tour edge hl driver

Tour Edge HL4 Driver Review

Tour edge hl4 driver.

For this review, I have some very exciting news. Ladies and gentleman, he’s back… After being fit into the new Tour Edge HL4 driver, who better to turn to for his take on David Glod’s latest driver design for the people than my dad? Following the WILD success of his previous testing here, we figured give the people what they want!

Tour Edge’s goal for the HL4 line was to help players “Get fit. Spend Less. Play Better.” Aka, deliver a custom fit driver for fully optimized performance without breaking the bank . The Tour Edge HL4 is available in both a straight and offset model – both being full of forgiveness and high-end performance. Let’s find out how well the $200 HL4 holds up with the big boys out on the course.

At address, the Tour Edge HL4 driver has a fairly traditional 460cc look. While the footprint is on the larger side, the face depth is moderate and the flow of the crown is smooth. Tour Edge purposely made the crown slope steeper from the face toward the back. This is slightly noticeable over the ball, but the impact on performance is worth it. The purpose of this slope is to raise the Moment of Inertia (MOI) for more forgiveness and straighter drives. Should you go with the offset version, the shaft offset is noticeable but not distracting or over the top. Again, it’s worth it for the performance gain from the design.

On the sole of the HL4 driver you’ll find a blend of silver, black, and yellow. A feature that should pop out at you is the sole weight toward the rear of the club. This weight contributes to the HL4’s higher MOI and also helps raise the launch angle and spin. The idea is that this will help you get the ball in the air easier and the added spin will hold it in the air for better carry and more distance .

How Does it Feel?

Let’s all be honest with each other for a minute here. Typically when a driver is quite modestly priced, we all expect them to feel and sound terrible. And usually for good reason! I’ll be honest and admit that I had preconceived notions coming into our HL4 experience. Knowing Tour Edge as a brand, I knew the HL4 would feel better than most others at the $200 price point, but how good could a $200 driver really feel?

Impressively good, that’s how the HL4 felt. I personally found the HL4 to feel very lively and forgiving across the entire face . The face is solid and the shot feedback in your hands is strong and precise . Higher swing speeds may more significantly notice the impact of the club’s lighter weight, but players in the sub-100 range will feel like the club’s weight is in that perfect sweet spot for them. My dad specifically said he felt the HL4 had a lot of pop and was very forgiving on his mishits. In comparison, it made his current gamer (a competitor’s high-end driver from a few seasons ago) feel dead.

How Does it Sound?

Just like the feel, the Tour Edge HL4 driver sounds very impressive, let alone for a $200 driver. I’m telling ya, I always feel like sound is the first noticeable sacrifice in a value driver, but that’s not the case with the HL4 whatsoever. The sound is pronounced but won’t break any decibel regulations in the area. Meaning you’ll know you caught one solid but no one is turning around thinking you’re the annoying guy on the range. The sound is on the more metallic side but has good punch to it across the whole face . My dad put it well when he said, “it’s nice because regardless of where I hit it on the face, it still sounds really strong.” That inspired a lot of confidence in putting this driver into play.

Tour Edge HL4’s Simplified Custom Fitting Process

Before we dive into the performance of the HL4, let’s discuss the simplified custom fitting process Tour Edge utilizes for the HL4. They offer three expanded custom fitting options for the HL4 driver. Those options are flex in the stock UST Mamiya shaft, shaft length, and grip size. Tour Edge’s fitting bag at your local establishment will have all driver options available for testing. From there, the pro or fitter will be able to help determine what adjustments need to be made to optimize your performance. Your fitter will then place your order and Tour Edge will start building your new HL4 driver. A mere 48 hours later, Tour Edge will have your new sticks delivered anywhere in the continental US.

On-Course Performance

Two major things immediately jumped out at me. The Tour Edge HL4 driver is very easy to launch and it’s very forgiving . 16º may seem like a higher launch angle, but at lower club speeds you need it for more carry (and longer total distance). Additionally, the average spin was reasonably low to still get some roll and maintain control of the ball. So what we saw was solid carry that had just enough extra spin to keep the ball in the air but still allowed for some rolling yards when it hit the ground.

