Review: Tour Edge Hot Launch E523 Wedge
By Golf Expert
Jeff S.
6 photos
The Curated Take
3.6/5
The Tour Edge Hot Launch E523 Wedge is a reliable option for players looking to improve their greenside play. Although awkward for full swings due to its large head, the club performs well in spin, especially within the 25-50 yards range. The feel is satisfactory, and the sound is muted but pleasing when struck well. Offering consistent greenside spin and recommended for spin-focused golf balls, this wedge shines in tight lies and rough around the green, aiding golfers prone to chunking shots. Despite its minor imperfections, its great value under $100 makes it a good addition for amateur players.
Ideal for
- Houdini sole legitimately prevents most chunk shots
- Face design at address helps with good alignment toward the target
- Club design gives players confidence from tight lies
Not ideal for
- Ball tends to carry unpredictable distances, both short and long, outside of the larger sweet spot
- Not for flop shots
Full Shots
While this club is great for pitch shots and playing around the green, the balance for full shots can feel a little off. Shots will go the distance players expect...Read more
Spin
The spin characteristics are excellent when I have the proper distance to generate enough speed with this club to bite into the cover of a ball and get the ball...Read more
Feel
The feel of the club is satisfactory. It isn't perfect; it isn't bad. This is a game improvement club. Golfers must know that this will feel different from a typical...Read more
Sound
The sound of this club is not great due to the open-back design. There is no "foam" to improve sound characteristics—a definite trade-off worth sacrificing if better greenside shots are...Read more
Greenside Spin
The Hot Launch E523 wedge will not normally stop the ball and spin it back like the pros, but it will stop the ball within two to three feet of...Read more
Expert Reviews of the Tour Edge Hot Launch E523 Wedge
Jeff S. The Hot Launch E523 60° wedge helps eliminate the chunky dribbling shots that have "friends" laughing. The Houdini sole builds player confidence that the club will glide through the shot and help chip the ball on the green in one shot. (No more nightmares about dumping a big piece of sod over the ball using this wedge.) This club has a good distance for full shots but can feel a little awkward for full swings due to the heavyweight. An easy, full swing carries 85-95 yards. This wedge is good for the player struggling with tight lies and getting out of rough around the green.
Product Specs
| Used (Y/N) | No |
| Club Type | Wedges |
| Bounce degrees | 13° |
| Shaft spin | High |
| Grip name | Lamkin Z5 Rubber |
| Model year | 2023 |
Review Ratings
Full Shots
3/5
Jeff S. gave 3 of 5 stars. While this club is great for pitch shots and playing around the green, the balance for full shots can feel a little off. Shots will go the distance players expect for a full swing, between 80 and 100 yards depending on individual swing speed. One can get some unexpected results between a perfectly centered strike and strikes that are off the face. Centered strikes travel much further than off-center hits.
Spin
5/5
Jeff S. gave 5 of 5 stars. The spin characteristics are excellent when I have the proper distance to generate enough speed with this club to bite into the cover of a ball and get the ball up and into the air. I am really pleased with the spin performance of the Hot Launch E523 60° wedge in the 30 to 50-yard range. The ball spins very well and stops where I want it to more often from these distances.
Feel
3/5
Jeff S. gave 3 of 5 stars. The feel of the club is satisfactory. It isn't perfect; it isn't bad. This is a game improvement club. Golfers must know that this will feel different from a typical blade wedge. One gets the technology in this wedge to help reduce chunking, and the player receives an improved percentage of strikes around the green. Trying to do too much with this wedge, like make high flop shots or spin out of tight lies, will disappoint. Sand shots perform well in the softer sand. Firm sand (dirt pockets) will tend to thin shots unless the player sets up to dig sand well behind and blast through the ball (which is tough to do in firm sand with any wedge).
Sound
3/5
Jeff S. gave 3 of 5 stars. The sound of this club is not great due to the open-back design. There is no "foam" to improve sound characteristics—a definite trade-off worth sacrificing if better greenside shots are one's goal. A perfectly struck shot has a pleasing sound but is not crisp. There is a pop off the face but misses sound dull.
Greenside Spin
4/5
Jeff S. gave 4 of 5 stars. The Hot Launch E523 wedge will not normally stop the ball and spin it back like the pros, but it will stop the ball within two to three feet of landing when I strike it well. More aggressive attack angles with speed will see better spin performance but increase the risk of missing or blading the ball. Don't expect to perform flop shots with this club unless someone has some pretty thick rough. The club isn't designed to do that. Instead, this club is designed to help golfers from those tight lies where they might typically see a high percentage of chunked shots. A spin-focused golf ball is highly recommended to get the most out of shots where you want to try and stick the landing.
FAQs
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Jeff S. I was sold that this was an excellent wedge option for amateur greenside play after testing the Hot Launch E523 out at my local range. Within 10 shots, I had already holed out from 20 yards without ever picking up the club before. I had six of those shots within a 3-foot circle. I am not a great chipper, so I know this wedge has great potential to support my game when I have an off day hitting greens.
Why did you choose this product?
Jeff S. The Houdini sole gives me a level of confidence around the green because it helps eliminate some of my nasty score-ruining chip shots.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Jeff S. Compared to other wedges, the value of the E523 is very good for a full-face wedge under $100. The Hot Launch E523 Wedge performs well and doesn't feel or look cheap.
What do you love about this product?
Jeff S. If a player has ever come up short of the green and promptly chunked turf over their ball with their wedge while their "friends" laugh at them, this club might be the right one for their bag. The Tour Edge Hot Launch E523 Wedge is designed to help players avoid duffed shots that ruin scores and destroy confidence. While it won't eliminate all striking errors, the Tour Edge Houdini sole improves turf interaction, allowing amateur players to hit the ball on the green more often. A friendly greenside wedge like this helps the player escape more often with a par and maybe even a birdie or two.
