How have TaylorMade nailed a zero-torque putter with their first attempt?

The latest challenger to L.A.B. Golf and Odyssey in the zero-torque putter market is TaylorMade with their Spider ZT putter. Is this model capable of challenging the big guns, or can it go one step better and de-throne the best zero-torque putters of 2025?

There isn’t a bigger trend on Tour, or in the amateur game for that matter, than zero-torque putters. They’re absolutely everywhere. And now, TaylorMade have joined the party with the much-anticipated Spider ZT putter. As a brand that’s responsible for some of the best putters in the game, is it surprising that TaylorMade have nailed a zero-torque putter on the first attempt? Probably not… but let me explain why I think they have…

The Spider ZT was first spotted on Tour being used by Angel Ayora on the DP World Tour at the 2025 Qatar Masters. The prototype model gained serious traction after being spotted on the PGA Tour at the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational, where Jason Day was testing the putter. Later that month, Brian Harman won the Valero Texas Open, and more recently, Haeran Ryu won the LPGA Tour’s Black Desert Championship at the start of May, with the Spider ZT in their bags.

Despite only being seen as early as February on Tour, I’m not suggesting that’ll have been the first time Tour players will have been introduced to the Spider ZT, but given it’s still in its infancy, the putter has been well-received, and with two victories already on Tour, there are a lot of positives for the Spider ZT.

Every Tour player with a Spider ZT in their bags is using the standard model, but TaylorMade have two more options if you require a little bit more length, or if you enjoy a heavier putter. Along with the standard Spider ZT, there are also the counterbalance and broomstick (long) models. I’ll discuss the key differences further down.

It’s a shame this putter wasn’t available before we conducted our 2025 putters test because I would love to see how it compared to not only the best zero-torque putters, but the best mallet and blade putters we tested. I’m sure I’m not alone with that thought. Unfortunately, there’s very little we can do about that now. Instead, we have had a look at how the Spider ZT compares to one of the best L.A.B. Golf putters available.

TaylorMade have responded to the zero-torque big guns – L.A.B. Golf and Odyssey – with a stellar zero-torque putter that’s definitely going to gain attention, which, in my opinion, it fully deserves. Comparing it to something like the L.A.B. Golf DF 2.1, it certainly has more shelf appeal, and I would argue the same goes up against any of the L.A.B. Golf and Odyssey Ai-One Square 2 Square putters – including the extremely popular Jailbird.

While looks is often a massive talking point when it comes to putters, a putter must deliver in its performance, and I think this is where the Spider ZT really steps into a league of its own, and had we been able to test this putter when we carried out our 2025 putters test, we most likely would have had a different outcome. I won’t say we’ll never know, but for now, let’s see how this putter stacks up based on my on-course experience.

Technology and Components

Before diving into my opinion on the performance and looks of the Spider ZT, I first want to comment on the technology and components of all three models. I find it impossible to criticize any of the three Spider ZT models from a technology and components standpoint because every element incorporated is of the highest quality. From the Spider-inspired SuperStroke grip to the Pure Roll insert, every aspect of the Spider ZT has been carefully considered to deliver a bespoke putter.

All three models feature the same technology in the head. The 100% milled multi-material construction features a high-density 303 stainless steel in the face and low-density 6061 aluminium in the back. Extreme perimeter weighting also enhances the putters’ high-MOI and enhanced stability dynamics. Three strategically placed TSS weights allowed TaylorMade engineers to triangulate CG properties to maintain a toe-up position.

Also, a heel-to-toe cambered sole is used to enable the Spider ZT accommodates a wide array of player types and setup styles, and is designed to work specifically with the hosel configuration. The Spider ZT features thinly milled lines on the top of the 303 stainless steel face that are evenly spaced, with the total lined area adding up to the exact width of a golf ball.

A key feature of TaylorMade Spider putters is the Pure Roll insert, which is made from a combination of Surlyn and aluminium. The insert features 45° angle grooves to promote forward roll, while also enhancing sound and feel.

The only differences in the heads are that the standard and counterbalance models have a lie angle of 70°, while the broomstick model has a 79° lie angle, and the head weight of each model changes – 370g = standard, 395g = counterbalance, and 470g = broomstick. The three heads can be distinguished thanks to the dots on the toe-side sole – one dot = standard, two dots = counterbalance, and three dots = broomstick.

