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What’s new? How much does it cost? And how does it perform? Nicola Slater brings you the low down on the new Cleveland HB Soft 2 putter
Cleveland is back for 2024 with their latest range of HB Soft putters. The new Cleveland HB Soft 2 putter collection is made up of nine putter designs. I tested the new HB Soft 2 blade 1 to see how it performed.
The new HB Soft 2 ‘Blade 1’ is one of nine new putters from Cleveland for 2024 as part of their new HB Soft 2 collection. Each putter in the range has been given a unique name or number with this classic blade shape being designated as number 1.
Overall, if you’re a player with a slightly arched stroke who wants a putter that will provide ample forgiveness of the face regardless of strike location, this is a great option. Retailing at £139 it is a very reasonable price for a quality blade putter.
PROS
CONS
The new HB Soft 2 ‘Blade 1’ is one of nine new putters from Cleveland for 2024 as part of their new HB Soft 2 collection. Each putter in the range has been given a unique name or number with this classic blade shape being designated as number 1.
In recent years, I have predominantly used mallet putters, and since testing the Cleveland Frontline RHO last year, it has taken a permanent place in my bag. With that said, the HB Soft 2 blade looks very nice. I loved the sleek design and shape of the plumber’s neck.
I actually tested this putter in the women’s length, which is just a little shorter. It has a smaller light grey grip as opposed to the standard black option.
On first impressions, I also really enjoyed the headcover’s good quality. The outside was made with a leather-like material, and the inside was fleece-lined with a magnetic fastening. I also really like the simple understated design of the putter and the clean classic lines.
Despite looking like a simple blade putter, Cleveland has vamped up the technology since the previous HB Soft range.
Each putter in the range is designed to have a consistent swing weight, regardless of length. The model I tested was slightly short; however, on putters which are over 35 inches, there will be a 20g counterbalance weight in the top of the shaft.
The HB Soft 2 range is divided into putters that cater for players with different stroke types. There are different neck bends to cater to those golfers with straight back straight through strokes or those with more of an arched stroke.
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The HB Soft 2 1 is in the slight arc category due to the plumber’s neck bend. This means that there is a moderate amount of toe hang, with the putter weight farther from your hands, allowing the face to open and close naturally.
The putter face on the Cleveland HB Soft 2, 1 is a thing of beauty and something that simply cannot be ignored when using it. The dynamic groove aggressive milling pattern is unique in every model of the putter in the range, and it’s there to help normalise the ball speed across the striking area. Doing this allows for more consistent ball speed so that player can better judge pace regardless of strike location.
Having used this out on the course, I was very impressed with how consistently the ball rolled off of the face. Despite the potential human error, I did find my pace putting to be very consistent out on the course and enjoyed how well the ball came off the putter’s face.
Cleveland hasn’t forgotten about the finishing touches either, even the grips have had a great amount of thought gone into them. The blade model 1, which I tested, comes with a pistol grip, allowing the player’s hands to turn over in the stroke naturally. In the straighter stroke models, the grip has been swapped out for an oversized version to quieten down hand movement.
Overall, if you’re a player with a slightly arched stroke who wants a putter that will provide ample forgiveness of the face regardless of strike location, this is a great option. Retailing at £139 it is a very reasonable price for a quality blade putter.
Available: 24th February
RRP: £139
Grip: HB Soft 2 Pistol, HB Soft 2 Pistol Oversize, Women’s HB Soft
More information: Cleveland Golf
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Nicola is a professional golfer, playing on the Ladies European Access Series (LETAS). It is a developmental tour designed for aspiring female golfers.
Having played golf for 17 years, starting aged 8, Nicola has represented both her county and country at junior and senior levels. She currently a member at Hickleton Golf Club but has previously held memberships at five other courses.
Nicola holds a BA (Hons) degree in Sports Studies, from the University of Stirling. She completed a four-year course, with her final year project focusing on the barrier women face in golf. This combination of real-world experience and academic insight underscores her commitment to the sport and her desire to contribute to its growth, particularly for female golfers. At Stirling, she was part of the Golf Scholarship program. Involving regular golf specific fitness and practice sessions. She had the opportunity to partake in tournaments and training camps, worldwide.
Over the years, Nicola has accumulated a wealth of knowledge not just about her own performance, but also about the nuances of the sport. Given her extensive playing background she has a deep understanding of the technical aspects of golf gear and the golf swing itself.
What’s in Nicola’s bag: Ping G430 driver, Titleist TS2 4-wood, Titleist T150/200 irons, Ping s159 wedges, Cleveland putter.
