50 Words or Less
The Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 irons are strong game improvement irons with good forgiveness. The Tour Edge Hot Launch E524 irons take consistency to the extreme, almost daring you to try to get a bad result.
Check out the new Hot Launch E525 and X525 irons HERE
Introduction
Last year, Drew examined the Hot Launch C523 and E523 irons [review HERE] and found them worthy of Tour Edge’s slogan, “Golf’s Most Solid Investment.” New for 2024 are the aptly named Hot Launch C524 and E524 irons. While the name and the look have changed, the mission is the same: delivering high performance clubs at a price that’s about half what you’ll pay from other OEMs.
For max forgiveness, check out the Tour Edge Exotics X725 irons HERE
Looks
The “C” in Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 stands for “Competition.” That means this is the set designed for more skilled players, at least compared to the E524. At address, this iron set features a very thick, boxy top line and a significant amount of offset. The blade length is about average, but the overall impression is that this is a big club meant to forgive mishits.
“E” in Tour Edge Hot Launch E524 irons stands for “Extreme Spec,” referring to extreme performance and forgiveness. This focus on forgiveness is immediately obvious from the Iron-Wood design. These are very big irons with huge, rounded faces which should fill golfers with confidence. There is a great deal of offset in these irons, and the back of the club protrudes from behind the thick top lines.
Comparing the 7 irons side-by-side, you can see that the C524 (left) actually has a slightly thicker top line, but it doesn’t have any “extra” behind it. Both irons have similar offset. The leading edge of the E524 is more rounded – a subtle difference that, to my eye, helps to make the face look larger.
Sound & Feel
I started my testing with the Tour Edge Hot Launch E524 irons and was shocked by the sound and feel. Given the hollow body design, I was expecting a loud, hollow sound and a feel that was quick and explosive. Instead, I got a surprisingly soft, solid feel and a quiet impact sound that’s closer to a “thud” than the “pop” I was expecting. The sound did get louder as I worked into the long irons, but the feel remained solid.
Check out the new Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 & E524 drivers HERE
Having had my expectations rewired by the E524, the Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 irons had a high bar to clear. Thankfully, they delivered the same traditional impact sensations as their larger brother. The feel is more solid and soft than quick or explosive, and the sound is quiet throughout the set.
Both sets also share the desire to make you feel good about every swing. While you can feel the impact location through your hands, the sound of impact doesn’t change dramatically from flush shots to mishits. Additionally, mishits don’t sting – the character of the feel is very similar across the face.
Performance
I tested these two iron sets in parallel to evaluate their similarities and differences. I’ll dive into the specifics, but my overall takeaway is that Tour Edge did a great job creating two sets that are highly forgiving while also being clearly differentiated.
Starting with the wedges, I noticed immediately that the Tour Edge Hot Launch E524 irons spin quite a bit. This was a pleasant surprise as I expected this set to be all about distance. When I looked at the specs, I saw that the lofts are strong but not near the “cutting edge” of strong lofts. The E524 irons put more emphasis on consistency rather than raw distance.
Switching to the Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 irons, I saw slightly lower launch and spin, but both were still higher than expected. The pitching wedge is one degree weaker in the C524 – 44 degrees – which is bordering on weak by today’s standards. Again, this points to a focus on consistency and forgiveness. Every shot I hit with this wedge went straight and carried a similar distance.
Moving into the mid irons, the extreme forgiveness of the E524 irons really started to show. I had a series of three shots that were flush, low heel, and on the toe, yet each one landed within a couple yards of the others. The launch angles were extremely consistent, even when the contact wasn’t. The mid irons is also where this set’s draw bias really started to show, pulling most shots to the left of the center line. This anti-slice tendency will be a boon for most high handicap players.
