Review – Tour Edge Exotics E725 Irons

Looking to get back some lost yardage with your irons? These irons might be the solution.

The Set-Up

It’s been a few generations since I had the opportunity to test irons out from Tour Edge Golf’s Exotics line. As a matter of fact, the last time that I tested irons of theirs was back in 2020. When the Batavia, Illinois golf equipment manufacturer introduced the Exotics EXS 220 and 220h irons. So, when I received the chance to test out the Exotics E725 irons there was no way that I’d balk at the invite.

When a press release announced the introduction of the Exotics E725, these irons were described as long. They were also described as forgiving and easy to hit. Basically, it’s everything that a golfer would be looking for in a set of Super Game-Improvement (SGI) irons. Tour Edge Golf over the last few iron releases have made two specific ranges of irons. An “E Spec” for those looking for a lot of help from their equipment. Or a “C” or “Competitive Spec” for those players looking for characteristics that would be closer to a “player’s iron”. Foe example, a more compact appearance.

This is the first difference that separates the Exotics 725 product range (irons) from previous iterations. The launch of the Exotics 725 signaled a third category or spec of Exotics irons. While the “C” and “E” spec’s stood pat the introduction of an “X Spec” broadened Tour Edge’s Exotics iron range. The Exotics X725 is geared towards for that newer player or high-handicap golfer. Although in the hands of a low to mid-handicap golfer they could be quite the weapon.

So what about the Exotics E725 irons?

There are a lot of technical talking points when talking about the Exotics E 725 irons. Before getting into that, let me state that these irons are for golfers that consider themselves a mid-handicap golfer. Yet, some low handicap golfers may also reap the benefits of playing them. Perhaps, aging golfers that have lost distance. How? Well, what a perfect segue to go over some technical features that make the Exotics E725 irons tick.

MOI+ Design – MOI (Moment of Inertia) is the ability for the clubhead to resist twisting at impact. The higher the MOI the less likely a club will twist at impact. The Centre of Gravity (CG) is placed 10% lower than its predecessor. The benefits include more forgiveness and tighter dispersion.

Vibrcor Technology – A high-grade TPU is strategically injected into a deep 360° undercut pocket. This injection creates a unique internal technology. It induces both speed and enhances feel. The E725 irons feature more VIBRCOR in the clubhead. Benefits include enhanced feel, it aids in the production of higher ball speeds, changes the feel. Think of the sound and feel of a forged iron. It’s something like that but in a Super Game-Improvement iron.

3D Diamond Face – Yes, a recent stalwart in Tour Edge’s club design process lives on. But, with a difference. The face of the Exotics E725 irons consists of new three-dimensional diamond shapes. There are 103 total shapes of variable thickness. These shapes are interwoven and feature a face thickness reduction on the heel and toe. In doing so, this face structure further contributes to extra forgiveness. Also, they act as “mini-trampolines” for even greater forgiveness. The mini-trampolines produce faster ball speeds and makes for an expanded sweet spot.

Sole Rail Heel/Toe Relief – The sole has extreme heel and toe relief. This relief is achieved by adding a heavy substance sole rail. This new sole rail lowers the CG and improves turf interaction for faster speed at impact.

Multi-Material Carbon & TPU Badge – The new badge on the back of the E725 is made from Carbon Fibre and flexible TPU. This multi-material design adds stiffness for shock absorption, it improves sound quality, and reduces weight for better balance and feel.

360° Undercut Design – The Exotics E725 irons feature a one-piece high-strength steel body with a 360° Undercut Design. This feature lowers the CG for a higher launch and greater ball speed and distance… across the entire face. The new multi-material electroform cap includes carbon fiber for better weighting and feel.

The Transition

The Exotics E725 irons that I received to review included the 7i, 9i, and PW respectively. Stock shafts used in the E725’s are the Project X Cypher 2.0 (for those golfers that prefer to play graphite shafts). Shaft weights range from 49 grams to 79 grams depending on flex (L, A, R, and S are available). Meanwhile, for golfers that prefer to play steel shafts, it’s the KBS Tour Lite. The KBS Tour Lite shaft weight is 105 grams (R and S available). For the testing, I opted for the KBS Tour Lite (ironic considering I play graphite). I went with the stock Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 grip for the testing as well.

*Editor’s Note: There is an absolute slew of no upcharge shafts available as well. Please visit https://www.touredge.com/products/exotics-e725-irons to view the list.

Aesthetics – From the moment that I unboxed the Exotics E725 irons, I really liked how they looked. My appreciation of them continues as I type this review. The backside of these irons look sharp with it’s carbon. I also like the looks of the branding too. The sole rail is nicely done and it isn’t as obvious as it was with the afore-mentioned EXS 220. It’s blended in quite nicely. Speaking of the sole, the sole width is relatively wide but seeing that this is a SGI… it is expected.