Let’s call a spade a spade here – my dad didn’t deserve some of the shots he got out of this driver. I know because I was there. With the higher MOI and more forgiving weight distribution, his bad shots were still getting up in the air and he wasn’t losing a ton of distance. Don’t get me wrong, the HL4 isn’t going to save you from disaster, but more reasonable misses still have a fighting chance. Up and forward comes fairly easy. Now you just have to work on direction. That said, if you struggle with direction, the Offset model may help address that for you too.

Final Thoughts

My final verdict is that the Tour Edge HL4 driver is the “driver of the people.” In fact, I’m officially proclaiming that right now. The Tour Edge HL4 is the driver for the weekend warrior! The person that wants a club that’s easy to hit, easy to get up in the air, and makes golf more fun . A driver for someone that wants to get custom fit but wants to be able to do so at a more affordable price point. The HL4 can do all of that. There’s certainly a place in the game for the higher-end and more expensive equipment, but there are millions (literally) of other golfers out there that are just looking for a solid driver investment with good bang of their buck. I think the HL4 delivers exactly that.

Stock Tour Edge HL4 Driver Specs

*Left handed only available in 10.5º loft for the Offset model, all straight neck models are RH only.

16 Comments

HL4 driver vs EXS driver. I have a swing speed under 100. Recommendation for driver. Thanks, Ed

Pretty much comes down to your preference in looks, if you want adjustability, and price tag. They’re pretty different drivers.

Is every seller of Tour Edge clubs a fitter?

I’ll be honest, I don’t know that answer, but my gut feeling would tell me no. That said, I definitely don’t know for sure.

Thanks for the excellent review. Been looking at knock-offs as a way to get me a new driver, but this review has sold me on buying a one-year old Tour Edge HL4 driver. I already get good height on my drives with a 9% so going with the 9.5 degree. Since I am playing with a 20 year old driver, I’m hoping this baby will add a few yards to my hits. Currently 73 and hitting them between 200 and 220 off the tee without a lot of roll.

It’s a good one. My 67 year-old dad put it in his bag last year because it was just flat out easier to hit. I’m sure you’ll like it.

I’m 67 years old, with swing speed in high 80s. I have been playing a Tour Edge Exotics XJ1 driver (12* senior flex) and getting good height and distance, but it is not very forgiving. If I go to the HL4 driver, would it be a mistake to stick with 12*? Will I be hitting it too high?

I don’t think so, but if you’re looking for more forgiveness without sacrificing premium performance, I would 100% got with one of the new Hot Launch 521 drivers. I understand the HL4 may be more desirable because of a discounted price, but I think the difference in overall performance between HL4 is 521 is well worth it.

I just purchased an HL4 driver, but I didn’t realize(until I got home), that it does not have the loft etched on the sole? The one I was looking at, did have “10.5” on it(and both were offset “OS”)? How do I tell what loft I have? NOTE: I really need at least a 10.5, as I have a torn rotator, which has prevented me from lifting the ball. Thanks! MikeM

Does it say HL where the loft should? If so, that’s their highest loft option – 13.5º.

Thanks for the review! I appreciate that you didn’t discount the brand/club just because it’s budget. The salesman at the store I went didn’t do the same and I promptly left… I understand pushing the latest clubs but I rather spend the money more practice and lessons.

I’m just getting back into golf and my hand me down driver is regular flex but based on how it feels, my irons distance and those being stiff shafts I opted to get a Hot Launch 4 stiff flex for $110 like new. Hopefully it works out well and I can upgrade in a few years to the newer designs by Tour Edge.

Just very pleased a company is making things fairly affordable. $550 for a single club as a casual golfer just feels like too much.

Thanks again for the review. Will be visiting the website again as I appreciate no bias towards the budget golfer.

It’s not about budget or not, it’s about understating the value of the gear available out there and there is a HUGE array of golfers looking to fill spots in their bag. If we can help with that, we’re all in.

I cannot find the swingweight of this driver. HL4 offset, 10.5 degrees. feels light to me.

I couldn’t find anything on it. Try contacting Tour Edge through their website, they’re pretty good about getting back and answering questions.

How much offset is on the offset version of the hl4 driver?

I honestly don’t know, sorry.

Pre-Owned Tour Edge Golf Hot Launch HL4 Driver

Apply a trade-in credit towards this product w/ Club & Ball Trader . Learn More

Out Of Stock

Please add your custom text before adding to cart.

