Introduction
Last year, TaylorMade launched its first-ever zero-torque putter, the Spider ZT. And now, for 2026, they’re expanding the lineup with the all-new Spider ZT Max.
Designed to appeal to golfers who prefer a larger footprint, the ZT Max features an oversized head shape that delivers a more stable, confidence-inspiring appearance at address.
We got our hands on both models to find out how they compare and whether the larger-headed ZT Max offers any performance advantages over the original ZT. After hitting lots of putts, here’s what we found in my full TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter review….
Keywords
TaylorMade, TaylorMade Spider Tour, Zero Torque, Spider ZT
NCG Summary & rating
NCG SUMMARY
The Spider ZT Max is the latest edition to the Spider family, following on from the ZT-05 the ZT Max offers a very similar profile but with a 20% larger head profile.
The larger head provides an option for player who prefer a larger profile behind the ball as well as increasing the MOI and stability in the stroke. It creates a very inviting looked behind the ball that would give any golfer added confidence.
PROS
- Frames the ball well
- Soft feel off the face
- Great sound at impact
- Very stable
CONS
- Oversized look won’t suit everyone
Key Facts
| Lie | 70° |
| Loft | 3.5° |
| Headcover Included | Yes |
| Available in left hand | Yes |
| Face | PURE ROLL™ INSERT |
| Alignment | MILLED TRUE PATH™ALIGNMENT |
Key benefits and downsides
| Key benefits | Downsides |
|---|---|
| Mixture of alignment aid – TruePath is much bolder offering a better visual to frame the ball. The single sight line is clean and simple, for a player who likes a more traditional look. | Price – Premium price point |
| Stunning torched finish – Wow! This is what you call an upgrade. The whole colourway, including the headcover detailing is spot on. | Head size – larger head might not suit all |
| Great sound and feel – The much loved white TPU face insert remaining provide an outstanding sound and feel off the putter face. |
First Impressions
First up, the headcover is very smart. The blue colourway helps to distinguish between the Spider Tour line but keeps within the families colour scheme for 2026.
Out of the headcover, this is a great looking putter. Visually from address there isn’t too big of a difference between there ZT-05 and the ZT Max which I think it is nice. In terms of head profile, as shown in the image below the ZT Max is larger, being longer but still maintaining the same face depth. Silver detailing has been added onto the back corners which also helps with that differentiation between the two.
How I undertook the review
I tested these putters at my home club over the last week, alternating which putter I used to give each one a fair tested.
Technology
Built around TaylorMade’s Spider Stability platform, a lightweight aerospace-grade 6061 milled aluminium body is paired with heavy corner weights. By pushing more mass to the perimeter, TaylorMade has increased MOI and stability, helping the face resist twisting on off-centre strikes.
At the heart of the Spider ZT Max’s development is alignment and feel. TaylorMade has used a black Pure Roll™ insert, created from a combination of Surlyn and aluminium to deliver a soft yet responsive feel at impact. The insert also features 45-degree grooves designed to encourage consistent launch and forward roll from the moment the ball leaves the face.
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The alignment has been kept simple like the ZT-05 with a milled single sight line on the crown. The white line contrasts the black head, helping to provide a clear visual reference that makes it easier to centre the face at address and aim accurately on the intended line.
Across all three models, the KBS putter shaft is positioned to align directly with the putter head’s centre of gravity, creating a 2° shaft lean and 34mm of onset behind the face for a consistent setup position. And, a sole shaping helps with the how the putter sits on the green.
What I Found
Out on the course, I found the ZT Max sat really well behind the ball. I wasn’t sure if the oversized head would look almost bury the ball but in fact there is etched lines at give a great indicated of where the ball is central. This made lining up much easier especially as there is only a single alignment line.
Off the face you get to enjoy the same tone that is in the much loved Spider Tour putters. The feel does seem firmer but that is expected with more weight in the head. This added weight really helped to keep the putter stable throughout the stroke. One of the days I played there was a 30 mph gust and the ZT Max worked really well at holding its stability.
This is a low torque putter and so you get the benefits of extra support when putting as the face resists twisting. I found that on short putters I could pick my line and trust the putter to support me. With the longer putts pace and direction were both great.
How does it compare to the ZT-05
In all honesty there’s not a whole load of difference and I think TaylorMade would stick by that. It’s not there to replace the ZT-05 but to add another option for golfers who want a larger head profile with a higher MOI. Both do an excellent job and for me it’s very much the golfers decision between visual preference and the weight/feel of each model.
Specifications:
| Neck bend | Lengths | Hand | Shaft | Grip | Face Balanced | Loft | Lie |
| Standard | 33″, 34″, 35″ | RH/LH | KBS CT Putter 120 Stepless Black | Super Stroke 2° Off-Axis Tour 2.0 | Toe-Up | 3.5° | 70° |
| Counter Balance | 36″ | RH/LH | KBS GPS Custom Graphite 155g | SuperStroke 2.0 XL 13.75” Round | Toe-Up | 3.5° | 70° |
| Counter Balance | 38″ | RH/LH | KBS GPS Custom Graphite 155g | SuperStroke 3.0 XL 17” Round | Toe-Up | 3.5° | 70° |
| Long | 46″ | RH/LH | KBS GPS Custom Graphite 210g | SuperStroke Split Pistol 1.0 Round | Toe-Up | 3° | 70° |
NCG Final Verdict
Overall, the ZT Max is a great addition to the Spider line up. It offers golfers who want a maximum forgiveness putter another option, with a larger head profile and a greater MOI.
Price information
Spider ZT Max Standard £449 / $449.99
Spider ZT Max Counterbalance £499 / $499.99
Spider ZT Max Long £549 / $549.99
More information: TaylorMade
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