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What’s new? How much does it cost? And how does it perform? Jack Backhouse brings you the low down on the TaylorMade Spider 5K-ZT Putter.
TaylorMade has released the latest addition to its accomplished Spider range; the Spider 5K-ZT, Zero Torque, putter. It enters a growing market of face-balanced putters aimed at minimising rotation during the stroke. Following in the footsteps of LAB, Odyssey, and PXG, TaylorMade claim to have eliminated one of the biggest putting faults in amateur golf, inconsistent face control. But does it live up to the promise? Find out in our full review…
TaylorMade’s Spider 5K-ZT is a great option for golfers looking to stabilise their putting stroke. Despite its more forgiving nature, this putter still delivers in terms of feel, not to mention the premium and iconic Spider styling.
Its standout feature is the elimination of face rotation, delivered through clever weighting and engineering, while still keeping the beloved Spider aesthetic intact. It’s tour-tested, already helping players claim a win on the PGA Tour, and feels reassuringly solid through impact. If you’re in the zero torque market, this is the new benchmark.
TaylorMade has clearly thought about the aesthetics. I am pleased they have managed to keep the iconic Spider styling, it just looks that bit more professional and premium. The blue sole plate is mirrored by matching accents on the Super Stroke grip, giving the putter a cohesive and premium look. Interestingly, the shaft is installed slightly off-centre in the grip, echoing LAB’s design ethos and subtly encouraging a square setup at address.
TaylorMade has also introduced a premium milled True Path alignment system, distinct from their earlier Spider putters. It includes a bold black top-line stripe, flanked by two narrower lines milled to the exact width of a golf ball. This is a subtle inclusion but I found it to be an extremely effective design. I think it’ll help golfers square the face more intuitively and be particularly useful in pressure situations.
NCG Verdict
During my testing, I found that one of the most notable traits of the Spider 5K-ZT is how stable the face feels during the stroke. Coming from a blade putter, I was struck by how little the face wants to twist open or shut during the swing, which is exactly what this category aims to address.
The Pure Roll insert, which is pretty much a staple in TaylorMade putters, makes a strong return here. Already trusted by players across the PGA and DP World Tours, it provides consistent feedback and a clean roll off the face.
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Compared to competitors, particularly LAB’s softer-feeling models, the Spider ZT delivers a more substantial and somewhat reliable feedback upon impact. For golfers who struggle with distance control, this firmer feel may prove advantageous.
I thought the head feels ‘meaty’. There is a real mass where it matters, it certainly feels as though when putting anyways. While available in counterbalance and longer options, the standard version still delivers a solid, pendulum-like sensation that many golfers will appreciate.
Final Verdict
So, will the TaylorMade Spider ZT change your life on the greens?
Well, if you struggle with short putts or inconsistent face rotation, the Spider ZT could be a game-changer. Its blend of high-tech stability and familiar design make it a standout in the zero torque category. Alternatively, if you’re already putting well with your current flatstick, there’s no urgent reason to switch. As always with putters, feel and personal preference reign supreme.
That said, I do think this is arguably the most compelling zero torque putter I have tested that is available on the market right now. With its ideal combination of performance, alignment help, and tour-proven tech, it’s the best place to start.
TaylorMade Spider 5K-ZT Putter Review: The Details