Ships Within 2-3 Business Days

Personalized items may not be returned

Ships Same Day If Ordered By 2pm ET* (more info)

RBG Certified Pre-owned 30 Day Playability and Condition Guarantee

We want our customers to feel secure in their RBG Certified Pre-owned purchase, so we offer a 30-Day Playability Guarantee! The 30-Day Playability Guarantee allows you to return a club within 30 days of purchase if you are unhappy with its performance or condition rating. Products eligible for the Guarantee will prominently display the 30 Day Playability and Condition Guarantee icon on the product page.

Terms and Conditions

Offer applies only to those products that have the RBG Certified Pre-owned 30 Day Playability and Condition Guarantee Icon on the product page.
The club must not be altered in any way, including, but not limited to, shaft or grip changes and must exhibit normal wear only.
All RBG Certified Pre-owned 30 Day Playability and Condition Guarantee returns are refunded in store credit.
Store credit will only be issued for the product purchase price and any applicable sales tax only.
To receive full product credit, accessories must be returned with the product (including product literature, tools and headcovers, if applicable).
To qualify for RBG Certified Pre-owned 30 Day Playability and Condition Guarantee, a return request must be submitted via email to [email protected] within 30 days of the original date of purchase.
Rock Bottom Golf reserves the right to alter the RBG Certified Pre-owned 30 Day Playability and Condition Guarantee at any time.
RBG Certified Pre-owned Condition Ratings are determined by our experienced golf professionals. If returning due to condition discrepancy, it is under RockBottomGolf’s sole discretion to accept the return under the condition guarantee. If deemed that the club had the correct condition rating, RockBottomGolf will return the product to the customer with an explanation of the findings.

Warranty Policy

Only RBG Certified Pre-owned Equipment comes with a 12-month extended Limited Warranty Policy. What does that mean to you? Complete protection!! We recognize the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty* and an ADDITIONAL 12-month Limited Warranty Policy on all RBG Certified Pre-owned Equipment!!! If your equipment fails due to a manufactures defect, we will fix it, replace it or refund you in store credit! Play with confidence knowing you are protected by RBG’s Certified Pre-owned Warranty Policy!!**

*Original Manufacturers Warranties vary in length/coverage by Manufacturer, if Original Manufacturer Warranty is expired; warranty is 12 months from date of purchase. **Customer must ensure: (A)to provide proof of purchase (copy of customer invoice), and (B) the golf club has only experienced normal playing conditions and has not been abused, altered, defaced, or misused, or otherwise damaged through the act or neglect of the consumer or other parties.

Failures and Defects

Our warranty policy covers any failures and/or defects to the functionality of the club due to manufacturer defects that occur during normal usage. If the failure/defect falls under the warranty period, and meets the stated requirements, please contact customer service at [email protected] for a return authorization number. Upon arrival, we will examine the functionality on a case-by-case basis. Failures and defects to the function of the club may include but are not limited to:

Shaft failure and or defect occurring up to 6 inches above the hosel
Shaft failure and or defect occurring within the grip portion of the shaft
Head Failure and or defect occurring within the contact/perimeter of the club face

In the event of warranted failure/defect, Rock Bottom Golf will: (a) Repair Defect and return to customer free of charge; (b) Replace with similar model club (if in stock); (c) Refund product purchase price in store credit.

Conditions Rating Guide

Shows virtually no traces of wear, may have been hit one or more times in controlled conditions. May show signs of very minor "shop wear" (i.e. a single cosmetic blemish), but still full of NEWNESS!

Clubs have seen minimal usage and are in top of the line preowned condition. You may see some minor or faint cosmetic blemishes (i.e. very light scuffing and/or scratching). Typical wear that you will see on an Excellent condition club is normal ball marks that are lightly visible on the face, minimal scratching to the crown, soul and edges. Shaft has no noticeable wear.

Clubs have seen normal usage for an extended period of time or at least one season, the wear you’ll notice will be typical of the age of the model. All of the wear is purely cosmetic, and will not in any way affect the performance of the club. Typical wear you’ll see on a Very Good condition club is normal ball marks and scratching on the face, normal scratching on the sole, faint dings and nicks on the crown and/or around the edges of the head, light scratches, paint chips, paint blemishes on or around the crown. Shaft has minimal wear.

