It’s time to raise the curtain on Cleveland Golf’s new Huntington Beach SOFT Premier putters and its expansion of the successful Huntington Beach SOFT line. Cleveland Golf has consistently proven that you can make high-quality milled putters with absolute attention to detail and face technology at a really competitive price point. If you haven’t been paying attention to Cleveland putters, it may be time you perked up because you may just be surprised with what you learn.
Milling technology is the big story with both lines, as the new Huntington Beach SOFT Premier and the Huntington Beach SOFT putters are built on the same underlying technology, SOFT. SOFT, or Speed Optimized Face Technology, is face milling technology that is designed to help golfers with one of the biggest problems plaguing amateurs: speed and distance control. Cleveland Golf’s proprietary Speed Optimized Face Technology is designed to normalize ball speed across a larger portion of the face, including impacts that stray from the center.
According to Cleveland, SOFT works by creating a non-uniform milling pattern on the face. Specifically, SOFT putters feature a condensed and concentrated milling pattern in the center of the face, which effectively decreases the amount of direct contact between the face and the ball at impact, and a more spaced out milling pattern as you get further away from the center that increases direct contact with the ball. As a result, center strikes have less direct contact with the ball, and off center strikes have more direct contact with the ball, but with SOFT the inherent lower speeds caused by off-center strikes is effectively normalized with a center strike. All told, you get better, more consistent speed control regardless of impact location. If you are anything like me, having more consistent speed control will directly translate to more confidence on the greens, more aggressive strokes, and shorter second putts.
Another thing to love about SOFT is that it is technology you can see. And if you take a look at multiple different models, you will clearly see that Cleveland’s SOFT design is not once size fits all. Indeed, Cleveland has carefully optimized a SOFT milling design for each putter, so you will have an optimized milling regardless of which shape you use.
Huntington Beach SOFT Premier
The new Huntington Beach SOFT Premier putters are designed with a premium, sleek appearance as compared to the successful Huntington Beach SOFT line. Each putter in the Premier line features a Grey Satin finish that limits glare and adds a quality finish and high-end look. The dark Grey Satin finish is paired with a black shaft and an all-black grip, which gives the putter an aggressive and modern look. Although the darker finish won’t technically make you a better putter, there is something to the idea of “look good, feel good; feel good, putt good.”
As the photos above show, the face of the Huntington Beach SOFT Premier putters has a uniquely crafted, deep diamond-shaped CNC milled pattern in the 340 Stainless Steel head. This type of milling design produces a soft sound and feel at impact that Cleveland putters are known for.
Not only is the SOFT milling design unique to each head shape, the stock putter grip is also optimized depending on the shape of the putter. Face balanced Premier putters, which favor a straight back-straight through stroke, come standard with an all-black Lamkin SINKFIT Pistol grip. Toe Hang Premier putters, which favor a slight to strong arc, come stock with an all-black Lamkin SINKFIT Skinny Pistol. Matching your grip type to your stroke is a fantastic thing because a better fit means better performance.
The Huntington Beach SOFT Premier will be offered in lengths of 33, 34, and 35 inches and in the following eight shapes at launch:
Huntington Beach SOFT
In addition to the Premier line, Cleveland Golf is expanding its successful Huntington Beach SOFT line of putters to include the same shapes as the Premier line.
The new Huntington Beach SOFT putters feature the same SOFT technology described above with the same deep CNC milled diamond pattern in the same soft 304 Stainless Steel. As a result, the technology that is packed into the Premier line is also available in a Satin finish. The Huntington Beach SOFT putters that are face balanced come stock with the Cleveland Golf Huntington Beach SOFT Oversized Grip, whereas putters with a slight to strong arc come stock with a Huntington Beach SOFT Pistol Grip.
As was the case with the original Huntington Beach SOFT putters, Cleveland offers customization and paintfill for a very small fee on both lines of putters directly through its website. Plenty of golfers have already discovered the quality of Cleveland’s putters, and these new lines continue to show that just because it is one of the best deals on the market doesn’t mean it can’t dominate and stand out from the crowd, too.
You can learn more about these new putters and other club offerings by visiting their webstie at www.clevelandgolf.com.
The Details:
Huntington Beach SOFT Premier
Available: August 21, 2020
Price: $159.99
Heads: # 3, 4, 8, 10.5, 10.5C, 11, 11S, 14
Grips: SINKFIT Skinny Pistol or SINKFIT Pistol
Huntington Beach SOFT
Available: August 21, 2020
Price: $129.99
Heads: # 3, 4, 8, 10.5, 10.5C, 11, 11S, 14
Grip: Huntington Beach SOFT Oversized Grip or Huntington Beach SOFT Pistol Grip
Hoping to get out on Sunday with my Dad.
