About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the iron set, which I tested for one day in February of 2023.

My take

The Tour Edge Hot Launch C522 Iron Set is a solid option for those looking to gain more distance in the mid-range game. However, these irons are geared more toward the high-tiered handicappers who want to take their game to the next level or find that perfect starter set.

About the club I tested

• Model: 2022 Tour Edge Hot Launch C522 Irons
• Loft setting: 7 iron - 29°, 9 Iron - 38°
• Shaft type: Steel
• Shaft flex: Regular

About me

• Average score: 79
• Handicap: 7
• Experience: 22 years of golf
• Right/Left-Handed: Right-Handed
• Typical ball flight: High
• Golf ball used: Callaway Chrome Soft Triple Track
• Club swing speed: 97mph

Test conditions

• When I tested the club: February 2023
• Days tested: 1
• Where I’ve used it: Simulator
• Weather and wind conditions: Indoor simulator

How it performs

What I was looking for

I was looking for new irons as my TaylorMade Racs are from 2008. I wanted to find a club that created more distance and feel within my mid-range game.

Why I chose to test this club

I wanted to see how the C522s performed as I have heard the Tour Edge Hot Launch is a nice starter set. I also wanted to educate others on if they would be a viable option for them. I didn’t buy these irons, as in my testing session, I found that the Callaway Rogues and the TaylorMade Stealths performed better from a distance and workability standpoint.

What I love about it

• Forgiveness: The forgiveness was good as off-centered hits still traveled a ways and rarely were 10-20 yards off the target line. It is largely due to the VibRCor technology under-pocket that creates a more consistent impact zone.
• Sound: The sound was simple, with a normal tinging noise. When it comes to sounds, I only look for clubs that don’t have a loud, ear-piercing ping.
• Shaft Feel: The regular steel flex irons allowed me to move through the ball and create solid, consistent contact, which is what a newer golfer needs in their iron game.
• Shaft Performance: The shaft performance was good overall, as they allowed me to consistently strike the ball and have the same spin rate over and over at around 7,500RPMs.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Distance: The distance was comparable to my TaylorMade Racs, but compared to the Callaway Rogues and TaylorMade Stealths, they averaged 5-10 yards less with each shot.
• Feel: The feel was average at best, as the face didn’t offer much feedback on mishits. However, when the ball was thin or chunky, I felt it instantly through my hands.
• Launch Angle: The ball flew off the face higher than I would have preferred. For the average golfer, these launch off the face just fine because it allows for more control, but for my game, as I want to hit a low draw or high fade, they did not work into greens how I would like.
• Workability: The workability was very basic, and I wanted to move the ball more from right to left but couldn’t do so. Compared with the Callaway Rogue STs, I felt it wasn’t close in terms of the maneuverability of the ball.
• Adjustability: The irons were the stock irons off the shelf, so the clubs were not adjusted, but that is the case with most stock irons.
• Aesthetic Appeal: These irons are pretty boring, in my opinion. They don’t have much flash to them, and the black, blue, and silver could be way cooler if the backside wasn’t as bulky looking.
• Grip Feel: The default grips were Lamkin grips that were slippery to me. I prefer golf pride grips on my irons and would look at customizing the grips if I purchase these clubs.

Best shot with this club

No particular shot really stands out to me, but I did not have any terrible slices or duck hooks. I left my testing session thinking these would be a solid option for a straightforward golfer who wants to take their game more seriously or for someone looking at a first set.

Value for the money vs. other options

The Tour Edge Hot Launch C522 irons are a good option for someone who does not want to break the bank on an iron set. However, when it comes to performance and price, I would lean to the Callaway Mavriks, as those are crazy consistent and are the best bang for the buck.

Final verdict

The Tour Edge Hot Launch C522 Iron Set is great for the basic golfer looking to improve their game or for someone just starting; however, for the more serious golfer, I would look at the TaylorMade Stealths or Callaway Rogue series.