PXG launch new 0811 X Gen 2 drivers, 0341 X Gen 2 fairway and 0317 X Gen 2 hybrid
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PXG have revealed two brand new drivers (the 0811 X Gen 2 and the 0811 XF Gen 2 Drivers) a new 0341 X Gen 2 Fairway Wood and a 0317 X Gen 2 Hybrid for 2019
There aren’t many things PXG’s multi-billionaire owner Bob Parsons regrets in life. But if he had the opportunity to wind the clock back and change something, he told TG he wished PXG never launched its first 0811 driver in 2016.
The launch came at a time when the brand was building credibility and reinventing the iron market with its hollow body technology. The driver though never quite hit the same spot or gained the same level of respect amongst tour players or paying golfers, mainly because it was a bit too spinny.
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PXG 0811 X Gen 2 and 0811 XF Gen 2 Driver
For 2019, PXG have gone back to the drawing board and designed two new drivers from the ground up. They say they’ve taken inspiration for the cosmetics from American muscle cars, and the numbers they’re batting about are seriously good.
The 0811 X is a smaller profile, high-launching – low spinning driver, which PXG reckon is the lowest spinning model on the market, and it’s aimed at raw distance. The larger profile 0811 XF is a higher launching – mid spin driver and thanks to its combined MOI being over 10,000g-cm2 PXG reckon it’s the most forgiving driver on the market.
Both drivers, like the new matching fairways and hybrids have carbon crowns and multiple weight options to optimise launch, spin and shot shape for any swing type.
Nothing PXG comes cheap, but a significant price drop from the original driver to £550 seems remarkable, especially when other brands are scaling up costs for 2019. You won’t find PXG in your local pro-shop as they insist on fitting golfers personally, what it means is you get your perfect set up and the sort of service you’d expect from a Saville Row tailor.
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Review: PXG 0811 X Gen 2 driver
RRP: £550
The X, like the XF, say PXG has a stiffer carbon crown. It keeps deflection within the metal portions of the club, returning more energy back to the ball and improving ball speeds. The designers have worked hard to ensure golfers get the same first impression of looks, sound and feel as they do with the companies hollow body irons.
The X has 9 weights (three of which are tungsten, weighing over 12g) which are positioned at the extremities of the head. It means when moving mass you get maximum impact on spin or shot shape, as well as excellent fine tuning capabilities. PXG say the centre of gravity is below the neutral axis line, creating a high launch – low spin design, particularly at higher swing speeds. X is 7 – 10 yards longer then the previous model (it spins 300 – 400 RPM less) and offers a 26% tighter dispersion. PXG reckon their tour pros who’ve made the switch typically pick up 7 – 10 yards, they’re also adamant the X driver generates 2mph more ball speed than any of their competitors 2018 drivers.
Review: PXG 0811 XF Gen 2 driver
RRP: £550
Both new drivers have been inspired by American muscle cars, and it’s the aggressive carbon crown, which is shaped like the bonnet of a hot rod where the inspiration shines through. PXG say both drivers have also been optimised in a wind tunnel to reduce drag.
Unlike any other driver on the market, both X and XF have a honeycomb structured TPE insert in the sole. It supports the heads incredibly thin structures, dampening vibration and enhancing sound and feel performance. Sound frequencies of both drivers are actually close to what you’d expect of a persimmon driver.
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PXG’s lead designer, Brad Schweigert was nervous about submitting the XF to the USGA for approval, knowing it was right on the rules limitations for head size and MOI performance. PXG say the XFs CG location is on the neutral axis and 1/2″ further back than the X, it’s also 3 – 6 yards longer with a 34% tighter dispersion than the previous XF model.
PXG 0811 X & XF Gen 2 driver: Verdict
PXG are throwing around some seriously impressive numbers with regards to ball speed and MOI performance with both new drivers. They’re adamant they can out hit the competition. But what’s clear is how both models try desperately to tap into the same sound, feel and first impression experience as the brands now renowned irons (and they’ve only been available for three years).
To a person we’ve never seen anyone hit a PXG iron and not be impressed with how it feels and sounds. But where the brands irons have created a whole new iron category (hollow body) the woods are up against the very best available, and being judged on Performance vs Price. Which isn’t an easy equation to win as a super premium club brand.
TG Equipment Ed Simon Daddow hit both X and XF models, but as somebody who hates making the game more difficult than it needs to be, he plumped for the XF. Where other new 2019 drivers are blinged up with carbon fibre, graphics and bright colours PXG are confident enough to knock everything back to matt finishes and monochrome colours, which in our book is really refreshing and clean.
We’re yet to put the X or XF head-2-head against the other leading 2019 drivers, when we do you’ll know about it. But from what we’ve seen this far, it’s highly likely PXG will be pushing the big three’s drivers (Callaway, TaylorMade and Ping) every step of the way this year.
