TaylorMade’s new Milled Face Spider Tour X Proto putter offers a weighting configuration that seems almost opposite what we’ve come to expect in conventional club design. The center of gravity (CG) has been shifted forward, an option that TaylorMade previously only made available to Tour staff. While moving weight forward may seem unusual to some, especially on an ultra-forgiving design like the Spider, this concept isn’t completely new. In fact, it’s proven to be quite effective, even in mass marketed putters like Cleveland’s Frontline series.
Features and Technology
The Milled Face Spider Tour X Proto is a limited-edition putter originally designed for professional players and now available to the public in limited quantities. It’s designed to shift the center of gravity (CG) forward while maintaining the True Path Alignment and structural stability of the Spider putter series.
Interestingly, TaylorMade touts the Tour X Proto’s “blade-like” feel, which they note is accomplished by the increased face rotation encouraged by the forward CG. At the same time, golfers don’t have to compromise on the forgiveness that the Spider series is known for thanks to the oversized mallet and wings.
The putter features the True Path Alignment System to help golfers visualize their ideal putting line while matching club face to the path. The black sightline contrasts nicely with the white background and is designed to enhance visualization.
Highlighted in TaylorMade’s Spider Tour release earlier in 2023, TSS (TaylorMade Swing weight System) both promotes stability and allows users to fine-tune swing weight for added consistency. These precision-engineered weights are deliberately placed in the optimal location on the bottom of the head.
Another key difference from the standard Spider Tour X is that, rather than the White TPU Pure Roll insert, the Proto has been built with a finely milled face. It appears that there will be some tradeoff here, as the face will likely focus more on feel than the improved roll-performance encouraged by the insert. While not mentioned in TaylorMade’s press material, it appears there are two screws on each end of the milled face. Whether they are primarily aesthetic in nature or add to the unique weighting of the Proto remains to be seen, but they are a unique design choice.
Specifications and Details
- Hosel: L-Neck
- Hand: RH (Right Hand)
- Toe Hang: 28.1°
- Length: 34’’
- Loft: 3°
- Lie: 70°
- CG Location: 20.3mm (Spider Tour X 33mm+)
- $500
- Available November 7, 2023 at www.taylormadegolf.com
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