PXG has built somewhat of a reputation for outrageous levels of performance when it comes to irons. The name, Extreme Performance, for the latest release suggests that they think the boundaries haven’t been pushed far enough just yet.
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Designed as the most forgiving iron in the GEN8 family, the XP model focuses on delivering maximum ball speed, high launch and a bucket load of forgiveness.
The brand claims it its equipped with their fastest face to date and they weren’t kidding. We put the PXG 0311 XP GEN8 irons to the test to see if the performance matches the name.
NCG Summary
NCG SUMMARY
The PXG 0311 XP GEN8 irons are built for golfers who want effortless distance and forgiveness. For a set of game-improvement irons, the ball speeds, launch and even stopping power are pretty remarkable.
Oh and extreme performance. Yeah, there is plenty of that.
PROS
- High ball speeds
- The level of forgiveness is outstanding
- Really high launch
CONS
- The heads are particularly large and won’t be for everyone
First Impressions
There is no getting away from it, these irons look enormous down behind the ball. The head is significantly bigger than the other models in the GEN8 range and it feels like it.
Saying this, the design does exactly what it should do, and that is to install confidence. The thick sole and wide profile make it clear that this iron is built to help a golfer launch the ball more easily.
NCG Verdict
Going into testing, I really wasn’t expecting much from this model of the PXG Gen8 range as this wouldn’t be the set of irons I would play. Boy was I wrong.
The numbers I was seeing in terms of ball speeds and carry distances with a nine iron in hand are the sort I would usually expect from a seven iron. Truly bonkers speeds and numbers, PXG doing PXG things.
This is helped by the inclusion of PXG’s fastest face to date. It sits right at the limit of what is allowed and features an ultra-thin maraging steel face.
A steel face that works with a a power channel to maximise ball speed across the whole face.
They weren’t kidding when they labelled these extreme performance irons. Well-struck shots deliver eye-catching distance, but despite this increase in speed the XP GEN8s does not lose control.
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Importantly, the increase in ball speed compared to smaller models in the range does not come at the expense of launch or stopping power. I do think this balance between distance and playability is a significant strength of the XP GEN8 iron.
The backbone of good game-improvement irons is a strong level of forgiveness. That is certainly the case here. My thin strikes still produced strong carry yardages and were still able to get airborne with a high launch.
Final Thoughts
Even now, I am struggling to get past how extreme the performance really is with these irons. The ball speeds are outrageous.
You will have to get past the enormity of the heads if you were to play these but for a lot of golfers I think they can work with them rather than against.
If you are looking for that bit of extra zip from your irons, then the PXG 0311 XP GEN8s are certainly one of the most effective game-improvement irons for that.
PXG 0311 XP GEN8 Irons Review: The Details
RRP: 4-W – $1603 / £1393
More information: PXG website
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