Equipment
After nearly 3 years, PXG finally launches new 0311 (T, P, XF, SGI and X) Gen2 irons
Almost three years after launching its first-generation 0311 irons (July 2015), Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG) has finally announced its new 0311 Gen2 irons. And as with its initial launch, the company is making BOLD claims about the new irons. Overall, according to PXG, the new irons are longer, faster, produce higher launch angles, less spin, higher peak heights, steeper landing angles, have improved accuracy — in terms of both distance and dispersion — and have better turf interaction. That leaves two important questions:
- How?
- What took so long?!
As part of the premise behind even starting the company, PXG founder and billionaire Bob Parsons doesn’t want quick product cycles; as he says, he doesn’t want cost constraints or time constraints, he simply wants to make the best products on the market. And he says he didn’t want to come out with new irons until they were better than the first generation irons. The problem is, just weeks before the launch of the Gen2 irons, Parsons called the first-generation irons the “best irons in golf, and they have been since they were launched.” So how do you improve on “the best?”
When the Gen1 0311 irons launched, Parsons says he immediately put his engineers — former Ping engineers — Mike Nicolette and Brad Schweigert to work on crafting irons that are better. Parsons says after two years, they “went down many rabbit holes” looking for improvements, and Nicolette says he crafted 13 different iterations of irons searching for something better. Even with the help of a PhD from Duke University “on retainer,” Schweigert says the process of finding something better took more than two years.
The turning point for Nicolette and Schweigert was discovering a new material… one that had a much higher rebound speed.
If you remember the original 0311 irons, PXG designed its irons differently than any iron that came before it, and using a different material. The iron bodies were forged from S25C soft carbon steel, and the face inserts were “as thin as a credit card” and forged HT1770 maraging steel; but it was the TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) injection mold between the face and the body that separated PXG from other irons on the market. This TPE material allowed PXG engineers to construct thinner faces — and thus faster — yet still enhancing overall feel without losing durability, according to PXG.
Again, three years later, the secret behind PXG’s Gen2 irons is the material that’s being used behind the faces (pictured above). Schweigert and Nicolette discovered a new polymer — they’re keeping the recipe close to the chest, obviously — that’s being injected into the irons; they call it “COR2” technology.
The name COR2 relates to C.O.R. (coefficient of restitution), which is a measure of energy transfer between two objects. In the case of golf clubs, you want the highest C.O.R. possible, although the USGA limits it to 0.83 (the lowest being 0 and the highest being 1). PXG claims COR2, versus the core material of the Gen1 irons, is 20 percent faster (according to a “drop test”), leading to 1-2 mph faster ball speed across the face. Additionally, due to the physics of the COR2 technology, according to PXG, the Gen2 irons also produce a 40 percent tighter dispersion. As Schweigert explains in our interview with him and Nicolette, this means the ellipse of average shots hit all over the face is 40 percent tighter than that of the Gen1 irons, thus, a 40 percent tighter dispersion (this is explained around the 6-minute mark in the interview above).
Core materials aren’t the only things that have changed since generation one, however.
For higher ball speeds across the face, and an increased “functional face area,” PXG engineers extended out the face area supported by the COR2 material with an internal perimeter cutout. That means there’s more space behind the face to fill with COR2 polymer, resulting in a 15 percent larger hitting area.
Also, PXG is using new 8620 steel bodies in its 0311 Gen2 irons versus the S25C steel that it used in the original 0311 irons. In its press materials, PXG says “the yield strength of 8620 is more than twice as strong as S25C.” The result, according to PXG, is greater durability, while still maintaining “the club head’s soft forged feel.” The face insert material and thickness, on the other hand, has remained the same; the faces are still made from HT1770 maraging steel and measure about 1.5 mm.
