About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the putter, which I tested for one day in January of 2023.

My take

The Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft Premier #3 Slant Putter is a great blade putter for those mid-range handicappers who want a slimmer head than standard blade putters. Its single line down the back with the gray satin also gives it a sharp aesthetic appeal.

About the club I tested

• Model: 2020 Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft Premier #3 Slant Putter
• Shape: Blade
• Hosel Neck: Plumber
• Balance Point: 12 inches
• Shaft Length: 35 inches
• Grip Type: Traditional
• Finish: Gray Satin

About me

• Average Score: 79
• Handicap: 7
• Experience: 22 years of golf
• Right/Left-Handed: Right-Handed
• Stroke Type: Straight back and through
• Golf Ball Used: 2022 Volvik Vivid Matte Yellow
• Height: 5’10”

Test conditions

• When I tested the putter: January 2023
• Days tested: 1
• Where I’ve used it: Practice Green
• Weather and Wind Conditions: Indoor Turf
• Green Speed: Slow to Medium
• Grass Type: Turf

How it performs

What I was looking for

I was looking for a blade putter with the slimness of this blade-style putter. I decided to try the Huntington Beach Soft Premier because it is slimmer than most. I was most pleased with its balance and MOI (Moment of Inertia) as it had a consistent feel back and forth on each swing.

Why I chose to test this club

The Huntington Beach Soft Premier #3 consists of a soft 304 stainless steel design that creates a softer feel where each putt is felt off the face of the club. Unfortunately, I did not purchase this putter as I couldn’t get over the fact that it was a blade putter, and for years, I have been using a mallet-styled head.

What I love about it

• Face Feel: The soft 304 stainless steel design allows for a soft-feeling putter face on the market, creating consistency on longer lag putts but also for the feel around the hole on closer ones.
• Forgiveness: The forgiveness is apparent as each putt is felt within the hands when it connects with the face, and regardless of where the putt is struck, the distance control is very consistent.
• Alignment: The Soft Premier’s alignment is sharp with its single line down the head on the gray satin finish, creating confidence that the ball is lined up correctly each time.
• Length: I enjoy the 35-inch putter as it provides me the best opportunity to swing my arms back and through the ball on short and long putts.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The Huntington Beach Soft Premier’s gray satin finish is a sharp feature that is simple yet sleek.
• Customization: The putter head weights on the bottom of the club are key in offering up a personal weight preference for any golfer's style.
• Balance: The MOI is increased due to the strategic placement of the CG (center of gravity), creating a smooth takeaway and follow-through.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Weight: The weight is lighter than I prefer at 345g. I enjoy a putter in the 365g range as I believe it keeps the putter on line and through my putts with added weight.
• Grip Feel: The standard grip was tacky, but I enjoy an oversized pistol grip as I have smaller hands and enjoy how a pistol grip feels.

Best Putt or Round with this Putter

I did a putting drill where I hit a 3-foot, 6-foot, 9-foot, and 12-foot putt one after the other and made them all on my second attempt through the drill, which for using the putter for the first time gave me the idea that it was consistent.

Value for the money vs. other options

I tested the entire Cleveland Huntington series of putters, and they are priced the same. However, the Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft Premier #3 Slant Putter is one of the better options due to its center of gravity and high MOI, balance, and feel, especially for the blade style.

Final verdict

If someone is looking for feel and enjoys a thinner blade-style putter with sharp alignment features, the Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft Premier #3 Slant Putter is a great option.