PutterZone – Best Putter Reviews
With its new Classic BRZ putters, Cleveland Golf aims to enhance its wildly popular Cleveland Classic line, which has earned “best buy” honors from PutterZone.com for the past two years.
The Cleveland BRZ model numbers and shapes are largely the same as the original Classic putters, but they come with two distinct upgrades—the BRZ finish and a copper-infused face insert. At $89 (with a scheduled retail release of March 1), they also cost $20 more than their original Classic counterparts. Word has it that Woody Austin has already put a BRZ putter into play on the PGA Tour.
So are the Cleveland Classic BRZ putters a worthy sequel to the originals? And are they ultimately worth the added $20 investment? Following is PutterZone.com’s Cleveland Classic BRZ putter review.
The Storyline
The Classic BRZ putters are cast from 17-4 stainless steel. The bronze-colored finish is created by a manufacturing process called “physical vapor deposition,” or PVD. Each BRZ putter comes with an oil-treated cloth for cleaning and maintenance.
Oil cloths are typically associated with high-end carbon steel putters bearing “oil can” and black oxide finishes. These finishes are much more sensitive to the elements—such as water and fertilizer—than stainless steel or plated finishes. Rubbing them down with oil adds a protective barrier to rust and corrosion.
Compared to oil can and black oxide finishes on carbon steel, PVD finishes on stainless steel are known to be quite durable, but Cleveland Golf nevertheless feels that the BRZ finish will benefit from regular oiling.
The BRZ insert is crafted from aluminum with a thin layer of copper infused into the surface for a “soft yet responsive” feel.
The Cleveland Classic bronze putter models are the BRZ 1 putter (Anser-style blade), BRZ 2 putter (heel-shafted mallet), BRZ 4.5 putter (slant-neck blade) and BRZ5 (double-bend mallet; a new addition the Classic line). Each comes with three degrees of loft and lie angles of 70 degrees. PutterZone.com tested the BRZ 1 (below; 340-gram head weight) and BRZ 5 (above; 350-gram head weight).
The View from PutterZone.com
Holy cow, the BRZ putters are drop-dead gorgeous. A putter this dazzling for $89? You’ve got to be kidding me.
Words probably don’t do justice to the BRZ finish, but I’ll give it a shot. The head is a luscious chocolate bronze with a stylishly contrasted copper insert. The sole is finely polished, revealing a brighter bronze that complements darker satin accents.
Lastly, the use of black and white paintfill is both synergistic and judicious—the final touches in a deliciously harmonious package. It’s an utterly fresh look that nevertheless manages to exude a sense of maturity and familiarity.
Now, allow me to digress a bit…Back in the day, my father bought me my first “big boy” putter: a manganese bronze PING Anser. I always loved the look of that putter, and how it seemed to age right along with me, the finish darkening over time, vividly reflecting its usage like a trusty old hammer.
The BRZ putter evokes fond memories of that old PING Anser, as it is a bronzed stick that promises to evolve and age in proportion with its usage, as well as its exposure to the elements. In reality, it won’t be nearly so quick to show its wear, but the inclusion of the oil cloth bodes well for some sort of visual weathering, right?
The included cloth isn’t overly oily, but it does put a nice gloss on the finish. I dared to test drive the BRZ putters in the wake of violent storm that left the local greens saturated. Afterward, I dried them off and rubbed them down with the oil cloth, and they still look brand new. I guess I’ll just have to keep punishing them.
In terms of performance, the Classic BRZ putters are essentially the same as their siblings in the main Cleveland Classic line—which is to say they are rock solid. They live up to their “classic” name by offering timeless shapes that deliver abundant poise and playability.
In terms of feel, the BRZ putters seem to be a bit beefier than the original Classic putters. For example, whereas the original Classic 1 boasts a buttery softness on the sweet spot, the Classic BRZ 1 offers a richer, thicker sensation to the hands. One’s preference between the two is strictly personal.
The stock grip on the BRZ putters is the same red grip found on the original Cleveland Classic putters. While the red grip color complements the stainless steel finish on the original Classic putters, it’s not very harmonious with the BRZ finish. I think that a black or even white replacement grip would look righteous with the BRZ putters.