For higher MOI (moment of inertia, a measure of forgiveness), PXG has angled the back surface of the clubs, tapering them from heel-to-toe. That means there is greater mass on the toe portion of the club. The topline, however, is also angled so that it appears to be parallel to the face. Ultimately, the result is a topline that looks a bit thinner, and a 3 percent increase of MOI overall, according to PXG. The camber on the soles of the clubs have also been reduced so that players can take slightly more turf at impact compared to the Gen1 irons, allowing them to hit it higher on the face, according to PXG. Nicolette and Schweigert explain how this works in our interview (around 5:40).
PXG also addressed a small concern from Gen1; dirt would get stuck in the numbers on the sole and the paint would wear. According to Parsons, the PXG team tried to find wear-proof paint, but ultimately, they simply moved the numbers out toward the toe so that it wouldn’t interact with the turf as much. Problem solved.
Looking at the overall line of 0311 Gen2 clubs, you’ll notice an increase in the number of offerings; there are now five. The Gen2 line includes 0311 T (Tour), 0311 P (Players), 0311 XF (Xtreme Forgiveness), 0311 SGI (Super game-improvement) and 0311 X (driving irons, 1-5 irons). According to Nicolette and Schweigert, the models have been designed with mixed sets in mind.
Starting on April 19, the Gen2 irons will sell for $400 per club in the standard finish, and $500 per club for the Xtreme Dark finish, which uses a black, diamond-like carbon coating, according to PXG. Among all of the flexes and steel/graphite options, there are 105 shaft offerings available in the standard irons, and 14 in the driving irons.
Read on for more information and specs on each of the iron offerings, and click here to see what GolfWRX Members are saying about the 0311 Gen2 irons.
PXG0311 T Gen2 irons
The T iron is “best suited for the player interested in maximum workability,” according to PXG, and for the player who prefers a more compact size. Compared to Gen1, the Gen2 T irons are reported to have less offset, a straighter leading edge appearance, less sole camber, trailing edge relief, a more rounded head profile and 2 percent higher MOI.
Tour players who have already made the switch include Billy Horschel (3, 5-PW), Charles Howell III (5-PW), Ryan Moore (5-PW), Charl Schwartzel (5-PW) and Ryann O’Toole (4-PW).
Specs
PXG 0311 P Gen2 irons
The P irons have moderate blade lengths and offset to satisfy the needs of a wide range of golfers, according to PXG, offering an “ideal balance of playability and forgiveness.” Compared to the Gen1 0311 irons, the o311 P Gen2 irons are reported to have a thinner topline appearance, less offset, a straighter leading edge, less sole camber, and 3 percent higher MOI.
The Tour pros who have these in the bag now include James Hahn (3 and 4 irons), Lydia Ko (5-PW), Anna Nordqvist (4 and 5), Katherine Kirk (5-PW), Christina Kim (4-PW), Brittany Lang (5-PW) and Alison Lee (5-PW).
Specs
PXG 0311 XF Gen2 irons
The PXG 0311 XF Gen2 iron, according to PXG, is a “game improvement club that offers extreme forgiveness and a superior feel, while maintaining the sleek look of a blade.” Compared to the T and P models, the XF irons have larger head sizes. Compared to the Gen1 XF irons, the Gen2 XF irons are reported to have a thinner topline appearance, more offset, less sole camber, and 3 percent higher MOI.
Specs
PXG 0311 SGI Gen2 irons
PXG’s first ever Super Game-Improvement (SGI) iron has a thick topline, a low profile and a wide sole to help golfers launch it higher and achieve maximum forgiveness. It also has a longer blade length than the other models and more offset to effectively help golfers turn the golf ball over.
Specs
PXG 0311 X Gen2 driving irons
PXG’s new 0311 X Gen2 driving irons are advertised as “low-spin” clubs that are designed “to deliver a more penetrating ball flight.” They’re available in irons 1-5, and have lofts ranging from 15-24 degrees. The lengths throughout the 0311 X Gen2 offerings are progressive — shorter in the higher lofts and longer in the lower lofts.
