Does the new PXG GEN3 iron restore the image of the brand that was slightly confused by the 0211 iron? Their founder, Bob Parsons, raised the manufacturing bar in 2015 when he launched the brand with a bottomless pit of money for research and development to produce the highest quality clubs.
The PXG GEN1 irons showed the golfing world that it was not just your usual start-up company and GEN2 has been a global hit. From the GEN2 0311 irons to the GEN2 drivers they managed to take things to new levels. In 2019 they launched the cast 0211 iron to open up the reach of the brand, which has sold well, but it give out a mixed message with regards to the brand’s identity.
GEN3 PRICING
To reaffirm their bespoke image, PXG quickly released the 100% milled 0311 ST head, which is a work of art – a true blade design for the serious tour golfer and it isn’t surprising to see the latest GEN3 0311 iron range resembles the ST, which we are not complaining about. With the ST in America retailing at $650 and the new GEN3 0311 at $425, PXG appear to have their bespoke image back on track.
What we need to find out is whether the GEN3 0311 range is all about the Show? Or does it have more Go?
What’s different about the GEN3 compared to the GEN2?
- There are now just three models, since they dropped the Super Game Improvement head.
- The GEN3 is CNC-milled to shave key weight out of the back of the head to maximise performance and enhance the look!
- A new polymer insert called ‘Impact Reactor Technology’ brings more speed and feel.
- 360 degree internal face perimeter channel: On the inside of the face, PXG have put a channel in there to thin it out. So this creates a ‘loading zone’ in the face to get more deflection in the face area, and create as much velocity as possible.
- Robotic polishing has given PXG the ability to build the GEN3 to their exact specification and eliminate any manufacturing variations.
Models
T – Tour
P – Player
XP – Xtreme Performance
How does the GEN3 perform better than the GEN2?
The words we keep on hearing from the team at PXG are ‘face deflection.’ With the new polymer 5-times forging process and CNC milling, they have pushed the limit of the energy transfer from the face of the club close to the legal limit of the USGA rulings. PXG tests claim the face movement is twice as great as the GEN2.
How the models compare
The Tour (T) head sits very similar to the GEN2 but the slightly thinner top line gives the illusion of the GEN3 head being larger.
Player (P) head is probably going to be the most popular model as the slight offset head size will appeal to low to mid-handicap levels. It will be the base club that will form the combo sets.
The Xtreme Performance head is the rocket ship for players who need distance – So, lighter head, stronger lofts and longer shafts. But with feel that comes from being forged and the new Impact Reactor Technology.
Shafts
Steel:True Temper; KBS; Nippon and Project X.
Graphite:Aerotech; Accura; KBS; Mitsubishi and UST.
Lofts:You can have them adjusted two degrees either way.
Grips:Golf Pride; Lamkin and Winn. All available in four thicknesses from: undersize; standard; midsize and oversize.
Initial review
We have still to test the clubs out on the course with the eGolf Megastore team to find out the true differences between the GEN2 and GEN3. Though initial feedback is that the GEN3 sounds and feels better and is noticeably longer.
PXG has the balance right between distance, feel and aesthetics and reassuringly the price reflects that. The downside of distance is the gapping. It’s all well and good hitting your wedge 140 yards but what happens when you need to play between 100 and 135 yards? Which is why, getting fitted with the new GEN3 is more than essential – as you might be fitted with a mix of heads and various loft adjustments in order to dial in those yardages through the bag.
Sign off thought on the CNC Milled backs of the GEN3 irons:
Sometimes we buy stuff because it just looks cool.
