I’ve got a bold statement for you, Cleveland’s Frontline putters not only started an industry wide trend of forward weighting, but they did it better than any of those that followed. The original Frontline release in 2019 was so good that it garnered an expansion in 2021 rather than a regeneration of sorts. If the fact that Cleveland Golf decided to keep Frontline, in-line, for four years isn’t proof enough of how successful they were for the company, then go back and look at the superlatives which the THP community continually provided.
However, it is 2023 now, and it is time for the next generation of Frontline putters, and this time Cleveland is boldly tagging them Elite.
Why Forward Weighting?
For years, the trend in trying to create more consistent and playable putter designs centered around maximizing MOI above all else was most commonly achieved by putting weight further away from the face at the perimeter which also moved the center of gravity low and back. Cleveland Golf turned that on its ear in 2019 with the debut of Frontline, and the use of metal injection molded tungsten to force the CG forward.
Why forward? According to Cleveland Golf, their testing showed that though a high MOI putter can improve stability on well struck putts, the CG moving back caused directional consistency issues on misses outside of center. With Frontline, and now Frontline Elite, the idea was to place more weight toward the face, not entirely negating the MOI of the headshape, but utilizing give and take to move the CG more toward the face.
Keep in mind, though the weight is at the face, and we will get into that soon enough, it is not moving the CG all the way to the face. However, it has been moved enough so that when a putt is missed, the head will have much less rotation thanks to that weight. What that means is more distance and directional retention on misses. How much more accurate is it really? According to Cleveland Golf’s testing, 38% moreso than putters with heavily back-placed CG on a 20mm miss.
2023 Cleveland Golf Frontline Elite Putters
All that brings us to the newest version of forward weighted putters from Cleveland Golf, the Frontline Elite. Why Elite? Simply put, because everything is, according to the company, better performing and more detail oriented than ever before.
There are five different shapes and eight models in the new Frontline Elite lineup, with options aimed at putting strokes with a slight arc as well as no arc. Foremost, Cleveland is touting that they have taken the aesthetics of Frontline to a new level with Elite, and frankly that might have been the one place where they left some golfer wanting with the first iteration. Not only do they feature a new specialized anti-smudge PVD finish for a more premium look, but the face is also much cleaner looking with how the forward weighting is being done.
Previously, there were two MIM tungsten weights on the heel and toe of the Frontline putters with a smaller insert centered between them. While it was cool visual tech, it wasn’t as clean as some would like. With Elite, the face is the weight, specifically the insert. In fact, there is more than 30-grams of tungsten in it.
The face insert is also integrated with Cleveland’s SOFT (Speed Optimized Face Technology) milling. The pattern is, in fact, one of the company’s most successful innovations and remains implemented across their lines. SOFT normalizes speed on misses by removing less material on the perimeter to keep more speed, with progressively more removed toward center to create consistency regardless of where the putt is struck.
Within the full-mallet models there is also an implementation of multiple materials to make the weight of the tungsten face more effective in moving the CG. In all, steel, tungsten, aluminum, and ABS Polymer have been implemented meticulously together to achieve the design goals Cleveland Golf has set forth by putting the Elitemoniker on this release.
All the Frontline Elite putters also use a tailored alignment, hosel, and grip setup which, depending on the model, works specifically for an arc or straight putting stroke. For the arc stroke, there is the classic black finish with white alignment line visual that remains as clean as ever, on new shapes as well as refreshed favorites (I’m looking at you Elevado). For the straight stroke, 2135 is back along with a new high-contrast alignment visual that places alignment at 21.35mm, the exact enter axis of a golf ball. While it may be a bit outside the box looking, by placing the alignment at that height it makes it effective regardless of setup or eye position.
Also new for Frontline with the Elite release from Cleveland is adjustability through dual weights on the sole. Internally, every putter also utilizes a counterbalance weight. All three weight locations are tuned for the specific length and headshape ordered, and all have 5, 10, 15, and 20 gram options. So, if you order a custom length, you are getting the optimal weighting setup according to Cleveland Golf’s R&D. This is an impressive way for the company to take Frontline to the next level, and yes, there will be a full weight kit (for sole weights) available.
The Details
Bottom line, Cleveland Golf deserves far more credit when it comes to putter design than they will ever get. If you go back and look over the past decade, they have been as innovative as anyone in the segment, and much moreso than most. The Frontline Elite line seeks to take the forward CG concept and bring in a more refined look which gets it into even more hands. The putters will be at retail on 2/22/23 at $249.99 for stepless steel shafted options, and $299.99 paired with the UST Mamiya ALL-IN. The whole package is wrapped up with a bow through premium Lamkin SINKFIT Piston and Skinny Pistol options.
