Cleveland Golf Retreve HB Soft 2 Putter Review: Easy Ball Retrieval with Consistent Swings

Golfers are always on the lookout for equipment that can simplify their game. The Cleveland Golf Retreve HB Soft 2 Putter claims to do just that with its unique feature that lets you pick up the ball without bending over. Sounds intriguing, right?

I spent a couple of weeks testing this putter on the greens to see if it really makes a difference. At first glance, the putter has a solid, sleek silver appearance which is pretty standard, but the real hook is its ball retrieval feature. It's supposed to help save your back from constant bending, especially if you're playing a long round.

My first impressions were mostly positive. The oversized grip felt comfortable, and it seemed to cater to a stable grip. Having this in my hands felt reassuring, but there were a few things I wanted to test more thoroughly.

In this review, I'll dig into how it performs on the course, its design and comfort, and ultimately whether it’s worth adding to your golf bag.

When it comes to value, the Cleveland Retreve HB Soft 2 Putter offers a respectable bang for your buck. At its price point, it provides features that cater to both casual and slightly more serious golfers. Ball retrieval is a nifty feature that’s unique, and the overall build quality feels robust.

However, it's important to keep expectations realistic. This putter isn’t going to automatically improve your game, but it will offer consistency if you're already a decent putter. Compared to some higher-end models, it might lack some of the premium feel, but it compensates with practicality and ease of use.

For someone who golfs regularly but isn't necessarily aiming for professional tournaments, this putter presents good value. It's straightforward, does what it says, and gives you a bit of added convenience with its design.

In short, if you’re looking for a decent putter without breaking the bank, the Cleveland Retreve HB Soft 2 Putter is worth considering. It's not perfect, but it’s certainly a solid choice in the mid-range category.

The design of the Cleveland Retreve HB Soft 2 Putter is straightforward, with a single bend shaft and an oversized grip. The club is 34 inches long, which is a common size for many golfers. The silver finish is nothing flashy but does give it a professional look. The standout feature here is the head shape which allows you to pick the ball out of the hole. It's a clever addition but might not be a game-changer for everyone.

The oversized grip is a nice touch, providing extra stability in the hands, which is vital for putting. I found that it did help with maintaining a steady stroke, especially when nerves can get the better of you on the green. The putter's head, with its blade style, is designed for precision rather than power.

Overall, the design is functional and caters well to its purpose. The ball retrieval feature worked as advertised, making it easier to pick up the ball without bending over. While it may not be revolutionary, it adds a bit of convenience, especially for those with back issues.

In summary, the design serves the basic needs of a golfer looking for simplicity and practicality, even if it lacks a wow factor.

Comfort is a pretty big deal when it comes to putters, and the oversized grip on the Cleveland Retreve HB Soft 2 Putter is a welcome feature. It’s made from synthetic rubber, which provides a decent amount of grip without feeling overly tacky.

Using it, I noticed that my hands felt comfortable, and the grip size seemed to help with keeping my stroke smooth. The weight of the putter is balanced well, thanks to the 20g weight added to the shaft's butt end, which is supposed to ensure a consistent swing feel. This feature seems to work as intended, making each putt a bit more predictable.

I also appreciated the ball retrieval design. It minimizes the need to bend over, which is a bonus if you have back issues or just want to avoid unnecessary strain. It's a small feature, but it adds to the overall user experience, making the putter a bit more user-friendly than others.

In conclusion, the putter is comfortable to use over extended rounds. It offers a good balance between grip and ease of use. If comfort is a priority for you, this putter ticks the right boxes.

Performance is where the Cleveland Retreve HB Soft 2 Putter really needs to prove itself. I took it out on the green to see if its Speed Optimized Face Technology made a noticeable difference. This tech is supposed to even out ball speed across the face, which should help with consistency.

In practice, the putter delivered a consistent feel. Whether I hit the ball dead center or slightly off, the distance didn’t vary too much, which was reassuring. It helped me focus more on my stroke rather than worrying about hitting the perfect spot every time.

For straight or slight arc strokes, the putter seemed to handle well. It’s certainly not the most forgiving putter if your form is off, but for someone with a consistent stroke, it worked well. Compared to other putters I've used, it felt reliable, though maybe not as forgiving as some higher-end models.

Overall, its performance is solid for the price. It does what you’d expect from a putter in its category, providing enough consistency to get the job done. Just don’t expect miracles if your putting game isn't already dialed in.