Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 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 previously only been available in the premium Exotics family. These technologies include Ridgeback, Diamond Face VFT, and RyzerSole. The Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 driver has a classic shape with a high level of forgiveness for the more discerning player at a killer price point.

The Looks

There’s no question about it – the Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 is the best looking driver the Hot Launch family has ever seen. From address, the Hot Launch C524 looks A LOT like the Exotics C722 driver did. That C722 driver was in my bag for about a season and a half and one of my favorite drivers in recent history. The player-preferred profile is pear shape-ish and the visible Ridgeback spine is very clean.

Flip the club over and the C524 driver looks somewhat similar to the E722 driver. The biggest differences being the Hot Launch’s return to the blue and white color scheme and a slight difference in the line patterns. Overall, the look is extremely clean and premium, especially for a driver that only costs $249 in this day and age.

How Does it Feel?

Sticking with the Tour Edge Hot Launch 524 theme, the C524 is easily the best feeling Hot Launch driver yet. The Ridgeback spine helps make the club feel more solid. This spine makes the head more “rigid” so more energy is transferred into the ball at impact. Then there’s the Diamond Face VFT technology. Diamond Face is essentially a combination of diamond shapes behind the face that vary in thickness and create a “spring” effect. This helps produce a hotter face for more speed which also leads to more distance. There’s also more forgiveness around the edges of the face thanks to Diamond Face. I found this to be really noticeable on my mishits. Where I’d expect the club to feel a lot more dead, the miss was definitely much less punishing.

It’s also worth discussing the Aldila Ascent shaft that comes in the C524 driver in respects to feel. The Ascent is very user friendly with a smooth, gradual bend profile and a lighter weight. Players with aggressive tempos may find it to feel a bit soft, but the majority of players will appreciate how easy it is load and release energy in this shaft.

How Does it Sound?

Being the Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 is a hollow-body titanium metalwood, it does take on a more metallic tone. The rigidity from the Ridgeback spine helps contain it quite a bit so it doesn’t sound like a bazooka on the driving range. A well struck shot results in a firm “whap” at impact. Thanks to the Diamond Face VFT, the sound is pretty consistent across most of the face. Real significant mishits will have a slightly thinner tone to them.

On-Course Performance

The Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 driver is easy to launch and forgiving because of the rear sole weight. That weight sits in a sole “rail” which further helps lower the center of gravity (CG) to make it easier to launch the ball. I was able to effortlessly produce a lifting flight accompanied by plenty of carry as intended. As already mentioned, the Ridgbeack and Diamond Face help generate more ball speed, but the 360º Cup Face helps as well. This “boosts” the flex across the entire face which also contributes to the ball speed. All of these factors allow for fairly easy distance and performance that far exceeds the price point.

Final Thoughts – Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 Driver

I’m not surprised in the least at this point that the Tour Edge Hot Launch drivers are really good. Aside from some additional premium materials, the C524 driver shares a lot of design components with the premium Exotics family. I’m going so far as to say that the C524 driver reminded me a lot of the Exotics E722 driver. I’m not saying it’s a complete “one to one”, but the forgiveness and distance are certainly in the same conversation. At $249.99 brand new, I’m not sure you can find a better performer at this price point. I’m genuinely impressed at the final product Tour Edge delivered for a “value driver”. You really can’t ask for much more in this area of the market.

Additionally, the Hot Launch C524 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 C524 Driver Specs

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