If there has been one area consistently nitpicked by golfers when it comes to Tour Edge and the Exotics lineups, it has been irons. Yes, last year they produced some of the most under the radar good players irons ever in the EXS Pro Forged, but the focus on Exotics is always primarily on metalwoods, and rightfully so.
While that trend of fascinating metal woods definitely looks like it will be continuing with the C721 versions dropping, but David Glod and Tour Edge are out to entirely change the dynamic of perception on their Exotics irons with the C721 and E721 releases.
Tour Edge Exotics C721 and E721 Iron Tech Rundown
At their root, both of these irons are built on optimizing distance and feel for two distinct segments, the C721 is presented as a “Players Distance” iron, and the E721 as “Extreme Game Improvement”. That said, let it be clear, these are a total departure for Tour Edge and the Exotics line. They are a ground up design with as much heavy tech in them as anything else out there on the market. It is because of that fact that I believe it is worth us talking about the technology first before we dive into the specifics of both models.
Foremost, one of the two biggest tech stories in both irons sets is what Tour Edge is calling VIBRCOR. As you might have guessed based on the name, this is a dampening material which is applied in two locations within both irons. This is a proprietary TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) which has the job of helping improve feel while also dampening unwanted audible and tactile feedback at impact. The most head turning claim from Tour Edge here is that it has let them create a powerful, long iron which have the feel of a forged blade. Bold statement that no doubt many will want to see if it holds true after their release.
The other big hitter in design is the implementation of the company’s Diamond Face 2.0 which is the basis to their variable face thickness application. Versus traditional methods, here Tour Edge uses diamonds of various thicknesses that cover the entire face of the irons, 92 in the C721 and 103 in the bigger E721. These serve to create a broader sweet spot and forgiveness on the perimeters of the irons. This is also the first time that the company has applied this to irons, which is indeed rather exciting.
There are a few iron specific design traits I’ll touch on in those sections as well, but before that I do want to get into the attention to fitting, which Tour Edge is doing all they can to emphasize its importance. First, each head, although not a forged body, has a Notched Hosel which will allow bending +/- 3°. Also, they are implementing their SpeedTested shaft fitting program where they seek to offer the best performing stock options for three different speed classes.
Now then, lets take a closer look at each iron.
Tour Edge Exotics C721 Irons
The C721 are, as previously mentioned, “Players Distance” irons by design. The “C” in the naming actually stands for “competition spec” and is the basis to these irons having an overall smaller topline in a classic looking shape which should appeal to a broad range of golfers from lower handicaps on up. Additionally, these are hollow body irons which implement VIBRCOR in two different locations, the inner cavity as well as the external one, to ensure the irons don’t feel like hollow body clubs.
Obviously, the hollow design will allow significant weighting to be shifted to the perimeter, which combined with the forged high strength military grade maraging steel face which is plasma welded to the body, makes for an iron built for easy speed and distance.
The iron set specifications of the C721’s are as follows:
The C721 irons will also have three stock shaft options selected with Tour Edge’s SpeedTested custom shaft fitting program. The stock options are as follows:
- 85 MPH or Below – KBS TGI: [60-gram A], [50-gram L]
- 85-95 MPH – Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX: [80-gram R/5.5] + True Temper Elevate 95 VSS: [95-gram R]
- 95 MPH or Above – Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX: [80-gram X/6.5], [80-gram S/6.0] + True Temper Elevate 95 VSS: [95-gram X], [95-gram S]
Tour Edge Exotics E721 Irons
The “E” in the E721 stands for “extreme spec” and these are truly a game improvement Exotics iron design. In terms of footprint, it indeed has a thicker topline and sole, as well as a more forgiving look overall, as it should. The name of the game here is launch with extreme forgiveness and ball speed.
Important to point out, the E721 is not a hollow body iron. Instead, it is an extremely toe weighted profile with a massive 360 undercut which keeps the CG very low in the one-piece design while allowing the face to flex as much as possible. That toe weighting helps to stretch the sweet spot to increase playability. Additionally, 103 diamonds are applied through Diamond Face 2.0 as well as the use of VIBRCOR in both the undercut and behind the face to help ensure a good feel.
The E721 are also “Power Lofted” because of the deep center of gravity in order to make sure the irons maintain their proper launch parameters. Specifications are as follows:
Additionally, the E721 are also part of Tour Edge’s SpeedTested program of optimized fitting, the shaft options are below:
- 85 MPH or Below – KBS TGI: [60-gram A], [50-gram L]
- 85-95 MPH – KBS TGI: [70-gram R] + True Temper XP85: [85-gram R]
- 95 MPH or Above – KBS TGI: [80-gram S] + True Temper XP85: [85-gram S]
The Details
Both iron sets will be available starting on 3/10/21 directly from Tour Edge as well as through retailers worldwide. The C721 will come in at $129.99 (steel) or $149.99 (graphite) per iron while the E721 settle in at $99.99 (steel) and $114.99.