I have tee times for Friday and Saturday.
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Putted well today in only my second live round with this putter, 32 putts with a birdie and an eagle with a couple more that just missed. Distance control was good too. Feedback off the center of the face is noticeable but even missing off center putts tend to roll on my intended line.
It was fantastic! I was a little worried because I havent been liking the grip all that much. But, this thing was spot on. Had a few putts that gave me even more confidence. She was a champ last night! Still not a big fan of the sight line. Will probably be changing the paint on that. But, all in all…..FANTASTIC!! Definitely my new gamer!!
I see you also used yours in a little bit of rain or wet. The finish gets some spots that are hard to remove but I’m going to try to use an oil rag to see if that works. Tomorrow is round 2 of the weekend and I’m hoping to have a great report after.
Its just great all around and cannot (cannot!) be beat for the money. The ball rolls so true off the face, it sets up and frames the ball so well, and the #11 head is super forgiving if you miss the center. I’m not sure if that forgiveness is due to the SOFT technology or if it is the high head weight but it’s real.
The only thing I don’t love right now is the finish when it gets wet. The drops water dry and leave marks that don’t wipe away easily. I had to get out my oil rag to make them go away, so all is right with the world.
Confidence is sky high right now – 30 putts with three birdies. It is making a REAL strong push to stay in the bag.
They will be very (if not completely) the same outside of the grip, assuming you are talking about the other SOFT line that Cleveland sells right now.
yup…that’s the one. haven’t rolled mine in a while….
Shame! But I get it if you have a rotation you love.
nothing has been able to bump the elevado out…
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I’ve got the original HB SOFT #11, and have rolled it side-by-side with the Premier #10.5. Reader’s Digest version, they both perform pretty much the same, as far as roll and feel go. I prefer the #11 shape (and Odyssey #7, etc), it is just so easy to line up, but I do like the Premier look better, and the grip on the Premier is probably the nicest putter grip I’ve ever used. I’m putting really well with the #10.5, and it will be staying in the bag for a while, although I might eventually go back to my #11 (or trade it up to a Premier #11).
i may have to roll mine just for s***s and giggles. i was pondering a premier 11 but it wouldn’t add "variety" to the dwindling putter collection (‘ve sold off 3)…the odyssey 10 and heppler TomCat have been clicked on repeatedly over the last couple of weeks…the anser blades as well
This is my first putter with a pistol grip and it took some getting used to. Speed with this putter was good for me and there were quite a few longer putts that just missed going in or were just off line a bit. Can’t say I had the greatest day putting, but I definitely think this may be my new putter (my previous putter is a TM Spider Tour X). Hoping to get a few more rounds with it before the weather starts turning here in NE.
Only minor complaint is the headcover. It’s a little snug, most likely due to being brand new and sort of plain. I’m a person who likes to swap out the original manufacturers covers anyways and get something unique for my clubs, so I’ll be on the lookout for a new headcover. I think I have a "F*ck 3 Putts" headcover somewhere that may fit this putter perfectly.
There is noticeable difference when missing the sweet spot. When you hit it, its a softer feeling, when you miss its more firm. Putts still seem to roll on line and I don’t know what it is but its been a while since I’ve seen the line on the ball rolling end over end more often than not. It’s such a satisfying feeling.
The difference in feel makes total sense to me with the whole SOFT milling tech.
I agree that you definitely know when you miss the center, but I didn’t have many distance issues at all. I was really impressed coming off of playing a number of mallet putters. Moving to the blade definitely means I have to focus on direction a little more as it’s not as easy to align but other than a couple of blatant mis-reads I didn’t have much issue.
I do love the murdered out look, but I agree that the finish is a little weird. Mine had a little discoloration on the topline straight out of the packaging. I’ll hit it with some oil later today to see if that straightens it out, but it’s barely noticeable. No one who tried it yesterday said a word.
All in all at this price point, I think this line is a bargain. Great looks, feel & performance out of a milled putter for less than the cost of many insert putter offerings. I would recommend these to anyone looking for something new. With all the shape options it seems that there’s something for everyone.
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Hrmmmmm . I’m not sold on the white just yet. Hot about hot pink? Maybe orange?
Well that’s the best part of doing it this way. I have loads of unused dirt bike graphics that I can easily trim a little 1/8" x 2" strip off of, and temporarily stick to the putter. Lots of Yamaha Blue, KTM Orange, and really most other colors as well.
Good job but to me that makes it look like every other putter. That being said if you like it, that is all that matters.
I have one more round on Saturday but I’m pretty sure this is what I’m going to bring to the Morgan Cup! I really don’t know why the center shafted 10.5c just works for me but it does. The only thing I don’t love is the head cover. Its not the quality or anything but I’m not a fan of velcro and the center shaft really limits me buying after market as well which is kind of a bummer.
