Zero Torque- TaylorMade Spider!

[stratgolf]

On 6/1/2025 at 1:03 AM, underwater said:

 

Unfortunate price.  TaylorMade has decided the consumer has adapted to this faux new normal so they'll price their in-line with L.A.B. and reap the revenue.

 

 TM has priced these at $450 and $500 recognizing that L.A.B. was forced to price their high due to much lower "economies of scale".  L.A.B. doesn't have the volume buying power to get their prices down like Odyssey and TM.  

 

There is nothing technologically or materialistically different about this putter compared to the $249 spider and $349 Spider Tour of last year.  It's just a different shape and balance point.  No purple smoke inside.

 

30% markup compared to the SpiderTour, and 80% markup over the standard Spider of 2024.

 

Cash grab.

 

I'm not certainly not going to advocate for higher prices, but I think to suggest there is nothing technologically or materialistically different about the ZT is a fairly large stretch. Putter and materials are great, excited about the KBS shaft and bringing the LAB press grips to the market is an awesome step.

 

On 5/31/2025 at 12:21 PM, Ize said:

Available to pre order in Australia now but they priced them very high here.

 

$800 AUD for the standard

$850 AUD for the CB

$900 AUD for the broomstick

 

No doubt I'll end up with one but the price of clubs over here is getting out of hand especially new releases.

 

AUD is so weak at the moment. Equipment is absolutely brutal - and likely going to be this way for a few years to come. The cost of getting a LAB out here is insane.

[lpitts82]

I don’t really understand the pricing complaints. Most decent putters now start in the $400 plus range so it’s not really unexpected. Guys will complain about the price of the most important club in the bag but proceed to spend $900 on a 12 degree QI35 with a senior flex velocore Ventus blue. 

Edited June 2 by lpitts82

[DE-ILLINI]

6 hours ago, lpitts82 said:

I don’t really understand the pricing complaints. Most decent putters now start in the $400 plus range now so it’s not really unexpected. Guys will complain about the price of the most important club in the bag but proceed to spend $900 on a 12 degree QI35 with a senior flex velocore Ventus blue. 

I think both things can be true.  Taylormade's pricing is in line with what a premium putter now costs and if you want one that is what you will pay.  The pricing of golf equipment (as well as life in general) just seems to be getting out of hand, especially when you are old enough to remember almost every decent putter was sub $100.  I also remember my grandparents complaining about the price of things when I was growing up.  At some point I think this happens to all of us.

[mstuewe]

7 hours ago, lpitts82 said:

I don’t really understand the pricing complaints. Most decent putters now start in the $400 plus range now so it’s not really unexpected. Guys will complain about the price of the most important club in the bag but proceed to spend $900 on a 12 degree QI35 with a senior flex velocore Ventus blue. 

from my perspective there is 1 main argument.  Why would taylormade charge the same amount as LAB?  It you want to spend $500 on a lie angle balanced putter, why not buy it from the experts?

[lpitts82]

34 minutes ago, mstuewe said:

from my perspective there is 1 main argument.  Why would taylormade charge the same amount as LAB?  It you want to spend $500 on a lie angle balanced putter, why not buy it from the experts?

have you rolled one yet to decide that Taylormade hasn’t improved upon what LAB started? Just because somebody is responsible for growing an idea doesn’t mean they are necessarily the best. As someone that has owned every LAB model I can say their weakness is feel and I’ve always been a fan of the pure roll insert TM uses. If they designed a putter than performs the same and feels better why would you not pay $500?

[hwwong]

59 minutes ago, lpitts82 said:

have you rolled one yet to decide that Taylormade hasn’t improved upon what LAB started? Just because somebody is responsible for growing an idea doesn’t mean they are necessarily the best. As someone that has owned every LAB model I can say their weakness is feel and I’ve always been a fan of the pure roll insert TM uses. If they designed a putter than performs the same and feels better why would you not pay $500?

Definitely agree TM has some special sauce on that pure roll insert. That is the primary factor for me for wanting to try one.  