THP will have more on these irons as release hits, but until then, what do you think about this direction for Tour Edge and their Exotics irons? Jump into the conversation on the THP Community or below and let us know!
Hey @donny475 I do a screenshot on my phone, then upload the image. If you have any questions once you get into it let me know!
Great improvement for me off the tee. Gaining confidence in the short irons now too.
What do you like better about the Pings?
The head is slightly smaller which I like, but nothing I can point to specifically. With that said, the TE irons have really surprised me with just how much I enjoy them. I don’t dislike them at all. Quite the opposite actually. Assuming nothing shiny catches my eye over the winter break, they’ll definitely be in the bag to start next season.
I completely understand what you mean, I played Hogan Combo set with PTX Pro’s/ and the Icon Blades. These C721 Irons were different at first, but then, It was kinda like seeing an old friend after along time, it just felt right
I’m in agreement with both of you. Going from the Cobra KFT, the size was different, but not hard to get used to. Now I grab the KFT, and they almost feel too small. I feel like the forgiveness of the C721 is a great security blanket and helps me when my swing isn’t the best on any particular hole.
Awesome thoughts! Interesting way to play golf but results speak and comfort/reassurance is important.
Awesome to hear how well these are working out for the THPers that own them
Sound and Feel Tour Edge claims forged feel from a hollow body, and while I don’t think it’s quite that good, I’ve grown to like it more and more. Both sound and feel are just so smooth. I think the combination of the C721 head, and the Elevate shafts with VSS, makes these a fantastic overall pairing. I’ll be honest, I was a little bummed that Tour Edge only offers 4 Standard shafts (I know you can request more, but going with standard here as that’s what the TEEm had to choose from). But, I’m so glad to have the Elevate in mine. I’ve had more than a few golfing buddies hit them, and their reaction says it all. It’s a , then a , then a comment about how smooth they are.
Distance The C721’s are about 5 yards longer across the set than my old gamers, the Cobra KFT. So overall, these give you good distance allowing you to reach and hold greens you may not have been able to before. The forgiveness plus distance allows me to go for greens over water, where I may have laid up before.
GIR This year, before playing the C721’s I was at right at 40%. With the C721’s only I’m at 52% for 2021. Overall over the last 2 years, before the C721’s I was at 40%, and since the C721’s I’ve raised my overall GIR to 44%. I had a stretch of 3 rounds where I was at 67% GIR for each round. So needless to say, these are helping me hit more greens.
Long Irons The 4 and 5i are long but easy to elevate and hit overall. I usually struggle with the 4 and 5i, like most of us, and went to a Cobra Speedzone 4i off the tee for tight par 4’s. So for the last year I’ve been carrying the regular 4i in my set, and the driving SZ 4i. The C721 has given me another 15 yards compared to the Cobra SZ, with as much point and shoot accuracy. I love having the 4i from the set outperform my driving iron. This opens a spot in my bag! And not to sound like a broken record, but the 4i is fun!!!! Hitting right around 70% of fairways, usually around 215-220 off the tee, but have put some out past 230. If they had a 3i with the Elevate 95 shafts in stock, I would seriously consider adding one to the bag because the long irons are weapons.
Durability Cleaning up my clubs after my last round, and I couldn’t help but notice the finish on the C721’s and how well it has held up. I know not a make or break item for some, but I’d rather they stay looking new as long as possible. The 4i is my most used club, and even after many rounds and range sessions, this thing still looks close to new. The satin finish is really good, and the 4i is representative of each club in the set. I know irons are made to get dirty, but with just a quick wipe after each shot, these continue to shine. Very happy with the durability.
General Performance Didn’t speak on it above, but the versatility with these clubs is fantastic. From the fairway these are good, but from the rough I’ve had some exceptional shots. I’ve had a few round where my GIR has been higher than my FIR the last few rounds, in large part to the performance of these irons from a variety of lies. Love this about the set! I’ve noticed the launch and decent angle on these too are right where I want them. Had to get over trees with anything from the 7i to the PW. No issues getting up and over, while still hitting my distances and holding the green.
Standout elements I’ll say 2. The VIRBCOR tech in the head is the real deal. When paired with the VSS of the Elevate shafts, the swing, sound, and feel are all so smooth. The Diamond Face 2.0 provides distance and forgiveness across the face. So good across the face retaining ball speeds, and getting the ball into the air. Just a fun head that allows me to be aggressive, because I know my sweet spot is larger than what I previously played
Overall The profile, upon first getting them in hand, was that they were bigger than what I would typically look at. So initial reaction wasn’t the best. But now that I’ve had them on course, I don’t notice as much. What I do notice is the consistency. Being a mid handicap, usually between 10-15, I have my ups and downs with irons. But with these, I have had lots of up, and very few downs. The Diamond Face 2.0 provides distance and forgiveness across the face. The feel isn’t as good as a fully forged iron, but the accuracy I’ve seen with the C721, coupled with the distance, make this a fantastic set. That’s not to say the feel/sound is bad, just not as good as a forged.
