Tour Edge Exotics EXS 220 Driver
Tour Edge announced the release of the new EXS 220 metalwood lineup early last week. I was so eager to hit the latest Tour Edge woods myself get our readers a review as soon as possible that I had to drive over to Tour Edge HQ that night and get some swings in with the EXS 220 driver. So the guys scrambled to dig one out for me (and the new fairway wood – sneak peak: wow…) and off we went. What I found was that the Tour Edge Exotics EXS 220 driver is packed with new innovations, such as Diamond Face technology and a Sound Diffusion Bar, that will certainly impress at its $349.99 price point.
The Looks
The Tour Edge Exotics EXS 220 driver has a fairly traditional appearance from address. Tour Edge elongated the EXS 220 from the face to the back of the head which helped in functionally raising the M.O.I. (Moment of Inertia). The wider head not only looks better behind the ball, in my opinion, but also places the Center of Gravity (CG) deeper and lower. This ultimately increases forgiveness and helps achieve easier launch. If you’re comparing to the previous EXS driver, the 220 footprint is wider and the face is a more medium depth for an overall shallower profile. Personally, I like the EXS 220’s head shape a lot more.
Cosmetically, the EXS 220 driver has a sleek black carbon fiber crown with red, white, and blue branding on the sole. The carbon fiber used on the sole of the club has a blue tint to it that looks pretty sharp as well. Of course, all of this carbon fiber is about more than just looking cool. The “Triple Carbon Fiber” technology was another means for Tour Edge to reduce weight in certain areas so they could strategically place it in others. In short, they were able to precisely tune the CG and MOI through the use of advanced materials for better performance.
How Does it Feel?
I touted the original EXS driver as feeling very solid, and I would say the Tour Edge Exotics EXS 220 feels just as solid but it’s much smoother. The Exotics EXS 220 has a more consistent and sweeter feel. Of course, that’s going to be some somewhat subjective, but I do believe this is accurate and makes sense. Tour Edge introduced a new Diamond Face technology which places 42 different diamond shapes of varying thicknesses behind the face. The diamonds essentially create “mini trampolines” for a larger sweet spot and more ball speed.
This different feel was the very first thing to jump out at me. At impact, the Diamond Face, made of a premium high-grade titanium, really pops. I felt there was a notable increase in the amount of jump from a well-struck shot over the original EXS. Additionally, the EXS 220’s face is responsive and the feedback is very precise. Overall, the EXS 220’s feel is strong, smooth, and has a lot of snap to it.
One last key point to touch on is the balance. The higher MOI and elongated head make the EXS 220 driver feel smoother throughout the swing. I felt much more in control of the club than I did with the original EXS when I hit both of them side by side, and the EXS 220 just generally felt more natural in my hands.
How Does it Sound?
Ok, this topic was the most highly-anticipated portion of my Tour Edge Exotics EXS 220 driver review. I’ve heard the golf industry has been anxiously awaiting my thoughts on the EXS 220’s sound! If you read my previous review of the original EXS driver, you will notice that I am somewhat “respectfully critical” of its sound. Following those statements, Tour Edge was curious for more insight and politely/harmlessly busted my chops about my take throughout the next year. (I stand by it!) They also reassured me I would be pleasantly surprised by the sonic qualities of their next driver. Of course, that driver ended up being the EXS 220 and Tour Edge was absolutely correct. Through the use of the new “Sound Diffusion Bar,” Tour Edge significantly improved the driver’s tone.
The Sound Diffusion Bar is placed inside the head and gives Tour Edge the ability to tune the EXS 220’s sound. Tour Edge says to think of it as a “similar idea employed in music studios and concert halls with diffusion panels used to enhance the richness of sound.” The end result is a satisfyingly pure “whap” at impact. When you really catch one, you can genuinely feel the sound in your bones. Call me dramatic, but I stand by that statement. As I told Tour Edge, the EXS 220 now sounds like it belongs with any of the premium competitors. Hats off, Tour Edge, the EXS 220 driver sounds great!
On-Course Performance
| Club Speed | Ball Speed | Launch Angle | Spin | Carry (Yds) | Total (Yds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 115.6 | 172.3 | 10.5º | 2397 | 282.6 | 308.6 |
Let’s first discuss the Tour Edge Exotics EXS 220 driver’s adjustability. Via the adjustable hosel, loft can be adjusted both 2º stronger or weaker. You can also adjust the lie angle via this adapter. The EXS 220 comes stock with a 9 gram sole weight at the rear of the club. Should you wish to tune your launch or swingweight further, additional weights will be available in 3, 6, 11, and 14 grams. Swapping weights is as easy as a few twists of a wrench and you’re on your way.
Like any club, it’s important to properly fit the driver to your swing in order to experience the best results. This doesn’t mean just getting the hosel set correctly, but you also need to get the right shaft setup. Tour Edge used their new T.E.D. swing robot to determine the best shaft option in their diverse lineup for every swing flex and speed. Once you get the EXS 220 dialed in, you’ll find it performs at an elite level.
