TaylorMade Spider ZT Long Review (will update)

[DocBrown3887]

I had been struggling with lag putting (leaving short) with my LAB Mezz Max (calling it just Mezz henceforth)🧹 so when I saw the TM Spider ZT Long on display at a Golf Galaxy last week I rolled a bit with it in store. First off, I didn't know they were out yet so it was not something I even had on the radar to purchase. The putting green at this GG is a decent size, maybe 30' wide so I was able to hit a range of putts.

 

Initial in store observations:

 

The alignment was definitely something that was easy for my eyes to point and shoot without using the markings on the ball. Others have noted the lack of rear alignment aide(s) but that does not bother me as you have the black mark plus the etched surface approximately the width of the ball and the contrast of the black aluminum with the steel front portion.

 

Without having to directly compare it with my Mezz I could tell that the putter head felt lighter and was not quite as "on rails" as the LAB counterpart. Also, and more or less as expected, when you give it a twirl and spin it in your hands there is some eccentricity and it is not a perfect spin around a balanced point as with the LAB. There was a DF3 stock sweeper in store with an ACCRA shaft (same as my Mezz) and my initial thoughts were validated giving it a few rolls. 

 

OK, so for the head weight. I believe the short and CB versions may be heavier than LAB heads and that is why I keep hearing this (from the GG employee too). However, it appears that LAB sweeper heads in the Mezz and DF3 range from 475 to 515 grams depending on light/standard/heavy and head type. The Spider ZT Long head weighs 470 grams. My Mezz was standard so around 500 g, so ~30 g, or, 6% lighter. It was noticeable. 

 

Another factor for the overall feel comparison is the total length and the shaft. My Mezz was 45" and the Spider ZT only comes in 46". The ACCRA shaft is much less stiff than the beautiful KBS shaft that comes standard in the Spider ZT. And I mean A LOT stiffer! Go try them side by side yourself and the flex difference, especially with the head mass deltas, is very noticeable.

 

Disclaimer*: I have not had the chance to put with a LAB having a TPT or Gears shaft. These may be more comparable to the KBS, but I cannot comment on that.

 

The roll/ face feel. To me, personally, I felt that the ball came off slightly hotter with Spider ZT than the standard milled aluminum LAB putters. How much of this is from the actual face comparison of insert+backed by steel vs. the milled aluminum OR how much is this differences in head weight allowing me to more easily accelerate through my stroke with the lighter Spider? Not sure, but that was my take away and remember I am after improved lag putting / getting the ball to GET TO THE DANG HOLE. I don't mind the insert, but I prefer softer faces like the buttery Mizuno M Craft/OMOI milled putters (Hey Mizuno...zero torque? Broom? Please?!?).

 

Anyways, let's speed this up. I made a lot of putts at all distances in the store. Without really thinking I told the guy hovering around that I was going to get it. Next thing I know I'm at home making sure my thoughts in store vs. my Mezz were accurate, I'm posting the Mezz on the classifieds and posting a picture of the Spider on WRX...

 

 

I was able to play 9 holes with two balls at the local cow pasture over the weekend and the greens were SLOW. However, I did putt well and made a couple 9-15' putts and didn't leave myself any sweaty clean ups from lags. So small win.

 

Fast forward to today, I was able to get out to a nice course and roll some on the practice greens. I am guessing they were rolling 10-11 and were a bit sandy, but that was actually fine as I could see the ball paths and the breaks. Made a 50 footer, 30 footer, and several in the 15-20' range. Close range (under 10') was just as money as the LAB, though this is where the lighter head and not quite being as "on rails" was more noticeable though performance didn't appear to suffer even when my stroke felt a bit wobbly.

 

Here are some images from lag putts, first time in this practice green and attempting these putts. Should be able to zoom in and see the ball paths!

 

50' downhill slope:

 

45' back up:

 

No three putts allowed! Excellent results. I will note you can see where the ball skidded on me for two of the uphill putts, but the slope was severe and it was quite a firm stroke to get the ball there. No visible/obvious hopping or anything crazy like that (cough...Spoiler OG... 😉 ), but this is probably just my stroke not being perfect for these long lags. I do feel that overall the insert does seem to do a good job at encouraging a good roll without sacrificing distance on mishits, does seem fairly "forgiving."

 

Closing thoughts:

1) With their powers combined a lighter head, stiffer shaft, and Pure Roll insert appear help with my distance control on lag putts.

