Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 Fairway Wood Review

Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 Fairway Wood

I’m not sure there’s a better deal going in golf right now than the Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 fairway wood. At $169.99, the HL C524 fairway wood has a player-preferred shape with a killer combination of performance and forgiveness for the discerning golfer.

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.

The Looks

The Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 is really good looking for a fairway wood at any price point. For my money, it holds up against any premium fairway wood when you address the ball. Tour Edge took inspiration from the Exotics C722 fairway wood and gave the C524 a compact traditional pear shape. As seen from address, the Ridgeback spine runs from the face of the club to the trailing edge. This provides more rigidity in the head which directly impacts feel, sound, and performance.

Flip the club over and the combination of colors and textures on the sole are really clean. Followers of the brand might also notice the return of the black/blue/white color scheme. Though a small detail, I feel like this scheme has a smoother look that’s a better fit for the Hot Launch family.

How Does it Feel?

High MOI and a strong amount of pop are the hallmarks of the Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 fairway wood’s feel. Tour Edge created a low and deep center of gravity (CG) by adding a rear sole weight which sits in the Ryzersole rail. “What’s a sole rail” you ask? This rail combines with the sole weight to keep the balance point even lower in the head. This weighting helps make the club feel extremely stable and easy to control throughout the swing, as well as nice and smooth through impact by reducing turf interaction. There are also performance benefits that I’ll cover later.

Behind the club face sit 35 diamond shapes of varying thicknesses which is Tour Edge’s “Diamond Face VFT” technology. These shapes act as “mini trampolines” at impact. They also make the face faster and more forgiving, especially on mishits. Now, this is far from my first foray into Diamond Face, but having it packed into this “budget friendly” Hot Launch fairway wood is an absolute delight. The ball really jumps off of the face with explosive response. Add in the rigidity from the Ridgeback spine and you can really feel the energy firing back into the ball at impact. Finding such a wallet-friendly fairway wood with this amount of life in it is a rare occurrence.

How Does it Sound?

Tour Edge effectively managed the sound of the Hot Launch C524 fairway wood made from 17-4 stainless steel. This is likely due to the combination of Diamond Face VFT and Ridgeback technologies. Similar to the feel, the face delivers a satisfying “pop” at impact, but the Ridgeback spine keeps the sound controlled by making the head more rigid. The club’s rigid construction minimizes vibration in the head, leading to a cleaner, more controlled sound. The generous sweet spot produces a distinct “pop” with a subtle metallic “ting” undertone. Despite the metallic hint, the sound remains fairly subdued and reassuring, avoiding drawing too much attention on the driving range.

On-Course Performance

Club Speed	Ball Speed	Launch Angle	Spin	Carry (Yds)	Total (Yds)
109	158	13.8º	3360	254.6	259.3

Unsurprisingly, the Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 fairway wood’s performance far exceeds its value once again. As previously mentioned, the Diamond Face VFT technology generates impressive ball speed for longer distance. Additionally, the low and deep CG promotes easy launch and ample spin for excellent carry yardage. During my testing, the flight path tended towards piercing, but I still maintained the ability to shape shots as necessary.

The balance and stability mentioned in the Feel section translate into improved control with the C524. The high MOI resists twisting at impact, promoting straighter ball flights. Reduced turf interaction thanks to the Ryzersole design further aids in squaring the club face at impact. These combined benefits contribute to straighter shots, both from the tee and off the deck.

Final Thoughts – Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 Fairway Wood

Don’t let the budget-friendly price tag fool you – the Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 fairway wood is the real deal. It packs a Tour-inspired look, explosive distance from Diamond Face VFT, and confidence-boosting forgiveness into a package that won’t break the bank. With a feel and control that rivals premium clubs, the C524 fairway wood is a must-consider for golfers seeking serious performance without sacrificing value.

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.