That is a rock solid question. I’m not sold that it has kicked my other putters out of the bag due to the never ending rotation I seem to have but it has kicked the Toulon Indy out of its place in that rotation. I really like the feel of a well struck putt and the way the ball is framed. I’m not a huge fan of how it feels when I miss toe side, but the heel side forgiveness is really, really good. All misses tend to start on line and make for easy two putts, so the feel might not be the biggest consideration. I’m struggling with a classic case of feel not being real (Hi, Bryson). The proper setup FEELS open (it isn’t) and when I just trust my stroke its lights out. When my brain reacts to that feel, I close the face into impact and pull the ball. It might just be growing pains and my adjustment period because it is absolutely pouring in putts recently.
My biggest grievance is the finish getting spotty. A little oil rag will clean it all up but morning dew makes it a mess, so I’m cleaning it every round and I’ve never had to do that in the past. On the headcover – I already replaced it with an aftermarket mallet cover (even if it doesn’t fit perfectly).
I still think all of my issues have nothing to do with the actual putter, which speaks volumes to the quality and make.
I have a quick 9 on Friday afternoon. it is getting pretty damn close. This thing is spot on, even my misses, they’re still so close. I feel the misses aren’t really that bad. My misses, with my double wide, are way off. I feel like the weight helps me stay on my line. Which I need all the help I can get. Ha! But, this thing is so much better then I had originally thought it would be. The more I type the more I am feeling better and better about benching the the double wide. I’m with you on the cover…the vlecro is not really my cup of tea. Thinking about getting a new one with magnets.
Thanks again to @JB and Cleveland golf for giving me the opportunity to be apart of this and giving my feedback!
I agree on the finish, not sure why that happens. Its a small grievance of course, same with the head cover
First impressions are – yes, it will displace my Tommy Armour Impact #3. But I still want a few more rounds with it to decide. With 100° temps out here right now the only putting I am doing is in my man cave. But I’ll be rolling some this weekend.
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I have the opportunity to get a 35" one from a rep and cut it down to my needed 33".
What are your thoughts, tHP? I don’t think I’m going to be able to acquire one any other way than this. Unless, of course, I wait (which I don’t really want to do with no sort of ETA in sight). The Cleveland rep informed me they use the same shaft for the 33" and 35" , it’s just built to a different length. I worry about altering the swing weight that much, though.
Side note: it kind of chaps my ass to see Cleveland pushing additional Zipcore finishes when they haven’t even gotten themselves caught up with backordered products. I understand that the process of making a hand milled putter and a quality wedge are probably drastically different, but it’s still frustrating for me to see when every Cleveland retailer I go to has 10+ zipcores and 0-1 Premier putters. It just doesn’t make sense to me.
Sorry to hear about your issues. I know how you feel. I ordered a Soft Premier 14 through Budget only to receive an email, a few days after placing the order, stating that they didn’t have any and it would need to obtained from Cleveland. I saw on the Cleveland website that the Soft Premiers are not in stock and that you should check with the retailers. I find it interesting that Cleveland says to check with retailers and retailers say that they have to obtain the putters Cleveland. I don’t need the putter right now and can wait but I’m not happy with the process.
I don’t like having to do stuff like that…but I also think the company needs to get their **** together in regards to orders. I shouldn’t have to try this hard for them to TAKE MY MONEY.
:: drops mic ::
i really think it’s a COVID related issue with supply chains and sales exceeding expectations. Glad your putter is coming but I think all sorts of issues are still showing up and causing delays.
Like so nice that I want to grab one and practice all winter for my 4 rounds of golf I will get to play next year.
SO DARNED NICE
The milling/SOFT tech seems great, Cleveland makes the best “value”
Putters out there, looking forward to giving these a roll sometime
I’ve got to admit that they have exceeded my expectations and it doesn’t really look value at all (except maybe that headcover). And center contact is soft with plenty of feedback.
That’s the best part about these putters though, i could buy 2/3 for the same price as my gamer and performance looks shouldn’t be that much different
I want to give it a true run so I am using it exclusively for at least a few weeks. I played four rounds last weekend and two this weekend. I still like it a lot and can’t say enough about the pistol grip. I will need to go back and try my spider again before I make a long term choice.
I think so. Played 9 Friday afternoon and 18 yesterday and I’m really liking this putter. Contact off the face is solid even when I don’t hit it exactly in the center. I managed to sink a 35 – 40 foot putt for birdie yesterday with it; after that I felt the putter couldn’t do no wrong (I won’t talk about the hole where I had some problems with a horrible pin placement and really screwed up getting my speed right with the slopes on the green )
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