Tour Edge Hot Launch E521 Driver
Our verdict on this easy-to-hit, entry-level driver from Tour Edge
Ball flight, sound and accuracy are pretty fantastic, especially when hit out of the screws. Expect a soaring, tall ball flight - even if you’re typically a low-ball hitter. And for the price, it’s a no-brainer for golfers with a slow to moderate swing speed who are on a budget.
-
+
A non-adjustable driver yielding a welcome high trajectory that feels and sounds powerful. Has a conservative shiny black look and inviting round shape at address.
-
-
Make sure that the stock shaft is right for you, as it can feel soft.
Why you can trust Golf Monthly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
In this Tour Edge Hot Launch E521 driver review, Scott Kramer takes this draw-biased, entry-level driver for a test drive
Tour Edge Hot Launch E521 Driver Review
This 460cc driver may well win you over even before you see the low price tag. Part of the longstanding Hot Launch line from Tour Edge, which includes the Hot Launch C521 driver we tested recently, it’s plenty affordable compared to other similar-style drivers on the market.
The “E” in its name stands for extreme, which refers to extreme game improvement, aiming to be one of the best drivers for high handicappers. Therefore, it has an inviting yet plain-Jane look at address that many golfers may covet: a shallow-faced clubhead with classic shaping.
The “Houdini” sole places weight low and deep in the head, so that launching the ball high and with forgiveness becomes the norm. That’s why the company bills this as the “easiest driver you will ever hit” on its website.
With the loft set at 10.5°, ball flight in our testing seemingly played at a trajectory several degrees higher.
Then there’s the strategically placed heel draw-bias weight on the sole plus the slight offset of the clubhead that work in concert to help square the clubface at impact, so that ball flight is mostly straight and avoids the right side.
But we ultimately choose a driver for the distance it gets us. And in this case, distance is very good, with shots in our testing often reaching typical landing spots without us having to step into it. Impact sounds and feels quite solid.
The other thing we look for in drivers is accuracy. This one should find the fairways on a consistent basis, for no other reason than its shaft is only 44.5 inches long - that’s about an inch shy of many driver shafts in popular models these days.
A shorter shaft is more controllable, which translates into straighter tee shots because you will hit the centre of the clubface more often at impact.
Speaking of the shaft, this driver comes standard with the Mitsubishi Fubuki and its weight will depend on the flex you select. It feels solidly soft, an encouraging nod to the mid and higher handicaps who will be attracted to this model.
-
Max Homa Splits With Caddie Joe GreinerHoma and his long-time caddie Joe Greiner have parted ways after six PGA Tour victories together
-
Sergio Garcia 'Super Proud' To Reach Major Milestone In The MastersSergio Garcia says he's "super proud" to be joining an exclusive club at The Masters as it'll be his 100th appearance in a Major championship
-
LIV Golf Masters Form Guide - How Well Have The 12 Men In The Field Been Playing Ahead Of Augusta?Some doubts have been cast on how well the 12 LIV Golf players in the Masters field have been performing ahead of Augusta National, so let's take a look at their form