Most of the EXS 220’s design is based around optimizing MOI to make the driver easy to launch and control. Get dialed in, make a good swing, and the EXS 220 will reward you with plenty of power. That’s great and I Iove it. However, I was most impressed with the EXS 220’s forgiveness and control. When I missed a shot (within reason), ball speed stayed high and spin stayed down. This not only maintained distance, but also kept my dispersion tight. Furthermore, if I ever felt like I was struggling, I was able to easily hit “3/4 knockdown” shots that hugged the center line and got me about 275 yards. That shot was almost automatic like it was built into the club. Sign me up.
Final Thoughts – Tour Edge Exotics EXS 220 Driver
I will be shocked if the Tour Edge Exotics EXS 220 doesn’t garner similar accolades as its predecessor for being the best bang for your buck in drivers. The introduction of the Diamond Face and Sound Diffusion Bar helped the EXS 220 make a leap in the market that I believe truly puts it on par with the high-dollar competition.
David Glod, Master Club Designer and President of Tour Edge, states “Our goal is to make anyone who hits these side by side to clubs that cost twice as much to question why they would ever think about spending the extra money.” Following my experience, I believe Tour Edge has achieved that goal and opens a whole new level of performance unfamiliar to this area of the market. Simply put, at $349.99, the Tour Edge Exotics EXS 220 driver is an absolute steal and will hold its own against anyone.
After the Review…
Just a few quick additional notes that are pretty neat. First, Tour Edge provides a lifetime warranty on all of their clubs. If that doesn’t add to the value of the EXS 220 driver, I’m not sure what does. Additionally, the EXS 220 family is now part of Tour Edge’s 48-Hour Custom Fit Delivery Program. This means that any custom order placed through an authorized Tour Edge dealer by 2:30pm Central will be delivered within two business days anywhere in the Continental US. That’s a pretty quick turnaround on a custom build…
Stock Tour Edge Exotics EXS 220 Driver Specs
With the adjustable hosel and three stock lofts, the Exotics EXS 220 driver can cover a range of lofts from 7.5º to 14º.
| Loft | Length | Head Volume |
Stock Flex |
RH/LH |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.5º | 45.5″ | 460cc | X, S, R, L | RH |
| 10.5º | 45.5″ | 460cc | X, S, R, L | RH/LH |
| 12º | 45.5″ | 460cc | X, S, R, L | RH |
Is this driver used by lower handicap golfers 12-15? Remind people that Tour Edge has a life-time warranty. I use there hybrids which I was tested for at Club-Champion in 2019, great clubs and I hit them straight every time! I even have the Tour Edge golf bag.
We do mention they have a lifetime warranty in “After the Review…”
I think this is a versatile driver whether you are a low handicap or a high handicap. It’s just key to be properly fit into the club to optimize it.
I’m almost 80 yrs old. My handicap is 26.1 I can’t hit a driver so I use a 20 yrs old Callaway 3 wood. My swing speed is about 75. My irons are Champion Club fit 2 yrs ago. Should I try the new driver and/or irons?
It’s hard to say without knowing more about your setup and how well you play with it. In terms of the new Tour Edge driver, it’s pretty good and they can get you fitted into it. Another option that may seem more “senior friendly” is the Tour Edge HL4 driver. We also took a group for a fitting process/testing of it here if you’re interested.
Any locations to get fitted in Frisco tx or bear by (north Dallas)?
Try this on their website:
https://www.touredge.net/wix/index.asp?search=Enter+City+and+State+or+Zip&miles=40233&filter=F&maplong=-98.533&maplat=39.833&zoom=4.7&radius=0
If club is ordered In the a shaft and within the 30 days could you Return the a shaft and get the r shaft?
I couldn’t tell you. You’d be best off to contact Tour Edge directly.
I bought the exs 220 driver and wondered which way do I adjust it if I fade or push right. Can you let me know which way to I go to enhance a draw.
Just to clarify, do you need via the adjustable hosel? Because the 220 doesn’t have any moveable weight to influence flight like the EXS Pro driver has the sliding perimeter weight.
Does the driver come with head cover and adjustment tool?
Do you have info on the Fujikura Ventus 4T Core driver shaft?
Are all driver lofts available?
Are all shaft flexes available?
It should come with those things. I can’t really comment on the stock Fujikura shaft they offer as I’ve only hit the aftermarket ones with VeloCore.
As far as loft and flexes, you’d have to check their site for inventory. I don’t know.
How does the shaft adjustment affect ball flight? If you turn it to the -minus side does it tend to draw the ball? Or, does it tend to fade the ball at a higher loft on the shaft adjustment? I have one of these new EXS 220 Drivers and the sound is fantastic and the distance is much longer than my Epic Star, senior shaft at $900. Your advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
You have the combo wrong. When you reduce loft, or “minus” on the adapter, the face angle opens more and will be favor a fade more. In theory. Adding loft, +, will close the face and be more draw friendly. Face angle will be pretty minor and won’t necessarily make the club directionally biased a ton.
I am 68 years old. Play to about a 3-5 handicap. Used to be able to bomb it 300 yards. Now it is about 250 yards. Should I get the 220 or the Pro Tour Edge Exotic driver?. My swing speed used to be about 110 but now it is about 98.
What’s your launch angle and spin like?
no way you carry the ball 250 yards at 98 swing speed.
To be fair, he didn’t say carry.