TaylorMade has expanded its range of Spider putters to include the all-new Spider FCG (Forward Centre of Gravity), a design which promises to offer blade-like performance from a mallet-style head.
The challenge of engineering a mallet with blade-like performance starts with CG placement. In traditional mallet designs, much of the weight is in the perimeter and rear of the putter head – which helps to increase MOI and enhance distance control. With Spider FCG, two-thirds of the total head weight is located in the anterior, allowing the toe to rotate around that centre of mass.
In order to front-load the head, an adjustable weight port was positioned on the sole of the putter directly behind the face. Heavy heel and toe tungsten weights account for more than 100g of weight, while a lightweight rear canopy rounds out the shape.
Further adding to the forward CG properties is the CU29 Pure Roll insert. Crafted from 100% pure copper, this 25g insert is the heaviest TaylorMade has ever constructed. However, like other Pure Roll designs, its 45° grooves are engineered to increase topspin and improve forward roll across varying surfaces – helping the ball start and stay on its intended line. In addition to the performance attributes, the metal insert delivers a firmer feel and adds to the blade-like performance of this unique putter.
With Spider FCG, the mallet shape and perimeter weighting help maintain forgiveness. In conjunction with the forward CG placement, this design encourages a free release of the toe (like a blade) and provides a powerful option for golfers with an arced stroke who still seek forgiveness and help with alignment.
Featuring an all-new True Path T-Sightline, the Spider FCG looks more like a traditional mallet compared to other Spider designs, with the optically engineered alignment feature enabling the golfer to aim with the front edge and/or the vertical line, creating a perpendicular alignment aid.
It is available in three different hosel types, each meant for a different style of putting stroke. The Short Slant hosel offers 46° of toe hang (squarely in range with most blade models) to fit golfers with a significant amount of face rotation. The L-Neck has 25° of toe hang for golfers with moderate face rotation and the Single Bend is the most face balanced of the three – better aligning with golfers who have minimal rotation.
Bill Price, TaylorMade’s senior director of Putters & Wedges, said: “In developing Spider FCG, we sought insights from many of the top players on Tour. We compiled that information to construct a clean and traditional mallet shape that performs in a non-traditional way. The result is an intelligently designed high-MOI mallet that’s built for golfers who have an arced putting stroke. Forward CG placement lets the toe release freely like a blade, while the mallet shape and perimeter weighting help maintain the signature Spider family forgiveness.”
Available at retail from September 4, and priced at £299/€349, the Spider FCG is fitted with a KBS Stepless Black CT shaft and a Super Stroke Pistol Black/White 1.0 PT grip. It is available 33, 34 and 35-inch lengths in RH and LH.