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How does a carbon crown improve distance and accuracy?
A multi-level, variable thickness carbon crown creates a stiffer construction.
The stiffer crown reduces energy loss, and supports the face structure. Which means more energy is transferred to the ball, generating more ball speed. PXG say by supporting the face there’s less inconsistencies which leads to better accuracy too.
How do the two drivers differ?
0811 X
DISTANCE FOCUSED
Weight forward
High ball speed / Low spin
Smaller head profile
CG is low and forward (0.160″ below the neutral axis) – promoting low spin
0811 XF
FORGIVENESS FOCUSED
Weight back
High launch / Mid spin
Larger head profile
CG is low and back – increases dynamic launch, promotes spin
High MOI – Designed at 5900 g-cm2 MOI on the vertical axis, over 10,000 g-cm2 combined MOI
0341 X Gen 2 Fairway: Everything you need to know about the new fairway woods
Review: PXG 0341 X Gen 2 Fairway Wood
RRP: £425
Carbon crown for faster balls speeds and improved consistency
Matt paint – for an anti-glare finish
Low and forward CG – promotes low spin performance
Honeycomb TPE insert – dampens vibration, enhancing feel and sound
Larger heavier sole weights – give more significant ball flight adjustment. Moving the four silver coloured tungsten weights back increases launch and spin. Moving them to the toe or heel ports increases fade or draw bias.
Improvements over the Gen 1 fairway
1 – 2 MPH faster ball speed
300 – 400 RPM lower spin
Similar launch angle
7 – 10 yards longer
3% tighter dispersion
PXG 0341 X Gen 2 Fairway Wood: Verdict
We’re big fans of the 0341 X fairway’s primarily because where modern fairways typically trend up in size, the X has shrunk. Compact fairways are getting harder and harder to find but if you’re the type who loves seeing a compact fairway sat behind the ball at address but don’t want to give anything up in terms of forgiveness the X should be right up your street.
Just like the drivers the heads are the height of simplicity. There’s a single ‘X’ on the top edge marking the impact zone. It, along with a ridged crown focuses attention on the centre of the face, which should help you hit the middle more often.
PXG reckon fairway’s are the hardest club in the bag to hit, as they’re launched from the turf with the least amount amount of loft. If like us, you’re nervous getting a 15° fairway airborne, don’t be. The new 0341s lower profile and flatter sole sits closer to the turf and gets more face under the ball, making it easy to launch shots from the deck and tee.
Nothing PXG comes cheap. And experience tells us you should never try justifying the cost of PXG by only comparing performance numbers against the competition. It’s like deciding between a Bentley and Ford Focus but only considering whether they both do the speed limit. PXG is about so much more than just numbers, and if you do take the plunge and take the time to get fitted you really won’t be disappointed.
0317 X Gen 2 Hybrid: Everything you need to know about the new hybrids
Review: PXG 0317 X Gen 2 Hybrid
RRP: £375
Carbon crown for faster balls speeds and improved consistency
Matt paint – for an anti-glare finish
Low and forward CG – promotes low spin performance
Honeycomb TPE insert – dampens vibration, enhancing feel and sound
Larger heavier sole weights – give more significant ball flight adjustment. Moving the four silver coloured tungsten weights back increases launch and spin. Moving them to the toe or heel ports increases fade or draw bias.
Improvements over the Gen 1 hybrid
2 – 3 MPH faster ball speed
Similar spin rate
Similar launch
4 – 7 yards longer
6% tighter dispersion
PXG 0317 X Gen 2 Hybrid: Verdict
Just like the new fairway the 0317 hybrid is a real compact head, and not nearly as wide as some of the competition. Were big fans of the unfussy look and it’s uncanny knack of focusing attention directly on the back of the golf ball at address. Sound’s usually less of an issue when it comes to hybrids but by using the same TPE material in all the new woods you get a lovely consistent sound, feel and feedback.
I (Simon Daddow) haven’t changed my hybrid for 10 years, just because my Cobra Baffler’s been a firm favourite in the bag, primarily because I can launch shots on a high looping flight as well as a lower more penetrating trajectory when needed. So initially like most modern hybrids I’ve tried I expected the 0317 X to be a bit one dimensional and only hit low hard rockets, which maximise distance but don’t help me ‘work’ the ball round the golf course and score.
Shots with the 0317 X though soared into the air, time after time, after time. I hit the 22° so much higher and better than I ever could a 4-iron, and shots descended at a decent angle so they’d stop on a green too. And when needed, I could drill shots low into the breeze. Adjustable hosels seem to be dying out in hybrids, but for me the extra versatility to dial in the exact loft to fill a distance gap in my set with the 0317 is absolutely invaluable. Needless to say the Cobra Baffler has now been retired to the garage.