Clubs offer a great value for someone who isn't as interested in cosmetics, but cares about performance. Shows frequent too heavy use, but does not show any signs of abuse. All clubs in Value Condition are in 100% playable condition, which is the perfect option for the player looking for more bang for the buck. Typical wear you’ll see on a Value condition club is moderate to heavy ball marks and scratching on the face, moderate to heavy scratching on the sole, moderate to heavy dings and nicks on the crown and/or around the edges of the head, moderate to heavy scratches, and paint chips/ blemishes on or around the crown. Shaft will have noticeable wear.

The Pre-Owned 30 Day Guarantee is limited to only one store credit return from the original purchase only. Customers cannot recycle Store Credits from previous Performance Guarantee redemption. Please CLICK HERE to contact Customer Support if you have questions.

Low Price Guarantee

We find it hard to believe too, but every now and then, someone finds a LOWER price on one of our items. But we wouldn't be living up to our name if we didn't have the LOWEST price out there!

If you find a lower price prior to placing your order, simply fill out the form to the right. If it all checks out, we're going to match the price PLUS GIVE YOU ADDITIONAL STORE CREDIT for use on a future purchase based on the difference in price!

Items must be the exact same model and condition
Items found on Auction sites do not apply
Item price must be current and item must be in-stock. Past prices do not apply. In technical terms, "No Backsies"!
The lower priced seller must have an authorized account with the manufacturer.
Price Match items cannot be combined with any other special offers, e-coupons, discounts or promotions.
The price matching policy only applies to in-stock items on my website: www.RockBottomGolf.com

Click Boxes For More Details

About This Item

Hot Launch 4 Driver

Super High MOI Design For Maximum Stability Combined With Cup Face Power

The HL4 driver features an all new sloped crown design that is deeper from face to back. No skirt where the sole plate meets the crown equates to a 12% increase in MOI over the previous Hot Launch drivers. This new design makes for an extremely high Moment of Inertia above 5000 grams per cubic centimeter making the HL4 more stable. This higher MOI will increase ball speed on miss-hits and will keep shots straighter.

Designed with a more sloped crown that is deeper from face to back for a SUPER HIGH MOI
Deep cup face design for exceptional power and improved acoustics
Power Channel behind the face moves weight to back of the clubhead while also maximizing face flex

Specifications

Shaft Specifications

Pre-Owned Club Conditions

Condition: like new.

Shows virtually no traces of wear, may have been hit one or more times in controlled conditions. May show signs of very minor "shop wear" (i.e. a single cosmetic blemish), but still full of NEWNESS! Watch Video

Condition: Excellent

Condition: Very Good

Condition: Value

Clubs offer a great value for someone who isn't as interested in cosmetics, but cares about performance. Shows frequent to heavy use, but does not show any signs of abuse. All clubs in Value Condition are in 100% playable condition, which is the perfect option for the player looking for more bang for the buck. Typical wear you’ll see on a Value condition club is moderate to heavy ball marks and scratching on the face, moderate to heavy scratching on the sole, moderate to heavy dings and nicks on the crown and/or around the edges of the head, moderate to heavy scratches, and paint chips/ blemishes on or around the crown. Shaft will have noticeable wear. Watch Video

Product Videos

Product Reviews

Shipping Info

We know you're anxious to get your new gear right away. That's why our goal is to get your order to you as FAST as possible. As soon as you place your order, our shipping crew gets it picked, packed, and on the truck in record time! As a matter of fact, most orders placed before 2pm (Eastern) will ship the SAME DAY*! Same day shipping does not apply to our Economy Shipping method. Please allow up to 3 business days for shipment for orders selecting the Economy Shipping method. *Please note that while your order may be packed and ready to go, our shipping carriers don't pick up on Saturday or Sunday. For orders placed on Saturday or Sunday, your tracking information will activate when your order is picked up by our shipping carrier on Monday

This product ships directly from the manufacturer. Items that ship directly from the manufacturer ship via Economy service only. Therefore, this item cannot ship via Express Delivery or International service. During checkout, please be sure to select Economy service option!

Due to vendor restrictions, this product may not ship to any location outside of the United States.

