Putter · 2022
Cleveland HB Soft 2 #5
The CaddyIndex™ breakdown: our rating across all six performance dimensions, researched from published expert reviews, online sentiment and our own weighting algorithm.
By the CaddyCompare editorial team · updated 5 June 2026
Performance index
Six researched ratings, lower (blue) through to elite (gold).
Where it wins
- Feel86
- Looks79
- Sound78
Watch
Rated highest for feel and looks; its softest dimension is forgiveness.
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
- A toe-hang model - suits a slight-arc stroke, 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
- Straight strokers need a face-balanced model in the line
By dimension
Forgiveness
FairA traditional value blade - the #5 is a traditional blade shape, with the milled SOFT face helping normalise ball speed on off-centre strikes, though as a blade with no forward-CG tungsten it has a smaller stability envelope than a mallet. Modest, blade-class forgiveness for a value putter.
Distance
StrongEasy distance control - the Speed Optimized Face Technology delivers consistent ball speed, making distance control noticeably easier on off-centre strikes. Good distance control for a value putter.
Workability
SolidA toe-hang blade for a slight arc - the #5 is a toe-hang blade, suited to a slight-arc stroke, the line also offering face-balanced models for straight strokes. Good arc-fit for the target stroke.
Feel
ExcellentA standout - the soft feel from the milled SOFT face rivals putters costing twice as much, with a milling pattern matched to the head shape, a premium soft response. Excellent feel for a value putter.
Sound
StrongA 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
StrongClean and simple - the #5 is a clean, simple traditional blade shape, a tidy value-tier finish. A clean traditional blade, if value-tier rather than premium-milled.
Sources
Dig into the independent expert reviews and lab tests that feed into how every club here is rated. Each one is worth reading in full — they carry the launch-monitor data, hands-on testing and detailed photography that paint the complete picture before you buy.
- Read the full review at Cleveland HB Soft 2 putters: Full reviews, club specs - golf.com
- Read the full review at Cleveland HB SOFT 2 Putters - MyGolfSpy
- Read the full review at Cleveland Golf HB Soft 2 8S Putter Review - Golfalot
- Read the full review at Cleveland HB Soft 2 11 Putter Review - National Club Golfer
- Read the full review at Cleveland Golf HB Soft 2 Putter Review - Golfer Hive
More Putter ratings
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Cleveland HB Soft 2 #5 best for?
You want a soft-feeling traditional blade with easy distance control at a budget price - and you putt with a slight arc.
Who should avoid the Cleveland HB Soft 2 #5?
You want maximum forgiveness from a mallet, or a premium-milled finish.
What handicap is the Cleveland HB Soft 2 #5 suitable for?
The Cleveland HB Soft 2 #5 suits a broad range of abilities, from high-handicap beginners through to scratch and tour players.
What is the Cleveland HB Soft 2 #5 best at?
In our research the Cleveland HB Soft 2 #5 rates highest for feel and looks at address, and is softest on forgiveness.