Tour Edge is not afraid to be different, and the creation of the EXS lineup in 2019 showed that in full force. The decision to provide all the tech of other clubs, but at a lower price was a bold one…and it worked. So, what do you do for a follow up? Well, most companies would ride the wave and make a tweak here or there, but that isn’t Tour Edge. Instead, the EXS 220 lineup offers more tech, some significant design changes, and are perhaps the best-looking golf clubs they have ever produced.
Quick Take
Not a rehash of the highly successful EXS, the EXS 220 is its own entity in many ways. Larger profile that screams forgiveness, with the staggering MOI that Tour Edge has achieved, and backed that up in testing. More than that, it wants to put the ball in play, not the lowest spinner out there, but it packs a surprising punch. Probably the most complete driver Tour Edge has ever released.
Technology Tells a Story
Who doesn’t love a good story in golf equipment? Well, Tour Edge is writing one as well as anyone in golf. I’m talking beyond the better-than-almost-everyone pricing as well as the “48-Hour Custom Fit” delivery. While the price of the EXS 220 does come in at $349.99, $50.00 higher than the EXS, when you realize what is going on under the hood, it makes sense.
First and foremost, the shape has changed, a lot. The 220 features a shallower face and much more elongated overall body than its predecessor. Those changes in particular were part of the goal David Glod and company had of increasing the MOI to produce one of the most forgiving drivers out there. By altering the shape, moving 9g of weight low and back, utilizing double the carbon fiber on the sole, and applying “Triple Carbon” which is lighter than that used on the EXS crown (this year it has a thicker appearing weave), they increased the MOI by 20%. What does that mean in layman’s terms? At a heel-toe MOI rating of 5,440 (max allowable is 5,900) you have a driver that is in a stratosphere with some very elite company.
Believe it or not, the bigger story is in the metal. Tour Edge utilized “impact simulation software” to create what they believe is a better face, and better sound. Using this software, a face made up of 42 different diamond zones of variable thickness out of 8-1-1 Titanium as well as placing an internal “sound diffusion bar” that mimics concert hall acoustics, the idea was to take the established MOI and kick it up a notch with face driven speed and additional forgiveness wrapped in a more pleasant sound/feel than the EXS.
Was all of this actually verified in terms of performance? Read on to find out!
Tour Edge EXS 220 Driver
I received the EXS 220 driver in the 9.5° head paired with the PX HZRDUS Smoke Yellow shaft in 6.0. For the gear heads at home, the head weighed out at 193g without the adapter, this includes the 9g weight in the back (Tour Edge is going to offer other weights), fully assembled the club swing weighted out dead on D3.
Before we get to the ins and outs of what I saw in terms of the typical performance parameters, I do want to talk about the sound/feel since it was something specifically addressed in R&D this time around according to Tour Edge. To be blunt, the EXS 220 it isn’t a quiet driver. Initially, I was taken aback by the sound because it is more hollow and somewhat sharp than one might expect given the amount of carbon fiber in the head. That said, before sitting down to write this I hit the EXS for the first time in a long while and quickly realized the sound/feel here has improved drastically. It isn’t going to be a feedback that everyone loves, but I do think it will please far more than it bothers, plus, there is a sensation of power behind it all that makes it more enjoyable.
While forgiveness is the big story from Tour Edge, and we will touch on that here in a moment, I think the biggest performance story here is the launch. In the two sessions worth of data recorded on the Foresight GC2 that are displayed throughout the article you will see 12.2° and 11.5° with both also hitting average peaks over 100 feet. That might not seem a big deal to some of you high ball hitters out there, but for me, in a 9.5° head those numbers are a very big deal. If I can elevate a driver like this, then it’s got some launch to it, and I nevereven had to adjust the adapter.
Time for what everyone is waiting for – forgiveness talk. To be real, with the 220 it is…well…real. I don’t like to draw comparisons with other clubs into my reviews, that isn’t how I roll, but that said this one offered some Max forgiveness. The diamond face combined with the elongated clubhead and high MOI rating makes for a combination that wants to do everything it can to keep the ball in play. Heel-side, toe-side, high, low, in all situations the gear effect of the head seemed pretty mitigated overall. The big thing here is me coming off of an injury let me really see just how forgiving this one could be. Honestly, I couldn’t think of a better setup to work with coming out of that situation.
The rest of the picture sits with the spin numbers, and when you consider the changes in head style/shape from the EXS, it’s not much of a surprise that I did see a little more spin (2,907 and 2,765 RPM averages in the sessions here) given the weight placement in the head. Beyond that though, I have to say there was the rust factor as well as the Smoke Yellow 6.0 not being the best fit for me could have played a role there. Given the spin averages, the total distances given the ball speeds I was seeing were about what I expected. I do think there is some intrigue as to what the EXS 220 can do when fit to the user, and I definitely don’t want the data to automatically lead people to just fall on the belief that it’s a mid-spin head.
