Tour Edge Hot Launch E524 Driver

Tour Edge’s new Hot Launch family of metalwoods is the most technology rich that this line of clubs has ever been. Just as the previous generation, the Hot Launch 524 lineup features the “competitive” C series and the “extreme spec” E series. Both ranges also utilize strong technologies that had only been previously available in the premium Exotics family. Therse technologies include Ridgeback, Diamond Face VFT, RyzerSole and Vibrcor. The Tour Edge Hot Launch E524 driver is designed to be the easiest driver to hit on the market for players with moderate swing speeds at an extremely affordable price.

The Looks

It’s important to remember that the Tour Edge Hot Launch “extreme spec” E series is designed for a high level of forgiveness. As such, the Hot Launch E524 driver does come with some offset. This offset makes it easier to launch the ball in the air and prevent or reduce slicing. Aside from the offset, the HL E524 driver has a clean look at address. The contrast between the visible Ridgeback spine and patterned finish really sets up nicely.

There’s also something called the Houdini Sole on the bottom of the club. This has important performance benefits but does give the sole a different look. Essentially, this sole places a high amount of mass low and deep in the head to help raise the MOI and optimize launch. (More on that later.) Houdini Sole is by no means new to the Hot Launch line, but its integration in the E524 driver is definitely the smoothest it’s ever looked!

How Does it Feel?

I found the Tour Edge Hot Launch E524 driver to feel very well balanced and smooth. The high MOI design really keeps the head under control throughout the swing, and it’s easy to get a square face to the ball at impact. The Aldila Ascent shaft is slightly on the softer side, but players looking for something that’s easy to load and release will get along with it well.

Tour Edge introduced Diamond Face VFT and a Ridgeback spine in the Hot Launch 524 series. These additions have a very direct and beneficial impact on the club’s feel. First, Diamond Face VFT is a technology where there are thirty-six diamond shapes of varying thicknesses behind the face. These diamonds act as mini trampolines and provide more speed at impact. As a result, there’s a lot of heat off the face, even when you don’t find the center. The Ridgeback spine makes the club head more rigid from front to back so more energy is transferred into the ball and not lost in the head absorbing the shock. That rigidity makes the club feel stronger and like you’re getting more power in your tee shot.

How Does it Sound?

Like the C524, the Tour Edge Hot Launch E524 is a hollow-body titanium driver. This gives it a somewhat metallic tone, but the Ridgeback spine helps keep that sound firm and tight. To be fair, the E524 driver is a touch on the louder side, but at more moderate swing speeds of players that are likely to play this driver, it will be more appropriate. In fact, I’d even say that the target audience will enjoy the presence of the E524’s sound. As far as the tone, I’d give it a combination of “thwap” and “pop.” The impact sound will be heavily dependent on your swing speed.

On-Course Performance

There are two main objectives for the Tour Edge Hot Launch E524 driver: easy launch/carry, and removing the right miss. As mentioned earlier, the Houdini Sole drives the CG low and back in the head. Doing so makes it easier to launch the ball in the air and adds more spin to the shot. That additional spin helps keep the ball in the air for greater carry distances. My shot data above certainly reflects that extra carry yardage that this club is capable of.

This driver is an absolute slice killer. Players that really struggle with the right miss will find the Hot Launch E524 to be a lifesaver. Obviously, the offset face plays a huge role in this. An offset face helps the driver naturally square the face at impact so you don’t slice it (as much), or even get a little draw to your shot. Additionally, there’s a sole weight toward the heel of the club that also promotes squaring the face at impact. The end result is a shot that does everything in its power to eliminate trouble on the right side of the course. (Or the left side if you’re left-handed.) Of course, beware if you tend to draw or hook the ball for your miss. You should probably consider the Hot Launch C524 driver instead as you’re likely not looking to prevent a slice.

Final Thoughts – Tour Edge Hot Launch E524 Driver

The Tour Edge Hot Launch E524 driver is a solid option for golfers seeking maximum forgiveness and distance without breaking the bank. Its combination of high MOI, offset design, and Houdini Sole technology effectively removes the dreaded slice, while the Diamond Face VFT and Ridgeback spine technologies deliver impressive ball speeds and a solid feel. Ultimately, the E524’s ability to easily launch the ball with long carry distances and extreme forgiveness makes it a strong contender for golfers looking to simplify their game off the tee.

Additionally, the Hot Launch E524 can be fit and customized through most Tour Edge retailers which you can look up here. Custom options for Hot Launch metalwoods include grip, shaft flex, and length. All Hot Launch custom orders will be shipped within two business days of Tour Edge receiving the order.

Stock Tour Edge Hot Launch E524 Driver Specs

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