 

2) If I want to go back to a LAB for that "on rails" sensation/ I start missing short putts with the Spider ZT, then I will spring for the stiffest shaft option and go with the lighter head. OZ insert also maybe an option...

 

3) First rolls outside on grass give me confidence that the Spider ZT could stay in the bag for a "LONG" time.

 

Will update after my first 18 holes on a decent course.

 

 

Edited June 11 by DocBrown3887
Typos

[DocBrown3887]

Played this morning at a local course called Country Hills. There were a a few holes where the Bermuda greens were getting over some diseases or dead patches or something, but only really affected one lag putt fortunately. The course is short from the white tees, par 71 and 5,511 yards but it's fine for the price. 

 

Anyways, I was playing out of my mind for my own personal game and shot a +1, 72. I was -2 on the back but bogeyed two of the last three holes like a mongoloid.

 

Stats: 27 putts, 33 if you include fringe putts; hitting 9/18 greens, 12/18 again if you include the fringe. There were many tucked hole locations hence the number of fringe putts, my distances on irons and wedges were dialed in (huge fan of one length wedges).

 

I made a 20' putt off the fringe to save par on a par 3 as my tee shot was short and then I was long on the pitch. Made a few 5-7' putts, but overall I was putting from 12-25' and two putting with tap ins or 2-3'ers. I missed a couple opportunities in the 9-15' foot range including a birdie opportunity, but it they were misreads. 

 

Didn't really struggle leaving putts short except on 18 where I put from a little too off the fringe with kind of thick Bermuda and missed the 8' for par. If anything, most putts were going 1-3' by the hole which is a welcome sight to be honest.

 

Promising first outing, definitely lined up well and seemingly improved with lag putting distance control! 

 

Below are a couple pictures of how the putter sits to just add some images. 

 

Also a picture of a neat 240 yard par 4 where if you hit over some trees on a dogleg right you can drive the green...and I did! Shot of the day, two putt for birdie no eagle today. 

 

 

Here is the green I drove over the trees (ball on left), was a beaut Clark!!

 

Edited June 13 by DocBrown3887

[itsdannyv]

Looks so good from above. It's a shame I'm left handed. I've looked everywhere for a 34 inch, but I just can't find one. The only ones available are 35, which lead me to believe they only made that length in LH which is a bummer. Does anyone know if cutting an inch to 34 would affect anything? weight replacement etc.

[DocBrown3887]

19 hours ago, itsdannyv said:

Looks so good from above. It's a shame I'm left handed. I've looked everywhere for a 34 inch, but I just can't find one. The only ones available are 35, which lead me to believe they only made that length in LH which is a bummer. Does anyone know if cutting an inch to 34 would affect anything? weight replacement etc.

 

I really do like the ball wide milling lines, that frames everything so well. I have never gotten a long with regular Spider putters (look or feel), but this one does sit nice.

 

I don't think it will affect anything to cut an inch off. LAB has stated an inch or two off the sweepers does nothing to the balance not sure what the number is for standard length putters. 

 

More importantly though, these Spiders are definitely "low torque" and don't have the unmistakable lie angle balance feel from LAB. Should be able to change out the weights as well, but haven't looked into that personally.

[itsdannyv]

2 hours ago, DocBrown3887 said:

 

I really do like the ball wide milling lines, that frames everything so well. I have never gotten a long with regular Spider putters (look or feel), but this one does sit nice.

 

I don't think it will affect anything to cut an inch off. LAB has stated an inch or two off the sweepers does nothing to the balance not sure what the number is for standard length putters. 

 

More importantly though, these Spiders are definitely "low torque" and don't have the unmistakable lie angle balance feel from LAB. Should be able to change out the weights as well, but haven't looked into that personally.

I ended up talking to the expert chat service Taylor made provides if there are any questions, and he said to wait until the 34 is available for the regular Spider ZT. He said cutting would affect the balance, and I don't know how hard it would be to find a replacement grip.

[DocBrown3887]

Golf sucks. Followed up my 72 with a 87 (par 72) today on a not so difficult or long course (Winding Creek, Thomasville NC). Was on the bogey train and nothing went right. Greens were slow and I was struggling with lag putting, made a couple in the 6-9 foot range but nothing else to report. Ended with a really bad three 3 putts for 36 total putts (I average right at 32). The last two rounds have quite literally shown the best and worst of my game as a 10 hcp.

 

I certainly don't think the putter was to blame for anything today, putts were definitely going where I told them to go, which was often not at the hole. 

