TaylorMade Spider vs Spider Tour: Choosing the Right Putter for Your Stroke

If you’re exploring premium mallet putters, chances are you’ve come across the TaylorMade Spider lineup. Since its debut, the Spider has become one of the most iconic and widely played mallet putters on the PGA Tour—and among amateur golfers alike. But within the Spider family lies a key distinction: Spider vs Spider Tour.

While the names are similar, these two lines have subtle but significant differences in design, feel, forgiveness, and alignment. Whether you’re shopping for a new flatstick or trying to understand why Rory McIlroy or Dustin Johnson prefers one over the other, this detailed guide will break it all down.

A Quick Overview: The Spider Family Tree

Before we dive deep, it helps to understand how the Spider line is structured.

Original Spider (2008–2015):

• High MOI mallet

• Traditional mallet shape

• Focus on stability and alignment

Spider Tour (2016–Present):

• More compact head

• Cleaner look

• Modern aesthetics and better feel

• Used by top pros like Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, and Rory McIlroy

Since then, TaylorMade has released dozens of variants:

• Spider Tour, Spider X, Spider EX, Spider FCG, Spider GT, and Spider GTX

• Each iteration improves on weighting, inserts, and adjustability

Design Differences: Spider vs Spider Tour

While both putters fall under the “Spider” branding umbrella, there are several key differences in head design, weighting, and profile.

Spider (Standard):

• Larger footprint

• Traditional winged mallet shape

• Higher MOI (moment of inertia), designed for extreme forgiveness

• Often features multi-material construction for better weight distribution

• May include heavier rear weighting for improved roll

Spider Tour:

• More compact and refined design

• Cleaner top line with fewer visual distractions

• Rear “wing” elements are minimized or stylized

• Less bulky appearance—closer to a blade-mallet hybrid

• Tour-validated shaping for better feel and control

Bottom line:
The Spider is all about maximum forgiveness and alignment help. The Spider Tour is about feel, precision, and confidence for better players.

Face Insert & Feel

TaylorMade uses its Pure Roll insert technology in both putter types, but the feel can vary depending on the exact model and year.

Spider:

• Typically softer insert feel

• Greater sound dampening for a muted impact

• Better for golfers who prefer a softer touch on fast greens

• Earlier models used Surlyn inserts; newer ones blend TPU with aluminum

Spider Tour:

• Tends to feel firmer and more responsive

• Designed for feedback at impact without being harsh

• Many models (e.g., Tour Black, Tour Red) feature aluminum inserts or milled face options

• Geared toward players who want to feel every strike and make minor adjustments

Alignment Aids

Both models feature excellent alignment tools, but they go about it differently.

Spider Alignment:

• Longer alignment lines across the back

• Contrasting colors for visual emphasis

• Some models have sight dots or “True Path” alignment rails

• Great for players who struggle to aim consistently

Spider Tour Alignment:

• Subtler alignment line or dot

• More minimalist design—aimed at players who prefer a clean look

• Less visual “help,” but more intuitive for confident putters

Hosel & Toe Hang Options

This is a major factor in how a putter suits your stroke.

Spider:

• More commonly face-balanced

• Best suited for straight-back-straight-through strokes

• Often features single bend or double bend shafts

Spider Tour:

• More variety in hosel types

  • Short slant neck (slight toe hang)

  • Flow neck (moderate toe hang)

  • Face-balanced variants also available

• Better fit for golfers with a slight arc or moderate arc in their stroke

Weight & MOI

Spider:

• Higher MOI across the board

• Typically heavier head (~355g–370g depending on model)

• Perimeter weighting creates incredible stability

• Forgiving on toe and heel strikes

Spider Tour:

• Slightly lower MOI

• More balanced weighting (rear and center)

• More precision, less “auto-pilot” forgiveness

• Still extremely stable, but offers more “player feedback”

Tour Usage & Validation

Both putters have been used by top players, but for different reasons.

Notable Spider Users:

• Jason Day (original Spider Tour Red)

• Dustin Johnson (Spider Tour Black)

• Collin Morikawa (Spider GT)

• Rory McIlroy (Spider Tour X)

Why Tour Pros Like the Spider Tour:

• Clean visuals without distractions

• Compact shape for green-reading precision

• Soft yet responsive insert

• Blends feel with forgiveness in a way that suits elite-level greens

Spider vs Spider Tour: Side-by-Side Comparison

Who Should Use the TaylorMade Spider?

The standard Spider is ideal for:

• Higher handicappers

• Beginners or mid-handicappers looking for forgiveness

• Players who struggle with alignment and want visual help

• Golfers with a straight-back-straight-through stroke

• Those who prefer a soft, muted feel

You may enjoy it if you:

• Frequently miss short putts due to misalignment

• Want more consistency from off-center hits

• Prioritize forgiveness over feel

Who Should Use the Spider Tour?

The Spider Tour is better for:

• Lower handicappers

• Players who want feedback and precision

• Golfers with a slight arc in their putting stroke

• Those who want a clean, confident look at address

• Anyone looking for a tour-proven model

You’ll appreciate it if you:

• Trust your alignment but need better distance control

• Like a firmer, more connected feel

• Want to mimic the setup of top pros like Rory or DJ

Popular Models to Try

If you’re shopping, consider these well-reviewed versions:

TaylorMade Spider Models:

• Spider GT Max (adjustable weights)

• Spider EX (larger head, True Path alignment)

• Spider FCG (blade-like feel in a mallet)

Spider Tour Models:

• Spider Tour Black (DJ’s choice)

• Spider Tour Red (Jason Day’s signature model)

• Spider Tour X (Rory’s current model—compact, balanced)

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?

Choosing between the TaylorMade Spider and Spider Tour comes down to what kind of putter you are.

• If you want help with alignment, forgiveness, and smoother roll with less feel dependency, the standard Spider is your friend.

• If you’re a more confident putter looking for feedback, control, and clean lines, the Spider Tour offers a more refined experience.

Both putters are exceptional. It’s not about which one is better overall—it’s about which one is better for your stroke and confidence on the greens.