Many don’t realize that Tour Edge has been around for 35 years in golf, and in that time there have been some significant successes and a whole lot of industry firsts in terms of technology and designs. For most, however, it is the last few years that have more than likely brought the brand to attention, and that hinges around their PGA Tour Champions presence, yes, but also the fact that they are making clubs from top to bottom that flat our perform.
Last year was a big one for Tour Edge and the Exotics line where the company saw sales successes the likes of which the company hadn’t seen before, particularly when it comes to driver. THP reviewed both the EXS 220 and EXS Pro drivers and honestly I believed we had seen the formula of design the company would follow for the foreseeable future. Boy was I wrong.
The C721 driver turns all of that on its ear. A unique from the ground up design to follow impressively successful predecessors, and yes, it very much works.
Quick Take
No evolution here, the C721 is yet another revolution for Tour Edge and their Exotics line. This is one of the absolute lowest spinning drivers on the market for 2021, but with a playability that is unheard of for the low RPM’s it pumps out. This driver has outside the box looks, but all of the sound, feel, forgiveness, and sheer firepower we have come to expect from the Exotics lineup. This is a must try.
From the Ground Up
I’ll be honest, I really don’t believe that David Glod and Tour Edge get enough credit for their ability to design and innovate. Yes, there are multiple layers to Tour Edge as a company with options across the spectrum, but the Exotics lineup in particular has always been one that is unafraid of being different for the sake of chasing performance. That is the C721 driver in a nutshell.
The only true design carryover from the EXS 220 line is the 2.0 version of Diamond Face. With this evolution there are 7 different thicknesses and 43 diamonds on the backside of the face which create variable thickness. Worth noting is that the first version had only 3 thicknesses. Even more impressive is through material and design changes, Diamond Face 2.0 has actually reduced the perimeter thickness by 20% according to Tour Edge. Reduced thickness means more ball speed potential, and also more forgiveness particularly at the extremes of the face.
The C721 is also utilizing an Adjustable Rear Backweight which optimizes the CG to promote an easier launch and increased stability by way of an increased M.O.I. The weights will be available in 5g, 10g, 15g, and 18g options with 10g being standard in the driver.
Tour Edge is also taking carbon fiber to the limit through what the company is calling their Ridgeback Technologyand Dual Carbon Wings. Ridgeback is a titanium spine that goes down the middle of the club connecting behind the top center of the face and running all the way around the head. This is Tour Edge’s answer to creating stiffness in the right places to increase ball speed in the middle of the face while allowing the heel and toe sections to flex and maintain more power there as well. Wrapping around Ridgeback are the Dual Carbon Wings which help shift the weight internally to optimize that low/back CG for launch and stability.
Tour Edge Exotics C721 Driver
So, on to performance, yeah? I’ll put it this way, as impressed as I was by the EXS 220 and EXS Pro last year, and as shocked as I was that Tour Edge was essentially scrapping those designs, this is about as well rounded as a driver can get.
Obviously, the looks are getting the biggest share of discussion, and I was one who was admittedly pessimistic when I first got to see the release images. Even then, the same old story reigns true, it looks better in the in-hand pictures than the release images, and then when actually in-hand it’s even better. Is it different and a little abstract? Absolutely. But before the internet gets up in arms about it, think about the fact that Tour Edge is adamant that on both the PGA and PGA Tour Champions circuits who are made up of the pickiest players on earth, that the feedback on the looks has been good. I know for me, the way that the Dual Carbon Wings wrap around in hand is what stuck out as utterly unique.
Where the overall footprint goes, it’s not a small driver and it does fill out its 460cc. However, it still keeps a nice flow and curve to the rear of the head, not at all angular or pancake like. The face depth is, to my eye, quite close to the EXS 220 which is a good thing. Ironically, the sole is what took the most getting used to for me as I was so accustomed to the different iterations of the slip-stream sole that has now been retired by the company. Its on the plain side now, but it’s also clean and lets the rest of the aesthetic package do the talking.
With so much carbon fiber I was curious if we would end up with a sound more on the composite side of the spectrum, but instead it’s a pretty satisfying melding of composite and titanium with the Ridgeback design. Tour Edge has clearly continued their commitment to sound/feel and the materials combined with the use of Sound Diffusion Panels internally have created something pretty unique. The best way I can describe it is solid but crisp and while sound preference is personal, I just don’t see many coming away anything but impressed with the C721 in that department.
On the course, impressive might be selling this one short for me. The forgiveness of the Diamond Face 2.0 melded with the way the company has manipulated the CG and MOI of the head turned into a surprising level of playability. The head itself for me is very neutral overall and with that the ball flight took on the nature of the swing I put onto it without any concern. The fact that I was able to move such a forgiving head either way when I wanted to is something that I honestly didn’t expect. All that said, when I got the C721 on the Foresight GC2 things became even more interesting.