Are you as eager to put the new Frontline Elite putters from Cleveland Golf to the test as I am? The tech is there, but is it enough to push you over the edge? Tell the world exactly how you feel on the THP Community or in the comments below!
Everything sounds good about it. The lack of face movement and better miss accuracy sounds awesome. Great price as well. I think it’ll be a great putter for a lot of people. I just hope it has a nice soft sound and not a big ‘ping’ to it when it strikes the ball.
[QUOTE=”Daluteh, post: 11253248, member: 59803″]
Everything sounds good about it. The lack of face movement and better miss accuracy sounds awesome. Great price as well. I think it’ll be a great putter for a lot of people. I just hope it has a nice soft sound and not a big ‘ping’ to it when it strikes the ball.
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Great price point. Love the wide blade.
Great write-up James. Had the 2021 model and liked it so looking forward to testing the new generation out.
[USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] am I reading correctly that the insert is tungsten?
Enjoyed that write up [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]
I’m looking for a putter and will for sure roll these when I see them
glad to see this price on putters!
Some really interesting ideas in here, tungsten soft face, sole weights, alignment placed at axis points. Add in the ability to get all in shaft options at a reasonable price point. Look forward to rolling a few of these in the wild. Well done [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]
I guess it’s just me but I feel the top is boring and bottom is gorgeous. Can we flip it please. ? Otherwise some great ideas for stability.
A great option at a fantastic price point. More distance and directional retention on misses due to the weighting sounds like a good advancement . Overall an intriguing package.
I saw the tease yesterday and got excited. Happy to see the details drop today.
I was one of the golfers put off by the visual tech. I like the looks of these much better.
Really interesting with how they chose the double white stripe for the face balanced models and single lines for the arcs.
Fantastic price point for a lot more golfers out there that don’t want to break the bank. I had the previous version of their blade, so I’m looking forward to testing these out.
Really liked the performance of the OG Frontline, but didn’t care for the feel. These look like a nice upgrade. Seems like Cleveland is pricing themselves out of the affordable space more and more and I’m curious if that hurts them going against the big boys at a similar price point.
Really interesting [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] ! They look to have a lot of technology built into them. One thing I noticed, are there no center shafted options?
[QUOTE=”J.B. Cobb III, post: 11253289, member: 50607″]
Really interesting [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] ! They look to have a lot of technology built into them. One thing I noticed, are there no center shafted options?
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Correct, not at this time.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11253254, member: 1193″]
[USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] am I reading correctly that the insert is tungsten?
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Yessir! The actual insert IS the tungsten, which made me double and triple take too. Haha
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 11253277, member: 62865″]
I was one of the golfers put off by the visual tech. I like the looks of these much better.
Really interesting with how they chose the double white stripe for the face balanced models and single lines for the arcs.
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All about 2135 for the straight arc putters, the larger alignment section combined with 2135 means the golfers eyes can be behind, at, or past the ball at setup and it’ll still be effective.
For arc putters, seeing a large alignment section can lead to manipulation and alteration of the stroke, a smalllef alignment option keeps it free’d up to flow.
I’m REALLY pleased with the evolution of the Frontline line, in almost every way but one. I don’t PERSONALLY care for the way the shape of the Elevado has been changed, it was perfect previously and it spreads it’s been thinned out as well as made more angular, and I don’t really dig it as much. That said, I hope track one down after release to see that model in person to see if I’m crazy or not.
All in. :love:
They look good though a little fall-in-line with other putters in this price point if that makes sense.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11253306, member: 1579″]
I’m REALLY pleased with the evolution of the Frontline line, in almost every way but one. I don’t PERSONALLY care for the way the shape of the Elevado has been changed, it was perfect previously and it spreads it’s been thinned out as well as made more angular, and I don’t really dig it as much. That said, I hope track one down after release to see that model in person to see if I’m crazy or not.
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Yeah, that’s an unpleasing shape imo.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 11253312, member: 52381″]
Yeah, that’s an unpleasing shape imo.
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The Elevado in previous models was the best 7-like shape on the market, any brand, so to see it change as much as it appears to have based on pics alone, makes me a little sad.
That said, I totally reserve the right to change that opinion when they’re in hand.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11253294, member: 1579″]
Yessir! The actual insert IS the tungsten, which made me double and triple take too. Haha
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Wild. I feel like that makes it a must-try for science alone.
I’ve found myself interested twice this year in Cleveland putters. They are doing something right over there.
I also said it in the article and will here as well, Cleveland doesn’t get the respect or recognition they should when it comes to putter innovation and design.
Depending on the size of the elevado I real like it with the thick contrasting alignment aid. If it’s similar to the TEE Wingman 706, I could see myself trying that out. Much bigger than that it might take moving a mountain for me to try a mallet
Another wide blade face balanced putter in the 8.0 that I have to look at this year.