Changing back to the Hot Launch C524 irons, the launch and spin were lower despite the weaker lofts. The lofts on the C524 irons are three degrees weaker from 4I-8I, but this difference is balanced by the Iron-Wood design of the E524. For me, the C524 irons were slightly longer, but the forgiveness was still very good. My notes state, “Impact location barely matters,” reflecting the consistency of the ball speed and carry distances.
The two sets showed the most difference in the longest irons. The E524 4I is one of the easiest-to-launch long irons I’ve ever hit. In contrast, I found the C524 to launch lower, and it required more effort. Looking at the big picture, the C524 4I is still fairly easy to hit, but it’s nowhere near the E524.
Overall, both the Hot Launch C524 irons and the Hot Launch E524 irons are forgiving and consistent, but the E524 takes it to a much higher level. The E524 irons are in the “You need to try to get a bad result” class. Players with more speed may find more distance in the C524. As always, getting a fitting is the only sure way to find the set up that will maximize your abilities.
Conclusion
The Tour Edge Hot Launch family continues to be a champion for golfers seeking the most bang for their buck. In the Hot Launch C524 irons, players will find a set that’s forgiving and consistent without fully abandoning a traditional look. Those that want extreme forgiveness and maximum fun should look to the Hot Launch E524 irons.
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Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 Irons Specs
Tour Edge Hot Launch E524 Irons Specs
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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20 Comments
The entire 524 lineup intrigues me this year. Will you be reviewing the fairways too at some point? I saw the C524 fairway and nearly bought it immediately. based on looks alone.
Kevin,
Yes, we are reviewing the entire line.
Best,
Matt
Matt, are the specs reversed? Your comments on the E524 4I say 20 degrees but chart says 23 degrees.
James,
Thank you for the note. The specs are correct, I made an error (now corrected) in my text.
Best,
Matt
Really enjoyed and appreciate the comprehensive review of the Tour Edge 524 irons. Have been considering a purchase after my fitting At 70+, my swing is slowing down so I need some distance help
What about a mix of C and E? I’m thinking 4, 5, 6 in the E and 7-GW IN C. Simply because I struggle hitting longer irons. Will distance gapping be affected? I have a E521 4 iron now, plus a 5 wood and 3 wood. All Tour Edge. Have never had any luck with hybrid. I’m 71 years old.
Randy,
It’s worth exploring, but I would definitely want to check out those distance gaps in a fitting. Or, at a minimum, have a connection to a good fitter who can bend the irons to blend well if need be.
Best,
Matt
I forgot to mention. The footprint of the E521 4i I have doesn’t draw attention to it. Having played Integra iDrive hybrid irons in the past, the tour edge E clubs are just fine. They are easily distinguishable from actual hybrids. I’ve been a Tour Edge guy since first purchasing the EXS220 irons. See nothing out there to give me a reason to change.
Hi How do these compare to the C522 you reviewed?
Patrick,
In what regard?
-Matt
Hi
Is there a noticeable improvement over the C522?
Patrick,
They’re not night and day different, no. Are there incremental improvements? I would say yes. As always, my advice to anyone looking to “upgrade” would be to test your current gear against the new stuff in a fitting to see if the improvements are worth the money.
Best,
Matt
My players are Tour Edge EXS 220. Have been very pleased with them, but now after five years and hundreds of hits, it’s time to upgrade. Did you review the EXS 220 back then? I know technology has come a long way. How would you compare the C524 with the EXS 220?
Randy,
I did not review the EXS 220 irons.
Best,
Matt
So what would you pair with the woods for both sets?
Paul,
That depends on the set and how many irons you carry.
-Matt
How do the E524 compare with the Cleveland Halo Launcher iron wood (which I hit inconsistently – fat)?
Chuck,
It’s a similar style, but I don’t have any data on the performance specifics. Some players don’t get along with super-sized irons. They’re sold as being best for higher handicap players, but some players will make better contact with a thinner sole.
Best,
Matt
Are the E524 considered super sized irons ? Thanks for your input Matt.
Yes, they’re very large.
-Matt