Flipping the the club over you’ll find a head that does have some offset and a thicker top line. Again, all characteristics of an iron set in the SGI category. The manner in which the top line meets the cavity is blended very well. Unlike it’s older sibling, the Exotics E721. My eyes had no problem looking down at the E725 when addressing the golf ball. This wasn’t the case with the E721 because those gave me fits when looking down at the golf ball. The heel to toe length is a shade longer than some would like, but, not overly so. By no means are these irons, “shovels”

Feel – Let’s look at the feel in two ways. First, there’s the feel when simply gripping the club. There is obvious heft at the business end of the club just holding the club in your hands. There’s solid head weight and you can feel it even more when waggling or performing a practice swing. Where you can really feel it is through the impact zone. Which is a huge selling point for me. The club practically swings itself.

Secondly, there’s feel when actually striking the golf ball. The feel is very good. Especially for an SGI. Tour Edge touts that the Exotics E725 irons sound and feel like a forged iron. I concur as these clubs don’t feel hollow nor “clunky” at impact. Furthermore, the feel is such that it feels “hot” and “crisp” at impact.

Forgiveness – Hands down, the Exotics E725 are the most-forgiving sets of irons that I’ve tested. Unless you include swings with its new stablemate (X725) and others that are closer to hybrid or ironwood sets.

Much can be said of the technology incorporated into the design of the Exotics E725 irons. In typical Tour Edge fashion, the claims aren’t just fancy marketing buzzwords, it’s real. Mishits aren’t severely punished. Say you hit a thin shot you’ll lose about a club to a club and a half distance wise. But that miss will be straight. Mishits towards the toe don’t stray too far off-line. Chalk that up to the MOI+ Design because the club doesn’t really twist in your hands on toe strikes. This is a very stable iron on mishits. It’s 360° Undercut Cavity design plays a significant role here as well. The low CG further enhances the stability of this club.

On swings that are a shade on the “obese” side the sole rails save shots. There’s definitely turf relief thanks to the rails. the sole rails being incorporated into the design was a very “headsy” by Tour Edge Golf’s R&D team.

Playability – This is a set of irons where if your swing allows it… you can hit baby draws all day long. The baby draw is my stock shot and I had no problem hitting that shot over and over again. I felt like “Mr. Roboto” (a shout out to Styx for the classic track). It was pretty much like being in “autopilot”. It’s been a very long time since I’ve seen results like that. The Exotics E725 irons are an extremely easy iron to launch and the ballflight is “lofty” as well. One would think that there’s a loss of distance because of it. That’s simply not the case with these irons.

Can you work the golf ball? Yes, you can work the ball. The offset does help golfers avoid the “rights” (for a right-handed golfer). The offset also helps the forgiveness level for most golfers. But, the offset also promotes the draw. If you want to hit a fade you can with these irons with a slight adjustment in your set-up. Do you play on windy golf courses? Flighting the golf ball is a snap. Knockdown shots in particular are fun to hit with these irons.

Distance – In all likelihood this is what you care about most. Are they long? Well I guess it’s all relative but in my opinion, yes… they are long. Simply put, the Exotics E725 irons found lost yardage. Yardage that I haven’t seen for a good 5+ years.

Sure, the lofts of the irons are strong. Stronger than what is considered strong these days. Long gone are the days where a PW was 47° or more. For example the PW has a loft of 42°. The strong lofts do play a role to an extent. However, there’s more going on here than just “tweaked-out” lofts.

IRON	LOFT	LIE ANGLE	OFFSET	LENGTH
4	19°	61°	5.0mm	38.75″
5	21.5°	61.5°	5.0mm	38.25″
6	24°	62°	4.5mm	37.75″
7	27.5°	62.5°	4.0mm	37.25″
8	32°	63°	3.5mm	36.75″
9	37°	63.5°	3.0mm	36.25″
PW	42°	64°	3.0mm	35.75″
AW	46°	64°	2.5mm	35.50″
GW	51°	64°	2.0mm	35.25″
SW	56°	64°	2.0mm	35.25″

All of the technology packed into this club contributes to this easy to swing, long set of irons. Thanks to the Diamond Face and those tiny “mini-trampolines” the golf ball jumps off of the face. More to the point, the face of these irons are extremely lively. The high launch and penetrating ballflight also adds to the distance.

As I’ve already alluded to I found myself lost yards. It’s been a long time since I’ve struck a PW 135 yards. My observations were the same when it came to the 7i (170-175 yards) and 9i (145-150 yards). Lost yardage… found!

The Finish

I’m not suggesting that the Exotics E725 are a golfer’s “Fountain of Youth”. However, I feel very confident asserting that these irons will give you back yardage, if you’ve lost some over the years. Whether that’s the case or you’re already on the longer side of the spectrum, golfers will undoubtedly pick up distance.

When you have an SGI with attributes that include feel similar to a forged head, length, terrific playability, and a level of forgiveness to this degree you end up with is… a highly lethal set of irons.

I highly recommend these irons. I would gladly add the 6i, 8i, and AW to round out the set. Ultimately becoming my gamers.

Until The Next Tee!!

#fightandgrind #seeuonthenexttee