Cleveland · Putter · 2022
HB Soft 2 #1
CaddyIndex™ breakdown — what the agentic research found across each of the six performance dimensions, with cited sources.
You want a soft-feeling traditional blade with easy distance control at a budget price - and you putt with a slight arc.
You want maximum forgiveness from a mallet, or a premium-milled finish.
Pros
- A soft feel that rivals putters costing twice as much - a milled SOFT face matched to the head shape
- Easy distance control - consistent ball speed, especially on off-centre strikes
- A clean, simple traditional blade shape
- Excellent value - premium feel at a budget price
Cons
- A traditional blade - less forgiving than a mallet, with no forward-CG tungsten
- A value-tier finish rather than a premium-milled look
- Best for a slight-arc stroke - straight strokers need a face-balanced model in the line
By dimension
Forgiveness
A traditional value blade - the milled SOFT face helps normalise ball speed for steadier off-centre results, though as a traditional #1 blade with no forward-CG tungsten weighting it has a smaller stability envelope than a mallet or the Frontline line. Modest, blade-class forgiveness for a value putter.
Distance
Easy distance control - the Speed Optimized Face Technology genuinely delivers consistent ball speed, making distance control noticeably easier, especially on off-centre strikes. Good distance control for a value putter.
Workability
A slight-arc blade - the #1 blade is a moderate-toe-hang model, suited to a slight-arc stroke, the line also offering face-balanced models for straight strokes. Good arc-fit for the target stroke.
Feel
A standout - the soft feel from the milled SOFT face rivals putters costing twice as much, with a distinct milling pattern matched to the head shape, a premium soft response. Excellent feel for a value putter.
Sound
A soft, muted note - the milled SOFT insert gives a soft, muted note at impact. A clean, quiet putter acoustic for a value putter.
Looks at address
Clean and simple - the #1 is a clean, simple traditional blade shape, a tidy value-tier finish. A clean traditional blade, if value-tier rather than premium-milled.
Sources
Some of the reviews, lab tests and head-to-head comparisons the agentic research read while grading this club.