TaylorMade Spider Mallet Review

[Zach Heusser]

Introduction: I was able to get a Spider Mallet a bit early so I thought I would give it a mini review. I will start by saying that putting is definitely the strength or the best part of my game. The kids on my team like to say that I make it rain. Having said that I am a total putter hoe and love to change them up. For the past couple of years I have been rotating between a Fontana, Spider S, Manta, and a Yes Callie.

 

Pros: The TaylorMade Spider Mallet starts the ball on the ground and keeps it on the ground! It is unreal how well it hugged the green with zero hops. I will also say with its clean look this putter is super easy to line up and aim. I was able to start the ball on my line every time. The Pure Roll insert also has a pretty soft feel, which I like. The counter balancing also seemed to make it easy to release the putter and swing it through. I would also like to add that it is really forgiving on non center hits. It plays like it has a big sweet spot.

 

Cons: The biggest con for me is the grip isn't on perfectly square. It's a bit crooked at the top. Other than that the only other con is I wish it had the black shaft.

 

Bottom Line: I will say it took me about 10 or 12 puts to get used to it, because I had to figure out where best to place my hands. Once I got that, I loved it. My main concern before trying it was how it would feel with the counter balanced grip, mainly because most of my life I have used Head Speed shafts and I like a fairly active or soft tip. I had thought or was worried that it may feel boardy but this putter feels great and I will use the word lively. I putted with it for an hour and I can't remember leaving many short. With the counter balancing it is super stable and easy to keep the face square.

In summary if you are looking for a well balanced putter that is easy to aim and keeps the ball on the ground give this a try. The Spider Mallet putter is very solid and going straight into my bag. I am happy to answer any questions and will add more to the thread after I play a few rounds with it. Any local guys are more than welcome to come out to Crystal Springs and give it a try.

One last note. If you are a bit yippy or Stabby you will love this putter.

Thanks Zach

[patrick421]

Is this coming to retail?

[Zach Heusser]

Sorry the first pic isn't the greatest. Here is a better top line pic

[Dave Feldman]

Great review and awesome looking putter! Really wondering about the counter balance. Glad to hear the positive review. Looking forward to trying it. The question is blade, mallet or both?

[DTown3011]

I need this putter. Love the DLL too. ONLY complaint is I like the firmer feel than what the surlyn pure roll insert provides. I've been putting with ASGI Steel insert for awhile.

[Danibal]

like the review, can't wait for this to come to retail, really want to try it!

[sherwin1987]

[quote name='patrick421' timestamp='1372551375' post='7352380']
Is this coming to retail?
[/quote]

+1 and if so, when?

[Zach Heusser]

[quote name='sherwin1987' timestamp='1372558674' post='7353310']
[quote name='patrick421' timestamp='1372551375' post='7352380']
Is this coming to retail?
[/quote]

+1 and if so, when?
[/quote]
Yes I believe this is a retail model. Not sure about a release date.

[bcflyguy1]

Thanks for the review. Is this a face balanced model?

[Zach Heusser]

[quote name='bcflyguy1' timestamp='1372562023' post='7353700']
Thanks for the review. Is this a face balanced model?
[/quote]
Yes it is face balanced. Sorry I should have mentioned that in the review.

[9ccat9]

Probably fall release with some other things...

[swanry30]

Great looking flat stick!

[Doc Mcstuffins]

I'm sold! That thing looks perfect. Was going to purchase the Spider blade, but will hold out for the mallet version.

[dmalli]

They should of done a magnet cover like the white hots. That would of been nice.

[Imp]

Can't wait to compare the Spider Blade vs. my TM110 Ghost Tour blade.

--kC

[parpar41]

[sub][size=4]Looks good![/size][/sub]

[sub][size=4]Is it a mallet putter for golfers who play a blade putter?[/size][/sub]

[sub][size=4]Or is it a blade putter for golfers who play a mallet putter?[/size][/sub]

[sub][size=4]Either way, nice aesthetics [/size][/sub](sp?)

[nova6868]

I'm guessing they will also release a plumber's neck version with some toe hang...?