If you are looking for irons in near future, you are doing yourself a disservice not to at least give the C721’s from Tour Edge a try!
I love reading posts like this, and seeing the perspective continue a month later.
Gotta love stat tracking. Can’t hide from it.
Seems like these clubs are perfect all the way around… Can they be improved in the next release?
What is one thing if lost, would ruin the club?
Biggest improvement was forgiveness. My old gamers were pretty forgiving, but these take it up a notch. They are so easy to hit high and straight towards your target, which gives me a lot of confidence. Plus, the long irons, specifically the 4i, is such a consistent weapon. I didn’t have as much confidence in my KFT 4i.
Can they be improved I’ve been thinking about this, and maybe making the head a bit more compact heel to toe. That would be my small nit pick, but I’m sure it would take away from the performance then. I was having issue with my short irons, and being more accurate on approach. But last round out I was hitting them very well, especially on par 3’s, highlighted by putting a PW to 6 feet for birdie.
I think the feel of these is a big, big plus. If they took out the VIBRCOR tech, and the feel/sound was more harsh, I believe it would ruin the club. It would still perform, but without the same joy I get from it now.
I can’t compare to the King Tour, but I can say they are more forgiving than the King Forged Tec. I get quite a bit more height out of the C721’s and about 5 or so more yards per club.
The C721’s would be a great set it you are looking for forgiveness, distance and easy launch. I’d imagine they are in line with the ZX4. I played the 565/765 irons from Srixon and the C721s are more forgiving than both. C721’s are a full club longer too. The one are that the 565/765 set out does the C721 is feel on well struck shots. The C721 sound and feel is fantastic, just not as buttery smooth as a fully Forged iron.
@Canadan has hit both the C721s and the ZX4, so he may be able to provide that context.
I have not played the King Tours Either, I was playing the Hogan PTXPro/Icon combo set before getting my C721’s and they call out to me when i walk though the garage, ask me if we are going out again sometime……I just smile and take the C721’s, so forgiving and long.
My experience with flyers was limited to my first 2 rounds with them. I had it happen once in each round, and both were 8i’s that went 15 yards further than I had planned. I’m going to chalk it up to getting used to the clubs because I haven’t had any since those 2. I have mentioned this before but I’m seeing GIR up over 50%, with quite a few rounds coming in at 67% GIR. Looking back at my Arccos data for my irons, about 1 in every 10 shots is considered long, but most of these are on the back fringe, having hit the green and rolled off, not flying over it. Based on my personal experience, I wouldn’t be worried about any random flyers coming with any regularity.
Nothing that I have seen. Distance has been pretty right on where it should be
Hey @donny475 were you able to get some solid data during your round?
Yes i Did, I just had to figure out how to get it from the website and to an upload here…..lol.
Here is a few shots,
Par 5 and a really good drive. the 6 iron was from about 190 but I pulled it through a tree left of the green.
View attachment 9042716
Short Par 4, 8 iron to the fairway then a 50 deg to the green
View attachment 9042717
Driver was alit off the heel on this one, 8 iron down to the lay up. Funny thing was the third shot shows left but it was past the pin to a 2 putt par.
View attachment 9042714
8 iron on a short par 4
View attachment 9042717
3 wood to the fairway, PW to middle o f the green
View attachment 9042722
I was off on a lot of shots and shot an 85 over all, there were dome good holes but thee were some badly short sided ones for results of Double bogey
Great stuff! I think you’ll like going through once you get more data in. Looking at trends, averages, etc.
Yep, Still figuring things out, @jmix18 and I were texting back and forth when i was looking at getting the Arrcos. I kinda like it, gotta make sure to get the handle close to the LINK to read, I changed putters last week and forgot to move the sensor over.
on a separate note, i had my Bushnell Hybrid Laser die again, I got it working last time, this time no go….sent it off to Bushnell to see if its reparable
I missed a lot of shots the first round, just kinda made sure the handle was right next to the link on shots the second time. I had it clipped in the front of my right pocket the second round. I am sure i will get used to it….
I feel the same, as I think about my 2021 season with the C721’s.
There’s something to be said about these irons and how they perform when your swing is less than ideal.
The C721 irons are good. Great distance and feel, and when paired with the Elevate 95 shafts, just a fantastic set. For the price, very difficult to beat, IMO.
Oh man… Too early for sure.
I’ll try to work this into my next couple on course thoughts.
Thanks. This is where my wheels are turning current for my bag in 2022. Going to try out a Srixon utility, instead of the C721 4i (which has been great all around for a long iron) to see if I can get some extra yardage with the same tight dispersion. The C721 4i was a weapon, but at times too safe.
View attachment 9089665
Lifetime Warranty on all TEE products.
That’s what I told my buddy after it happened. He was asking me what I was going to do, and I said get a replacement and mentioned the lifetime warranty!
I had an issue with one of the fairway woods and they replaced it with a brand new one. Their customer service is awesome.
How’s long has he been without his 8i?
.370 hosel size.