Cleveland Cero Review

[WVP]

I was fortunate to be selected to win a putter from the Cleveland chat a few weeks ago. I ended up with the model that I already had my eye on, the TFi 2135 Cero. Thanks a ton WRX and Cleveland Golf! Here’s my review:

 

Looks: I have always liked the look of the TFi face. Apparently this is “copper-infused” aluminum over top of the white polymer layer. I am not sure what percent copper is in the face, but it certainly looks like clean and shiny copper. There’s nothing else like it on the market and I think that’s a good thing. The milling is similar to Machine’s vertical milling (VMG face), running upwards from the bottom center of the face. Milling is also similar to the Yes putter face.

 

The rest of the putter is matte black, and the finish reminds me of PING’s Scottsdale TR line from a few years ago. Both this line and the aforementioned PING offering walk the line between looking clean/utilitarian and somewhat cheap. This is in the eye of the beholder. Well, I had a PING Grayhawk and a Rustler previously so I like the matte look, and I definitely prefer my putters to be glare-free.

 

The Cero model has an outer ring and central alignment line that is very similar to Cleveland’s T-Frame model from the past. That was a popular model and this is a somewhat classic mallet design that makes an appearance every few years from various OEM’s. As I mentioned, I had the Grayhawk which is pretty much the exact same shape as the Cero. The Rustler is also very similar. I often go back and forth between #9 designs and mallets with a long central alignment line so the Cero is right up my alley.

 

Feel: Again, I’m not sure how much copper is infused into the aluminum face but aluminum faces are already soft. Think of the soft feel of the 2015 Golo aluminum faces…..now picture that dampened by an Odyssey insert and that’s basically what Cleveland has done here with the TFi face. For me, I really like the feel of the Golo3 and the X7M aluminum faces, and I’m also a fan of Odyssey insert putters. So I really like the idea of the two combined. Putting outside on the course practice green, the sound is extremely muted, feels soft but firm if that makes sense.

 

Performance: This model has a lot going for it to help boost performance - the 2135 alignment, high MOI and the roll off the face. Raising the alignment line up to the center of the golf ball does make sense. To me I found that once you center the face on the ball with the line, if you move your eyes or lift the putter toe or heel the line pretty much stays in place. It is noticeably easier to aim with the line, I am not sure how many strokes that is worth but if you struggle with aiming your putter the 2135 line is worth a look.

 

Coming from #9 putters recently, the higher MOI is noticeable with the Cero headshape. The face just stays square through impact. One thing I was surprised by is the excellent roll of the face. Very similar to what I saw from the Yes C-Groove putters, and I mentioned earlier that the milled grooves are somewhat similar to the Yes face.

 

Summary: Putters are pretty much the only club I actively shop for but I’m not afraid to get rid of one quickly if I don’t love it and if I don’t think it will ever get played. This one is a keeper and has earned a spot in my rotation. This came in at 34”, I am going to extend to 36” and have the 15” counterbalanced Winn model installed. With the head weight at 370g this should end up a super stable, high MOI setup.

[WVP]

Some pics:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[brianhorne8]

Thanks for the review. How are you liking the alignment tool compared to other manufacturers offerings?

[WVP]

Thanks for the review. How are you liking the alignment tool compared to other manufacturers offerings?

 

I think it is slightly more effective in this raised position than the typical spot on the lower flange. It does provide confidence that you're aiming exactly where you want it to go. As I said in my review, I think there's real value in this offering for someone that struggles with consistently putting the ball on their desired line.

[ttm27]

Picked one of these up today and rolled it for about 30 mins on the practice green. I've had success with other round mallets that you can partially see through to the grass (I seem to aim these better) like the Ping Grayhawk. I have owned by share of my putters and then some, and I was surprised the head is 370 grams. I didn't realize that when I tried/purchased it. It didn't feel that heavy to me. If I would have guessed I would have thought 355-360. I was able to get the ball to the hole on long putts which is often a problem for me with heavier putters. I like the alignment system. Who knows how it will do on the course but it's worth checking out if you like mallets. I also like the rubber grip and feels better than I thought it would.

[FairwaysToHeaven]

agree....these are fantastic putters and my distance control on long putts has never been better. i came from a SC x7m which i simply couldn't get along with on lag putts. the cero putters also do exactly what their marketing pushes...makes alignment incredibly easy. i've always aligned a little too far to the right and i've found putts inside 10' i have better ability to line the putter face to where i am looking.

 

great putters.

[WVP]

This one is still in the bag, fending off my wandering eye for putters. Playing it at 36" with a Flatso 2.0 XL - the easiest to use setup I've ever had. Point and shoot. Soft feel and super stable.