About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the club, which I purchased with my own money in May of 2022.

My take

The TaylorMade Spider EX #9 Platinum Putter is perfect for players who have a slight arc in their stroke but want a mallet-style putter head to increase stability. This putter will also provide great alignment to help hole more putts.

About the club I own

• Model: 2021 TaylorMade Spider EX #9
• Shape: Mallet
• Hosel Neck: Flow Neck
• Balance Point: Minimal Toe Hang
• Shaft Length: 35”
• Grip Type: Superstroke (Switched to Ping Pistol)
• Finish: Platinum

About me

• Average Score: 70
• Handicap: +2
• Experience: 5 years of golf
• Right/Left-Handed: Right-Handed
• Stroke Type: Moderate Arc
• Golf Ball Used: TaylorMade Tp5x
• Height: 6’0”

Test conditions

• When I bought the putter: May 2022
• Days tested: 50+
• Where I’ve used it: Multiple Golf Courses and Practice Facilities
• Weather and Wind Conditions: Cold, Lots of Wind, No Wind, Warm, Rain, Clear Sky, Cloudy
• Green Speed: Range from 8-13 on the stimpmeter
• Grass Type: Bent, Poa Annua, and Bermuda

How it performs

What I was looking for

I have always used a blade-style putter, but I wanted to try a mallet head. I was looking for a mallet with some toe hang that would help me align putts better and provide forgiveness across the whole face.

Why I chose this club

I have never been a fan of mallet-style putters and, as a result, have always used a blade. However, I believe the Spider is the best-looking mallet putter and was the most aesthetically pleasing to my eye. I also noticed how many tour professionals were using this putter and succeeding, so I wanted to try it out for myself.

What I love about it

• Face Feel: The insert on the face feels extremely soft and could be the best feel I have ever felt off the face of a putter. The Pure Roll insert helps to roll the ball consistently while providing a soft spring-like feel. With this face insert, the ball rolls very true to its line each time.
• Forgiveness: The rear weighting on both ends of this putter makes it extremely forgiving. Mishits still go the same length, and I have noticed the ball rolls perfectly end over end, even on toe and heel strikes. Many times, I hit the ball off the toe or heel of this putter, and the ball stayed true to its original line.
• Weight: I love the weight of this putter. This putter fits in the middle to heavier end of putters, which I personally love. It makes hitting longer putts and putts on soft greens much better because I do not have to swing the clubhead as hard, helping me keep a very consistent, good tempo putting stroke, increasing my chances of making putts.
• Alignment: The Spider EX has great alignment aids. The head itself helps set the putt up straight every time. Additionally, the dots in the middle of the club have helped me be more consistent with my aim. The center channel can be used as an alignment aid as well.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The platinum head with the white center channel looks very sleek and simple, which I really look for in a putter. I want my putter to be very simple, and TaylorMade’s Spider line of putters is, in my opinion, the best-looking mallet putters on the market.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Balance: My biggest problem with this putter would be the balance of the putter. TaylorMade has a few different options for the hosel of their putters, the flow neck (this putter #9), slant neck (#3), and single bend. The single bend is face balanced and great for straight back and through putting strokes. The slant neck has toe hang which is perfect for players like me with a large arcing putting stroke. Finally, the flow neck that is the #9 option for this putter is designed to be a middle ground between the other two options. I found that this putter is closer to being face balanced rather than toe hang, which does not fit my arc putting stroke.
• Length: I like a shorter putter, so I would have preferred a 34” length to a 35”. The shorter length makes me feel more in control of the clubface throughout the stroke to ensure the face is square at impact.
• Grip Feel: I like a smaller grip on my putters, so I removed the Super Stroke and replaced it with a Ping Pistol Grip. I like this smaller grip because it lets me control the face better and feel more connected to the putter.
• Customization: There are currently no options for customization of the color or alignment with this putter. However, Curated currently has both 34” and 35” lengths available.

Best Putt or Round with this Putter

My personal best round with this putter was when I shot 67. I made pretty much anything within 10 feet. I felt extremely comfortable with all putts inside 20 feet with this putter that day and feel that way almost every round. I also made a 25-foot putt for eagle in a different round using this putter and the amazing alignment.

Value for the money vs. other options

I don't think there is a putter to compare this to because it is a pioneer in its category. However, I could compare it to other mallet putters, such as the Scotty Cameron Phantom X, which is over $100 more expensive than the Spider and doesn't look as good. Another comparison would be the Odyssey 2 Ball putter, which is in a similar price range, but I prefer the feel and looks of the Spider EX to the 2 Ball.

Final verdict

The TaylorMade Spider EX #9 Platinum Putter is perfect for anyone looking to pick a quality putter for a great price. The Spider EX #9 is great for players with a slight arc in their stroke due to the flow neck hosel. This putter will help any player who struggles with alignment and making close putts.