Spider Tour S Counter Balance DB Putter, Gunmetal – TaylorMade Golf Club

Product Review: Spider Tour S Counter Balance DB Putter, Gunmetal — TaylorMade Golf Club

Introduction

The TaylorMade Spider Tour S Counter Balance DB Putter (Gunmetal) is a premium-priced putter designed for golfers who want
added stability, improved distance control, and a confidence-building look at address. Manufactured by TaylorMade, a major
name in golf equipment, this putter falls into the mallet putter category and is intended for use on the greens—especially
for players who benefit from a more forgiving head shape and a steadier stroke.

With a listed price of $349.99, it competes in the high-end putter market where performance features, build quality, and
consistency are expected to justify the cost.

Appearance, Materials, and Design

Visually, the putter’s gunmetal finish gives it a modern, understated premium look that tends to reduce glare in bright
sunlight compared with shinier finishes. The Spider line is known for a bold mallet silhouette, and this model continues that theme with a
stable, high-MOI profile that looks engineered for alignment and forgiveness.

The standout design element is the counterbalanced build, which typically means additional weight in the grip end and/or
an overall heavier setup. This can help smooth out hand action, reduce unwanted wrist breakdown, and promote a more pendulum-like stroke.
The “DB” designation commonly indicates a double-bend shaft configuration, often paired with a face-balanced tendency that
suits golfers with a straighter back-and-through stroke.

Overall, the aesthetic communicates “stability” and “aiming help” rather than traditional minimalism—something many golfers appreciate when
putting under pressure.

Key Features & Specifications

• Brand / Manufacturer: TaylorMade
• Model: Spider Tour S Counter Balance DB
• Category: Mallet putter
• Finish: Gunmetal
• Intended use: Putting (greens), built for stability and consistency
• Counterbalanced design: Added balance/weighting to promote a smoother, steadier stroke
• DB (double-bend) style: Often associated with face-balanced performance characteristics
• Price: $349.99

Performance and On-Course Experience

1) Short Putts (Inside 6 Feet)

On short putts, the Spider Tour S Counter Balance DB tends to shine in stability. The mallet footprint and counterbalanced
feel can make it easier to keep the face from twisting on off-center contact, which is especially helpful when you’re trying to “just start
it on line.” The heavier, more anchored feel can also help reduce yips-like handiness for some golfers, though players who prefer a very
light, quick putter may find it slower to manipulate.

2) Mid-Range Putts (6–20 Feet)

In the mid-range, the putter’s main advantage is consistent rollout when you strike the ball reasonably well. The counterbalancing can help
maintain tempo, making the stroke feel repeatable. Alignment confidence is also a typical benefit of Spider-style heads: the putter looks
“square” and stable behind the ball, which can reduce indecision and second-guessing.

The tradeoff is that golfers who rely on more “feel” and micro-adjustments might need a short adaptation period to dial in start lines and
pace with a heavier, counterbalanced setup.

3) Lag Putting (20+ Feet)

On long putts, counterbalanced putters often help golfers control the stroke length and keep the face stable through impact. This can improve
distance consistency—particularly on fast greens where small mishits can turn into big misses. However, if you naturally
generate pace with a lighter head and more wrist action, the heavier feel may initially leave you short until you recalibrate.

4) Different Green Speeds and Conditions

On fast greens, the stable head and smoother tempo can make it easier to “die” the ball at the hole without excessive hand
involvement. On slower greens, you may need a longer stroke or more deliberate acceleration, and some players may feel the
putter is less “lively” if they prefer a crisp, popping response.

The gunmetal finish is also practical in varied light conditions, helping keep the look consistent at address.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• High stability and forgiveness: Mallet shaping helps resist twisting and supports more consistent strikes.
• Counterbalanced feel: Promotes a smoother tempo and can reduce excessive wrist action.
• Confidence at address: Large, squared-off profile typically aids alignment and comfort over the ball.
• Premium look: Gunmetal finish provides a modern aesthetic and can reduce glare.
• Great fit for certain stroke types: DB/face-balanced tendencies often suit straight back-and-through strokes.

Cons

• Not ideal for strong-arc strokes: Golfers who rotate the face a lot may prefer a toe-hang design.
• Heavier feel requires adjustment: Counterbalancing can initially affect distance control for players used to lighter putters.
• Premium price: At $349.99, the value depends on whether you benefit from the added stability and build.
• Less “traditional” look: Players who prefer compact blades may not enjoy the larger mallet footprint.

Conclusion

The TaylorMade Spider Tour S Counter Balance DB Putter (Gunmetal) is a purpose-built mallet putter aimed at golfers who want
maximum stability, a smoother putting motion, and a confidence-inspiring setup. Its counterbalanced design can be particularly beneficial for
players seeking better tempo, reduced hand action, and more consistent face control—especially under pressure and on faster greens.

That said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution: golfers who prefer a light, highly “feel-based” putter or who have a pronounced arcing
stroke may find better results with a different weighting or toe-hang profile. If you’re the right match for the design philosophy and you
value forgiveness and repeatability, this putter makes a compelling case in the premium category.