Expert Review: TaylorMade Spider EX Platinum #3 Putter
Jackson Newsum with the Taylormade Spider EX Platinum Single Bend. Photo courtesy of Jackson Newsum
About this review This review is my honest opinion of the putter, which I tested in January 2021.
My take
The TaylorMade Spider EX Platinum #3 Putter is more geared towards a player who needs some stability and alignment adjustment. The best overall aspects of this putter are the alignment, the forgiveness on mishits, the help in stroke stability, and the look itself.
Lining Up The Ball. Photo courtesy of Jackson Newsum
About the club tested
- Model: 2021 Taylormade Spider EX Platinum Single Bend
- Shape: Mallet
- Hosel Neck: Single Bend
- Balance Point: Face Balance
- Shaft Length: 34”
- Grip Type: Stock
- Finish: Platinum
Test conditions
- When I tested the putter: January 2021
- Days tested: 1
- Where I’ve used it: Practice Green
- Weather and Wind Conditions: Indoor
- Green Speed: Indoor Mat
- Grass Type: Indoor Turf
About me
- Average Score: Usually High 70s
- Handicap: 3
- Experience: 15 years
- Right/Left-Handed: Right-Handed
- Stroke Type: Left hand low (Same as Jordan Spieth)
- Golf Ball Used: Callaway Chrome Soft Triple Track
- Height: 6’3”
How it performs
What I was looking for
I’ve always been a bladed putter kind of guy since I’ve never been able to find the right feel off of mallets. This one hit that mark for me for one of the first times ever with a mallet. I looked for something decently light for its size (the Spider #9 putter is a tad lighter), stable, forgiving, and especially something that feels great.
Why I chose this club
I’ve chosen this as one of my favorite putters I’ve tested simply because of the consistency within the 15-foot range and the distance control from further down. It helped me hit my line correctly compared to my bladed putter which I can rarely control – which was a huge surprise to me! I was never really a Spider fan but loved this one - it felt like a huge improvement from the earlier Spider models.
Top Shot of the Taylormade Spider EX Platinum Single Bend. Photo courtesy of Jackson Newsum
Bottom Shot of the Taylormade Spider EX Platinum Single Bend. Photo courtesy of Jackson Newsum
What I love about it
- Face Feel: Face feel is exceptional for a mallet, but it’s not as “butter smooth” as you would see in, let’s say, a bladed Scotty Cameron.
- Forgiveness: Even if I hit it close to the heel or toe it seemed to go just as far and just as straight. This helps me a ton compared to my bladed putter since it has tons of consequences like off center hits, distance control and especially stroke stability if I don’t putt it too well. It can definitely be too much for some players who are used to a bladed putter.
- Alignment: The two parallel lines running on top and on bottom of the three dots helped me a ton. It's a great addition to an already great feeling and looking putter.
- Length: Even though I’m 6’3, 34” is a nice length since I like it shorter than 35”.
- Aesthetic Appeal: This color scheme is what makes it amazing in my opinion. Can pull off the quality found from brands like Scotty Cameron and Bettenardi solely because of the color scheme. It’s bit on the chunky side compared to the lighter and slimmer Spider X Hydroblast though.
- Grip Feel: The stock grip is just fine. The traditional slim Superstroke worked well for me.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Weight: Unlike most mallets, the weight isn’t too heavy and it feels like I have perfect distance control. Just enough to keep the face as stable as possible. But since I prefer a lighter bladed putter, or even a light mallet putter, this isn’t ideal for me or other players like me because of the heavier weight.
In The Hole!!! Photo courtesy of Jackson Newsum
Best Putt or Round with this Putter
During testing, I made a ton of great putts, especially from around 15-20 feet. Putting is definitely the weakest part of my game and helped me in a lot of areas, 4-6 footers and 12-20 footers in particular, that I struggle with heavily. My favorite putts came from around 15 feet as I hit a ton more than I usually do!
Value for the money vs. other options
When I tested the putter, it was on sale for $280 instead of the retail price of $350, which was a great bargain for the money. There are some great/cheaper alternatives but for those who like the Spider putter it’s going to be hard to find a putter that competes with it. The best alternative to this putter is the Ten or Eleven series mallets from Callaway which have a pretty similar yet slightly different look.
Putting Stroke Finish. Photo courtesy of Jackson Newsum
Final verdict
The TaylorMade Spider EX Platinum #3 Putter will unlock unknown stability and consistency within any golfer’s putting game. If a mallet-shaped putter or a switch from a blade to a mallet is a priority, this would definitely be one of the first ones I would try, along with the more traditional looking Spider #9.
