TaylorMade‘s new Spider Tour putters are based on their popular Spider Tour and Tour X mallet models used by Rory McIlroy, designed for better distance control, roll and easier alignment.
The new Spider Tour range is made up of five models and are particularly appealing to golfers who want more stability and consistency on mis-hit putts.
Each model shares similar shapes and and technologies. A steel wireframe body helps to reduce unneeded weight in the head and there’s a new HYBRAR Echo Damper behind the leading edge in the sole to soak up impact vibrations, improving sound and feel. It’s similar to the Echo Damper found in TaylorMade’s Stealth and Stealth HD irons.
Across the range there are two different weighting systems. The Spider Tour and Tour X have the weights in the classic rear positions, while the Spider Tour V and Tour Z have weights up front. In terms of looks, the Gunmetal PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) finish enhances the luxury aesthetics and provides more durability.
Each model has TaylorMade’s True Path alignment system on top, a white area with a single black line extending from the topline and forks in the back. This is for easier alignment. Each Spider Tour putter also has a Pure Roll insert, a series of grooves that point down at a 45-degree angle to promote a forward roll and topspin, reducing bounce and skid. The range comes with a KBS shaft in in gloss black, SuperStroke GT 1.0 Pistol in white and yellow and 33″-35″ lengths.
Spider Tour
This model has a classic boxy shape with a small slant neck. The Spider Tour’s centre of gravity (CG) is 35 mm from the face and it features a 5,700 moment of inertia (MOI) – resistance to twisting on off-centre hits, keeping putts on their intended line – and 29 degrees of toe hang on a small slant hosel. Spider Tour has over 700 MOI more than the previous Spider model. The Spider Tour also comes in a 38-inch counterbalance model.
Spider Tour V
This model eliminates the wing structure, creating a more modern streamlined look. With this look and 32 degrees of toe hang, this is the smallest putter in the line-up, providing the most rotation. It has has a CG location of 27 mm from the face, MOI of 4,900 and 32 degrees of toe hang with a small slant hosel.
Spider Tour X
Used by Rory McIlroy, the Spider X was originally designed to convert golfers from blade putters to mallets, using a compact shape and modern look while delivering blade-like feel with the benefits of alignment and forgiveness. The weights in this model are placed further forward, generating more face rotation and a CG that is 33 mm from the face. This model has MOI of 5,000 and 30 degrees of toe hang on a small slant hosel.
Spider Tour Z
This has a wing shaped back while the perimeter sits low to the ground to provide a comfortable feeling at address and easy alignment. Weights on this model are placed far forward to encourage more face rotation and a blade-like feel. It has a CG location of 27 mm from the face, MOI of 4,900 and 32 degrees of toe hang with a small slant hosel.
Spider Tour S
There will be one more in the series, the Spider Tour S, on the market next spring. It’s a larger version of the Spider Tour with a head that’s 3mm longer and 8mm wider. Offered in heavier head weights and 35-inch and 38-inch lengths, it features counterbalance grips for more stability. It has a CG location of 38mm from the face, 6,063 MOI, and is face balanced.