Awesome stuff [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] I was content to roll what I have this season but now I got some thinking to go.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11253297, member: 1579″]
All about 2135 for the straight arc putters, the larger alignment section combined with 2135 means the golfers eyes can be behind, at, or past the ball at setup and it’ll still be effective.
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Isn’t the 2135 all predicted on the geometry of putting that line centered with the ball and eye position? So curious how the multiple lines influence it. Plus the #8 has it lowered on the flange while the Elevado has it up at that 2135 height. Asking as the why of alignment on putters is fascinating to me.
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Cleveland going all in on putters. First the milled and now these back to back.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11253317, member: 1579″]
The Elevado in previous models was the best 7-like shape on the market, any brand, so to see it change as much as it appears to have based on pics alone, makes me a little sad.
That said, I totally reserve the right to change that opinion when they’re in hand.
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I had this same reaction when I saw the pic. Disappointed in the change to the elevado. I still have the original frontline elevado that I’ll never sell!
I’m definitely excited to try one of these! Thanks for the informative write up!
some good looking putters for a very nice price point.
Cleveland continues to provide one of the best values in the putting game. These look fantastic.
For some reason I actually like the aesthetics and head shapes of the previous line more. Regardless, there is a ton of tech packed in here at a great price, especially with the All In shaft option
Not crazy about that fang shape, which is normally the one out of the lineup that draws me in. Nice to see the All-In as an offering on these as well though, as I really like the feel of that option on the Milled series.
The looks of these are vastly improved, IMO. Definitely going to give these a roll the next time I’m in a brick and mortar store.
This has me very curious what the feel difference is going to be between the Tungsten insert vs the Milled lineup.
So many new putters to try.
The tungsten insert is the biggest reason I have any interest here.
Kudos for the premium shaft option!
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11253297, member: 1579″]
All about 2135 for the straight arc putters, the larger alignment section combined with 2135 means the golfers eyes can be behind, at, or past the ball at setup and it’ll still be effective.
For arc putters, seeing a large alignment section can lead to manipulation and alteration of the stroke, a smalllef alignment option keeps it free’d up to flow.
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Thanks for that explanation as to the alingnment aids.
As someone who has had an Elevado in the bag, I know how good Cleveland putters are. This new release should be no different. If I were not all in on Cobra this year, I probably would be very interested in these new Cleveland putters.
I have always eyed the OG Frontline for the 7 shape without being too aggressive. not sure the change was needed or desired other than being flashy… I am very intrigued to try the double with all in as well as the elevado all in… very big hear for Cleveland. the sole of the putters looks 10000% better tho
The frontline putters flat work. They are great putters. I am curious to see these in person. The OG line was so industrial in shape in finish that it was not my thing. If they clean up the shapes and polish the finish that would be fantastic in my opinion.
[QUOTE=”blugold, post: 11253674, member: 3249″]
The tungsten insert is the biggest reason I have any interest here.
Kudos for the premium shaft option!
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I’m very eager to experience the sound (feel) at impact, the density of the tungsten has me excited for the potential there.
Love them continuing to refine the Frontline concept. Very neat way to keep the weight in the front with a more refined look to the face. I like this lineup, really clean looking all around. Disappointed to see the 8.0 RH only, but at least it looks like the slant neck Elvado is available in LH.
These look sharp
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[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11253294, member: 1579″]
Yessir! The actual insert IS the tungsten, which made me double and triple take too. Haha
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That’s definitely different. I’d like to hear these while putting. They look good though. A couple of those mallets have me salivating a little. Lol
Wild looking milling.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11253306, member: 1579″]
I’m REALLY pleased with the evolution of the Frontline line, in almost every way but one. I don’t PERSONALLY care for the way the shape of the Elevado has been changed, it was perfect previously and it spreads it’s been thinned out as well as made more angular, and I don’t really dig it as much. That said, I hope track one down after release to see that model in person to see if I’m crazy or not.
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I’m not saying that I hate the shape of the new Elevado, but you’re absolutely right about the OG Elevado. Perhaps my favorite shape of any fang out there.
Cleveland makes great putters.
Love my OG frontline elevado, may have to upgrade to this updated version
[QUOTE=”Bosco…, post: 11254103, member: 65357″]
Wild looking milling.
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For a reason, explained in the article too. 😉
[QUOTE=”wazzubrew, post: 11254117, member: 60811″]
I’m not saying that I hate the shape of the new Elevado, but you’re absolutely right about the OG Elevado. Perhaps my favorite shape of any fang out there.
Cleveland makes great putters.
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It out 7’d the 7, right [USER=782]@ddec[/USER] ?
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11254193, member: 1579″]
It out 7’d the 7, right [USER=782]@ddec[/USER] ?
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always has. been saying it since day 1.
Switched from my Toulon Long Island and never had so many 1 putts. Wonderful product.