By now, many golfers have likely explored the latest equipment introduced in the past two months. While some exciting technologies are available, many of these releases come with a hefty price tag. Golf can indeed be an expensive sport, however, Tour Edge continues to demonstrate that it doesn’t have to be with its Hot Launch lineup. Following the release of their Exotics 725 series in the fall, it’s now time to turn our attention to the new HL 525 series, which offers golfers exceptional value for their investment.
For the ninth iteration, Tour Edge is restructuring the Hot Launch lineup. In previous versions, we’ve seen a C-range and an E-range, similar to the structure used in the Exotics lineup. This naming convention provided a clear distinction for golfers, whether they preferred a smaller clubhead or sought the extreme forgiveness offered by the E-range. However, it’s important to note that the C-range in the Exotics lineup does not precisely align with the C-range in the Hot Launch lineup, which could create some confusion.
Tour Edge is tweaking its designations within the Hot Launch 525 series to eliminate any potential confusion. Gone is the C series, and in its place, we get the X series, which we saw appear in the Exotics 725 iron range.
“This marks a new era for Hot Launch, with our best-feeling and best-looking performance-enhancement clubs we’ve ever produced,” said David Glod, Founder and CEO of Tour Edge. “The X-range offers golfers a new ‘X-factor’ to boost their game with cutting-edge SGI innovations, while the E-range is the highest level of GI with a perfect balance of distance and forgiveness in more traditional shapes.”
Tour Edge Hot Launch X525 Irons
Although the X range is new for the 525 series, the designs of the irons will seem quite familiar. Tour Edge has been a leader in the development of ironwoods, and this is precisely what we find here. In the past, the Hot Launch E line was closely associated with ironwoods; a prime example would be last year’s E524 irons. Like the approach taken with the Exotics 725 line, the ironwood is now exclusively categorized within the X classification. The core principle of the X lineup is to provide a super game improvement iron featuring an extremely low center of gravity, shallow faces, and anti-slice designs.
Tour Edge is sticking to their winning formula with the X525 irons. These ironwoods utilize a hollow-body perimeter weighting design that helps lower the center of gravity while allowing the face to flex freely, similar to a fairway wood. Unsurprisingly, these irons feature the Houdini Sole, which improves turf interaction and plays a crucial role in positioning more weight lower in the club, enhancing the overall center of gravity placement.
When examining these irons, three features should immediately stand out. First is the shallow face design, which aids in achieving higher launch characteristics. The second notable feature is the full-face grooves. In the past, Tour Edge’s Ironwood range had a traditional groove pattern that did not include scoring lines on the extreme heel or toe. This new design may take some getting used to, but for golfers who often make contact on the toe side, it will be a welcome addition. Lastly, the irons feature more offset, which Tour Edge promotes as beneficial for anti-slice performance, giving golfers more time to square the face at impact.
Tour Edge Hot Launch E525 Irons
The new E525 irons have adopted a much more traditional profile, positioning them as game improvement irons. Tour Edge has worked to integrate more of the technology from its Exotics line into the Hot Launch series. When you examine the new E525 irons, it’s hard not to notice the visual similarities with the Exotics 723 irons. In fact, the cavity design is so strikingly similar that they could easily be confused with one another.
I’m a fan of this move as it lends the E525 irons a more premium appearance and suggests they are packed with advanced technology.
Inside the clubhead, we find technology heavily featured in the Exotics E series, particularly Tour Edge’s VIBRCOR Technology. We’ve discussed this extensively over the years. VIBRCOR is a high-grade TPU material located in the undercut cavity, which helps control the sound and feel of the club upon impact. The undercut design promotes greater face flexion, leading to higher ball speeds across the face. Additionally, it pairs with a wider sole design to achieve a higher initial launch. Advanced toe weighting is also incorporated to enhance stability during impact. Thanks to these technologies and a lower center of gravity, these irons feature stronger lofts, with the 7-iron set at 27.5°.
Both the X and E irons come with the same stock shaft options: the True Temper Elevate MPH 95 for steel and the UST Mamiya Helium for lightweight graphite. The weight of the Helium shaft varies based on shaft flex, ranging from 50 grams for ladies’ flex to 64 grams for stiff flex.
Tour Edge Hot Launch X525 and E525 Wedges
X525
Accompanying both iron ranges are wedges that perfectly complement each set. The X525 wedge features a design similar to an ironwood but with its unique characteristics. It includes the Houdini Sole, which reduces turf interaction by 35% and helps position the center of gravity lower, making it one of the highest launching wedges available on the market. In addition to the Houdini Sole, the wide design incorporates extra camber to help prevent the common issue of duffing shots near the green. Tour Edge has also implemented a deep undercut cavity that redistributes mass throughout the clubhead, enhancing forgiveness.
Like the irons, the wedge has full-face grooves that comply with the maximum USGA limits for depth and sharpness. Overall, the X525 wedge features an oversized face and wide sole, instilling confidence in golfers when playing around the greens.
E525
Transitioning to the E525 wedge, we see a design more closely associated with the traditional wedge. The sole is noticeably narrower than the X525 wedge and features a beveled leading edge and a more rounded camber sole, enhancing its versatility. In addition to the sole design, extra weight is added to the high toe, which raises the center of gravity and stretches the sweet spot vertically rather than just lowering it. The wedge presents a more traditional-looking face that includes CNC-milled grooves, which provide increased spin and control on the greens. Lastly, similar to the E525 irons, VIBRCOR is positioned low inside an undercut cavity to ensure a satisfying feel upon impact.
X525 and E525 wedges have the same stock shaft options in the irons with a True Temper Elevate MPH 95 for steel and UST Mamiya Helium as the graphite option. For the X525, loft options are 52°, 56°, and 60°, with all three of those lofts available for left-handed golfers. E525 wedges offer a wider range of lofts consisting of 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, and 60°. However, only the 52°, 56°, and 60° of those lofts are available in left-handed models.
Tour Edge Custom Fitting
Tour Edge believes that high-quality equipment doesn’t need to come with a high price tag. That’s why the Hot Launch line is always offered at an excellent value. The Hot Launch 525 lineup will be available for custom fitting at over 1,500 authorized locations, allowing golfers to find the gear that best suits their game while keeping extra money available for more rounds. Even more impressive is that Tour Edge includes the 525 series in their 48-hour expedited shipping program, ensuring you won’t have to wait long for your new clubs.
“Offering the opportunity to get custom fit for GI and SGI golf clubs makes perfect sense for today’s game. The players utilizing this category stand to benefit the most from a proper fitting,” said Glod. “When you combine the correct specs for your swing with the performance-enhancing features of the 525 designs, you will realize improvements in all facets of your game.”
The Details
Tour Edge’s Hot Launch 525 irons and wedges will be available in stores beginning March 1st, 2025 and the pricing structure for the new 525 irons and wedges illustrates the value to be had. The X525 irons and wedges will be priced at $89.99 per club, while the E525 irons and wedges will cost $79.99.
More information on the new Hot Launch 525 lineup can be found at www.touredge.com.