Free Shipping

Nobody enjoys paying for shipping. So why should you? Just be sure to spend $150 or more and we'll ship your order to anywhere in the continental U.S. for FREE! We'll even do you one better! When you spend $300 or more, you'll enjoy FREE Home In 2! Shipping. That's right...on your doorstep in 2 days or LESS! Just a few more every day perks you can get from shopping at Rock Bottom! Free shipping/Free Home In 2! apply to all domestic orders that total above the amount outlined on this page after discounts are subtracted out and before tax charges are applied. Free Home In 2 Shipping does not apply to orders containing Bags, Carts and/or Complete Sets. A free economy shipping method will be offered instead, and orders can be expedited for a "large item" fee. Rock Bottom Golf reserves the right to downgrade transit time on Free Home In 2 Orders or charge shipping fees on any orders deemed to be bulk (wholesale/tournament/team orders).

RBC Heritage

Harbour Town Golf Links

COMPETE IN THE GOLF DIGEST OPEN

Two-person best ball.

Tour Edge Hot Launch 524 drivers, fairway woods, hybrids: What you need to know

/content/dam/images/golfdigest/fullset/2024/2/TourEdgeHotLaunch524.jpg

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The Tour Edge Hot Launch 524 series of metalwoods once again brings together the company’s highest levels of technology, borrowed from the top innovations in its Exotics lineup, to a more budget-conscious consumer with drivers, fariway woods and hybrids that in some cases are half the going rate of many popular models. The 524 lineup includes two families, the E524 with a focus on extreme game improvement and the C524 with more traditional, compact shaping for more skilled golfers. Throughout there’s an emphasis on more ball speed across a broader section of the face. That comes from both a variable thickness face design made of dozens of diamond-shaped indentations and a central ridge the length of the crown designed to add structural stability at impact.

PRICE: E524: driver ($250; 10.5, 12, 15 degrees); fairway wood ($180; 16, 20, 23, 25, 27 degrees); hybrid ($150; 19, 22, 25, 28 degrees). C524: driver ($250; 9, 10.5, 12 degrees); fairway wood ($180; 15, 17, 19, 22 degrees); hybrid ($150; 19, 22, 25, 28 degrees). Available at retail March 1.

3 COOL THINGS

1. Diamonds on a budget. It is not impossible or even remotely remarkable to produce an affordable set of golf clubs. You can find a boxed set that includes a bag on Amazon right now for $200. Making a collection of tech-rich metalwoods that are sometimes as little as half the price of some current top models, though, is a different proposition. But Tour Edge has been living that mantra for decades, and the latest Hot Launch offering, the eighth edition, again incorporates the learnings of the company’s higher-priced Exotics line to give budget-conscious golfers some proven concepts. Foremost among them is a variable face technology the company calls “diamond face VFT.”

/content/dam/images/golfdigest/fullset/2024/2/E524-Driver-Top.png

Appearing on the backs of the forged titanium faces of drivers, fairway woods and hybrids, the design uses rows of intersecting diamond-shaped patterns (sort of a crosshatch) of varying depths designed to create multiple areas of optimized face flexibility both across and up and down the face.

/content/dam/images/golfdigest/fullset/2024/2/C524-Fairway-Face.png

“This is by far the most tech we have put into the Hot Launch lineup and almost all of it comes directly from our ultra-premium Exotics designs,” said David Glod, Tour Edge founder and president, who refers to the distinct face thicknesses as “mini-trampolines.”

/content/dam/images/golfdigest/fullset/2024/2/C524-Driver-Top.png

“Our goal is to bring Hot Launch to the highest possible level in game improvement and extreme improvement designs. They feature the specs and the playing characteristics that the vast majority of golfers are going to benefit the most from.”

More From Golf Digest

Glod says the variable diamond shapes create more ball speed potential and reduce spin. On the E524 woods, the driver face is backed 36 diamond shapes in four different sizes, the fairway wood features 34 and the hybrid 39. On the C524, there are 37 diamond shapes, the fairway wood uses 35 and the hybrid features an array of 34. The fairway woods and hybrids use three different shapes and thicknesses on their diamond shapes.

/content/dam/images/golfdigest/fullset/2024/2/C524-Hybrid-Front.png

In addition to creating more potential face deflection on off-center hits, the “VFT diamond” design concentrates on benefitting heel and toe hits to optimize ball speed across the face. The effect of the face deflection also helps to optimize spin, as well as providing durability for the thinner face design.