Last year was a huge year for Tour Edge, the EXS lineup and in particular the driver put them right back into the thick of people’s minds. With their 48-Hour turnaround program for fitting now extending into the EXS 220 clubs and based on the extreme playability here, 2020 could be even bigger. The key as always is going to be getting them into people’s hands, but with fitting carts expanding throughout the country they are on the right path.
Have you hit the EXS 220 driver? Have some thoughts? Be sure to jump in and comment to let the THP community know what you think!
The Details
Availability: Now
Price: $349.99
Loft Options: 9.5°, 10.5°, 12.0° (+/- 2° with adapter)
Shafts: PX HZRDUS Smoke Yellow (6.0, 6.5), Fujikura Ventus 4t Core (R, S), Fujikura Air Speeder 40A (R3, R2, R)
I believe so. Just arrived.
I say let it rip.
That’s lame.
They’ve been posting in the old thread, also several are still not able to golf.
As jman there are two threads. His review thread here and the initial thread for the release of the club. I’ve been posting over there.
Maybe a thread merge is in prder
Two of us are in NE Ohio and as of This weekend we’ve still been getting snow.
That plus covid has put a damper on testing. ranges just re-opened here Friday.
I’ve been testing the 220 driver against my Flash. So far I’ve found it to be every bit as long. Sounds similar to the Flash. Head shape is more elongated which I don’t mind. Overall a nice looking package and really great value at $349.
my only knock is I like Callaways Double Cog adapter over a single cog like Tour Edge uses. Single cogs flatten the lie when adding loft. I like with the Cally adapter that I can add loft and increase the lie angle. Upright fits my eye better.
We out here! Ready to go. I have had extensive time and can answer anything you ask or will do my best.
No need to merge, makes sense to shift the convo here though now that the homepage article is up, it’s the one with the most eyes for those providing feedback.
That said, I have ZERO issue saying I believe this is as ball speed capable as anything on the market.
what shaft do You have in there now ?
Got it confused with your fW with the Linq
you switch shafts more than I do ?
Roger that will do!
Nah. I’ve had Riptides in all my drivers since they released pretty much, helps that my gamer is a 1/1 built for me specifically on that profile
With the fairway, I’m just trying to make it work because the Yellow and I hate each other. Haha
Is the diamana a made for TM shaft ? If so might be cheap enough to try one in the EXS220.
The more forgiving part really shocks me to be honest. EXS 220 is on G400 Max levels there.
Maybe TwistFace is helping there ? I know depending on one’s path and face it could be a detriment. But maybe you fit who it’s supposed to help (in to out path toe hits to help prevent the snap hook).
This EXS220 was $350 prior to pandemic and since pandemic they are basically throwing in another club for free with the purchase of one. This club has face tech, crazy high moi, and aesthetics that suit a wide range of people. This is a club that should sell well (for tour edge). But because of pandemic, other companies basically encroached into this space. PXG gen 2 XF is less than $300. While you wont get a second club with it, it’s still a competitive enough to make me start thinking of which max forgiveness head to go with. If resell matters to me, g410 plus is only $50 more than the exs220. That’s not even figuring in what Taylormade, Callaway et al are doing as retailers open up.
I think tour edge made an excellent product here. I think a lot of people would do well to try this product. But because of COVID pricing, one major positive of this club just fades away and I hope tour edge doesnt lose out too.
Best part is, this is as good as any of those you’ve mentioned, and better than several.
I know I have limited feel requirements, but I think the yellow works for a lot of people. As far as forgiving this thing seems to take forgiveness to next level. I know that severe toe/heel strikes are punishing on accuracy but anything slightly outside is felt "flush" in my game. When hit on the center of the diamond face boom!
The driver is easy purchase as it flat out performs it has beaten out some of the big boys in head to head and for me it just is smooth consistent performance.
And the hybrid is the best club in Their lineup.
Yup, I said it.
It does look really good. How does it compare to the CBX119 with both being similarly priced? (Excluding the deal with driver)
Different size, 220 is larger, but it also spins a little more while maintaining ballspeed. It’s long as heck and playable into greens, something a lot of hybrids aren’t anymore.
I’m really looking forward to giving the hybrid a go.
I got out before anyone so the course was empty. On the final hole I hit 36 total drives all with my gamer ball (ProV1x Yellow).
I brought along 4 drivers so I hit 9 balls with each. Here were the clubs I brought for the testing:
So pretty much a comparable test, length, shaft and flex wise across models with the Fusion being slightly higher lofted.
Sound:
I am not a big sound guy, so all of them fall in line with something I could game based on that factor alone. Of the (4) drivers my ear seems to prefer the sound of the Fusion the best. It’s not dull and muted but not quite as loud as the other 4. The EXS 220 and Flash are on the louder side and to my ear sound very similar. The SZ X was probably the loudest of the bunch and of the (4), I would put it at the bottom.
Looks at address:
I tend to like a driver that sits a little more upright lie angle wise. For this reason the edge goes to the SZ Xtreme which seems to sit more upright than the others.