[BladedChip]

Still might be early to tell, but do you think the trade off of better feel is worth losing some of the “on the rails” feeling with the mezz? My lag putting/general feel  with a milled broom seems to be substantially better than with the mezz.  But I’m hoping putting in the time with the mezz will pay off.

[DocBrown3887]

On 6/20/2025 at 8:36 PM, BladedChip said:

Still might be early to tell, but do you think the trade off of better feel is worth losing some of the “on the rails” feeling with the mezz? My lag putting/general feel  with a milled broom seems to be substantially better than with the mezz.  But I’m hoping putting in the time with the mezz will pay off.

 

Need to putt more with it for sure, but I think the tradeoff for me will be worth it. A Broom is already darn stable by nature so I think whatever feels best and gives more confidence should just win out in the Broom category. 

 

I think lots of practice with the Mezz will end up being the deciding factor, nothing can replace practice when getting used to a new putter. I really want to hit a OZi Broom to see what that insert does to distance control but haven't seen one in the wild.

[dmeeksDC]

Great reviews. These are excellent putters. It is an intriguing design TaylorMade has come up with. To me they feel very similar to the LAB heads but they look much, much better. I have never thought the LAB putters make the putt feel like it is on rails nearly as much as the Axis1 putters, which are true no torque putters (LAB putters are not, they do have a little torque) because the Axis1 design has the CG aligned with the grip/shaft axis AND in the middle of the face. The others match the first part but not the second — the CG is rearward of the face. Axis1 actually holds the most meaningful patent of the putters in this space. When I use those, the “on rails” feel is very noticeable. It’s different from the others. That’s why it has the unique hosel. 
 

But what I prefer about the TM design is it looks really good, it looks like a Spider, and the feel off the face is better than any of them. I have heard the Axis1 Elite has an insert that feels really good too, but I have not tried that one. If I go to a zero torque putters it will be either the TM or the Axis1. 

[DocBrown3887]

Played my local cow pasture this afternoon, two balls on back 9. Each ball (Snell vs. PXG) shot 39, but ball 1 (Snell) birdied 12 and 13 with 24' putt off back fringe and 11' uphill, respectively. I definitely get more pop with the PXG Tour than the Snell Prime (2023) with the putter, but I do like the feel of the "softer" ball in the Snell. Also made a couple testy 6-8' par and bogey saves. I also almost made a couple extra long 20' putts and a few more 10-15' putts but the greens are very soft and slow, though roll well. NEED TO FIGURE OUT MY DANG DRIVER ELSE I WOULD BE SHOOTING DARN NEAR EVEN EVERY ROUND AAHHHHHH

 

Impressed with the Spider! Overall the putter is performing at the same level as my old LAB Mezz Max, but I personally like the insert better. 

 

I've noticed I do have a tendency to pull putts as my rare mishit, but I think my front door is also having a tendency to slide back on me, need to practice my stance and alignment so it's the same every time. This is something Adam Scott preaches as well.

[applegateclt]

great post, and not to pull the post, For the ZT what would changing the grip to like a golfpride pro only grip do the balance and weight?

[DocBrown3887]

On 6/30/2025 at 9:34 AM, applegateclt said:

great post, and not to pull the post, For the ZT what would changing the grip to like a golfpride pro only grip do the balance and weight?

 

I'm not sure what all lengths golf pride pro grips come in, but assuming there is long enough for a Broom, then I guess one would need to measure the weight of the stock grips vs. the new grip. I would email TM to check what the weight tolerance is, but I would think it would be similar to LAB putters where the general rule of thumb is that changing grips won't throw off the balance unless you go extremely heavy or light.

 

Also apparently TM balances these by hand with the three weight ports, so theoretically one could also increase or decrease the overall head weight by keeping similar weight ratios. But, without a "revealer" or way to check other than feel I wouldn't really want to do that unless you can tell a performance difference via trial and error.

[Imp]

On 6/11/2025 at 3:11 PM, DocBrown3887 said:

Mizuno M Craft/OMOI milled putters (Hey Mizuno...zero torque?)

Oh dear god. I have the 6 and love it.... and if they did that... wow. shutupandtakemymoney.gif

[lateboy72]

On 7/1/2025 at 5:28 PM, DocBrown3887 said:

 

I'm not sure what all lengths golf pride pro grips come in, but assuming there is long enough for a Broom, then I guess one would need to measure the weight of the stock grips vs. the new grip. I would email TM to check what the weight tolerance is, but I would think it would be similar to LAB putters where the general rule of thumb is that changing grips won't throw off the balance unless you go extremely heavy or light.

