50 Words or Less
The PXG 0311 XP GEN6 irons deliver maximum distance and forgiveness. Larger club head and stronger lofts than 0311 P.
Check out the PXG 0311 XP GEN7 irons HERE
Introduction
The technology in PXG’s irons makes them among the best at packing a lot of performance into smaller heads. I love how this works for the “low to mid handicap player” in their 0311 P GEN6 irons [review HERE], and it’s also true for the golfers who want more help. In this review, I’ll dive into how the PXG 0311 XP GEN6 irons use their larger profile to offer even more distance and forgiveness.
Looks
The PXG 0311 XP GEN6 irons are built for “Xtreme Performance” which means a larger head. Excepting the 0211 Z [review HERE], this is the largest, most forgiving iron in PXG’s line. Compared to the 0311 P, the XP is longer from heel-to-toe with a thicker top line and more offset. It’s decidedly a game improvement look, though, to my eye, it stops short of being SGI.
In the bag, the 0311 XP GEN6 is similar to the GEN5 version [review HERE]. Both have a row of small tungsten weights surrounding the larger PWT weight in the center. They also share the “PXG” branding on the toe and the model identification on the hosel. Where they differ is that the GEN6 iron has a larger, continuous black section at the bottom of the club, and the PWT is is silver.
*These photos show a fitting iron, hence the “2 UP” on the back and the screw in the hosel.
Sound & Feel
The PXG 0311 XP GEN6 irons share the same construction as the 0311 P GEN6 irons, so the feel is almost identical. GEN6 is, to me, the softest feeling iron that PXG has released. With the exception of very thin strikes, every shot has the softness of a perfectly struck forged iron. When you do hit a shot perfectly, you’ll find a little bit of PXG’s trademark “bounce” off the face.
The impact sound of the 0311 XP GEN6 irons is not more than a low-pitched “thud.” It’s a very quiet iron, which is a nice complement to the soft feel. The quiet impact sound makes audio feedback hard to come by, so you need to pay careful attention to your hands to know how you struck each shot.
Performance
“Longer and more forgiving” is a pretty common tagline when marketing new clubs. Where PXG separates themselves from most OEMs is that they come with the receipts, so let’s get into the numbers
On centered strikes, the new PXG 0311 XP GEN6 irons are almost 3 yards longer than GEN5. This comes through a combination of increased ball speed and slightly less spin (about 200 RPM). The 0311 XP GEN6 is on the low side of the spin spectrum, though not the extreme end.
While 3 yards may not be enough to merit an upgrade, the boost in forgiveness and consistency is. PXG shrank the 0311 XP’s dispersion by over a third. The GEN6 shaved off about three yards on both the right and left side of its shot pattern, and significantly improved its distance consistency. Shots on the heel now lose five yards instead of twelve; toe shots lose less than four instead of almost nine.
In my testing, the same consistency that I saw in the P irons was present in the XP. Whether I was hitting the ball pure or off center, my carry numbers barely changed. Directionally, the XP is even more impressive than the P, keeping all but the wildest shots going where I intended.
For those debating between the XP and the P, there is a substantial difference in the lofts. The XP is about three degrees stronger through most of the set. This is the primary driver of the distance gap: the XP 7I is almost five MPH faster and over fourteen yards longer than the P.
Finally, PXG has carried forward one of their best fitting tools: Precision Weighting Technology. The large circular weight is placed behind the sweet spot so that the swing weight can be modified without moving the CG. Swing weight can be a massive factor in a club’s performance, but PXG is the only OEM that makes it a focus of the fitting process.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to gain distance or just take maximum advantage of technology, the PXG 0311 XP GEN6 irons are a great choice. While there are plenty of long, strong-lofted irons, very few can compete with the XP when it comes to forgiveness. These are irons you’ll enjoy on your best days but really love when your swing needs more help.
Visit PXG HERE
PXG 0311 XP GEN6 Irons Price & Specs
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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19 Comments
I use the Gen4 XPs and they are awesome. Looking forward to upgrading to Gen6 when the price comes down a little.
Great write up
Hi Matt,
If this category was right for you, these or the Paradym X?
Thanks
Rick,
With the caveat that I haven’t hit them head to head, I think I prefer the XP. It’s a small preference on a handful of things – look, sound, feel, and PWT.
Best,
Matt
How would you compare these Gen6 to the JPX923 or Srixon ZX5?
Ali,
We have reviews of the ZX5 Mk II here: https://pluggedingolf.com/srixon-zx5-mk-ii-irons-review/
and the JPX923 Hot Metal here: https://pluggedingolf.com/mizuno-jpx923-hot-metal-irons-review/
Best,
Matt
Thank you! Any quick notable pros/cons between the 3 or in this category?
Ali,
I didn’t test the Srixons, but the Mizunos and PXGs are both excellent. My recommendation is always to get fit, try a lot of things, and trust what you like and what performs.
Best,
Matt
Appreciate it! Definitely plan on getting fitted however PXG is the outlier that isn’t offered other than at their own centers. Will probably end up going with the Mizuno/Ping/Other since I can compare h2h.
Ali,
Despite what the TV ads say, PXG is available at Club Champion, if that’s helpful.
Best,
Matt
I am confused between Gen6 XP and Gen5 XP irons as a beginner. Please advice considering great deal on Gen5.
Manish,
Both irons are great. There are some performance differences, but probably nothing big enough that it would be a huge difference for a beginner. That said, please do get fit so the clubs have the right specs and shaft for your swing.
Best,
Matt
Thank you for your answer! It was really helpful for me as a beginner golfer, thinking between gen 6 and gen 5. I went with gen 5 since it’s also at a discounted price right now and I think is a very very good deal.
Just bought the gen 6 black irons. Changed from Honma series 5. Love the change the p irons are truly forgiving, however lost some distance even though I have the autoflex 505 shafts! Any explanation for the loss of distance?
Asadullah,
Are the shafts the same in both irons?
-Matt
Last night I shot a 41 with my new XPs. That’s a first in over two years. I almost made an ace with one of two birdies. These clubs are fast off the face. I’ve gained 20 yards with most of my set. Granted some of that distance is due to the stronger lofts. The sound and feel of these clubs is soft but lively. My “Sugar Daddies “ are awesome. The ball just springs off the face. That’s the only way I can describe it. Love these clubs!
I’ve been playing Ping G 15 irons for over 10 years now. Thinking of upgrading to the G430’s and have already been fitted for them. However the PXG XP Gen 6 irons and your review have me thinking that over. I have their 0211 Driver already and absolutely love it. Since you have hit and reviewed both the PXG XP and the Ping G430, which would you say is more forgiving for a 15 hdcp in his late 60’s?
John,
You’ve picked two of the most forgiving irons out there. You can’t go wrong with either one.
Best,
Matt
I was just fitted for the XP gen 6 irons! Super excited to get them in! Club Champion did a great job!
Thanks for the review!
Pete