shape at the back of the putter where we’d usually see the weights pushing out in the traditonal spider shape.

Previously, we’ve seen some very bold colour schemes throughout TaylorMade’s iconic putters, but not so much in the new Tour series. TaylorMade has opted for a very clean black, white and gunmetal grey finish with only very small, subtle pops of colour.

On the base we see the blue spider design, which also takes centre stage on the headcover alongside the small yellow ‘T’ logo. In my opinion, this colour scheme helps to elevate the putters and flows consistently through the head, shaft and grip for an overall premium and coherent feel.

In general, the Spider putters have never been my favourites in terms of looks with them being very big and bulky. Although this element is still there in the Tour series, the white insert and alignment helps to add a bit more sleekness, even more so in the Tour Z putter as the alignment is a thin strip that doesn’t stretch out at the back, as we saw in the standard Tour model.

The bright white patches on the darker clubhead does makes it really stand out, however given the overall shape of the putter and alignment I think it all ties in nicely together at address and will help players who are struggling to get the correct line to the hole.

Another thing that makes the Tour Z putter different to the standard Tour model is that we see the weighting closer to the face, with the CG position at 29mm. This made it come out a little hotter and slightly louder, which I didn’t dislike, however, this also meant it provides a bit less forgiveness than the standard tour model.

I felt very confident with the Tour Z putter with lengths around 12 feet and in, and with the ball coming off a bit quicker I could get a nice rhythm going for these shorter putts.

Due to the design of the putter and the forward weight position, the feel with the Tour Z could be somewhat compared more with a blade than a mallet putter, especially when compared to the higher MOI Tour model .

For me, I’ve played with a Scotty Cameron GoLo mallet for the last 10-years, and so I preferred the feel of the standard model overall, especially with longer putts.

Performance

To test out the Tour Z Spider, we trialled a variety of different putts over at Denton Golf Club . As mentioned, I felt great with this putter over shorter lengths and found the alignment aid great for building confidence when standing over the putt. I felt as though the added mass and size behind the face kept it very stable and meant there was very little twisting of the face at impact, allowing for lots of holed putts from 12ft and in.

Due to the position of the weights on the Tour Z, this putter has a lower MOI than we see in some of the other Tour models, which I did notice specifically on longer putts. As we got into the 30-50ft range I was seeing more variety in the dispersion of the putts, which ultimately led to me standing over the ball lacking confidence that I’d be able to get it close.

For me, this is important given I play links golf with huge greens, but that might not be the case for you depending on how your home course is set up.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Z Putter Verdict

I really enjoyed using the Tour Z Spider putter until we took it out on longer length putts. This is the better-looking version of the Spider putters in my opinion, and I especially liked the design of the True Path Alignment.

Coming in at an RRP of £299 the Tour putters do sit slightly below some of their ‘premium competitors’. Because I was struggling with the lack of forgiveness over the longer putts and the more ‘blade-like’ feel to it, the Tour Z putter wouldn’t be the perfect club for me.

That said, I thought it was great from shorter distances which makes me think someone who’s been used to a more bladed, or generally less forgiving putter, might enjoy giving the Tour Z a go.

Would I Use It?

From 12-foot and in, all day long. From anything above the 30-foot mark it wasn’t my favourite. And although I’d love to imagine a golf game where I’m always within 12-foot, realistically I don’t think the Tour Z was the perfect fit for me, especially comparing it alongside the standard Tour model that performed much better in that area.

If I could take the look of the Tour Z and feel of the Tour, we’d be on to a winner!

TaylorMade Spider Tour Z Putter Pros and Cons

If you enjoyed this, you may also like:

TaylorMade Spider Tour Putter Review

TaylorMade TP Reserve M47 Putter Review

TaylorMade Spider Tour Z Putter - Product Details

Write a review, facebook comments, related news.

Odyssey Ai-One Milled Six T Putter

How much would you pay to cut out those three-putts?

Odyssey Ai-One #1 Putter Review

New AI face technology designed to leave you closer to the hole

Odyssey Ai-One Rossie Putter Review

Jon Rahm's Ryder Cup-winning putter tested here!

TaylorMade Qi10 Rescue Review

TaylorMade focus on forgiveness with excellent new hybrid

TaylorMade Unveils 2024 TP5 Balls

New Speed Wrapped Core provides a softer sound with better feel and more distance

TaylorMade Qi10 Max Rescue Review

Friendly, forgiving and high-launching TaylorMade Rescue

TaylorMade Qi10 Max Fairway Review

TaylorMade's most forgiving fairway ever put to the test

TaylorMade SpeedSoft Ink Ball Review

Great value golf ball could bring some extra colour to your game

Ping PLD Milled Olso 3 Putter Review

Stunning, premium mallet provides great forgiveness levels

Cleveland HB Soft 2 8S Putter Review

Heavy feel and traditional looks combine to create a modern classic

Most Popular

What's in the bag: xander schauffele, what's in the bag: bryson dechambeau, wilson dynapower forged irons review, footjoy pro slx carbon golf shoe review, golf pride reverse taper grip review, titleist gt3 driver review, taylormade p770 2024 irons review, taylormade p7cb irons review, what's in the bag: lydia ko, what's in the bag: matt wallace.

For Anyone Who LOVES Golf

TaylorMade Spider Tour Z Putter Review

November 13, 2023

For nearly two decades we’ve seen the rise of the Spider putters, becoming one of the most-known brands in the game today.

Now, TaylorMade are looking to revitalise the essence of the iconic Spider with a new family of putters featuring even more renowned technologies in the ‘Spider Tour’ range.

In this review we’re taking a deep dive into the Tour Z putter, a brand-new sleeker shape not seen before in the Spider family, looking to retain the same feel and performance we’re used to with an elevated, sleeker appearance.

