The Spider GT range of putters from TaylorMade has four models: the Spider GT, the Notchback, the Splitback, and the Rollback all offering modern takes on what have become very familiar mallet head shapes.
The Spider GT Rollback is said to offer stability from every angle with traditional mallet shaping that can be likened to that of the old RAM Zebra Putters. However, this traditional shaping is being coupled by contemporary technology found throughout the Spider GT putter range.
The Tech
The Rollback is a classic half-moon mallet which is enhanced by a heavy tungsten rollbar at the back of the putter for added perimeter weighting and increased stability. However, there are plenty other features and technologies to make this as stable as TaylorMade claim.
The Rollback top design is all about offering strong alignment whilst adding confidence for the golfer, making it easy to centre the golf ball at address whilst helping players visualise the line of their putt to the hole.
An anodized aluminium cap weighing 232g is designed to deliver a centred CG for forgiveness whilst the tri-sole design allows golfers to sit the putter squarely on the ground without changing face angle.
The standout piece of technology is that TaylorMade have implemented an 80g heavy tungsten stability bar that wraps around the back and side of the putter for added forgiveness and stability. This piece of technology reminded me specifically of the forged aluminium ring used in the back of the SIM2 drivers.
For 2022, TaylorMade have updated the Pure Roll insert. Pure Roll 2 now promises more topspin on putts with black TPU urethane with silver aluminium beams at a 45° angle.
Finally this putter also features TaylorMade's Fluted Feel shaft.
TaylorMade Spider GT Rollback Putter Review
Looks & Feel
Historically, I have never really been a fan of half-moon shaped putters but with the Rollback it was a different story. I think this putter looks great. The strong and consistent lines from front to back really helped to inspire confidence and and frame the golf ball brilliantly.
Although it comes in silver too, I reviewed the Rollback in Silver and Black which again only helped to frame the ball strongly making alignment with the ball as well as the line of your putt pretty straight forward. The contrast of the three white lines on the black alignment aid really worked and focused my attention on the ball.
Visually I think this is the strongest looking putter in 2022 Spider GT line-up, just because it helps so much to boost your confidence over the ball and it does so without having too big a footprint - this is a mallet but it's not huge. If you're a player that normally prefers a blade putter but could probably do with the added forgiveness of a mallet - this could be for you.
As I've found a lot in recent years from TaylorMade, the overall build quality of the putter is what impressed me most and the Rollback felt premium in every aspect. The grip, head, insert and even the headcover looked great - gone are the days of paint chipping on TaylorMade putters.
The Pure Roll2 insert in terms of sounds is actually quite quiet, you get more of a 'knock' than a 'click' sound at impact - it's a dull sound which I liked.
I found the roll of the putts to be quite firm and fast off the face too, once I became accustomed to hitting the correct weight of putt, I felt it gave me a great roll - the sort of putts that try to hug the surface of the green and do their best for you - even on mishit putts.
I'm a big fan of this Pure Roll2 insert, it just feels really solid.
Performance
With the 80g heavy tungsten stability bar weight being around the back of the putter, there isn't as much stability through the stroke as the TaylorMade Spider GT Notchback putter that Dan has also reviewed, but I prefer this as it offers more feel and allows for a little more head manipulation throughout the strike.
An area in which I really enjoyed the Rollback was on mid to short length putts, I found it gave me tons of confidence to pick a line, concentrate on it and then execute the putt, this had a lot to do with the looks of the putt but also the overall feel and weighting of it.
Added to that, as TaylorMade claim, I also found there to be plenty of forgiveness in the head, but not too much. By too much I mean that there was still a good amount of feel in the head, I sometimes find with super-high MOI putters like the Evnroll Zero Putter Review or the Odyssey Eleven Putter Review you really lose feel and touch with certain putts and I tend to miss putts right - with Rollback this wasn't the case and I felt really comfortable.
The Rollback is available with two different hosels. I tested this putter in the single bend shaft which makes the putter face balanced. This option will work for golfers making a straight back, straight through stroke, which again suited me during my testing. The second option is the slant neck which I would also be interested to try if I was to get custom fitted for this putter. This hosel produces 21 degrees of toe hang, per TaylorMade.
Finally, the Spider GT Rollback features the new Pure Roll 2 face insert which TaylorMade claims produces more topspin across the face (or less backspin) through aluminium beams set at a 45° angle to improve topspin. During testing I found this to be true with putts having a consistent forward roll straight off the face. I was testing on fast greens at Prestbury Golf Club and found even on long putts hit firmly there wasn't too much skid.
TaylorMade Spider GT Rollback Putter Verdict
I really enjoyed testing this putter and having hit putts with each of the other models in the Spider GT range for 2022, found it to be my favourite.
For me it just strikes a great balance of forgiveness and feel which is exactly what I'm looking for in a putter. That combined with the premium build quality, finish, and the confidence inspiring looks I can see the Rollback being a great putter for many golfers.
With an RRP of £279 unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, this is a very expensive putter. However, you will have to weigh up whether you think it's worth the investment.
Who Is It Aimed At?
Players who like classic putters shapes with forgiveness, a soft feeling putter face and may struggle with alignment.
Would I Use It?
Yes. I will be using this putter for the 2022 season.
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TaylorMade Spider GT Splitback Putter Review
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