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

My take

The Cleveland HB Soft Milled #8 Plumber's Neck Putter is great for “feel” putters who want that soft face which allows them to feel the ball connect with the putter head. I believe the mid to low handicapper would benefit from this putter because it generally creates more consistency within putts of 10 feet and closer.

About the club I tested

• Model: 2023 Cleveland HB Soft #8 Plumbers Neck Putter
• Shape: Blade
• Hosel Neck: Plumber
• Balance Point: 12 inches
• Shaft Length: 35 inches
• Grip Type: Traditional
• Finish: Silver

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: 2021 Maxfli Practice Ball
• Height: 5’10’’

Test conditions

• When I bought the putter: March 2023
• Days tested: 1
• Where I’ve used it: Practice Green
• Weather and Wind Conditions: Inside
• Green Speed: Medium
• Grass Type: Turf

How it performs

What I was looking for

I was looking for a putter that had a soft feel within the face and offered more consistency within 10 feet, but also had the ability to decrease my lag-putting diameter in relation to the hole.

Why I chose this club

I chose to test this club and give feedback regarding it because it has a soft face that is ideal for “feel” putters who aren’t as mechanical within their stroke. It’s high MOI offers easy momentum throughout the stroke that allows for a higher rate of consistency on short and longer putts.

What I love about it

• Face Feel: The face has a HB soft milled design to it that is a softer material that allows the ball to be felt off the face of the putter with ease. This aids in distance control, but gives instant feedback on a mistruck putt.
• Forgiveness: The mixed-groove milling design paired with the center of gravity weighting allows each putt to roll with a consistent end-over-end pattern. I felt, specifically on longer lag putts, that even when a putt wasn’t struck purely, the ball was still able to roll over and stay on line.
• Alignment: The blade style with its one white line going back allows for a simple visual that gives confidence stepping over each putt. I feel as if I am aligned correctly each time, which gives me added confidence that I am going to make every putt.
• Weight: The weight is 365g, which is my preferred weight in regards to putters. This allows the putter to stay down and through with my straight back and forth swing, allowing for a consistent, even stroke.
• Length: The 35-inch length is ideal for my 5”10’’ frame, as it allows my arms to swing back and through comfortably. I go back and forth between a 34 and 35 inch putter, but I felt the 35 inch was ideal with this club's balance.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The all-silver finish is sleek and simple. I enjoy the simplicity that it offers, with it offering a single white line down the back and a standard black grip.
• Balance: The HB Soft Milled #8 has a high MOI, which gives it a consistent backswing and follow through on both long and short putts.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Grip Feel: A traditional grip on the putter isn’t what I prefer, as I like the oversized pistol grips, so that would be my one change I would make to this putter.
• Customization: The putter weight isn’t adjustable, so that is a knock on the overall performance, as some of the other putters I tested have adjustable head weights like the M.Craft IV and V, as well as the Cobra Vintage Widesport. If someone is looking to add more or less weight, then this putter isn’t the best fit for them.

Best Putt or Round with this Putter

I made six putts in a row from 10 feet, which was in large part due to this club’s face feel and easy alignment features. I also only three-putted one time from 20+ feet away, out of 10 different attempts.

Value for the money vs. other options

I tried the entire M.Craft Series from Mizuno, the Scotty Cameron Special Flowback editions, and the Cleveland HB Soft Series. All are great options, but for the price tag, the HB Soft #8 is one of the best values because it's affordable and offers an incredible feel, touch, and balance with each stroke.

Final verdict

This putter is crazy for its feel within the face. Its soft-milled design paired with the SOFT technology gives each putt instant feedback and allows for consistency on shorter and longer putts.