[Zach Heusser]

Here are some comparison pics with TM-770 Ghost, Kia Fontana Rossa TP, and Fontana Rossa TP

[Redskinsfan]

I don't know if you ever tried the original Rossie, but if you remember that bigger head, How does the size compare to it? The Rossie 1 was a favorite for me... had to send it back because the insert bubbled and they wasn't making it anymore.

[Zach Heusser]

[quote name='Dave Feldman' timestamp='1372553934' post='7352648']
Great review and awesome looking putter! Really wondering about the counter balance. Glad to hear the positive review. Looking forward to trying it. The question is blade, mallet or both?
[/quote]
Thanks Doc, come by and give it a try tomorrow. Remember that old Dion Sanders commercial Where he says I want both of em? I am sure that's what you will do lol

[Ed Settle]

Great write up, Zach. I have had the Spider Blade now for a month and have had good success with it.The only round that I putted badly with it was traced to bad alignment on my part. Coming from a MC-72 mallet, I love a face balanced club. Really like the look of this blade though so, I might like the Face Balanced Blade option. Like a DA-22 type.

[JAThomp33]

I can't wait for this putter to come to retail.

Zach - how did you get your hands on the reail version already? Did TMAG send you an early sample? Any idea if they've done the same anywhere else in the country? Trying to see if the midwest has any that I can try and demo.

[bcflyguy1]

[quote name='Zach Heusser' timestamp='1372562549' post='7353746']
[quote name='bcflyguy1' timestamp='1372562023' post='7353700']
Thanks for the review. Is this a face balanced model?
[/quote]
Yes it is face balanced. Sorry I should have mentioned that in the review.
[/quote]

Crap, just when I thought my Ghost Tour FO-72's place in the bag was secure...

[Zach Heusser]

[quote name='JAThomp33' timestamp='1372688481' post='7361762']
I can't wait for this putter to come to retail.

Zach - how did you get your hands on the reail version already? Did TMAG send you an early sample? Any idea if they've done the same anywhere else in the country? Trying to see if the midwest has any that I can try and demo.
[/quote]
Yeah it's a test sample. I am sorry I am not sure who else has one at the moment.

[Chilli9880]

Zach, those screws that are in the back of the putter, can you interchange for heavier "weights"? I tried the Spider Blade and I don't like the whole counterbalance grip/stroke. But I do really like the look of this head so I'm interested.

[madaboutgolf]

nice but will not be buying unless a plumbers neck version is available.

[TheMoneyShot]

[quote name='Zach Heusser' timestamp='1372639808' post='7358480']
Here are some comparison pics with TM-770 Ghost, Kia Fontana Rossa TP, and Fontana Rossa TP
[/quote]

I'm really liking this spider line of putters. Thanks for the pics!

[drifter12]

this mallet looks really solid and great that tmag has added a face balanced model. I think may need this as much as I need the spider blade!

[Dave Feldman]

Got to give the Mallet a try. Just have to say I like! I agree with Zach, it rolls very smooth and hugs the ground. Lines up real nice. Right off I was surprised how heavy the putter is, but the counter balance gives it a nice feel and stable motion. Looking forward to the retail release. Spider Blade and Mallet will find their way into the Hoarder house.

[Zach Heusser]

[quote name='TheMoneyShot' timestamp='1372793222' post='7372912']
[quote name='Zach Heusser' timestamp='1372639808' post='7358480']
Here are some comparison pics with TM-770 Ghost, Kia Fontana Rossa TP, and Fontana Rossa TP
[/quote]

I'm really liking this spider line of putters. Thanks for the pics!
[/quote] No worries
[quote name='drifter12' timestamp='1372794848' post='7373146']
this mallet looks really solid and great that tmag has added a face balanced model. I think may need this as much as I need the spider blade!
[/quote]Give one a try. Everyone who I have let demo it has really like it.
[quote name='Dave Feldman' timestamp='1372951913' post='7387654']
Got to give the Mallet a try. Just have to say I like! I agree with Zach, it rolls very smooth and hugs the ground. Lines up real nice. Right off I was surprised how heavy the putter is, but the counter balance gives it a nice feel and stable motion. Looking forward to the retail release. Spider Blade and Mallet will find their way into the Hoarder house.
[/quote] What's one more Doc?