It is well established by now that Tour Edge has been on a heater for the past four or five years, and every single time you think that they might see that momentum slow, they bring another release that continues the wave. Perhaps the most surprising success they have had over that timeframe has been the Wingman Putters, so two years later, it is time for an expansion and evolution and Tour Edge is taking things to new levels with the Wingman 700 Series.
The Wingman 700 Series Putters
While the original Wingman putters were certainly more on the abstract side of things, they also did a whole lot extremely well. In fact, the feedback by golfers, including THP’ers in our previous TEEm Tour Edge test group, absolutely lauded the Wingman for its stability and optimal roll. That said, obviously being a first iteration there were some things which Tour Edge believed they could improve upon, so two years later we are here with the release of the new Wingman 700 Series putters.
Before anyone asks, yes, the “Lock-On” alignment which Tour Edge hung its hat on for the original Wingman is back and present in every one of the six new putters. It is within that framework that the company wanted to make a putter line with enough breadth to offer golfers across a broader spectrum with more fitting options.
Don’t worry, before we get into the designs and tech, the Wingman 700 Series holds firm at a $199.99 price point, which makes it supremely competitive in the mallet and mid-mallet putter realm. These six putters span across three different shapes, each with two different neck orientations. The shapes themselves will no doubt be very familiar to most as they each feature reminders of arguably the three most popular winged putter designs on the market, all of course with the implementation of Tour Edge’s own technology.
That technology once again hinges around maximizing the weight placement using multiple materials to push the MOI potential of each model as high as possible. Every putter features interchangeable sole weights which are more forward in the designs now (toward the face) which adds control and stability, a trend we continue to see more and more in putters. Weights will be standard at 3g, but 8g and 15g will also be available individually or via the purchase of a complete weight kit. Tour Edge is also pushing that the large variance in weights available means you can tweak the toe-hang some to better fit the individual’s stroke, like we said, a massive emphasis on fit this iteration from the company.
Lock-On alignment remains intact but is now 20% larger in terms of the alignment line which should make the feedback of proper setup even more easy to grasp for golfers of all skill levels. Additionally, a larger carbon fiber sole plate is in play which allowed 34% of the stainless steel to be removed to improve both feel and stability through even more MOI.
The tech change which was most asked for is in sound (feel). The original was on the sharper side of the feedback spectrum, and for some it was not the most pleasant experience long-term. So, this time a major focus to the acoustics through a softer feel was paramount. Using a softer TPU in their MicroGroove horizontal molding has brought the decibels down to a more solid and plush tone according to Tour Edge, something we look forward to testing.
The 701 (Mid-Toe Hang) and 702 (Face Balance) are the “Super Max MOI” options which are very reminiscent to the spider profile which has consistently been one of the most popular shapes in golf. That said, Tour Edge has taken the perimeter weighting to new levels giving it a larger footprint with heavy focus on resistance to twisting with one of the highest MOI’s of any putter anywhere.
Slotting in at the “Max MOI” section, the 703 (Mid Toe-Hang) and 704 (Face Balance) are reminiscent of the seven-shaping using “fangs” or “wings” with some elongation to them to increase the MOI of the putter, but not to the levels of the 701 and 702, this also puts the interchangeable weights directly behind the face which pushed that CG forward while keeping the MOI high.
Finally, the 705 (Mid Toe-Hang) and 706 (Center Shaft) is a more compact winged shape which is very much mid-mallet in its nature. This of course means while it keeps MOI, it does not do so to the level of the other putters in the Wingman 700 Series. This is the model which Tour Edge believed will garner more play for the pickier golfer as it hits a segment which uses all the technology, but in a more visually compact package.
As mentioned previously, the new Wingman 700 Series putters from Tour Edge will come in at $199.99 offering a lot of tech at a price point most others cannot, or perhaps will not compete. The putters feature a KBS CT Tour putter shaft along side a Lamkin grip and will be available in 33”, 34”, and 35” (RH only).
What do you think of the evolution of Wingman from Tour Edge Exotics? Are they hitting their stride by expanding the line? Is it something you plan on seeking out? Be sure to jump into the conversation below and in the THP Community and lets us know!
For more information on this lineup or to order one directly, check out their website at www.touredge.com.