[mstuewe]

1 hour ago, lpitts82 said:

have you rolled one yet to decide that Taylormade hasn’t improved upon what LAB started? Just because somebody is responsible for growing an idea doesn’t mean they are necessarily the best. As someone that has owned every LAB model I can say their weakness is feel and I’ve always been a fan of the pure roll insert TM uses. If they designed a putter than performs the same and feels better why would you not pay $500?

no I haven’t.  But we’re talking about marketing (pricing strategy).  It’s rare that a copy cat comes out at the same price point, they should be trying to undercut the established leaders in the market.  Odyssey did this with the S2S

[Josh H]

19 minutes ago, mstuewe said:

no I haven’t.  But we’re talking about marketing (pricing strategy).  It’s rare that a copy cat comes out at the same price point, they should be trying to undercut the established leaders in the market.  Odyssey did this with the S2S

Guessing the 50k putters they sold on day 1 as stated in this thread shows there was no need to undercut with pricing strategy which was the route Odyssey went down. 

[Kmac]

I plan on going to PGASS Thursday morning and rolling a 34" if they have any. High probability I leave with one.

[Eren]

All I can say before I actually get mine is the insert in this feels really good and historically I’ve never liked any TM putter (all spider’s, tp reserve, etc) or their inserts - spent an hour with one few weeks ago and looking forward to throwing it straight in the bag to compare with the LAB 

 

 

[bushwood]

carpet rolled mine during lunch. Ive never used any ZT type putters. Quick first impression.... i ordered the 34".... Feels heavier than what i am accustomed to. I know it is heavier, but can definitely feel it in the head. Also seems to feel closed to me but i assume that might just be the face sticking out ahead of the shaft. I might have trouble aligning. the grip going in at the angle was non noticeable for me. Kinda forgot it did that at first. It rolls well, and strokes well, but will definitely involve some practice time for me. last thing is it feels really well made. It looks and feels premium in the hands. 

[javierruis]

46 minutes ago, Eren said:

All I can say before I actually get mine is the insert in this feels really good and historically I’ve never liked any TM putter (all spider’s, tp reserve, etc) or their inserts - spent an hour with one few weeks ago and looking forward to throwing it straight in the bag to compare with the LAB 

 

 

Interesting,  I wonder if TM tweaked the insert for the ZT to make it feel better?

[lpitts82]

5 hours ago, mstuewe said:

no I haven’t.  But we’re talking about marketing (pricing strategy).  It’s rare that a copy cat comes out at the same price point, they should be trying to undercut the established leaders in the market.  Odyssey did this with the S2S

I wouldn’t say it’s that rare, biggest example would be 90% of Scotty Cameron putters. If Taylormade truly sold 50,000 units already they are off to a great start compared to the other brands. Some could argue the pricing of the new Spider ZT is a better value quality wise than LAB with their stock steel shaft. 

[Jacobw5544]

I get the complaints of pricing but unfortunately this is in line with other ZT putters. Axis, Bettinardi, evnroll, PXG, and Lab helped set the market. 

[Dommydazzler]

I think the main argument for me with pricing is.... LAB will hand balance every single putter they make before it leaves the factory. The labour cost involved is a big part of the reason the price point is where it is (Sam from LAB has even said this recently) taylormade are absolutely not putting in those hours making each putter. Taylormade are likely just seeing what the market is willing to spend and setting price points based of those thing. Which is their right to do so if they wish. That being said, I have ordered a TM ZT so I can't complain

[underwater]

22 hours ago, stratgolf said:

 

I'm not certainly not going to advocate for higher prices, but I think to suggest there is nothing technologically or materialistically different about the ZT is a fairly large stretch. Putter and materials are great, excited about the KBS shaft and bringing the LAB press grips to the market is an awesome step.

 

 

"There is nothing technologically or materialistically different about this putter compared to the $249 spider and $349 Spider Tour of last year."

 

They are identical in materials, insert, shaft manufacturer and SuperStroke grip.

[Jacobw5544]

1 hour ago, Dommydazzler said:

I think the main argument for me with pricing is.... LAB will hand balance every single putter they make before it leaves the factory. The labour cost involved is a big part of the reason the price point is where it is (Sam from LAB has even said this recently) taylormade are absolutely not putting in those hours making each putter. Taylormade are likely just seeing what the market is willing to spend and setting price points based of those thing. Which is their right to do so if they wish. That being said, I have ordered a TM ZT so I can't complain

Why are we comparing to a Lab? A stock Lab with nothing customized is 450-500. All the other ZT brands are also around 450 with nothing customized. Customized Labs run 550+ 

[Eren]

6 hours ago, lpitts82 said:

I wouldn’t say it’s that rare, biggest example would be 90% of Scotty Cameron putters. If Taylormade truly sold 50,000 units already they are off to a great start compared to the other brands. Some could argue the pricing of the new Spider ZT is a better value quality wise than LAB with their stock steel shaft. 

