Spider Vicino Goes For Form and Function
March 3, 2010 by GNN
The next generation of the Rossa Monza Spider line of putters from TaylorMade has been introduced with the unveiling of the Monza Spider Vicino.
Seeking to combine function with form, TaylorMade sought a sleeker, more pleasing look, while maintaining high moment of inertia and forgiveness.
TaylorMade Spider Vicino
The most frequent request TaylorMade received concerning the original Monza Spider was about the aft wings that contain the weight ports. It was felt that tucking them in closer to the body would create a more streamlined appearance.
However, stability on off-centre hits in the Monza Spider and Itsy Bitsy Monza Spider came from weight distribution, which is why the wings were positioned so wide. Tucking the ports in would therefore reduce MOI and resistance to twisting.
It was determined that the ports could be shifted inward without losing significant MOI through the use of lighter material for the central core of the putter head and a heavier material for the wings.
A lightweight polymer core that weighs just 24 grams, 107 grams less than the Monza Spider’s Core, was used which allowed more weight into the Monza Spider Vicino’s perimeter through the use of a 316-gram steel frame, compared to 202 grams in the Monza Spider.
As a result, the weight ports were moved closer together, while still creating high MOI and greater stability on off-centre hits.
The new shape of the Vicino goes along with a crown design that isn’t as visually busy. Therefore, the “basketball court” alignment aid on the Monza Spider has been replaced by a thin, silver-coloured layer of steel that contrasts with the black PVD frame.
The steel crown layer has a single black line to aid alignment. The Vicino’s crown is also flush with the topline.
The Vicino also incorporates a new composite AGSI+ insert. While past Rossa inserts consisted of Titallium, the Vicino’s insert is made of carbon fibre and resin, like a graphite shaft.
The composite insert is in place to flex and “hold” the ball in its grooves more effectively at impact for more forward spin. The composite insert is also lighter, allowing for the redistribution of three grams to the perimeter.
The Vicino also features TaylorMade’s Movable Weight Technology and comes with two four-gram weights, while heavier or lighter weights can be purchased separately to customize the feel by increasing or decreasing the head weight through the use of a MWT wrench.
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