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

My take

The Cleveland Frontline 2.0 is a great mid-mallet putter for those mid-range handicappers who want a simple putter that is all about softness. Its single line down the back with the matte black finish gives it a sharp aesthetic appeal, paired with its soft face insert, allowing it to really stand out on the greens.

About the club I tested

• Model: 2021 Cleveland Frontline 2.0
• Shape: Mid-Mallet
• Hosel Neck: Flow Neck
• Balance Point: 12”
• Shaft Length: 35”
• Grip Type: Traditional
• Finish: Matte Black

About me

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

Test conditions

• When I tested the putter: May 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 putter under $200 that would provide consistency and smoothness on longer putts. My current putter lacks distance control, so I was on the hunt for another option that would provide me with a repetitive stroke that allowed me to dial in the distance control I currently lack.

Why I chose to test this club

The Cleveland Frontline 2.0 club has an engineered design that creates a softer feel where each putt is felt off the face of the club. I did not end up purchasing this putter as the mid-mallet look and feel were tough for me to get over, and I felt there were other options out there that were better suited for my game.

What I love about it

• Face Feel: The SOFT face technology allows for a soft feeling putter face that is especially keen from distances of 20-25 feet. I consistently lagged my putts from that range to within three feet and closer.
• Forgiveness: The forgiveness is apparent as each putt is felt within the hands when it connects with the face. The forward weight mechanism built into the Frontline 2.0 putter is key as each putt rolls out purely even when the putt isn’t struck perfectly.
• Alignment: The alignment is sharp with its single line down the head on the matte black finish, creating confidence that the ball is lined up correctly each time.
• Length: I enjoy the 35” 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 all-black finish is simple yet sophisticated. It has a sharp contrast with the white and red lettering.
• Grip Feel: The grip is slightly oversized and tacky. Regardless of hand placement and type of weather, this grip ensures that comfort and performance will be maximized.
• Balance: This putter is nicely balanced and has a high MOI, creating an easy swing pattern and a similar backswing and follow-through with every putt.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Weight: The knock on the Cleveland Frontline 2.0 for me is the weight. The weight is lighter than I prefer at 350g. I enjoy putters at the 365g+ mark as I believe this allows me to stay down and through on my putting stroke, especially on those putts from 10 feet and closer.
• Customization: No adjustable head weights can be added to make this putter heavier. I prefer a heavier putter, so if someone likes the feel and visual of the mid-mallet design, they are left with the 350g stock option. Many current putters have adjustable head weights that allow each golfer to dial in their preferred weight, which this putter ultimately lacks.

Best Putt or Round with this Putter

I hit five putts in a row from 20-25 feet within three feet and even made my fourth putt. Distance control is definitely one of the highlights of this putter.

Value for the money vs. other options

I tested a variety of other putters at the same price point of around $149. I think the Frontline 2.0 is solid, but if I were to pull the trigger on a new putter, I would go with either the Cleveland Huntington Beach #10.5 or the Huntington Beach Soft Premier #11, as both of those putters are heavier and stay down on my shorter putts.

Final verdict

The Cleveland Frontline 2.0 is a good option if someone is looking for a solid putter that will be a difference-maker on longer lag putts. Overall, I think the value is worth it for the mid-handicapper looking to make an upgrade on the greens.