50,000 in first 5 hours even, they actually sold more.

 

 

[Chubbydog]

I stopped into the local golf shop today, and they had a bunch in the back.  I ended up picking up a 35". These are legit putters. I've been playing LAB for several years and love them.  Have the mezz max, DF3, ozi, and most recently I've been playing the CB DF3. Only able to get 9 holes in tonight, but rolled in everything inside 8'. I thought it felt similar to the LAB. Maybe a little clicker, which i like.  They look great at address, and really roll it nice.  This is my first ever TM putter, and I feel it's just as nice as any of my LAB putters. The headcover is really nice as well.  

[Dommydazzler]

32 minutes ago, Jacobw5544 said:

Why are we comparing to a Lab? A stock Lab with nothing customized is 450-500. All the other ZT brands are also around 450 with nothing customized. Customized Labs run 550+ 

I'm not sure what you are not understanding. Taylormade spiders retail for $350 usd. People are pointing out that these zero torque putters have a $100 premium added to them and questioning why. I'm pointing out LAB set the price point before any other company. Based on costs and labour etc. Other companies have said..... looks like people pay a premium for (zero torque/ lie angle balance). The answer as to why they are $100 usd more than their other spiders is.... because they can

[Orlandogolfguru]

I have 8 labs. And got my ZT today. Rolled the ZT to compare. The ZT has a great feel soft and stable. Feels like a softer spider to me. Most of my labs are 35 inches with one CB-38. My ZT is also a CB 38. And that’s why I like the ZT pricing. The standard $450 ZT includes a $35 kbs shaft. Not terrible -  better than the stock lab x100. But the CB comes with a kbs gps - a $150 shaft. You can’t get a similar (Accra or gears) unless you start at 550 plus 100 for the shaft. So you’re at $650 instead of $499. If the 70 lie angle fits - it’s a better buy. Great looks and feel. 
 

if you need something more custom - lab is the way. But I’m rolling the ZT for a while. 

[kento7421r]

Personally, I would choose zero torque over less torque if the price is the same

[shiftyc]

3 hours ago, Dommydazzler said:

I'm not sure what you are not understanding. Taylormade spiders retail for $350 usd. People are pointing out that these zero torque putters have a $100 premium added to them and questioning why. I'm pointing out LAB set the price point before any other company. Based on costs and labour etc. Other companies have said..... looks like people pay a premium for (zero torque/ lie angle balance). The answer as to why they are $100 usd more than their other spiders is.... because they can

Here in aus a spider is $400 and the new zt is $800. An extra $100 usd doesn't seem so bad but for whatever reason they are double the price of a regular spider here. Hurts a bit more. That being said I am probably going to buy one when my local shop gets them in this week.

[Dommydazzler]

34 minutes ago, shiftyc said:

Here in aus a spider is $400 and the new zt is $800. An extra $100 usd doesn't seem so bad but for whatever reason they are double the price of a regular spider here. Hurts a bit more. That being said I am probably going to buy one when my local shop gets them in this week.

I'm also in Australia mate. We get the rough end of the stick often with pricing and conversion rates. $450USD should work out to $700AUD.... but nah.... add an extra $100 for whatever reasons! 

[PSUJJH86]

Got mine yesterday. Playing 18 today. Rolled on my putting mat last night. Feel is softer than what I’m used to (milled blade) but still solid. Build quality is premium. Better than expected, even. Very stable roll. Hit a few out on the toe and still buried in center of cup. This could be the one…

[GolfRat1]

20 hours ago, Kmac said:

I plan on going to PGASS Thursday morning and rolling a 34" if they have any. High probability I leave with one.

I was at a PGASS yesterday and was told they would be in the store, Thursday morning 😬

[kmcb]

I wonder how noticeable the "Premium Milled True Path" is in person.

 

Is it enough for them to slap the word milled on the bottom and charge $100 more for a premium spider?

[dmac4g]

9 hours ago, murdoc613 said:

Can you talk some more about the headcover? It kind of looks like a large pillow to me lol 

Headcovers are exactly same size as other Spider variants.  Here is a picture comparing with another TM cover and the latest one from TBC.

 

[kenomikes]

ZT vs Spider Tour X. 
 

 

[JStang]

32 minutes ago, kenomikes said:

ZT vs Spider Tour X. 
 

 

 

Quite a bit larger. I'm sure the next version will be a bit slimmed down if this trend continues. I had one in my cart but probably one of those putter that you want to try before buying I would guess.