TaylorMade Spider Putters Explained: EX vs X vs Tour Red vs GT Rollback vs Daddy Long Legs
One iconic mallet shape, five very different putters underneath it.
The Spider putter has been on TaylorMade's Tour staff bags for over a decade, and the wide, perimeter-weighted mallet shape has barely changed since. What has changed — repeatedly — is everything underneath it: weighting philosophy, face inserts, and head size. Buying used, it's easy to grab whichever Spider looks best in photos without realising each version suits a genuinely different stroke.
The Spider Lineup at a Glance
| Model | Head Size | Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Red | Standard mallet | Classic, direct | Straight-back-straight-through strokes |
| Spider EX | Wide-body | Soft (Fluted Feel insert) | Maximum forgiveness on mis-strikes |
| Spider X | Mid-size | Firmer, more feedback | Players who want stability without losing feel |
| GT Rollback | Compact mallet | Balanced | Golfers who find wide-body mallets distracting |
| Daddy Long Legs | Extended wide-body | Soft, high-MOI | Forgiveness above all else |
Why the Spider Shape Works
Every version below uses the same underlying principle: weight pushed out to the perimeter of the head increases MOI — the putter's resistance to twisting on an off-centre strike. A toe or heel miss on a Spider loses far less speed and direction than the same miss on a traditional blade. The differences between models come down to how far that philosophy is pushed, and what kind of feel you get in exchange.
Browse Spider Putter Inventory →
Spider Tour Red
The most classic version — a true double-bend mallet with the signature red alignment lines against black. Best suited to straight-back-straight-through strokes that want maximum visual contrast at address.
Spider EX
"Extreme" in name and design — a wider, more aggressive frame paired with a Fluted Feel face insert that softens impact feel without sacrificing feedback. If consistency, not feel, is your main putting issue, this is the highest-forgiveness option in the range.
Spider X
Sits between the Tour Red and EX, typically with a firmer insert for players who want more direct feedback off the face. A good middle-ground if you're unsure whether you want maximum forgiveness or maximum feel.
Spider GT Rollback
A more compact, "rolled back" wing design — visually closer to a traditional mallet. The pick for golfers who like mallet stability but find the wider Spider heads distracting behind the ball.
Spider Daddy Long Legs
Extends the wings further than any other version, pushing MOI higher again. Built for golfers who've decided forgiveness is the priority above all else, including a more unconventional look at address.
Length and Lie: The Part Most Buyers Skip
Head shape gets all the attention, but fit starts with length. Most Spiders come in 33"–35", and the wrong length changes your posture — and your stroke — more than the head design ever will.
📏 Quick check: stand in your normal putting posture with your current putter. If your eyes sit noticeably inside or outside the ball, note that before buying — a longer or shorter Spider may need a length adjustment at your local pro shop, which is a cheap fix worth budgeting for.
Buying Used: What to Check
- Grip condition — the most common wear point, and an easy $15–20 fix.
- Face insert wear — inspect closely on higher-mileage EX and Daddy Long Legs models, as insert wear can subtly change feel.
- Length — always confirm against your current putter before buying.
Putters see far less turf contact than irons or drivers, so used Spiders are often in excellent cosmetic condition. Every putter we list is assessed under our published grading system, so condition is always clear before you buy.
Shop Used TaylorMade Spider Putters — Australia-Wide Shipping
Professionally graded, dispatched from Adelaide. $30 flat rate shipping. Free over $600.
Can't Find What You're After?
Specific Spider models and lengths move quickly. If you're chasing a particular version, use our Club Sourcing Request page and we'll keep an eye out on the next buying trip.
The Bottom Line
Every Spider putter shares the same forgiving DNA — the real decision is how much feel you're willing to trade for stability, and what length actually fits your posture. Get those two things right and the rest is personal preference.
Honest prices, quality gear. Simple.