About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the putter, which I tested in January of 2022.

My take

The TaylorMade Spider X Hydroblast #9 Putter is a perfect fit for every skill level out there, especially those with an unstable putting stroke. Whether one needs distance control and face stability, or just wants a great feel and look, this is one of the best in the game right now.

About the club I own/tested

• Model: 2021 Spider X Hydro Blast Flow Neck
• Shape: Mallet
• Hosel Neck: Flow Neck
• Shaft Length: 34”
• Grip Type: SuperStroke TM Pistol GTR 1.0 Gray/White
• Finish: Platinum

About me

• Average Score: 76
• Handicap: 4
• Experience: 16 years of golf
• Right/Left-Handed: Right-Handed
• Stroke Type: Slightly arched
• Golf Ball Used: Titleist Pro v1
• Height: 6’3”

Test conditions

• When I tested the putter: January 2022
• Days tested: 1 day
• Where I’ve used it: Indoor practice green
• Weather and Wind Conditions: Indoor
• Grass Type: Turf

How it performs

What I was looking for

I’m usually not a fan of mallet putters, so I was hoping to find one that felt like a proper, solid putter. I was looking for one that would look great and feel great, since most of them are lacking in these two categories.

Why I chose this club

Most mallet putters only provide forgiveness without proper balance and looks, but this did it all. The overall “feel” of the club is spectacular for a mallet putter. I decided to write a review on this, since it deserves credit for being as solid as it was.

What I love about it

• Forgiveness: Just like other classic mallet putters, this was great for helping on those awful miss-hits. The wide structure and weights in the back corners help straighten the roll out very well.
• Weight: It didn’t feel too heavy or light while in my hands, which is exactly what I was looking for. I usually have a problem with the weighting in mallets, since they are a bit too heavy. If you are like me and can’t stand a putter that is too heavy, this is the mallet I’d recommend giving a try out.
• Alignment: The True Path alignment felt just right for the shape of the club, and helped line up the ball. The structure itself sits parallel to the alignment aid, which helps out a lot as well.
• Length: 34” sat just right for me at 6’3”. I’d recommend going with a 33” length if you are under 6 feet for better stability and control, however, there are a lot of people who like a 35” putter no matter what height they are at.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The platinum colorway looks absolutely beautiful.
• Grip Feel: I’ve always loved SuperStroke and will continue to love their grips.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Face Feel: It definitely surprised me by how great it was in comparison to other mallet putters. The Pure Roll insert really did live up to its expectations. The missing link to why I rated it 4 stars was because it doesn’t have that buttery feel like a Scotty Cameron blade does. Compared to other mallets however, the Pure Roll insert makes it feel so much better.
• Other: This is hard to write about since there aren’t many cons that come along with this putter. The only problem I could see not working for others is if they are already used to a certain sort of putter. For example, if you are used to the feel of a buttery blade putter, like a Scotty Cameron, the feel may be a little underwhelming. If you are used to having a minimal alignment aid, the True Path alignment may be a bit too much for you. Finally, those who like light or heavy putters may find that the in-between feel is a bit weird compared to what they are used to.

Best putt or round with this putter

I didn’t have a “best putt” but was absolutely draining it from around 12-15 feet.

Value for the money vs. other options

While it’s an expensive club, it’s worth it if the benefits are perfect for you. While other putters from brands like Wilson and Cleveland can compete, there isn’t a lookalike that compares with this putter.

Final verdict

The Spider X Hydroblast #9 would be my go-to putter if I were to buy a mallet. For those looking for forgiveness, balance, and feel in their putter, it’s definitely worth consideration.