The stock black head cover, too, is the same one that comes with the regular Classic putters. The head cover is fine, but I wish it somehow reflected the BRZ theme in color or name.
However, at the $89 price point, it’s hard for me to complain about the grip or head cover. For the price, Cleveland Golf has over-delivered on quality where it counts: the performance and looks of the putter itself. If they need to cut a few corners on accessories to meet a humble margin at a fantastic price point, that’s fine with me. And, in the end, I believe that the BRZ finish and copper-infused insert fully justify the added $20 compared to the original Classic putters.
The Bottom Line
Cleveland Golf has taken its Classic line to the next level with the BRZ putters, offering a fresh and utterly delicious look to go along with rock-solid performance. When it comes to delivering remarkable value in a putter, Cleveland Golf is still king.
These really sound great. Are there any pictures at address or of the cavity? Similar to the other Clevelands I assume…
I had a hard time getting good address photos, but you can see a photo of the BRZ 1 putter cavity and BRZ 5 face on the PutterZone.com Facebook page. I'm in love with the look!
A+ on the new finish and the copper insert. I hope that insert helps the feel of these because I wasn't really blown over with the original line. Hard to beat at the price point, but that only gets you so far.
I think you'll like the feel, Ben. It strikes me as more plump than the feel of the original Classics. That said, I love the butter soft feel of the original Classic 1, too.
I have both the Classic 1 and the Classic 4 in the previous stainless version. They are fantastic putters! The new BRZ models are awesome looking. I love the look of the insert. I can't wait to get one. I'm a lefty so it looks like I'll be getting the Classic 1. March 1st can't get here soon enough. My only regret is that the Classic 4 isn't available in BRZ yet.
Mike T.
I just picked up a BRZ yesterday and love it. The head is beautiful. The feel is awesome. Much better the the Nike OZ I had been using. I might be alone on this but, despite the color I like the feel of the grip too, though not sure if I'm going to keep it. I'm 99.9% sure this is a Lamkin grip that is a special make up for Cleveland. I've had the same one on three other putters and have always been pleased. That being said I have recently become acustom to the Winn Mid-Size putter grips. I think the new dark gray Winn M8TL-NK would look awesome on this putter. The head cover is just fine too. It might be pleather but I don't think you can tell until you touch it and at least it's that cool Scotty Cameron style head cover. I'm really glad its not that woven nylon head cover they had with the original Classic line.
Just curious, what does the putter cover look like?
Yeah, BRZ #5 is amazing! Scrap the red grip and go a little thicker. Feels and looks like an expensive putter.
Hello,
I bought the Classic-1 yesterday for my 'at work set'. I liked the look and it was quite similar (in look, feel, and store putter floor performance) to my Cameron Newport II in my 'at home set'.
Used it today and WOW! If I was not such a yuppie (j/k) the Scotty one at home might have to give way. AWESOME looking and putting putter this one! I do prefer a 'clonkier' feel and sound… judging my speed by the sound… KJ, 7.3 HCP
Hello,
I bought the Classic-1 yesterday for my 'at work set'. I liked the look and it was quite similar (in look, feel, and store putter floor performance) to my Cameron Newport II in my 'at home set'.
Used it today and WOW! If I was not such a yuppie (j/k) the Scotty one at home might have to give way. AWESOME looking and putting putter this one! I do prefer a 'clonkier' feel and sound… judging my speed by the sound… KJ, 7.3 HCP
I forgot, the headcover is the same as Scotty use on his Anser style putters, cushioned full coverage that well-crows on, black with Cleveland stitched on top.
I think I like the material color better than my half shiny steel Newport II.
I LOVE the grip. I think red is cool and it feels right! Just sticky and hard enough. You feel you 'got it' and feedback is great!
Whatta GOOD BUY!
KJ, 7.3 HCP
I forgot, the headcover is the same as Scotty use on his Anser style putters, cushioned full coverage that well-crows on, black with Cleveland stitched on top.
I think I like the material color better than my half shiny steel Newport II.
I LOVE the grip. I think red is cool and it feels right! Just sticky and hard enough. You feel you 'got it' and feedback is great!
Whatta GOOD BUY!
KJ, 7.3 HCP