TaylorMade Spider GT vs Scotty Cameron Special Select:
Which Is Better in 2026?
Updated February 2026 · 8 min read
The TaylorMade Spider GT wins this matchup.
The Spider GT is the more forgiving, more consistent putter for the majority of golfers. Its high-MOI mallet design minimizes the impact of off-center strikes, making it the smarter choice for golfers who want to hole more putts without perfecting their stroke first.
Players wanting the ultimate premium blade putter experience
Distance & Ball Speed
The Spider GT's Pure Roll insert promotes forward spin immediately off the face, creating more consistent roll-outs and better distance control on long putts. The Scotty Cameron's milled face is excellent for distance feel in skilled hands but more punishing on mishits. For 20-40 foot lag putts, the Spider GT produces more predictable results for average players.
Forgiveness
This is the Spider GT's biggest advantage. Its mallet design with perimeter weighting creates significantly higher MOI than the Scotty Cameron's blade and mid-mallet shapes. Off-center putts maintain speed and direction much better with the Spider GT. If you struggle with consistent face contact, the Spider GT could save you 2-3 putts per round.
Feel & Sound
The Scotty Cameron wins on feel, and it's not particularly close. The milled stainless steel face provides direct, honest feedback that serious golfers crave. The Spider GT's insert is effective but creates a softer, more dampened sensation that sacrifices feedback for consistency. The question is whether you value feel or results more.
Adjustability
Neither offers adjustability in stock form. The Spider GT is available in more head shapes (mallet variations) while the Scotty Cameron offers more refined blade options. Choose based on your stroke type — straight-back-straight-through favors the Spider GT, arcing strokes favor the Scotty Cameron.
Price & Value
The Spider GT at $299-349 vs the Scotty Cameron at $399-449 makes TaylorMade the clear value winner. The Spider GT delivers more measurable putting performance for less money. The Scotty Cameron's premium buys prestige and superior feel, but the Spider GT makes more putts for the average golfer.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | TaylorMade Spider GT | Scotty Cameron Special Select |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349 | $449 |
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.6/5 |
| type | Mallet | Blade |
| insert | Pure Roll | Milled 303 stainless (no insert) |
| length | 33", 34", 35" | 33", 34", 35" |
| head weight | 365g | 350g |
| alignment | True Path | Flange line |
| feel | 7/10 | 10/10 |
| forgiveness | 9/10 | 6/10 |
| roll | 9/10 | 9/10 |
Pros & Cons
TaylorMade Spider GT
Pros
- ✓ Extremely stable on off-center putts
- ✓ True Path alignment is excellent
- ✓ Tour-proven design
- ✓ High MOI for consistency
Cons
- ✗ Heavy head takes adjustment
- ✗ Not for blade putter fans
- ✗ Premium price for a putter
Scotty Cameron Special Select
Pros
- ✓ Unmatched milled feel and quality
- ✓ Holds value incredibly well
- ✓ Tour-preferred design
- ✓ Beautiful craftsmanship
Cons
- ✗ Most expensive putter on this list
- ✗ Less forgiving than mallets
- ✗ Almost too pretty to game
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the TaylorMade Spider GT if...
The Spider GT suits golfers from 5-30+ handicap who want maximum consistency from their putter. If you're tired of three-putting and want technology to help, the Spider GT is the solution. It's also ideal for straight-back-straight-through stroke types.
Choose the Scotty Cameron Special Select if...
The Scotty Cameron is for single-digit handicappers who putt with feel and touch. If you have a refined stroke and want the most responsive putter available, the Scotty rewards your skill. It's also the choice for golfers who value craftsmanship and prestige.
Our Verdict
The Spider GT is the more forgiving, more consistent putter for the majority of golfers. Its high-MOI mallet design minimizes the impact of off-center strikes, making it the smarter choice for golfers who want to hole more putts without perfecting their stroke first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a mallet putter like the Spider GT better than a blade like the Scotty Cameron?
For most amateur golfers, yes. Mallets have higher MOI (resistance to twisting on mishits), which means more consistent results. Blades offer more feel and workability but demand better stroke mechanics. Statistics show that amateurs miss the center of the putter face by an average of 0.5 inches — at that level of inconsistency, a mallet's forgiveness is more valuable than a blade's feel.
Will switching from a blade to a mallet putter improve my putting?
Likely yes, if your current three-putt rate is high. The transition requires adjusting to a different look at address and potentially a different alignment system, but most golfers see improved distance control within 2-3 rounds. The key is proper fitting — make sure the mallet's weight, length, and lie angle match your stroke.
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