Moving away from the head, each model features a different shaft weight and grip to complement the putter and improve performance. The standard Spider ZT is built with a KBS CT Putter 120 Stepless Black shaft and SuperStroke Pistol 1.0 1° Off Axis grip, the counterbalance model is equipped with a KBS GPS Custom Graphite 155g shaft and SuperStroke 2.0XL 13.75″ Round grip (36″) / SuperStroke 3.0 17″ Round grip (38″), and the broomstick sports a KBS GPS Custom Graphite 210g shaft and SuperStroke Split Pistol 1.0 Round grip.

From all of the technology and components listed above, I think you can agree, full marks is only fair for the Spider ZT.

Forgiveness and Stability

Now onto performance. For stability alone, the Spider ZT would easily be awarded five stars, but given that there are more forgiving zero-torque putters available, it wouldn’t be fair to give this putter full marks for both. That’s not to say the Spider ZT is unforgiving, that’s far from the case, boasting at least 5,000 MOI in the standard head, and that number only increases in the counterbalance and broomstick models.

There isn’t too much else to say about forgiveness and stability; both are very impressive, as you would expect from a putter that fuses Spider technology and zero-torque technology.

Distance Control and Roll

TaylorMade’s Pure Roll insert is absolutely incredible. It’s impossible to find a fault with the distance control and roll of the Spider ZT, and that’s all down to the amazing Pure Roll insert. Anything other than full marks would be unfair. I’ve played with this putter at Prince’s Golf Club, Cleveland Golf Club, and Fulford Golf Club, each course’s greens posing different challenges, but the Spider ZT performed on every course.

It didn’t take me long to adapt to the Spider ZT, having recently been using the Odyssey Ai-One Square 2 Square Max Stripe, and I don’t think it would take many golfers long to get to grips with this putter because it feels automatic.

Looks, Sound, and Feedback

I think this instantly pitches in as the best-looking zero-torque putter available. The Spider ZT might not look exactly like the Spider putters we’ve come to know over recent years, and that’s because TaylorMade took the Spider ZT right back to the drawing board to build a brand-new putter from the ground up. Although this putter doesn’t look exactly the same as a mallet Spider, I don’t think it makes it any less appealing. Factor in the striking blue, and you have a putter with a ton of shelf appeal.

Sound isn’t a major concern of mine with a putter, I don’t really listen out for how the putter sounds at impact, but the Spider ZT delivers a notably deeper sound compared to other zero-torque putters. I think the sound is premium – others may disagree – and that again stems back to the quality of the Pure Roll insert.

Another impressive feature of the Pure Roll insert is the level of feedback you receive at impact. It’s very easy to tell when you’ve made a good or poor stroke. Feedback is high regardless of your stroke and strike.

Final Verdict

The TaylorMade Spider ZT is an extremely impressive putter. You can see how much time, effort, and dedication TaylorMade have put into crafting the Spider ZT. I was thinking TaylorMade had missed the zero-torque boat, but it turns out they were biding their time because they wanted to deliver a quality putter capable of challenging the best, and that’s exactly what they’ve done.

I’m not saying this is hands down the best zero-torque putter available, but it’s definitely in the debate. Based on my on-course experience and factoring in the quality technology and competitions, a score of 4.75 is valid. It’s fair to say TaylorMade have nailed their first attempt at a zero-torque putter with the Spider ZT. This putter epitomises the importance of R&D.

I personally won’t be making the switch to the Spider ZT, but I can fully appreciate the quality and attention to detail that’s gone into building this premium zero-torque putter.

TaylorMade Spider ZT

RRP: Standard $449.99 / £449.00 | Counterbalance $499.99 / £499.00 | Broomstick $549.99 / £549.00

Loft: 2.5°

Lie Angle: Standard & Counterbalance 70° | Broomstick 79°

Length Options: Standard 33" - 35" | Counterbalance 36" & 38" | Broomstick 46"

Shaft: Standard KBS CT Putter 120 Stepless Black | Counterbalance KBS GPS Custom Graphite 155g | Broomstick KBS GPS Custom Graphite 210g

Grip: Standard SuperStroke Pistol 1.0 1° Off Axis | Counterbalance SuperStroke 2.0XL 13.75" Round (36") / SuperStroke 3.0 17" Round (38") |Broomstick SuperStroke Split Pistol 1.0 Round