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 4.0 is a great blade putter for those mid-range handicappers who want the best bang for their buck. This putter offers a premium feel and softness of the putter face while staying in a respectable budget range. It has a forward weighted face that allows the ball to get on line quickly and track toward the hole with ease time after time.

About the club I tested

• Model: 2019 Cleveland Frontline 4.0
• Shape: Blade
• Hosel Neck: Plumber
• Balance Point: 12”
• Shaft Length: 35”
• Grip Type: Traditional
• Finish: Black

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: 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 blade putter that was within that middle-tier budget. I have tested some lower-quality putters under $100 and the most expensive Scotty Camerons and Bettinardis at over $400. However, this putter stood out to me as it had great specs and was in that sweet spot of around $149.

Why I chose to test this club

This club has a SOFT face 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 I visually couldn’t get over the fact that it was a blade putter and, for years, have been using a mallet-styled head. I overall loved the look, but due to the weight (350g) and the aesthetics of the blade, I had to pass. There are other Cleveland options listed below that I would give a try.

What I love about it

• Face Feel: The 1025 Carbon 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 forward weight design allows for optimum forgiveness on each putt and is felt within the hands when it connects with the face. It also doesn’t matter where the putt is struck on the face, as the ball consistently starts rolling purely on contact.
• Alignment: The alignment is sharp with the single line. I would like to see the line continue all the way back on the putter head, but overall it is solid.
• 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 head is simple, but I love the red lettering on the bottom, and the white face insert gives it a little extra flare.
• Grip Feel: The grip is oversized and very tacky. Regardless of hand placement and what type of weather is forecasted, this grip is high performing.
• Balance: This putter has a high MOI (Moment of Inertia), creating a smooth, easy-to-control backswing and follow-through and a repeatable stroke.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Weight: The weight is lighter than I prefer at 350g. I have always played with a 365g putter as I believe it maximizes my stroke by keeping it down and through as long as possible.
• Customization: Regarding the weight, I would love for it to have adjustable head weights like many other putters have so then one could make the putter heavier and dialed into exactly what they are looking for.

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 first or second attempt through the drill. Using the putter for the first time gave me the idea that it is consistent and has tremendously quick feedback.

Value for the money vs. other options

I tested Cleveland’s entire Frontline and Huntington Beach line of putters, and one can’t go wrong with any of them at around $149 retail. Compared to the Odyssey DFX series of putters (~$149), these putters are in a different performance category as they offer way more touch and feel on the greens.

Final verdict

If someone is looking to unlock more consistency and confidence on the green but doesn’t want to break the bank, the Cleveland Frontline 4.0 putter is a solid option to put in the bag.