Specs
Related
- Parsons explains why Gen2 irons cost $400, but are “probably worth $1000”
- See what GolfWRX Members are saying about PXG’s new 0311 Gen2 irons
- Photos from the PXG Gen2 launch event and Scottsdale National Golf Club
- LIKE104
- LEGIT22
- WOW9
- LOL14
- IDHT6
- FLOP16
- OB13
- SHANK119
Whats in the Bag
WITB Time Machine: Billy Horschel’s winning WITB, 2017 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
The tournament bearing the name of one of golf’s all-time greats is now known as the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Back in 2017, it was still the AT&T Byron Nelson and Billy Horschel was still a full-bag PXG staffer. The Florida Gator leveraged those wares to a playoff victory over Jason Day securing his fourth PGA Tour win in the process.
Check out the clubs Horschel had in play seven years ago in Texas.
Driver: PXG 0811X (9 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Atmos Tour Spec Black 6 X
3-wood: PXG 0341X (15 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Black 75 6.5
5-wood: PXG 0341 (18 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Black 75 6.5
Irons: PXG 0311T (3, 5-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: PXG 0311T Milled (52-10, 56-10, 60-07)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: PXG Bat Attack
Grip: SuperStroke Flatso 1.0
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
Check out more in-hand photos of Billy Horschel’s gear from 2017 here.
- LIKE0
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP1
- OB0
- SHANK1
Equipment
How Cleveland Golf’s wedge selector tool improves the wedge buying process
More than most golfers would care to admit, confusion often reigns when it comes to selecting a wedge — let alone configuring an entire wedge setup. Make? Model? Loft? Grind? Finish? Two wedges? Three wedges? Four? The questions abound!
While it’s easy to get off the fairway and deep into the rough quickly, the framework question for choosing wedges is the same as the entirety of the golf bag: How should I set up my golf bag to shoot the lowest score possible?
Manufacturers, in addition to, well, manufacturing golf clubs, also understand that golfers need to make informed decisions to get the most out of their equipment. It’s with this in mind, and to help golfers answer the aforementioned foundational question about their wedge setup, that Cleveland Golf has launched its wedge selector too.
To learn more, we talked with Cleveland’s Senior Product Manager, Casey Shultz.
GolfWRX: What was Cleveland seeing in the marketplace that led to the development of the wedge selector? How do golfers benefit?
Casey Shultz: Currently, there is a lot of talk about what grind players should play and what is right for their game in that aspect of selecting a wedge. But there is more to improving wedge play than finding the proper grind. We would even argue it’s one of the smaller dials for improvement. Players can find more success with wedges designed from head shape to shaft, sole width, gapping, and then the grind. Putting a system in place that makes the process of selecting the right wedge easier is something we feel can have a massive impact, especially for recreational players.
GolfWRX: Now, in breaking down Cleveland’s wedge selector tool, the point of departure is figuring out whether you’re an RTX or CBX player. Can you briefly spell out who each of these wedges is for?
CS: For lower handicappers, the RTX series is our tour-validated line of blade wedges. These are for players looking to play a lot of open-faced shots around the green, prioritize workability, and like to flight their wedges. CBX wedges are designed to make the short game easier, while still offering some level of versatility for the mid-high handicapper looking for a wedge that will reduce chunks and add forgiveness on all strikes. CBX’s are also a great option due to them blending well in weight and shaping with more cavity back iron sets.
GolfWRX: Proceeding through the RTX wedge selector, one of the first forks in the road is wedge finish. Can you break down the finish options and the considerations for a golfer in making their selection?
CS: With the RTX series we offer Tour Satin, Black Satin, and Tour Rack finishes. Tour Satin is our most popular finish and offers the most grind options. With HydraZip face blasts on the newest RTX Wedges, glare is significantly reduced at address compared to other silver finish offerings. Black Satin offers custom skin options as personalization and is one of the more durable black finishes on the market but will have some visible wear over time especially on the sole. Finally, Tour Rack is our tour authentic raw finish that will rust over time. The Tour Rack finish also comes with the option of applying any of our Tour Crafted leading edge and sole grind offerings to the Wedge for players really looking to fine-tune their performance.