/content/dam/images/golfdigest/fullset/2024/2/C524-Fairway-Back-02.png

2. Crowning achievement. The crown construction is another element brought over from the Exotics 723 series of metalwoods. The driver, fairway woods and hybrid all incorporate the central ridge that stretches from front to back. Known as “ridgeback,” the I-beam shaped feature provides increased stability for better off-center hit power (or, more precisely, less loss of power on mis-hits). Specifically, Glod said the idea is to stiffen the middle section where face deflection and ball speed already are maximized, allowing for more give on the heel and toe regions where off-center hits are given more of a boost.

/content/dam/images/golfdigest/fullset/2024/2/E524-Hybrid-Back-02.png

Flanked by heel and toe sections on the crown with an aesthetic treatment that takes on a carbon fiber look, the ridge feature also serves an alignment function. Actually positioned slightly heelward from center, at address the angle of the ridge appears matched up with the center of the face.

/content/dam/images/golfdigest/fullset/2024/2/C524-Hybrid-Top.png

3. Family resemblance. The two collections serve two different player types, with the E524 exuding maximum game improvement features, while the C524 offers more traditional looks in line with what more experienced players would prefer. Those changes go beyond the visual, of course. The E524 driver, fairway woods and hybrids all feature more offset to help driver the center of gravity farther back and improve the tendency of the face to close at impact. The E524 driver also features a more upright lie angle and a shorter shaft to increase control. There’s also a heel-biased sole weight on the driver, fairway woods and hybrids to help attack the slice, and compared to the C524 there are higher lofts and larger visual footprints in the E524 to inspire more confidence.

On the C524 driver, fairway woods and hybrids, the sole weight is more centered and deep, creating a higher moment of inertia (heel-toe stability) than its predecessor. Like on the E524 woods, there’s a more pronounced sole rail that also keeps the CG lower, eight percent lower compared to last year’s driver and 22 percent lower on the hybrids.

/content/dam/images/golfdigest/fullset/2024/2/E524-Fairway-Top.png

Both the fairway woods and hybrids feature shallow face designs, although the E524 lineup is shallower than the C524 offerings. Each also makes use of an angle wedge of weight in the rear perimeter to lower the CG and provide extra stability. Known as the “Houdini Sole,” the wedge is angled away like a rudder, providing helpful weighting but heel and toe relief for better turf interaction. That angle is more aggressive on the E524 woods with more extreme heel and toe relief compared to the C524.

More from Golf Digest

Trending now.

INFORMATION

Exotics hot launch get in the game tour media demo retailers shop.

All Other Products

“I DEVELOPED AN ALL NEW SHAPE

For the hl4 drivers that is different from anything i've ever designed in order to enhance weight distribution and the end result is upgraded power with amazing feel and forgiveness.”.

PRESIDENT, FOUNDER & MASTER CLUB DESIGNER

OFFSET HOSEL

On os model for maximum slice-fighting control.

SUPER HIGH MOI SLOPED CROWN

Forged four-piece 6-4 titanium head features a more sloped crown that is deeper from face to back.

DEEP CUP FACE DESIGN

Delivers high-flying, powerful tee shots that are easy to get airborne.

REAR SOLE WEIGHT

Further back weight placement delivers high-flying, powerful tee shots that are easy to get airborne.

UST MAMIYA (L, A, R, S)

Men's, senior's, and women's shaft specifications.

POWER CHANNEL

Moves weight to back of the club head while also maximizing face flex.

CLUB SPECIFICATIONS

EXPANDED CUSTOM FITTING OPTIONS

Built to your specifications including length, shaft flex and now available in slim size and mid-size grips

SHAFT LENGTH

GRIP: Lamkin Z5 Rubber

*Also available in left hand. Women’s length -1". Custom fitting options include: grip, shaft flex, and length. Headcover included.

PLAY FULL PRODUCT VIDEO

WE DARE YOU TO FIND A BETTER CUSTOM-FITTED VALUE IN GOLF

Plugged-In-Golf-White-on-Blue-e1597419240829

Get plugged in…

Tour Edge Hot Launch C522 Driver Review

50 Words or Less

The Tour Edge Hot Launch C522 driver is one of the best values in golf. Great forgiveness with slightly lower launch and spin than the E522.

Introduction

The Hot Launch line is best known for clubs that help the new or high handicap golfer. However, with the introduction of the C (Competition) line, Tour Edge is making it known that Hot Launch can be played by accomplished golfers, too. I tested the Hot Launch C522 driver to see how it stacks up against the racks of drivers that cost twice as much.

