Cleveland HB Soft 2 #1 Putter

The HB Soft 2 #1 is a plumber’s neck blade from Cleveland with a milled groove pattern that keeps putt speed steady on off center hits.

Why it made the list

Distance control is where most golfers lose strokes on the green, and a big reason is uneven speed when you miss the center. Cleveland’s Speed Optimized Face Technology mills a variable groove pattern into the face. That evens out ball speed across a larger hitting area, so a toe strike rolls closer to the same distance as a center strike.

The HB Soft 2 line also matches each head to a stroke type. Cleveland pairs every model with the right hosel, toe hang, alignment and grip, so the putter comes close to a custom build for a fraction of the price.

What it does well

• Keeps putt speed more consistent with Speed Optimized Face Technology
• Suits a slight arc thanks to a plumber’s neck and moderate toe hang
• Keeps the look simple with a classic blade shape and a single alignment line
• Keeps swing feel steady on longer builds with a 20 gram weight in the butt end at 35 inches and over

The blade shape and single line will feel familiar to anyone who has used an Anser style putter. The difference is in the face, where the groove pattern does the work that a softer insert would on a pricier putter.

Who it’s for

It is a strong pick for golfers who want a good blade for well under $200. It suits a slight arc stroke and players who struggle to judge speed on long putts. Newer golfers who want a proven brand without a big spend will like it too.

Who should skip it

Skip the #1 if your stroke is straight back and through. Cleveland makes face balanced models in the same line, like the #11 single bend and the Retreve, for that stroke. If you want the most forgiving head possible, a mallet will help more than any blade.

Key specs, explained

The #1 has a plumber’s neck, moderate toe hang and a 355 gram head. Loft is 3 degrees and lie is 70 degrees. It comes in 32, 34 and 35 inches, in right and left hand. The stock grip is the Cleveland Pistol, a standard 0.58 inch grip that weighs 72 grams. On the 35 inch build, the 20 gram counterweight in the shaft keeps the head from feeling heavy in your hands.

How it compares

The Wilson Infinite Bucktown Putter is a fang mallet with three alignment lines, and Wilson had it at $139.99 today. The Tour Edge Template Alps Black Putter is a milled, face balanced mallet that Tour Edge sells for $129.99. Choose the HB Soft 2 #1 if you want a blade with toe hang and better speed control.

Good to know

The HB Soft 2 line has nine standard models from blades to mallets, plus a broomstick version. The Retreve model has a head that can pick your ball out of the cup. GolfDiscount had the #1 at $149.99 today, but stock varies by hand and length, so check yours before you buy.

Questions about the HB Soft 2 #1

What is Speed Optimized Face Technology?

It is a milled groove pattern on the face that evens out ball speed across a larger striking area. That gives more consistent distance on off center putts.

Is the HB Soft 2 #1 available left handed?

Yes, the #1 comes in right and left hand. Cleveland lists it in 32, 34 and 35 inches.

What stroke type suits the HB Soft 2 #1?

A slight arc stroke suits it best, because it has a plumber’s neck and moderate toe hang. Straight strokes fit the face balanced models better.