As you can see above, there is a lot to digest. First, I will put out there that the data session shown was recorded in some very cold temperatures, so while the environment for maximizing compression wasn’t at its most optimal, it does a great job of telling the story. Paired with a Project X HZRDUS RDX Black, this is one of the lowest spin drivers I have reviewed. Ever. Even outdueling the EXS Pro in that regard. One thing to mention there is that the C721 is astoundingly consistent in its spin rates with misses high and low, not jumping or dipping too far outside of solidly struck shots.
Combine the low spin with the fact that even in the 9.5° head I tested I was able to achieve solid launch angles at good ball speeds, and there is ample distance potential here. While peak speeds have not been quite where I was with the EXS Pro, it makes sense given this isn’t the same low/forward design as that head. If anything, the low/back CG nature of this design makes it that much more impressive from a distance and forgiveness blend.
Bottom line, this might be the most forgiving and easy launching low spin head on the entire market in 2021. This is a driver that wants to stay as stable and square as possible regardless of strike location on the face, which is another nod to Diamond Face and what Tour Edge has accomplished with that technology. Something in all that to keep in mind, however, is that with a head that spins as low as this is capable of, fit is going to be even more important to take advantage of it. All in all, Tour Edge has somehow managed to take the Exotics lineup to an even more impressive performance level, one that truly stands on its own against anything else out there.
Have you hit the C721 driver yet? Plan on it? Jump into the discussion below as well as on the THP community thread where golfers just like you are putting it through its paces as part of TEEm Tour Edge!
The Details
Price: $399.99
Lofts: 9.5°, 10.5°, 12°
Shafts: Fujikura Air Speeder, Fujikura Ventus Red 4T Core, Project X HZRDUS Smoke Blue RDX, Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX
Could you please elaborate?
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I watched that video last night. I hadn’t been following their whole bracket so I was a little surprised to see the Tour Edge. Surprised is probably the wrong word. I know their clubs perform. But, I guess I was surprised to see that they put it in their bracket in the first place. Throughout the video with their comments of how easy it was to accumulate the necessary 10 shots vs. the Ping (which has been noted as being pretty damn forgiving from everything I have read on it) was very surprising.
Not going to lie. The Tour Edge wasn’t really on my radar. I was aware of its existence and everything. But, probably some brand snobbishness and my affinity for Callaway clubs pretty much cemented that it wasn’t ever going to get a shot. Their video made me do a double take of sorts. So, I started digesting some of the information that I glanced over previously. And now, I kind of want to try this bad boy haha. I don’t know if they have any in our shops locally though. May have to be one I take a flyer on if I can find a deal on a used head and see how it compares to my Epic Speed TD.
Having hit both of these – THEY ARE ??????
I have a TEE LIN-Q gunmetal ready to add to the C721, should one present itself for a test and head to head with a mid / high capper.
Arcoss is updated with Mizzy numbers this year… had great success in the 5 drives or so with C721, but thinking LIN-Q might take it next level.
If low spin is what your looking for it is a beast. It out preforms my speedzone and B21 in both distance and accuracy.
The lack of my knowledge on it and reports of surprising performance is kind of reminiscent of how I found out about one of my favorite all time drivers, the Adams 9015D. Wonder if this is another unicorn I need to try.
Very different spin and launch profiles overall, the EXS wishes it was this low spin. It’s because of things like that, that just sticking with a shaft that worked in another head doesn’t always work.
. It has been a pleasure testing the C721 driver. It is a great year to be a member of TEEm Tour Edge. Tons of info on it in this thread.
Apparently I just get lucky from time over the past 8 years or so
But, while I like watching Matt swing, the reality is his 120mph clubhead speed bears zero resemblance to my 95 mph powder puff.
Good news is there are reviews out there where mortals are indeed reviewing these clubs….like the THP homepage
While that is true. It does show, at the very least, how similar the C271 is vs one of the bigger OEMs good for good. At 120mph, you have to be even more consistent to keep the ball in play. If it truly took 7 less swings to get there in the same session, that speaks loads for someone looking for some consistency when they’re in the 95mph range.
I understand that, Neither are we, but, I still see gains in the use of this head and i have been pretty brand loyal to Taylormade for years with he exception of the Ping G Series a few years ago, I was surprised at the difference in that club, /but the Tour Edge C721 has dropped every other driver from my bag since i have gotten the Ventus Red Shaft in it. This thing for ME? game changer
you a mere mortal – nahhhhh
I was a skeptic I’ll admit and admitted it at the beginning of testing. I was using the unicorn of all unicorns at the time. The C721 has stood up to the test and continually produces great results. In last several rounds the number of errant balls have basically disappeared. The last 36 holes played only one ball lost. That was due to me trying to cut corner and doing a little double cross. Even bad swings ball foes move as far right or left as you might think. I think back to my first round with it in the swamps of South Louisiana. Couple balls that I worried about off the tee still found edge of fairway. Even that round the driver didn’t result in a lost ball. It is a driver worth giving a try for sure. It’s cool to be able to hit a 399.00 driver farther than your buddy that spent 6 or 7 hundred.