TaylorMade has removed excess weight to engineer a super stable structure with a thin wall undercut . The Spider putters feature a steel wireframe to better control the weight distribution and CG location, with every Spider Tour model featuring a different CG location to allow for the optimal putter fitting.

We also see the addition of the Hybrar Echo Dampener which sits behind the face to reduce any unwanted vibrations and give the best sound and feel on every putt. This is combined with grooves angled at 45 degrees for a better sound, feel, and overall roll characteristics.

TSS weighting helps to provide balance and a durable PVD coating gives these putters a high-quality finish.

As usual with the TaylorMade Spider putters, we see the True Path Alignment system running all the way across the top of the putter to help golfers better envision the line to the hole.

To give a soft feel on impact, these putters feature a white TPU Pure Roll insert made from a blend of Surlyn and aluminium. This white insert combines with the white true path alignment to give an overall symmetry to the putters.

Throughout the series we see two different hosel shapes and designs – the small slant for more toe hang, and double bend for a more face balanced design.

Each putter comes finished with a KBS CT putter black PVD stepless shaft and a super stroke Pistol GT 1.0 white grip.

Watch on YouTube

You can watch my full review via the Golfalot YouTube channel here:

If you like what you see, please make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel to see all Golfalot video reviews.

The Spider Tour Z model features a brand-new shape not seen before in the Spider family. This shape is at the other end of the spectrum compared to the standard Spider Tour putter I tested at the same time. The Tour Z is sleeker, with a smoother shape at the back of the putter where we’d usually see the weights pushing out in the traditonal spider shape.

Previously, we’ve seen some very bold colour schemes throughout TaylorMade’s iconic putters, but not so much in the new Tour series. TaylorMade has opted for a very clean black, white and gunmetal grey finish with only very small, subtle pops of colour.

On the base we see the blue spider design, which also takes centre stage on the headcover alongside the small yellow ‘T’ logo. In my opinion, this colour scheme helps to elevate the putters and flows consistently through the head, shaft and grip for an overall premium and coherent feel.

In general, the Spider putters have never been my favourites in terms of looks with them being very big and bulky. Although this element is still there in the Tour series, the white insert and alignment helps to add a bit more sleekness, even more so in the Tour Z putter as the alignment is a thin strip that doesn’t stretch out at the back, as we saw in the standard Tour model.

The bright white patches on the darker clubhead does makes it really stand out, however given the overall shape of the putter and alignment I think it all ties in nicely together at address and will help players who are struggling to get the correct line to the hole.

Another thing that makes the Tour Z putter different to the standard Tour model is that we see the weighting closer to the face, with the CG position at 29mm. This made it come out a little hotter and slightly louder, which I didn’t dislike, however, this also meant it provides a bit less forgiveness than the standard tour model.

I felt very confident with the Tour Z putter with lengths around 12 feet and in, and with the ball coming off a bit quicker I could get a nice rhythm going for these shorter putts.

Due to the design of the putter and the forward weight position, the feel with the Tour Z could be somewhat compared more with a blade than a mallet putter, especially when compared to the higher MOI Tour model.

For me, I’ve played with a Scotty Cameron GoLo mallet for the last 10-years, and so I preferred the feel of the standard model overall, especially with longer putts.

Performance

To test out the Tour Z Spider, we trialled a variety of different putts over at Denton golf Club. As mentioned, I felt great with this putter over shorter lengths and found the alignment aid great for building confidence when standing over the putt. I felt as though the added mass and size behind the face kept it very stable and meant there was very little twisting of the face at impact, allowing for lots of holed putts from 12ft and in.

Due to the position of the weights on the Tour Z, this putter has a lower MOI than we see in some of the other Tour models, which I did notice specifically on longer putts. As we got into the 30-50ft range I was seeing more variety in the dispersion of the putts, which ultimately led to me standing over the ball lacking confidence that I’d be able to get it close.

For me, this is important given I play links golf with huge greens, but that might not be the case for you depending on how your home course is set up.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Z Putter Verdict

I really enjoyed using the Tour Z Spider putter until we took it out on longer length putts. This is the better-looking version of the Spider putters in my opinion, and I especially liked the design of the True Path Alignment.

Coming in at an RRP of £299 the Tour putters do sit slightly below some of their ‘premium competitors’. Because I was struggling with the lack of forgiveness over the longer putts and the more ‘blade-like’ feel to it, the Tour Z putter wouldn’t be the perfect club for me.

That said, I thought it was great from shorter distances which makes me think someone who’s been used to a more bladed, or generally less forgiving putter, might enjoy giving the Tour Z a go.

Would I Use It?

From 12-foot and in, all day long. From anything above the 30-foot mark it wasn’t my favourite. And although I’d love to imagine a golf game where I’m always within 12-foot, realistically I don’t think the Tour Z was the perfect fit for me, especially comparing it alongside the standard Tour model that performed much better in that area.

If I could take the look of the Tour Z and feel of the Tour, we’d be on to a winner!

TaylorMade Spider Tour Z Putter Pros and Cons

If you enjoyed this, you may also like:

TaylorMade Spider Tour Putter Review

TaylorMade TP Reserve M47 Putter Review

Source link rewrite this title TaylorMade Spider Tour Z Putter Review

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Please verify you are a human

Access to this page has been denied because we believe you are using automation tools to browse the website.

This may happen as a result of the following:

• Javascript is disabled or blocked by an extension (ad blockers for example)
• Your browser does not support cookies

Please make sure that Javascript and cookies are enabled on your browser and that you are not blocking them from loading.

Reference ID: 111bf1d9-721a-11ef-871c-de2fecceda55

Powered by PerimeterX , Inc.