For a second, I thought TaylorMade was skipping Black Friday announcements this year. I had the impression that, like that neighbor, they had already moved on to December decorations.
Just last week, TaylorMade released theirs TP5 Collector’s Edition Ball Set and an Abominable Snowman spider cover. To me, those two releases showed that TaylorMade was well on its way to Christmas.
As it turns out, they had another surprise to kick off the shopping season: a blacked-out version of their popular Spider 5K-ZT zero-torque rig.
Technically, TaylorMade is promoting the Spider ZT Black as a line extension, but they also say quantities of the single-line version will be available in “limited quantities” at retail stores. Let’s just say OTHER USEFUL will be available for purchase today.
Shortness aside, the Spider ZT Black is a very interesting (and slightly confusing) sight. the incredible Spider 5K-ZT Zero Torque Gauge.
On the one hand, the new TaylorMade 5K-ZT Black is a general aesthetic spin on the original Spider 5K-ZT model. On the other hand, it left me with some questions about the aesthetic choices.
Blackened top with new stretch lines
The picture above is what the stock Spider 5K-ZT looks like at address. It’s been a while since I shared that photo, so I figured you could use a refresher.
Now let’s look at Spider ZT Black.
At address, the TaylorMade Spider ZT Black has a great new look. The top surface is all black and the alignment lines on the front of the impeller have been tripled in number.
These new painted lines fit right into textural grooves that run perpendicular to the face of the cutter. The combination of the two makes framing the ball almost automatic.
Your eyes will only be drawn to one place on this meter.
If three lines aren’t your thing, TaylorMade will also offer a single-line variant in black. It’s another solid looking shooter, but I think I like the three lines.
Specifications: TaylorMade Spider ZT Black
- Materials: Stainless steel and aluminum
- thrust: Black PureRoll
- Length: Standard: 33″, 34″ and 35″ Counterbalance: 36″ and 38″
- SKILLS: RH and LH
- attic: 3°
- Lies: 70°
- Hanging fingers: Thumbs up
- Head weight: 370 g (standard) or 395 g (counterbalance)
- fastening: SuperStroke’s Pistol 1.0 (standard length), SuperStroke’s 2.0XL 13.75″ round (36″) or SuperStroke’s 3.0 17″ (38″) round grip
- shaft: KBS CT Putter 120 Black Stepless (Standard) or KBS Custom Graphite (Counterbalance)
of PRINCIPALLY black aesthetic
The most confusing thing about this new black gauge is that it’s not completely black.
Usually, when companies go off the beaten path, they make every nook and cranny of the tire blacker. For the Spider ZT Black, TaylorMade chose one PRINCIPALLY black appearance.
“Your friend here is just VERY DEAD. There’s a big difference between mostly dead and all dead. Mostly dead is a little bit alive.”
While most of the metal and the insert are all black, the Spider ZT Black still has some non-black color.
To paraphrase the quote above:
“Spider ZT Black is just VERY black. There’s a big difference between mostly black and all black. Mostly dead is slightly not black.“
Sight lines are white, which probably makes them more useful than black lines. I understand that. The logos on the rubber sole are also white. The white one could have been painted black.
The really strange thing is that there is still a whole bunch of blue in the machine.
The single plate is blue and so is the headgear. Perhaps the blue is intended to be a special color for the Spider 5K-ZT line and that is why TaylorMade left parts of the Spider ZT Black putter blue.
However, the blue headdress has annoyed me.
Why didn’t TaylorMade make the headstock black? This looks low-hanging fruit to increase freshness. A black cover would really complement the black axle and other black components.
I’d probably be less critical if TaylorMade weren’t a great headwear company. Seriously, the different incarnations of their Spider heads are incredible.
Just look at the cover for Midnight Howl Spider limited edition wolf themed from last Halloween. The headgear that went with that shooter was definitely even cooler than the headgear itself.
(With the last name Wolfe, I really should have bought one of those kegs…)
I suppose if this new Spider ZT Black is just an extension of the line then the head cover makes sense. It just seems like a missed opportunity for TaylorMade to do something special about it.
TaylorMade Spider ZT Black Availability and Pricing
If you’re looking to score a piece (ask) of TaylorMade’s delicious Spider Darkness, they’re available online today and (probably) at a store near you today or very soon.
Note that model dictates availability.
Triple versions of the Spider ZT Black will be sold exclusively online atwww.taylormadegolf.com. The single-line version will be sold online and in “limited quantities” in retail stores.
Unfortunately, I don’t have any production numbers that I can pass on. I’m thinking they will be more plentiful than a limited edition Spider and less than a 5K-ZT Spider.
If you want one, I’ll go towww.taylormadegolf.com with a little haste.
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