TaylorMade Spider Tour S Black Center Shaft Long Putter (46″) Review
Introduction
The TaylorMade Spider Tour S Black Center Shaft Long Putter (46″) is a premium
mallet-style putter from TaylorMade, one of the most recognized manufacturers in golf equipment.
This model sits in the golf clubs / putters category and is designed for players interested in a
long/broomstick-style putting setup, prioritizing stability, higher MOI forgiveness, and a
consistent stroke path—especially helpful for golfers who struggle with face rotation or shaky hands on short putts.
At a listed price of $349.99, it clearly targets golfers looking for a tour-inspired design and a
specialized configuration rather than a budget-friendly option.
Appearance, Materials & Design
Aesthetically, this putter leans into a stealthy, modern look with its black finish. The
Spider family is well-known for bold mallet shaping, and the Tour S variant maintains that
performance-first silhouette—broad from heel to toe and built to look stable behind the ball.
The center-shaft design is the standout visual and functional element. Unlike traditional heel-shafted
mallets, a center shaft typically promotes a more face-balanced behavior and can complement golfers who prefer a
straighter-back, straighter-through motion. The 46″ length gives it a distinct “broomstick”
presence—taller setup, more upright posture, and an overall feel of anchoring the motion through structure and leverage
rather than wrist action.
While specific insert and internal weighting details are not provided in the product data, Spider putters generally
emphasize high forgiveness through perimeter weighting and a stable chassis. The overall design is
clearly intended to reduce twisting and keep the face more consistent through impact.
Key Features / Specifications
- Manufacturer: TaylorMade
- Model: Spider Tour S Black
- Putter Type: Mallet
- Shaft: Center shaft (CS)
- Length: 46″ (Long / broomstick-style)
- Hand: Right-handed
- Finish/Color: Black
- Intended Use: High-stability putting, reduced face rotation, long-putter setup
- Price: $349.99
On-Course Experience (Various Scenarios)
1) Short Putts (3–6 feet): Confidence and Face Stability
The biggest advantage of a high-MOI Spider-style mallet in a long-putter configuration is how
stable it feels through the strike. On short putts—where nervous hands or a quick jab can flip the
face—the center-shaft and long build help encourage a smoother, more pendulum-like motion. If you tend to miss short
putts due to inconsistent face angle at impact, this style can be a meaningful upgrade in confidence.
That said, if you’re used to releasing the toe (more arcing stroke), a center-shaft long putter can initially feel
like it “doesn’t want to rotate,” which may require an adjustment period.
2) Mid-Range Putts (8–20 feet): Forgiveness on Off-Center Strikes
Mallet putters—especially Spider-inspired designs—tend to shine on mid-range putts because you can strike the ball
slightly toward the heel or toe and still get relatively consistent results. The broader head profile also makes it
easier to keep the putter moving on line.
The trade-off is feel nuance. Some golfers who rely on very fine feedback for distance control might
find the large, stable head and long shaft slightly less “communicative” than a smaller blade.
3) Lag Putting (25+ feet): Tempo, Distance Control, and Setup
On long putts, the 46″ length can help promote a consistent tempo and reduce hand involvement—often beneficial for
players who decelerate or steer the putter. The stability is a plus, but distance control will largely depend on how
quickly you adapt to the longer lever and the more upright posture.
Golfers switching from a standard-length putter should expect a learning curve with
backswing length vs. rollout. Once dialed in, the long configuration can be very repeatable, but it’s
not always “plug and play” in terms of speed control.
4) Alignment & Aim
The Spider head shape naturally frames the ball well, and the center-shaft setup can make the face look very “square”
at address. If you struggle with alignment using compact blades, the larger footprint can offer a more stable visual
reference.
Conversely, golfers who prefer a minimal look may find the mallet shape visually busy, and some players aim differently
with a center shaft versus a heel shaft. Testing on a putting green before buying is recommended.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High stability and forgiveness: Mallet design helps resist twisting on mishits.
- Center-shaft benefits: Can suit straighter putting strokes and reduce unwanted face rotation.
- Long (46″) configuration: Encourages a pendulum motion and can reduce wristy, inconsistent strokes.
- Premium, modern aesthetic: Black finish looks sleek and performance-oriented.
- Confidence-inspiring at address: Large head profile can make it easier to set up square.
Cons
- Adjustment period required: Moving to a 46″ long putter changes posture, tempo, and distance control.
- Not ideal for strong-arc strokes: Players who rely on toe release may prefer a different hosel/shaft style.
- Premium price: $349.99 is a significant investment, especially for a specialized setup.
- Potentially less “fine feel” than a blade: Some golfers may prefer more feedback on strike quality.
- Fit matters more than usual: Long putters are more sensitive to correct length, lie, and grip preference.
Conclusion
The TaylorMade Spider Tour S Black Center Shaft Long Putter (46″) is a purpose-built, premium
mallet putter aimed at golfers who want maximum stability and a long-putter setup to promote a smooth, repeatable
stroke. Its strengths are clear: forgiveness, confidence at address, and reduced face twisting, all
wrapped in a sleek black Spider profile.
The main consideration is fit and adaptation. A 46″ center-shaft broomstick-style putter can be
a game-changer for the right player, but it’s specialized—distance control and setup may take time to groove, and not
every stroke type will match the center-shaft behavior. For golfers who struggle with inconsistency on short putts or
want the stability benefits of a modern mallet in a long format, this is a compelling option—provided you’re ready to
commit to dialing it in.
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