 

Also apparently TM balances these by hand with the three weight ports, so theoretically one could also increase or decrease the overall head weight by keeping similar weight ratios. But, without a "revealer" or way to check other than feel I wouldn't really want to do that unless you can tell a performance difference via trial and error.

I verified this with TM today. They said every Spider ZT is a snowflake. Can you verify your weights? Mine are <1, 6, and 9 grams. 

[applegateclt]

12 minutes ago, lateboy72 said:

I verified this with TM today. They said every Spider ZT is a snowflake. Can you verify your weights? Mine are <1, 6, and 9 grams. 

I actually got rid of it.. went back to a milled scotty.. for whatever reason I do not get along with inserts.. think its a mental block for whatever reason

[DocBrown3887]

On 7/9/2025 at 1:29 PM, lateboy72 said:

I verified this with TM today. They said every Spider ZT is a snowflake. Can you verify your weights? Mine are <1, 6, and 9 grams. 

 

I just checked and all three weights were 6g...kind of makes me wonder if the lack of "on rails" feeling is for a reason? Wish I hadn't checked now...wonder how common it is for all weights to be the same in Long configuration?

[DocBrown3887]

I played Stoney Creek today, they just punched the greens so lots of sand, but they did a good job on making them as smooth as possible. This course has fast Bermuda blend greens. Trying to figure out my driver so I moved up a mix tee today (white/green mix just 5582). 

 

Putter: 31 putts, see attached score card. One three putt which was a bad long down hill lag where I completely misread the amount of break and then missed a 6' combination of it being a slippy putt and it did hop some on the aeration. Back to back birdies on 12 and 13 were 45' and 18' putts down the drain! Almost made a couple other long ones left a little short. My best shot of the day was probably my pure PW on 18 and I made my straight 7' to end with another birdie! Made most of my putts that I needed to.

 

Driver: chopped a Cobra LTDx LS down to 43.75" and added some head weight on my quest to drive the ball better and avoid OB balls. I did avoid OB today (I did manage to chunk a 8 iron into the water on a par 3 though...), but still flirting with a pull miss. The current configuration goes about 235 total on a good strike, probably a global average 220ish club right now. 

 

Was a nice day out and definitely not worried about my putter at the moment, I am not sure I would call it a "strength" yet, but it definitely isn't hurting me. Got to figure out driver, every other club I have confidence in right now.

 

[JDIL]

On 7/10/2025 at 5:43 PM, DocBrown3887 said:

 

I just checked and all three weights were 6g...kind of makes me wonder if the lack of "on rails" feeling is for a reason? Wish I hadn't checked now...wonder how common it is for all weights to be the same in Long configuration?

Not sure but I did see the earlier comment on low vs zero torque and TM's own website calls it low torque. I wonder if playing with the weights would get it there. Might be fun to play with.

[3puttking14]

I liked how it felt when putting with it at the store. Hopefully it goes well on the course

[braincramp52]

On 6/14/2025 at 12:41 AM, itsdannyv said:

Looks so good from above. It's a shame I'm left handed. I've looked everywhere for a 34 inch, but I just can't find one. The only ones available are 35, which lead me to believe they only made that length in LH which is a bummer. Does anyone know if cutting an inch to 34 would affect anything? weight replacement etc.

Grip down a inch.

[DocBrown3887]

I keep doing mental gymnastics to justify getting the 38" CB version but the reality is that no matter what else I roll I seem to not roll it as good as this putter.

 

I am on the verge of buying a backup one of these calling it a day and never using another putter again (yeah, yeah, but I'm serious).

 

It just feels so unsatisfying to have actually found one putter to rule them all, but at the same time there is peace of mind.

 

Anyways, I had 30 putts last round on newly punched and sandy greens...despite that I still made a 15' and several in 8-10' range. 

 

Last comment I will make is that I think a firmer feeling ball off the face is probably best with this insert. The PXG Xtreme Tour has given me great results and I like the alignment mark on that ball. The Snell Prime (2023) and Callaway Chrome Tour feel really good as well but don't have the pop off the face like the PXG. Just my opinion.

[Sean289]

I’ve said on here before that the best ever putter that I’ve rolled for short putts was the DJ Spider Tour Black. I rolled my buddy’s Taylormade ZT for 30 minutes or so yesterday on the putting green of our club. I think this could be even better than the Spider Tour Black for me on short putts and while I struggled to lag put effectively with the Spider Tour Black, longer putts felt easier to judge the distance with the ZT.