TaylorMade Spider Tour Red Putter

It's taking the Tour by storm but what did we make of it?

taylormade-spider-red-putter
Golf Monthly Verdict

High levels of stability enhance both distance control on long range putts and the ability to hole out from short range, even when you don't make your best stroke. The slight toe hang makes the transition from smaller heads easier and many will prefer the simple, fuss-free look at address.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Exceptional stability combined with good roll properties helps the ball stay on line. Premium, unique look with a solid, soft-ish feel.

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Lacks alignment assistance and the lie angle takes some getting used to.

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TaylorMade Spider Tour Red Putter Review - Technical Editor Joel Tadman tests out the TaylorMade Spider Tour Red putter that is taking the Tour by storm

TaylorMade Spider Tour Red Putter Review

Aimed At This putter is for those who rely on high levels of stability and forgiveness over alignment assistance.

Key technology Extensive perimeter weighting adds stability on this putter while a removed sightline on the crown improves the player's focus on the clubface. The Pure Roll insert combines 45° grooves with a softer polymer to increase topspin and aid a soft feel.

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How we tested We tested this putter over a number of rounds to assess looks, aiming, feel, sound and both roll and accuracy performance across the face.

Looks The lack of alignment assistance may be a problem for some but we found the premium red finish highlighted the face angle prominently. The black shaft matches the classy look of the head nicely.

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Feel/Sound You’ll notice a surprisingly loud ‘pop’ sound at impact given how soft this putter feels at impact but it doesn’t detract from the overall appeal. The stock grip is quite thin, you may feel the need to switch it.

Performance This flatstick is making huge waves on Tour and it’s not difficult to see why. Even though it’s a high MOI mallet there’s an element of toe hang, which makes the transition from a more rotational blade much easier. The roll performance across the face from the insert was exceptional, helping maintain speed and line on poor contacts.

It is interesting how the shaft leans back when the sole is flat to the ground, forcing you to lift the back of the putter off the ground when you bring the shaft back to vertical. It makes you feel like you hit down on the ball but it didn’t seem to affect performance and there’s a little bit of extra loft to counteract this feeling.

 

Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x