Putter · 2022
Cleveland HB Soft 2 #8C
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
- Looks80
- Sound78
Watch
Rated highest for feel and looks; its softest dimension is workability.
You putt with a straight-back, straight-through stroke and want a soft-feeling, forgiving, easy-to-aim center-shafted mid-mallet at a budget price.
You putt with an arc and want toe hang, or you want the largest high-MOI 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
- More forgiving than the blades in the line - a mid-mallet head
- Easy distance control - consistent ball speed, especially on off-centre strikes
- A center-shafted, face-balanced mid-mallet that's easy to aim, at a budget price
Cons
- A center-shafted face-balanced mallet - limited arc-fit, built for a straight stroke
- A value-tier finish rather than a premium-milled look
- Without the forward-CG tungsten of the Frontline line
By dimension
Forgiveness
SolidA forgiving mid-mallet - the #8 mid-mallet head spreads weight for more stability than the blades in the line, the milled SOFT face helping normalise ball speed on off-centre strikes. Good forgiveness for a value mid-mallet.
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
FairA center-shafted face-balanced mallet - the 8C is a centre-shafted, face-balanced model built for a straight-back, straight-through stroke, the line offering toe-hang models elsewhere for arc strokes. Limited arc-fit - built for a straight 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
StrongA clean, aligned mid-mallet - the 8C mid-mallet has clear alignment and a tidy shape at address, a value-tier finish. A clean, well-aligned mid-mallet for the price.
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
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Frequently asked questions
Who is the Cleveland HB Soft 2 #8C best for?
You putt with a straight-back, straight-through stroke and want a soft-feeling, forgiving, easy-to-aim center-shafted mid-mallet at a budget price.
Who should avoid the Cleveland HB Soft 2 #8C?
You putt with an arc and want toe hang, or you want the largest high-MOI mallet or a premium-milled finish.
What handicap is the Cleveland HB Soft 2 #8C suitable for?
The Cleveland HB Soft 2 #8C scores strongest for high-handicap golfers, and also suits mid-handicap golfers.
What is the Cleveland HB Soft 2 #8C best at?
In our research the Cleveland HB Soft 2 #8C rates highest for feel and looks at address, and is softest on workability.