GolfWRX: Can you walk us through the rest of the RTX wedge fitting process?
CS: Once players have selected their preferred finish, we gather information on their iron set and loft preferences to determine proper gapping. A properly gapped set of wedges, both with each other and transitioning from a player’s last iron, is key to ensuring their set covers a wide range of approach yardages well. We then ask specific questions about the performance the player is looking to achieve in their sand and lob wedges to determine proper grinds for each of those wedges. Lastly, we confirm a preference for traditional or Full-Face grooves at each loft. Full-Face grooves offer a new level of versatility, especially with open-face shots, but it’s up to the player if they want to transition to this groove design. Our algorithm will then take these results and determine a set of wedges best suited to the player’s game.
GolfWRX: Let’s circle back to grinds. Is there a grind configuration across their wedges you’re seeing the majority of players choose or is it pretty evenly divided?
CS: The MID grind is certainly the most popular grind across all lofts, with the blend of versatility and forgiveness in a wide range of conditions suiting many players. In sand wedge lofts, the second most popular grind is our FULL, which has a little more bounce than the MID and is especially effective out of the sand or rough. In lob wedge lofts, the popular alternative to the MID is the LOW grind, offering max versatility around the greens. We’re also seeing more amateur and tour players opt for our Full-Face models, especially in the lob wedge lofts where they are planning to open the face and get creative around the greens.
GolfWRX: Can you take us through the CBX wedge selector?
CS: In the CBX selector, we start by determining if a player is looking to play a lob wedge or not. For many recreational golfers, a lob wedge may not be necessary for the consistent short-game performance they are looking to achieve. Next, the CBX selector focuses on ensuring players end up with a set that transitions well into their irons, while also staying within the constraints of a player’s bag setup. With new players distance, game improvement, and super game improvement iron lofts becoming stronger than those of the past, creating a properly gapped set of wedges is trickier than ever for these players. The selector tool takes the guesswork out of the equation, while also considering a player’s set makeup and interest in replacing a wedge. Finally, players are given the option of when or if they would like to transition into a Full-Face design for added spin on strikes all over the face.
GolfWRX: Is there anything else you think GolfWRXers need to know about Cleveland’s wedge selector tool?
CS: Our wedge selector tool is designed to be used in concert with our set builder webpages. At completion of the selector, a player’s recommended wedge set will automatically be applied to the appropriate set builder. From there, they can easily adjust components or build specs to every Wedge all in one place. Players can also add Tour Crafted sole and leading edge grinds to refine their performance on our Tour Rack wedges, or personalize custom characters, skins, and paintfill in the same place. It’s a one-stop shop to build the perfect wedge set for any player’s game.
This article was presented in partnership with Cleveland Golf. Check out the wedge selector here.
- LIKE0
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
Equipment
Golf fans left surprised by LIV’s choice of course for its 2024 individual championship event
On Tuesday, LIV announced their individual championship will be held at Bolingbrook Golf Club just outside of Chicago. The event will take place September 13-15.
The late announcement is seemingly due to LIV looking for the right course in the Chicago area that has the infrastructure that can accommodate a professional event.
The choice of Bolingbrook Golf Club has received some feedback on social media.
Maybe Rich Harvest Farms wasn't available? RHF is 50miles from Chicago but at least it's surrounded by farm land so plenty of space to set up
— Crawf_Indiana (@captaincrawf) April 30, 2024
Awful course choice, it's a dog track!
— Rob (@piratedwight) April 30, 2024
????#LOOK: Bolingbrook GC in Illinois, site of LIV Golf’s just announced Individual Championship has tee times available around the $50 mark.
Are you teeing it up here? pic.twitter.com/b8Lgv9ZzhK
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) April 30, 2024
LIV fans were quick to point out that Bethpage Black, which is hosting the 2025 Ryder Cup, can also be played for a reasonable price, making the point the greens fees don’t always equate to the quality of the golf course.
