In true Bob Parsons fashion, the second generation driver offering from Scottsdale-based PXG draws inspiration from something very fast, very custom, and VERY USA: the American hot rod. The 2019 PXG driver will be the company’s first driver offering that lives up to the performance of its irons. That’s right, PXG is a legitimate driver company now with a product that will hold its own.

PXG 0811 X Driver, PXG 0811 XF Driver

The PXG 0811 X and XF Gen2’s carbon fiber crown has the aggressive hood styling of a 500 horsepower Shelby Mustang. The sleek new multi-level crown not only packs a new-and-improved aerodynamic design but also provides structural support to the face where it’s most needed, according to the company. The resulting reduction in energy loss translates to a distance boost with enhanced control, as well as reduced drag.

The Hot Rod Technology-laden crown also acts as an alignment aid and reduces glare, says PXG, and it dampens vibration for what the company describes as “a pleasant and unique feel and sound, reminiscent of a persimmon driver head.”

As with the first generation of the 0811 drivers, Gen2 drivers again feature PXG’s proprietary thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) honeycomb insert. The TPE sole insert dampens vibrations and enhances feel, as well as the drivers’ acoustics. It takes a different form in the soles of the 0811 X and 0811 XF drivers, with the X having more TPE toward the face of the club.

With any top driver in this market, CG is a key talking point. The 0811 X features a very low CG that falls .160 below the axis line and even farther forward, which in turn reduces spin (which has always been the key criticism of the Gen1, i.e., that it spun too much) and enhances launch conditions.

Likewise, Chief Product Officer Brad Schweigert and his design team again include Precision-Weighting Technology. The weights are larger and heavier than those in the 0811 models but offer players the same ability to adjust based on a draw/fade bias and alter launch angle and spin. More specifically, the 0811 X has three 4.1 gram silver tungsten weights and six 0.8 gram black titanium weights. The XF has three of the silver weights and two of the black.

Early testing at PXG Headquarters, November 2018

GolfWRX Director of Content Johnny Wunder was on site at Scottsdale National to test the Gen2 drivers. Here are his initial thoughts.

Look
“This driver looks fast, It looks solid and it inspires confidence. What more can you ask for? It’s a vast improvement from its predecessor. Interestingly, the crown looks much lighter in sunlight than it does indoors, as you can see in our photos.”

Feel
“The 0811X felt extremely solid across the face, now I will say that I lean more towards a dense feel in a driver and that’s exactly what this is. I found the earlier versions to feel a bit hollow but not anymore, it’s really solid. And my spin numbers were better in testing than with the Gen1.”

Sound
“PXG drivers have always looked and sounded great in my experience so this was already plus.”

Overall
“I think they did a fantastic job at acknowledging shortcomings from before and pushing to release a club that lived up to the irons and also one that would fly into tour player bags…mission accomplished.”

More details

PXG 0811 X

• Weight forward design; distance-focused for high ball speed
• Smaller profile head shape
• Extremely low CG location — below the neutral axis approximately 0.160”

PXG 0811 XF

• CG is low and back to increases dynamic launch, promote mid-spin performance
• Designed at USGA MAX MOI 5900 g-cm2 for maximum forgiveness
• Larger profile head shape
• CG depth over 1/2” further back than the X Driver; CG designed on the neutral axis

Shafts/grips, etc.

• All PXG equipment is fit and assembled by an authorized PXG custom fitter

Specs

Price

The Gen2 0811X and XF drivers will retail for $575, which puts them square in the major OEM price range.

PXG GEN2 fairway woods and hybrids

The PXG Gen2 fairway woods and hybrids will also feature Hot Rod Technology, and with the sleek carbon fiber crown, will offer an easy transition from the driver.

Truth be told, PXG has always done well here, the fairways and hybrids of the previous release received high praise for overall performance, due especially to the Precision-Weighting System. This system plays well in smaller-headed, higher-lofted woods due to the amount of customization that is available. The real win in this offering is the appearance of the golf club, like the driver, it’s visually appealing and an improvement from the Gen1.

According to PXG’s Brad Schweigert, one of the other main keys to dialing in the fairway woods was a stiffer crown and moving the CG down and forward, which not only improved sound and feel but also created noticeable gains in Tour staff testing.

In regards to sole design and turf interaction, the Gen2 fairway woods and hybrids will have a slightly lower profile than the Gen1 to ensure confidence off the ground and dig into the turf a bit better.

Early testing of the PXG 341 X Woods and PXG 0317 X hybrid

Again, Johnny Wunder…

Look
“The new crown is a serious win here especially in the fairway woods, the ball frames up nicely and more than Gen1, I feel like I can go down and really get this club into the ground.”

Feel
“Overall it feels solid but I will say that it can be a bit dead on mishits, obviously that may be player specific. Out of the middle it’s really hot and very solid.”

Sound
“What I like the most about this new Gen2 is the overall sound across the board. Especially when you catch one, the sound is second to none.”

Overall
“This was already a category they figured out in my opinion so its more forward progress, and I think that players that are in previous offerings will switch, this Gen2 just look and feels better then an already really good golf club (Gen1). In regards to the hybrids, I tend to run from them BUT after messing around with the PXG fitter, my opinion has changed and a 22 degree may find its way in the bag.”

Price

• Fairway woods: $425; hybrids: $375

*Official release date for all clubs is January 15