What shaft do you have paired with it? Club head weight seem to be in line with other current drivers?
I have the RDX Blue.
Which is a great shaft. My swing speed hovers around 105 and it has been a great pairing with the C721.
I tried the RDX Blue this Winter. But, I have not had great luck with higher balance point shafts. So, wasn’t a surprise that it didn’t work out. Was just on their site and it doesn’t look like there are any custom shaft options. Already hit up eBay in search of a used head and am watching a couple listings lol.
If you contact TE I think you can get some other shaft options other than standard. I asked that question about irons. Was told they have a list of custom shaft options. It’s just not online
First few swings I was a little worried. After a little getting used to one another I actually now like the counter balance. I tipped a Fuji 661 speeder that I had used in another driver. Didn’t like the feel of it after swinging the blue. Before that it actually was a shaft that I played in the B21. Everyone has their own thoughts and preferences in shaft feel. I truly need to go for an actual shaft fitting.
I had a shaft fitting a few years back and the Tensei Pro Orange won hands down. Just bombs on the indoor trackman. Once I got it on the course I just couldn’t control it. Pretty much like every other CB shaft I have tried. Not to take anything away from the thread. Thinking if I go this route, I would likely buy a used head off eBay or something and then pair it with a Ventus Blue or something.
You play it with Kinetixx shaft today
I didn’t, I played it with my one of a kind designed for me PX shaft
View attachment 9009594
Forgiving ?
Long ?
Great feel and sound ?
A good value ?
Fun ?
My only knock is stock shaft offerings. I wish there were more to choose from, but within what they do offer, I found a great match in the RDX Blue. Not everyone, but I still think most will find a shaft that suits their needs.
Their speedtested prorgram is solid though, and definitely hits the mark for the largest portion of the bell curve out there.
Sometimes less is more. To many choices can confuse those of us that don’t have half the knowledge that we think we do.
Agreed. I made my choice based in this, and it worked out great.
I agree with this thought. I try to put myself in the average golfers shoes, with what they know, and 20 shaft offerings would be too many. So I go back and forth, is this a pro or con. I still have a lot to learn about shafts, but as a #golfnerd here on THP a few more options would be nice. But to the average weekend golfer, they would be content with what is offered.
Give me all the shaft options haha. Never too many choices. But I love trying new golf shafts.
I understand, believe me. Even with that said, don’t sleep on the C721 head. It is good.
It is firmly planted on the radar haha.
Demoed it in the sim with the Ventus Red. My SS is 88-90 so the PX’s offering wont work for me.
And the AIR is too light. Maybe I had a bad day. Plus the salesman kept talking to me during my back swing !
?
I’m very excited to try it on the range tonight!
???
With the Kinetixx?
He’s using a custom Project X Evenflow shaft.
Nope. It’s a one of a kind designed just for me shaft, with custom paint and graphics. Went with the evenflow paint, and the LZ graphics with my kids and wife’s initials as the text.
THP events are unlike anything else, anywhere.
Didn’t put it in after those numbers were the baseline with my custom
Soon!
I know @bbutler has the weight kit, but think he’s only messed around with the 5g and stock 10g.
I’ve played around with weights a little. I’ve hit it with 5 10 and 15. Don’t think I actually even tried with the 18. With stock length RDX blue shaft and my swing I preferred lighter weight. I do however have a Fuji speeder 661 shaft that plays about 3/4 shorter with that combo I might try the 15.
For my flawed swing when off I have a tendency to leave face slightly open. The lighter weight makes it easier for me to deliver clubhead square to my path eliminating an open face push. I will spend more time with weight options in a week or so when I’m back to full swing golf.
Thats fun.
I believe @Jman has been using that combo as well. Or close to it.
T1100 Riptide ????????
Buddy of mine struggles with a bit of a slice. He has power and tends to spin his driver a fair amount. When he catches one right, he is right there with me.
Is this driver friendly for guys with a slice? I was gonna recommend he try this and/or the Cally B21 driver.
Thank you.
B21 wil be the most effective low spin driver for that specific miss.
I can’t speak for the Tour Edge. But, I am gaming the B21. I absolutely love it. You can see my comments on that thread. It is a fairway finding machine. I’m hitting the ball significantly farther with the B21. Although a slice was not my driving issue, (a high spinning short fade was my issue), the B21 has changed my ball flight. Although I do tend to still hit a fade, the ball is going a lot further with a better trajectory. I can still hit bad tee shots, but they are better than my previous drivers would have produced with the same swing.
I’ve played both. Like @Jman said B21 is probably better for a true slice. My miss is more of a push due to face being slightly open. Can game either driver however for me the c721 is longer. Launch and carry on it are fabulous.