TaylorMade Spider Putter with Blast Technology

[Golfspy_CG2]

I could be wrong but I believe this is the first putter I've seen that has provided information technology built into the putter itself.   I'm curious to see how this would compare to some of the attachable putting devise out there and the information it provides.  Looks like a partnership wit SuperStroke, much like Cobra has done with Arccos. 

 

http://www.taylormadegolf.com/Spider-Interactive/DW-JIC41.html?cgid=taylormade-putters#start=2&

 

 

[JAGolfore]

So that's a $400 putter and if I read that correctly the technology is in the grip. So why can't I purchase just the grip from Taylormade? I wouldn't personally spend the money on this. Now if it was just the grip, maybe. I doubt people buy the Cobra connect drivers just for that feature. Some might but not many.

 

 

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[null]

Connecting the dots here:

 

Greg Sabella does Sports Marketing at BLAST.  The same Greg Sabella that was with SuperStroke in their Marketing group.  Would like to think Greg played a roll in the Blast/SS connection

[null]

I would bet BLAST has a booth at the PGA Show.  Would be interested to see what they have coming out from a golf perspective, and that if this is part of a much larger partnership with SuperStroke

[Golfspy_CG2]

The normal Spider sells for what $299 I think?   So you're paying $100 for the technology--all be it built into the grip as well. 

 

 Where I think TMAG may struggle here and it's basically what you pointed out.  When Cobra came out with the Arccos in it's grip I don't know if it was priced $100 higher than other drivers they had out.   Meaning could you buy and F7 with Cobra Connect for $499 and buy an F7 without it for $399.    Perhaps someone else will remember that.   

gad

I can see some techno geeks going for it, but I also can see most everyone that wants that info, buying the putter then getting one of the 3rd party gadgets for it if they want the technoology. 

[Berg Ryman]

Sure, let's get the headline stuff out of the way. Yep, it's $400. Yep, the tech appears to be in the grip like other sensor based tech. Yep, it's TM so some are going to hate it just because. Yep, Mark Crossfield probably isn't going to get one to test.

 

Now, to what I consider to be the most interesting part of that description. That TM has partnered with Andy and Piers from Me And My Golf to provide drills and tips to help with putting. This continues to show the growing influence of the YouTube golf pro. From Crossfield's club deal, Shiels and Finch's clothing deals, and now this chance for the MAMG guys, the landscape of golf media and how it's consumed is changing and it's really cool to see.

[03trdblack]

You can buy the sensor and a rubber device that will fit over your current putter on the Blast website for $150 if you just want the sensor.

 

Anyone remember the Adams Dixx Blu putter??

[Tony Covey MGS]

Immediate issue I see (apart from the fact that Blast technology has thus far proved less than compelling) is that Blast integration precludes the use of Arccos, Game Golf, or any other grip-embedded putting sensor.

[GolfSpy MPR]

Immediate issue I see (apart from the fact that Blast technology has thus far proved less than compelling) is that Blast integration precludes the use of Arccos, Game Golf, or any other grip-embedded putting sensor.

 

Yep, this is something that irks me, but it's showing up in more putter grips. The SuperStrokes with the weight in the butt end have the same problem, as does the Flat Cat, which doesn't have a vent hole in the top of the grip (it's on the side).

 

I have one Game Golf sensor from which I cut the screw and applied double-sided tape as a workaround. Not especially elegant, but it works.

[PMookie]

I would bet BLAST has a booth at the PGA Show. Would be interested to see what they have coming out from a golf perspective, and that if this is part of a much larger partnership with SuperStroke

My golf pro works directly with the designer of the Blast Motion for golf. I have the sensor, and it's phenomenal. There is SO much more available right now that one can do with it than just look at data., like lessons, drills, etc. The applications for the full-swing, the app, and a WHOLE bunch more are going to be awesome. I can't wait to see when it all goes public.

 

 

 

 

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[PMookie]

Immediate issue I see (apart from the fact that Blast technology has thus far proved less than compelling) is that Blast integration precludes the use of Arccos, Game Golf, or any other grip-embedded putting sensor.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my Blast and the best way to use it, as mentioned by the creator of the device, is to connect with one's pro and use the data as a larger plan for improvement. The data itself is overwhelming. 99.9% of folks have no idea what to do with all of the readings and the “why” behind the numbers and recommendations. My Pro can read all of my numbers, see video with the numbers showing on the screen, and then help me learn from them and then be guided by him of what to do.

 

I think the biggest problem Blast has is folks not using their pro. Heck, most pros don't know what it can do and how to apply it all. Lots of negative out there, but having a pro that is certified with Blast is how the golfer uses the technology to the maximum.

 

 

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[Golfspy_CG2]

I would bet BLAST has a booth at the PGA Show.  Would be interested to see what they have coming out from a golf perspective, and that if this is part of a much larger partnership with SuperStroke

They will in fact be there.   I'll add them to my list to stop by and see. 