Check out the new Hot Launch C523 and E523 drivers HERE

Putting the C522 driver next to the E522 [review HERE ], the C522 is a bit shorter from front to back with a much taller face. It also wants to sit square where the E522 sits a bit closed.

In the global context, the Hot Launch C522 is quite long from front to back , though the shape is almost perfectly symmetrical. The gloss black crown and small white alignment aid give it a traditional look.

In the bag, with or without the headcover, the C522 driver is a good looking driver . The sole is largely gloss black with two notable sections of bright blue. Tour Edge and Hot Launch branding are legible but not overbearing.

Sound & Feel

At impact, the C522 and E522 are brothers but not quite twins. Both Hot Launch drivers are above average in volume with a mid-high pitch tone . Where they differ is that the E rings out, the C produces a more traditional “crack.”

In terms of feedback, the C522 driver is an ego booster more than a teller of hard truths. Unless you operate outside the scoring lines, impact is going to sound very similar. You will be able to feel large mishits in your hands, but you’ll need to pay attention to precisely locate it.

Performance

Comparing the numbers of the C522 and E522 drivers, you’ll see that these two drivers have a lot in common. Chief among those commonalities is consistent ball speed . Like the E522, the C522 driver has Diamond Face 2.0 technology which keeps ball speed high even when you don’t hit the center of the face.

Also like the E522, the Tour Edge Hot Launch C522 driver comes with the Mitsubishi Fubuki HL shaft . This is a light weight shaft – 45 to 55 grams, depending on flex – designed to create higher launch. The softer tip also promotes a draw for most players.

There are two important differences that I saw in my testing of the C522 and E522 drivers. First, the Hot Launch C522 driver launches and spin a bit less than the E522 . As you can see in the data, the differences were not night and day, but they were consistent. I’d also note that while the differences were not huge for me, others players may see larger gaps.

The other key difference is that the C522 driver is closer to neutral in its ball flight . In part due to the softer shaft, I was hitting mostly draws with the C522 driver, but I was able to cut it if I wanted to. For players that want a lot of forgiveness but don’t need the draw bias, the C522 is the way to go.

The latest Hot Launch clubs keep Tour Edge firmly atop the value rankings. For $250, the C522 driver is massively forgiving and will work well for the majority of golfers. While it would be nice to have some different shaft options, at this price it’s very difficult to complain.

Visit Tour Edge HERE

Tour edge hot launch c522 driver price & specs.

Plugged In Golf

Do You Like Free Golf Gear?

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and not only will you get the latest reviews, instruction, and more delivered directly to your inbox, you’ll also be entered into regular giveaways for golf clubs and more.

Login to my account

Enter your e-mail and password:

New customer? Create your account

Lost password? Recover password

Recover password

Enter your email:

Remembered your password? Back to login

Spend $150.00 more and get free shipping!

Your cart is empty

Tour Edge HL4 To-Go Complete Men's Left Hand Set

Description.

Set Includes:

MLH HL4 10.5° Driver
MLH HL4 #3 Fairway
MLH HL4 #5 Fairway
MLH HL4 #4 Hybrid
MLH HL4 #5 Hybrid
MLH HL4 #6-PW Iron Set
MLH 56° Super Spin Wedge
MLH Mallet Putter
HL4 Cart Bag

sole view of tour edge hot launch 4 driver

The forged titanium HL4 driver features a Cup Face with Variable Face Thickness (VFT) technology for maximum power and distance.

sole view of tour edge hot launch 4 fairway wood

HL4 Fairway Wood

HL4 fairway woods feature an all new shape and a thinner and lighter 17-4 forged steel crown for faster clubhead speed with a lower CG, plus an added weight for an easier to launch design.

sole view of tour edge hot launch 4 hybrid

HL4 hybrids features a thinner and lighter 17-4 forged steel crown for faster clubhead speed. A heavier sole weight lowers CG and raises MOI for the best in feel, launch and forgiveness.

sole view of tour edge hot launch 4 iron

HL4 irons incorporate an expanded undercut cavity for maximum forgiveness and consistent performance.

sole view of tour edge hot launch 4 superspin wedge

Hot Launch Super Spin wedges are designed to give players perfect control on approach shots and around the green. Computer-milled grooves give you perfect control.