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Can this putter help deliver more consistency with longer putts? Jack Backhouse tests out the Cleveland HB Soft 2 11C Putter to find out.
Cleveland Golf are no strangers to delivering value-packed equipment, and their HB Soft 2 putters continue that tradition with a blend of performance-driven design and accessible pricing. At the heart of the line-up sits the 11C which is a centre-shafted mallet that brings a new twist to a fan-favourite head shape. Aimed squarely at golfers with a straight-back, straight-through stroke, this model promises forgiveness, feel, and consistency. But, does it deliver where it matters? We put it to the test to find out in our Cleveland HB Soft 2 11C putter review…
Cleveland’s HB Soft 2 11C putter offers excellent feel, forgiveness, and technology at a price point that’s hard to beat. While the centre-shafted design may not suit every eye, it shines for players seeking a stable stroke path and consistent distance control.
PROS
Excellent value for money
Solid distance control
Forgiving on off-centre strikes
Comfortable counterbalanced grip
Wide range of models and custom fit options
CONS
Centre-shaft design may make short putt alignment trickier
Cleveland HB Soft 2 11C Putter Review: First Impressions
Cleveland has stuck to what works and is popular with the HB Soft 2 11C. They have produced a design built around one of the most trusted head shapes in modern putting. To me it is a bit reminiscent of the Odyssey #7, the fang-style mallet is arguably the standout of the HB Soft 2 line-up, and for good reason. This particular version adds a twist: a centre-shafted hosel designed for a very specific type of stroke.
Visually, the putter carries a clean, no-nonsense aesthetic. The finish is sharp, the face milling pattern looks premium, and the grip and shaft combination are well thought throughout.
If there’s a knock on presentation, it’s the Velcro headcover, which feels like a cost-cutting measure. But with Cleveland known for delivering value, some compromises are to be expected and for the brilliant price that is something you can accept.
NCG Verdict
At the heart of the HB Soft 2 range is Speed Optimized Face Technology. I found the benefits of this latest technology from Cleveland to work really well. The deeper milling in the centre and lighter milling toward the heel and toe aim to equalise ball speed regardless of strike location. This means a more predictable roll, especially on longer putts where off-centre hits are more likely.
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The counterbalanced grip is another thoughtful touch, placing extra weight at the top of the shaft to help with feel and tempo. I think for players chasing consistency in their roll and confidence in their distance control, this feature could be a quiet game-changer.
But, it is on the longer putts where the 11C really shines. The centre-shafted design encourages a straight-back, straight-through stroke and delivers a reliable, balanced feel through impact. I found the feedback was clear without being harsh, and my distance control benefitted noticeably from the face technology.
Where the putter becomes more polarising is when faced with those nervy jangling short putts. The centre-shafted design interrupts the alignment line, which can make aiming on short putts more challenging. During my testing, I experienced a few misses until the adaptation kicked in. Another point to note is that if you’re used to heel-shafted models or prominent alignment aids this might take a bit of getting use to.
However, once the alignment is sorted, the weighting and stability of the head offer strong short-range performance. If you’re willing to commit to the learning curve, this putter rewards you with excellent feel and precision.
Final Verdict
Overall, I think the Cleveland HB Soft 2 11C is a standout performer in the value for money category. It combines modern face technology with a classic shape and a unique shaft position to serve a very specific putting style. While the centre-shafted design might not be for everyone, it’s hard to argue against the build quality and impressive performance, especially given the price point.
This model is tailor-made for golfers with a straight-back, straight-through stroke, particularly those looking for a consistent roll and more forgiveness on mis-hits. I do strongly believe that the 11C may not be ideal for players with strong arc strokes or those reliant on traditional alignment lines, but within the nine-model HB Soft 2 range, there’s something for everyone.
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Cleveland HB Soft 2 11C Putter Review: The Details