[PlaidJacket]

I don't think this would be something I'd be interested in purchasing. Blast. Or the putter for that matter... certainly not spending $400. I've already got an over-priced putter and it wasn't a blast when I bought it. (Edel)

 

If I were interested is analyzing my putting I'd probably just seek out someone with a Sam Lab device and do that and be done.

[TSauer]

How long before all clubs are smart clubs?

[PlaidJacket]

Good question Sauer. It's defiantly coming along I think. I've always said here in the forum that eventually the club and the ball will work as one. We'll eventually be able to replay each shot on our phones or computers and analyze every stroke. Think trackman type date over each hole during your round. Will I want all that? Hard to say right now seeing how I don't care for the TM putter-blast technology discussed. Guess we'll have to wait and see what "they" come up with.

[Peterpc2828]

Not a huge TMAG fan but I'm loving how they are trying to think outside the box with added technology, curious to see if it's more gimmick than helpful but at least it's something different and not just another new color.

 

 

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[Rtracymog]

So that's a $400 putter and if I read that correctly the technology is in the grip. So why can't I purchase just the grip from Taylormade? I wouldn't personally spend the money on this. Now if it was just the grip, maybe. I doubt people buy the Cobra connect drivers just for that feature. Some might but not many.

 

 

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I went to a TM night for retailers last week and the same question was raised. The blast tech in the grip is designed and formulated to just work with the spider putter. Something about the way it reads the amount of opening, closing, etc.

 

 

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[STUDque]

So you guys are nailing the practical application and value questions I had. Here's one I didn't see related to the user interaction:

 

 

 

Since it's a sensor in the grip with accelerometers and such inside, that probably means it needs to be charged right? It won't be like the shot scope that's just a magnetic signature or low voltage frequency to be read. Is the grip going to be removable or will you have to take the whole putter to charge? I guess the picture makes it look like there will be removable batteries (if that's even what those are).

 

 

 

I don't know what would be worse, getting to the course only to realize you left your putter charging at home or coming back to read your data and find your battery died half way through.

Maybe this putter and the Sun Mountain powered bag would be a nice pairing.

 

 

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[Miboy62]

Can the pros use this during a tournament?

[cnosil]

The question I have is what is going to be the difference between the TM version and the one you can buy from Blast directly.   Reading the specs,  it seems like it provides SAM like numbers.  

 

https://blastmotion.com/products/golf/golf-player/ 

[Mr_Theoo]

I think @golfspydave has a blast thing

[Rtracymog]

Can the pros use this during a tournament?

No they can't. It comes with a dummy cap for tourney play.

 

 

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[GolfJunkie302]

Definitely would not purchase this putter. Once the grip wears out, you essentially have an overpriced Spider putter. Same with Cobra Connect drivers -- once the grip wears out, you lose the Arccos technology with it.

 

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[PMookie]

I do find this thread to be interesting as most have no idea what Blast is. Like the general public... Therefore, I think it will be a miss.

 

 

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[PMookie]

So you guys are nailing the practical application and value questions I had. Here's one I didn't see related to the user interaction:

 

IMG_6823.PNG

 

 

I guess the picture makes it look like there will be removable batteries (if that's even what those are).

 

 

 

 

 

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Those are the sensors that go into the grip, or grip cover in my case. They sit on top of the “hockey puck” looking charger to charge-up.

 

 

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[STUDque]

Those are the sensors that go into the grip, or grip cover in my case. They sit on top of the “hockey puck” looking charger to charge-up.

 

 

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OK so still the same concept. You've gotta charge your sensors.

 

Any idea if you need both at once or if they can act as replacements when the charge runs out? Like front 9/back 9

 

 

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[PMookie]

Just to give you all one SMALL glimpse into some of the data the Blast captures, here is a screen shot showing just a few of the onscreen data captured during a putting stroke.

Here are a few pics of data captured during a recent putting drill I was doing. The putting drills, and full-swing drills, are given by Blast complete with video explanation of them.

Then, for each that has “goal” in the picture, there is a goal identified for that data point based on handicap range. So, if you're trending in a 10 handicap range, and want to get that aspect of your stroke in the scratch or +1 handicap, it shows you what you should aim for.

 

Folks, there is SO much data that the Blast captures, as you can see, one REALLY needs a pro trained on the device to work with so as to put the numbers to use.

 

Again, I think a miss by TM as folks will buy this putter, have the data, and be frustrated with the amount of info, and no application.

 

Great sell job by Blast!!! Although, customer dissatisfaction with the tech may hurt long-term.

 

 

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[tommc23]

Thanks Kieldog that have me more info on the product than I ever have

 

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[PMookie]

OK so still the same concept. You've gotta charge your sensors.

 

Any idea if you need both at once or if they can act as replacements when the charge runs out? Like front 9/back 9

 

 

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Not sure. Only one comes per order, normally. The charge lasts 8-10 hours...

 

 

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[cnosil]

Thank kieldog. Nice to see that actual screen since the blast site doesn't do a good job in showing how the information is presented. Definitely need to understand the putting stroke to know how to apply the results.

 

I Have been considering purchasing one but felt like the information on the site was lacking the necessary details