During LIV’s first two seasons, LIV utilized Rich Harvest Farms in Chicago. It’s unclear why that course is off the rotation in favor of Bolingbrook.
More from the 19th Hole
- The wild reason why Mark Wahlberg was initially denied entry to an Australian golf club
- 2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33
- Edoardo Molinari reveals the latest PGA Tour golfer to turn down ‘good offer’ from LIV Golf
New here?
- LIKE0
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
-
19th Hole3 weeks ago
Dave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters
-
19th Hole1 week ago
Justin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
-
19th Hole1 week ago
‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
-
19th Hole2 weeks ago
Two star names reportedly blanked Jon Rahm all week at the Masters
-
19th Hole2 weeks ago
Report: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
-
19th Hole2 weeks ago
Neal Shipley presser ends in awkward fashion after reporter claims Tiger handed him note on 8th fairway
-
19th Hole2 weeks ago
Brandel Chamblee has ‘no doubt’ who started the McIlroy/LIV rumor and why
-
Equipment3 weeks ago
What we know about Bryson DeChambeau’s 3D-printed Avoda irons
Scott Longmore
Sep 30, 2018 at 9:07 pm
I just bought the 0311T Gen2 irons and love them. Such a soft, solid feel on every shot. Better than my Mizuno MP 18’s.
dr. freud
Mar 29, 2018 at 7:18 pm
For most gearhead golfers 75% of the game is what you own, not how you play, and then bragging (lying) about how great your newest clubs are compared to your last set of status clubs. Delusion happens in the 6 inches between your ears.
Mike Delgadillo
Mar 23, 2018 at 5:34 pm
400 for pw-3 Iron, maybe. This guy is laundering money.
Dave
Mar 20, 2018 at 2:53 pm
Why same same swingweight through set until the wedges, MOI would make the swing feel even better
joro
Mar 17, 2018 at 9:29 am
Hey,,,, if you are made of Money why not. Or maybe not made of Money but want to look like a Golfer with a big ego to be the first on the block to have them, why not. They may satisfy an ego, or a curiosity, but will they make you better than you are ?, nope. But if you want em, go get em and enjoy them.
Mat
Mar 17, 2018 at 5:52 am
Those specs and faces look “borrowed” from someone in town.…
Tom
Mar 16, 2018 at 4:21 pm
Most guys here shouldn’t comment on the clubs unless they have tried them! I have tried them and there is nothing that compares to them, expensive yes but you get what you get what you pay for. By the way, most pros get paid to use equipment, so they must like them to use them! Taylormade dropped Garcia and is still winning with similar clubs from call away!
Ray
Mar 16, 2018 at 2:10 pm
I’m really surprised that Zach Johnson , being the Iowan blue collar type, would play these Champagne type of sticks! Maybe these clubs are the reason for his fall from the clouds.
“All that glitters is not gold”
Robert
Mar 16, 2018 at 1:31 pm
Wow, that’s a lot of hate for really a great set of irons. I’ve got a set of the P790 and a set of the 0311t. The feel is better hands down in the 0311t. Also less offset and way less chunky in the mid short irons. I prefer the 0311t over the other player irons I’ve hit that include Titleist, Mizuno and Taylormade. They are very forgiving for a blade and long. I didn’t like the standard 0311 as to me it was just too big. If you’ve got the cash and want to play a great set of irons, I’d at least consider trying them. Also, I’d ignore the BS hate on the irons as they are solid sticks. If you don’t like Bob that’s fine, but the irons are top notch. Worth the extra cash? To me yes.
Jack Nash
Mar 16, 2018 at 12:59 pm
Danica + Bikini + holding PXG Iron = Rocket To The Moon Sales. The old Go Daddy girl.
Glfhsslr
Mar 16, 2018 at 12:34 pm
These are just status clubs….. that’s it. I’ve got money and these are the most expensive it can buy.
