Putter Comparisons
Complete Examination of Every Cleveland HB Soft 2 Putters (9 Models to Choose from)
The Cleveland Golf HB SOFT 2 Putter line, released on January 24, 2024, comprises nine distinct models, each tailored to specific stroke types and golfer preferences. All models feature Cleveland’s Speed Optimized Face Technology (SOFT) to ensure consistent ball speed across the face, promoting truer strikes and a consistent swing feel.
Here’s a breakdown of each model:
| Model | Description | Stroke Type Suitability | Alignment Aid | Hosel Type | Toe Hang |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model 1 | A classic blade design with a plumber’s neck hosel, offering a clean look and feel. Ideal for golfers with a slight arc in their putting stroke. | Slight Arc | Single alignment line | Plumber’s Neck | Moderate |
| Model 8C | A compact mallet with a center-shafted design, providing a face-balanced setup. Suitable for players with a straight-back, straight-through stroke. | Straight | Single alignment line | Center Shaft | Face-Balanced |
| Model 8S | Features a slightly enlarged blade design paired with a slant neck hosel and simple, one-line alignment. Best suited for a slight arc stroke. us.dunlopsports.com | Slight Arc | Single alignment line | Slant Neck | Moderate |
| Model 10.5 | A mid-mallet design with a double-bend hosel, offering enhanced stability and forgiveness. Ideal for golfers seeking a balanced feel. | Straight | Single alignment line | Double-Bend | Face-Balanced |
| Model 11 | A high-MOI mallet with a single bend hosel, providing maximum forgiveness on off-center hits. Perfect for players with a straight-back, straight-through stroke. | Straight | Single alignment line | Single Bend | Face-Balanced |
| Model 11C | Center-shafted version of Model 11, offering a face-balanced design for those preferring a centered setup. Suitable for straight stroke types. | Straight | Single alignment line | Center Shaft | Face-Balanced |
| Model 11S | Slant neck variant of Model 11, providing a slight toe hang for golfers with a slight arc in their stroke. | Slight Arc | Single alignment line | Slant Neck | Slight |
| Model 15 | A traditional mallet with a plumber’s neck hosel, combining a classic look with modern performance features. Ideal for players with a slight arc stroke. | Slight Arc | Single alignment line | Plumber’s Neck | Moderate |
| RETREVE | A unique design focused on alignment and ease of use, featuring a distinctive head shape to assist with setup and consistency. Suitable for various stroke types depending on personal preference. | Various | Enhanced alignment features | Varies | Varies |
Choosing the Right Model:
To select the most suitable HB SOFT 2 Putter model:
- Identify Your Stroke Type: Determine whether your putting stroke is straight-back-straight-through or has a slight arc.
- Consider Head Shape Preference: Decide between a blade or mallet design based on your visual preference and desired forgiveness level.
- Evaluate Alignment Aids: Choose a model with alignment features that enhance your setup comfort and confidence.
- Assess Hosel Configuration: Select a hosel type that complements your stroke mechanics and visual preference.
Cleveland’s SOFT Technology: What It Is and How It Helps
Cleveland Golf’s Speed Optimized Face Technology (SOFT) is designed to enhance distance control and consistency in putting. This technology ensures that putts maintain similar ball speeds, even on off-center strikes, leading to more predictable distance control.
How SOFT Technology Works
- Variable Face Milling
- The HB SOFT 2 putters feature a precision-milled pattern on the face that adjusts the energy transfer based on the impact location.
- The milling pattern is denser in the center and more spaced out toward the edges, ensuring that mishits travel almost the same distance as center strikes.
- Consistent Ball Speeds
- Traditional putters lose energy when a golfer misses the sweet spot, leading to putts that come up short.
- SOFT technology evens out the ball speed across the entire putter face, reducing this issue.
- Better Distance Control
- With a more uniform roll, golfers don’t have to compensate for off-center hits as much.
- This leads to improved lag putting and fewer three-putts.
Who Benefits the Most from SOFT Technology?
1. Golfers Who Struggle with Mishits
- If you tend to hit putts off-center, SOFT technology minimizes the penalty by keeping ball speeds more consistent.
2. High-Handicap Golfers & Beginners
- Players who haven’t mastered precise center-face contact will benefit from improved forgiveness.
3. Players Who Struggle with Distance Control
- If you find your putts coming up short or rolling too far past the hole inconsistently, SOFT technology helps normalize speed.
4. Golfers Who Play on Fast or Undulating Greens
- When greens are fast or have a lot of slopes, consistent ball speed helps keep putts on line and at the right pace.
How SOFT Technology Improves a Golfer’s Putting Game
- Reduces the effect of mishits, leading to more putts finishing near the hole.
- Provides a truer roll, meaning putts hold their line better.
- Builds confidence, since golfers don’t have to adjust for inconsistent speeds.
This makes the Cleveland HB SOFT 2 putters an excellent choice for golfers looking for a putter that delivers both forgiveness and precision on the greens.