The Fusion and Flash I have set to "D" which makes the lie more upright so they are fine too. I have the EXS220 set to U/+ which should bring the lie angle to 61.5* which is very upright but to my eye it still seems to sit flatter than the others.
As for the footprint, the EXS220, Fusion and SZ Xtreme have a more stretched out look with the EXS seeming to be the longest from topline to the back of the club. The Flash is definitely the most compact looking. I can play either type of shape so nothing is really off putting here. But the larger footprint drivers to help with confidence over the ball.
Style / Aesthetics:
Of the Four drivers, my favorite is probably the SZ Xtreme. I like the raised edges on the crown and how it frames the ball. The face milling and how it extends to the top line will definitely aid in preventing skymarks. My next favorite based on pure looks alone would be the EXS220. The carbon top on the crown is done well and the sole might be the best looking of the 4 drivers. I showed all 4 drivers to my 7yr old son and said pick which one you like and he picked out the EXS220. I said why did you choose this one and he said, I like the blue on it.
Distance:
Counting all 9 drives with each (all GPS measured)
EXS 220:
Avg: 220 yds
Longest drive: 231
Shortest drive: 210
Flash:
Avg: 219
Longest drive: 237
Shortest drive: 185 (popped one up)
Fusion:
Avg: 216
Longest drive: 233
Shortest drive: 191
Speedzone Xtreme:
Avg: 211
Longest drive: 227
Shortest drive: 172
On a 55* day with rain the day before a 230+ drive would be a poke for me.
# of 230+ drives:
Flash and EXS 220 had (2) each, Fusion had (1) and the SZ X (0)
Dispersion/Accuracy:
EXS 220 and Fusion – 7/9 fw hit
Flash and SZ Xtreme – 6/9 fw hit
No penal drives really…pretty generous fairway with not alot of trouble on either side. All 36 balls would have been playable on the 2nd shot and had a look at the green.
Ball flight:
The Fusion and the Flash probably have the highest flight based on eye test alone. I’m a low ball hitter so the higher the better for me.
The SZ Xtreme I was all over the face with so it was was tougher to dial in and get good feedback on. I need more time with that one.
The EXS I felt has more of a penetrating flight. If the Flash and Fusion are a high flight I would say this one is more mid-high.
So as you can see the EXS 220 really holds it own against the other drivers I have tested along side with it.
Any questions or anything I may have missed please reach out.
Would love to get a few more thoughts from each of you in here.
@ULEWZ
@Long Shot
@erock9174
@Gman79
Will have the 220 back in action Saturday. Took a week hiatus to test Cobra drivers.
Any word on the Wingman testing ?
As said it’s coming, some of the TEEm members have been a bit absent so we wanted to get some more thoughts.
Well I’m here and been very curious about the line…
I had a few rounds… A bit of changes on driver swing. So tee balls haven’t been as accurate not the clubs fault.
I will say this.. I was on a roll on Saturday and piped a few. 275 was long but 260 on more than a few… This is longer than usual and left me with a wedge workout on the course. I am thankful for the forgiveness in this club because even dealing with miss-hits the stay playable.
I had a buddy hit it no practice and out drove current gamer…
Shaft offerings are great as well. The fitting with swing speed and comparison clubs is awesome!
In summary… GO HIT ONE!
Also I am 100% all ears. I will test different things or answer questions from anyone interested…
Understood. Trying my best here. Had what I thought was a nice write up a few posts back that seemed to fall flat.
Maybe since I’m not in the 9* stiff crowd I might not fit the masses feedback wise it gets passed over.
Let me answer this with a question. Do you read and comment on all THP Experiences, Reviews, Podcasts, Live Streams, etc?
Of course not, nor should anybody be expected to. Yet literally tens of thousands view every one of them. No different with your reviews here. Sometimes it might seem like you aren’t getting questions, but that doesn’t mean things are going unseen.
The job of a reviewer is to share the information in the best way they can and genuinely in my opinion, some have done a great job, others have not been around much (its a crazy world right now).
Hope that helps.
Honestly everyone will be different based on their swing. So a one size fits answer really won’t apply.
What I did is my first range session I went up and down the settings on the adapter.
Usually when I see a ball flight I like I will tend to quit messing with the club. For me I landed on +/U.
I like an upright looking driver because I have very short arms. So the U (upright lie) setting helps kick the toe end of the driver up.
I also need all the help I can get with launch so the + setting raised the loft 1*.
Sounds good. Let us know what you think. What loft, shaft and flex did you go with ?
I’m at standard 9.5 loft. My miss is a push right …fade… Wonder if I can shift it left a bit. Interesting if the adapter will close the face… I will read it tonight.
if you add loft being its a single cog adapter it will close the face. I’d try that. Or try one of the U settings which an upright lie for some help turn it over.
Ok so there is no way to rotate the adapter and keep 9.5?
@Gman79. Here are the settings and the impact on lie and loft for each head (9.5, 10.5, 12*).
If you wanted to stay at 9.5 and make the lie more upright you could to UO. 3* more upright should help draw it. Otherwise you’re going to have to add loft to close the face some.
View attachment 8946070