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TaylorMade Spider 5K-ZT Putter Review: The best Zero Torque Putter yet?

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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…

5 star review
NCG SUMMARY

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.

PROS

  • Classic Spider putter shaping
  • Crisp feel
  • Excellent stability

CONS

  • None

First Impressions

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

Available: Now

RRP: £449.00 / $449.99

More information: Clubhouse Golf Website / TaylorMade US Website

About the author

Callaway Epic Max driver review
Jack Backhouse

A member of the PGA for 13 years, Jack has lived golf for more than half his life. Inspired by Tiger Wood’s winning putt at the 2008 US Open, an obsession began with watching slow motion golf swings on the internet and reading What’s In The Bag articles in magazines.

Not destined for a life behind the desk in a pro shop, Jack has focussed more on coaching, working closely with regional teams in North Yorkshire and helping golfers of all levels on their journey to enjoying playing the game more. Jack has coached many junior golfers into the county teams, and once worked with a player at the 2018 Open Championship at Carnoustie.

After letting his game fall apart prior to COVID, Jack rediscovered his love for playing golf after joining Silloth Golf Club in 2020 and whipping round the windy, firm links course. Playing regularly with a half set of clubs he has a passion for shot making and developing skill, and claims to have the sharpest 30-100 yard game in the North of England (only because he doesn’t know anyone in the South), and now maintains a +1 handicap at a club much closer to home, Sand Moor GC.

Jack has always tinkered with his equipment, once building his own Frankenstein one length set of clubs after watching Bryson DeChambeau burst onto the scene after winning the US Amateur. He firmly believes in getting custom fit and is happy to debate anyone about blade irons being superior to any other iron category.

Jack loves: playing quickly, 2 ball golf, match play, heathland courses, pencil bags, foursomes, Tiger Wood’s swing 2005-2009.

Jack hates: buggies, unnecessary trees, giving shots, the 7 iron loft debate, graphite shaft lovers weird superiority complex.

What’s In Jack’s Bag:

Titleist TSR2 Driver

Titleist TSR2 Fairway wood

TaylorMade P7MB 3-P

Titleist SM10 wedges

TaylorMade TP Reserve Blade putter

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