Cigarmikl
Mar 16, 2018 at 12:22 pm
Why aren’t all the pros playing such great clubs? Don’t tell me ot’s Because of sponsorship Pros want to win tournaments.
JD
Mar 16, 2018 at 12:17 pm
“Buy my clubs for 3-4x of taylormade or titleist, they do the same thing, but mine sat pxg.” Bob Parsons … probably
Bob Parson Jr.
Mar 16, 2018 at 10:14 pm
Overpriced Junk! The same thing as Cameron and his overpriced copies.
Francesco Zallio
Mar 16, 2018 at 12:14 pm
because they want a lot of money !????????????????
ogo
Mar 15, 2018 at 3:17 pm
skrewskrewskrewskrewskrewsskrews…. and jello-filled …. 😮
Craig Sapp
Mar 15, 2018 at 2:04 pm
So they went to 8620 steel just like the other companies but want to charge almost three times as much. The 790’s have proved you can make the same clubs for less.
Dalenchmob
Mar 15, 2018 at 10:16 pm
Exactly. Made of junk. And the originals were so well thought out and so well designed, the paint chipped off the numbers. So what did they do this time? Move the number to the toe, because the originals were so well designed. Nobody designs junk like Parsons and flog it for thousands to thousands of suckers
Bob Parson Jr.
Mar 16, 2018 at 10:16 pm
Reminds me of another Cast Junk King, ah yes, Scotty Cameron.
Ryan Michael
Mar 15, 2018 at 12:32 pm
$5k for irons that have a cheap 5 cent baby ferrule. Love the quality of their clubs just not a fan of that look.
Hmmmm
Mar 16, 2018 at 10:46 am
I may be wrong but I believe those are fitting heads and the ferrules on the standard clubs are full sized.
Izzy
Mar 15, 2018 at 11:42 am
I look at my WITB set of irons and I feel… impotent, after reading about the PXGs.
Even though I can’t afford a full set I will get a partial set… 5/7/9/PW, and play with those and then add more clubs next year until I fill my bag. I wanna be a PXG playah for the pride and added mojo that I need.
Joe
Mar 15, 2018 at 11:12 am
right after I hate on these I am going to go blast people who hate on Tiger.
dat
Mar 15, 2018 at 9:41 am
I’ll take zero sets, please.
B
Mar 15, 2018 at 9:16 am
That would be TPU, not TPE, because it’s Urethane, innit? doh
And paint would wear from the numbers? I guess you get what you pay for! I feel sorry for the people who paid for these cheaply made, poorly designed clubs
Jerry
Mar 15, 2018 at 3:59 pm
Just the other day, a guy was at my instructor’s range, and saw me hitting the 0311XF and asked about them. I handed him a 7i. He’d been hitting the Ping G700 irons. He hit the PXG and said, I like the look and feel of these over the 700’s. I took the G700, looked down at it, and it did not look good at address, did not feel as good, but nice ballflight.
We both preferred the PXG 0311XF.
Still, I’d try the Callaway Rogue Irons for distance and forgiveness.
BParsons
Mar 15, 2018 at 9:12 am
These comments will definitely not be filled with angst and vitriol, I promise.
kevin
Mar 15, 2018 at 8:59 am
i’d actually be embarrassed with these in my bag. going out shooting 80 with sticks that cost 4 to 5 times what a brand new set of irons from equally good company…no thanks. not just because the cost, because of the image it gives off.
Tigergor
Mar 15, 2018 at 7:41 am
Sweet Jesus! What a lot of rubbish. PXG make Taylormade look restrained in terms of marketing guff.
Bob Parson Jr.
Mar 16, 2018 at 10:17 pm
Post of the Day!
Jerry
Mar 15, 2018 at 4:55 am
They look slightly better in the back, but in the XF 3% more MOI, and more offset, is not attractive to me or enough of a change. Going to 8620 steel sounds like a way to save money. I see the price going to $500 per iron in satin and a better shaft. It’s a nice club, but if doing it again, I’d look at the Callaway Rogue.