The evolution of golf’s most trusted mallet

For a gearhead, there are few places in golf more sacred than TaylorMade’s “The Kingdom” in Carlsbad. If you’re any type of equipment junkie, it’s golf’s version of a candy store; except everything is Tour-level, and the fitting experience is as good as it gets. 

That’s where I found myself recently, rolling putts with TaylorMade’s new Spider ZT, alongside Patrick Baxter, TaylorMade’s Product Manager for putters. We walked through the design, the tech, and the story behind what might just be the most stable Spider yet. And then, I put it to the test. 

Spoiler alert: this thing is good. Really good. 

But before I get into the ZT, let’s go back to where it started for me. 

I’ve been rolling a Spider since 2008 

The original TaylorMade Spider launched in 2008, and I was in from day one. It was big, bad, and unlike anything else on the market. But the performance was undeniable, especially the forgiveness and roll on off-center hits. It made me look much better than I was.  

Since then, I’ve had multiple generations of Spiders in the bag. The Spider Tour, the X, the GT… you name it. If there’s been a white, red, black, or silver Spider seen on Tour, chances are I’ve rolled it. 

So when TaylorMade said they had a new evolution called “ZT,” I was all in. 

Getting to know the Spider ZT 

ZT stands for Zero Torque, and while that sounds technical, the concept is simple: the putter is designed to eliminate twisting throughout the stroke. 

That’s done with a face-on-center shaft design, meaning the shaft is mounted directly behind the face, not in the heel. That center-axis construction keeps the face more stable, especially during transition and impact. (Even if you happen to miss the center of the face) 

The result? Less manipulation, more square contact, and a stroke that feels smoother from takeaway to finish. 

TaylorMade pairs that with their new ZT True Path alignment system and a Pure Roll insert to encourage better forward roll. 

You get the familiar look of a Spider, but with a very different feel. And that’s where things got interesting. 

Putting the ZT to the Test 

On the practice green at The Kingdom, I rolled all three ZT models: the standard Spider ZT, the ZT Counterbalance, and the ZT Long. 

Here’s how it went down: 

Spider ZT (Standard) 

The standard ZT is the purest expression of the Zero Torque idea. It’s more compact than most, balanced, and super easy to aim. The head shape blends some design elements from previous generations of Spider, giving fans a shape they know and love. The alignment line is long enough to inspire confidence but not so in your face that it becomes distracting. 

The most noticeable thing? Stability through the stroke. Even on slight mishits, the face stayed square, and I found my putts holding the intended line with less effort. If you have a straight or slightly arcing stroke, this model will feel natural out of the gate. 

Spider ZT Counterbalance (My Favorite) 

This was the standout for me. 

The ZT Counterbalance has a heavier grip, a longer shaft, and extra weight down low, which created a smoother tempo and gave me the best distance control of the bunch. 

My rhythm instantly got better. I wasn’t thinking about my stroke, I was just focused on speed and line. The putter did the work. If you struggle with pace, get quick with the hands, or just like a little more heft, this version is dialed. 

Spider ZT Long 

Ah yes, the ZT Long. 

This model is designed for golfers who want that locked-in, anchored feeling, without breaking any rules. It’s stable, it’s heavy, and it feels like it’s glued to the arc. 

As for my results? Let’s just say it wasn’t the putter’s fault. The ZT Long and I didn’t exactly vibe… but I’ll take full responsibility. Let’s chalk that one up to operator error and a complete lack of long-putter skills. (Or putting skills in general) 

Still, I can see the appeal. For players who like that feeling of a fixed path, it’s going to be a great fit. 

Spider is no stranger to winning 

When it comes to mallet putters, few families have been trusted by more of the world’s best than the TaylorMade Spider. 

From major championships to FedEx Cups, Ryder Cups, and Olympic gold, the Spider has been in the bag for some of the biggest wins in recent memory. This shouldn’t come as any surprise; it’s been a Tour staple for over 15 years. 

Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, and Justin Rose have all had Spiders in the bag during some of the most successful stretches of their careers. Jason Day helped launch the Spider into the spotlight back in 2016, and it’s only grown in popularity and prestige since. 

Fast forward to today, and the tradition continues. 

Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda, the current world No. 1s on the PGA and LPGA Tours, are both trusting Spider putters in competition, and winning with them… A lot. 

It’s no coincidence. 

TaylorMade 2025 Spider 5K-ZT Counterbalance Custom Putter

LOW TORQUE DESIGN
The KBS putter shaft is bored directly toe-ward near the CG at a 1° shaft lean with 25mm onset behind the face allowing golfers to realize the benefits of a new stable, toe up design.
UNIQUE SOLE SHAPING
New and improved sole shaping to work specifically with this unique hosel configuration, engineers worked tirelessly to find new ways to improve accuracy from the moment the putter is placed behind the ball. The new sole curvature accommodates different player types and ball positions, giving golfers the ability to find a consistent and repeatable stroke.
SPIDER STABILITY
Combining high density stainless steel and low-density aerospace quality aluminum provides the perfect foundation for a design that is high MOI and allows for a shaft orientation that sits closer to the face.
MILLED TRUE PATH™ ALIGNMENT
Based on tour player feedback, we were tasked to find a new premium alignment system. Building on the classic TaylorMade True Path™ technology, milled lines the width of the golf ball were added helping golfers properly index to center face.

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The Spider’s combination of forgiveness, alignment confidence, and face stability has made it one of the most reliable putters ever designed; not just for Tour players, but for amateurs who want that same level of consistency on the greens. 

Should you try the Spider ZT? 

Absolutely. 

If you’ve ever struggled with keeping the face square… if you fight inconsistent pace… if you’ve played a Spider before and want to know what’s next, ZT is worth a look. 

For me, the ZT Counterbalance delivered the best overall feel, control, and consistency. It felt automatic. But the best part about the ZT family is that there’s a version for every putting style—from traditional to armlock, light to heavy, compact to full-frame. 

So here’s the takeaway: Go roll one. Seriously. Try the ZT, feel the difference, and see what happens when torque is taken out of the equation. 

You just might find the most confident stroke you’ve ever had. 

Ready to get fit for your new ZT? Book your fitting with True Spec Golf.