In simpler times, there was an obvious distinction between blade and mallet putters; blades were for the golfer with a more arcing stroke who rotated the putterface from open to closed through impact, while mallets suited a more straight back and through putting stroke with little to no rotation of the face. Blades suited the feel putter but required a more precise stroke, whereas the mallet was more forgiving and less likely to twist off-line with its expanded sweetspot.

Whereas blade putters were once more likely to be seen played by professionals, mallets were relegated to the ranks of the recreational golfer. Tour pros though have finally seen the light – Jason Day’s red Spider Tour took him to world number one, Rory McIlroy plays the Spider X and the current world number one Dustin Johnson bags the black Spider Tour.

With 63% of putters sold today being mallets, TaylorMade believes they can help the player who hasn’t yet made the switch with its latest addition, the Spider FCG (Forward Centre of Gravity).

Looks Like a Mallet
Featuring the True Path T-Sightline, the Spider FCG is optically engineered to aim with the front edge and/or the vertical line, creating a perpendicular alignment aid with contrasting colours, sharp lines and copper accents.

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.
— Bill Price, Product Creation, Putter & Wedge Categories

Feels Like a Blade
While mallets see much of the weight in the perimeter and rear of the putter head, increasing MOI (moment of inertia) and enhancing distance control, the Spider FCG moves two thirds of the total head weight forward, allowing the toe to rotate like a blade.

An adjustable weight port on the putter’s sole sits directly behind the face along with 100g of heel and toe tungsten weights. Further adding to the forward CG is a 25g copper Pure Roll insert. Its 45° grooves increase topspin and improve forward roll, helping the ball start and stay on its intended line. The copper insert also delivers a firmer feel closer to that of a milled face.

Forgives Like a Spider
The Spider FCG’s mallet shape and perimeter weighting help maintain that signature forgiveness, while the blade-like forward CG placement encourages a free release of the toe. Now golfers with an arced stroke who still seek forgiveness and help with alignment can have the best of both worlds.

Three different hosel types dials in the Spider FCG to different styles of putting stroke. The Short Slant hosel performs like most blades, allowing for higher face rotation. The L-Neck is more suited to moderate face rotation and the Single Bend is the most face balanced and mallet-like, with minimal rotation in the putting stroke.

The Spider FCG comes with a sleek KBS Stepless Black CT Putter Shaft as well as the matching Super Stroke Pistol 1.0 PT grip.