Martin Hopley
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If you look back over time you would have to say that TaylorMade has not exactly lit up the putter sector in the way that it has the driver and fairway market.

The one exception would be the Spider design that uses an ultra-high MOI shape to enable even the nerviest of players to get it in the hole from close range.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Putter

In 2012 TaylorMade created what I feel was their best putter to date with the Ghost Spider S, which was a more mid-sized version that struck the right balance between forgiveness and being more manageable from longer range.

Jason Day thought so too, but he wanted something smaller and took the compact Itsy Bitsy Spider to the TaylorMade tour van and requested some modifications and a paint job.

This led to the TaylorMade Spider Limited putter which is now released to the public as the Spider Tour Red. After Dustin Johnson saw one, he went to the Tour van with his request and that became the Tour Black version, plus there is a Tour Platinum head for everyone who didn't manage to get to a Tour van.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Putter

All three models feature the new Pure Roll face insert that has 45° angled grooves that flex at impact to create 20rpm of top spin to get the ball rolling quicker and staying online.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Putter

The insert on the Tour Red is made from a soft surlyn, which compromises the feel a little, but the firmer Pure Roll 80/20 polymer insert on the Tour Black model is better than previous TaylorMade inserts and just passes muster.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Putter

The sound is a little better too as a result and you start to get some feedback, but from a premium company like TaylorMade I expect something like soft steel or anything that will elevate the most important part of the putter up to the quality of the rest of it.

On the Platinum model you get an aluminium insert which is the firmest of the three and is what I would have preferred to see on all the models.

However the fact that each face insert is a contrasting colour to the head is a good thing as it should offer help with alignment and address position.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Putter

The face is obviously a little narrower than the usual Spider putter, but with a MOI of 4900g/cm², this is still a pretty stable putter and even slight off centre hits did not seem to lose too much speed, which gives you more chance of getting it to the hole.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Putter

In addition to the insert firmness, there are a few more differences between the models beyond just the colours.

Firstly, the Red and Black versions for the Tour boys feature a short slant neck offset hosel on a 355g head that gives what you think should be a face balanced head a 38° toe hang.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Putter

The loft on the face is 3.5° compared to 2.5° on the Tour Platinum model and there is also no alignment line on the crown as the darlings don't want any distractions at address. Both models sit very nicely with the hosel blended in and tucked out of the way so you can see the leading edge clearly.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Putter

On the mere mortal Spider Tour Platinum you get a clear black sight line on a silver crown that is excellent for lining up the face.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Putter

The hosel is a double bend that creates a more face balanced 360g head for a straighter stroke, but visually it gets in the way of the leading edge a little at address and I am not mad about the contrasting colour of the red weight pods at the back either.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Putter

However it does do the job equally as well thanks to the firmer Pure Roll 80/20 insert, so really it all comes down to personal preference and style between this and the Tour Black.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Putter

There is a choice of grips from the Winn Medalist Pistol for the Red model, the Winn AVS Mid-Size Pistol for the Black and the Superstroke Pistol GT 2.0 on the Platinum.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Putter

It would have been nice to see the Spider Tour Red and Black versions with a face balanced hosel and an alignment line as an option too, as some golfers may be caught between models.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Putter

However if the current offerings align with your putting stars, then the Spider Tour is an excellent design of putter that combines a compact head with the forgiving MOI benefits of the renowned Spider design.

Golfalot Rating: 4 stars
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TaylorMade Spider Tour Platinum Putter

TaylorMade Spider Tour Platinum Putter - Product Details

UK Launch01 March 2017
UK Launch RRP£219
USA Launch01 March 2017
Handicap Range
Low
High
GolferMens
Hand AvailabilityLeft, Right
Left Handed Lofts2.5°
Right Handed Lofts2.5°
Lie70°
Weight360 grams
Club Lengths34, 35 inches
Shaft TypesSteel
GripSuperStroke GT 2.0
Moment of Inertia4900g/cm²
Putter ShapesMallet
Putter InsertYes
Putter Face GroovesYes
Manufacturer's WebsiteTaylorMade Website

User Reviews

Ray
October 2018

Tour platinum model. Great feel and alignment. Rolls great on home putting mat. Will put in play next spring. Expecting miracles like everyone.

Golfendude
June 2018

Just purchased the Tour Paltinum model with sight line. Awesome putter. Been playing Ping and Odyssey since I have been playing golf. First time out with this putter,I was hooked. It lines up so good and is balanced perfectly. My putting has improved a lot .Highly recommend.

Ben
May 2018

Just bought the black slant neck with no sight line. I did use pin striping to add my own thicker sight line. Love the putter so far. If I would change one thing, I’d like to have the softer face in the black. But...still love the feel of the black.

ski_co
February 2018

Had to replace the insert with Spry Evo aluminum one - even the 80/20 is too soft.

bm
October 2017

Just got the black one and it's the best putter I have ever used and I've had some good putters. Great balance and I am now super confident from 6 ft and in. Don't think about it, go get one you will not regret it.

Spider Dubiel
September 2017

I have owned the Tour platinum putter for a couple of months now. Have never felt anything quite like it in a putter. I did try the black and the red ones but did not like them as well. Best putter I have ever owned. I practice many hours per week now. Its actually lots of fun using it. The line makes it easy to line up. Of special note I have played it in bright sun light and have experienced no issues with any possible glare from the platinum. Best golf purchase I have made in some time. I rate it 7 stars

Chuk
July 2017

I'd buy it right now if the black or red model had a sight line. I'm put off by the possible glare of the Platinum model.

Reese Norris
June 2017

Bought the tour platinum spider putter and it is best putter I have ever owned. Previously had a two ball putter but this has much better balance and alignment. First time out I made four putts in the fifteen foot range. This putter cannot twist in your hand so just line it up, keep your head down and stroke it to the hole. If I could rate it six stars I would. Thanks TaylorMade for transforming my game.

Scott
June 2017

Got the Tour Platinum a week ago and played 2 rounds with it since. It's a great putter, with great feel and control. My one big complaint is that there is so much glare from the sun on the top of the putter when you look down to line up, it's very distracting. You do not notice the huge glare when you are inside the store testing it out. I suggest if you are looking to get this putter ask to take it outside first to judge the glare issue for yourself. Would rate it a 4.5 if not for the glare problem.

Adrian
June 2017

Bought the black one- first round today- had 3 single putts in a row from 10-15 feet and 1.55 putts per hold for the round- therefore love it.

Brad
June 2017

Just bought the Tour Black nd it is by far the best putter I've ever used. Was 50/50 from 10-12 ft with every putter I've used before, first round with this putter, sank my first 10 footer and went on to make 6 more. The confidence you get when the first one rolls in is amazing. The softness of the ball coming off the putter face is unlike any other. Distance control is spot on. no more agonising over 6-7 footers, walk up and sink it. Great job TaylorMade.

Rick
June 2017

Best putter I've owned.

April 2017

Just got the black one and it's the best putter I have ever used and I've had some good putters. Great balance and I am now super confident from 6 ft and in. Don't think about it, go get one you will not regret it.

March 2017

Bought the tour black 3 days ago and I honestly wish I had bought the Tour Platinum instead. The Tour black is 38 deg toe heavy with no alignment line whereas the Tour Platinum is face balanced, has an alignment line and is overall easier to putt with. Live and learn...

March 2017

Just got the tour platinum. What a great balanced putter. Just played my first round with the platinum and shot 69. The speed control I have with this putter is by far the best I have ever had with any other putter I have used.

March 2017

I just bought this putter, and I love it! It has a very good roll when I hit it! It's just an amazing putter, TaylorMade did a good job!

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