PXG 0311 XF GEN6 Driver Review: "A fairway finding machine"

PXG 0311 XF GEN6 Key Features:

• Precision weighting technology: Interchangeable weights can be added or removed to the toe, heel and centre of the sole to fine-tune launch angle and ball flight
• High-speed Ti412 titanium alloy face: helps generate significant face deflection and spring to create fast ball speeds
• High-strength carbon fibre crown: made entirely from high-grade carbon fibre to save mass, allowing it to be redistributed low and to the perimeter of the clubhead for optimal CG and added forgiveness
• Intuitive light-weight adjustable hosel: allows fine-tuning of loft and lie with 1.5 degrees able to be added or reduced.

PXG are so confident in the performance of their new 0311 GEN6 drivers that they invited us down to The Drift Golf Course in Surrey to see if our current gamer could compare.

While we never like to turn down the chance to try the brand's new clubs, there was an additional element to this particular invitation that made the offer even more irresistible.

PXG has introduced a new challenge that's running throughout August (Full challenge details) that allows anyone to bring in their own driver to a fitting, and if the new 0311 GEN6 drivers can't beat it on either dispersion or distance, then you get a $100 Mastercard Rewards Card.  Sounds pretty good, right? Well, being the first people in the UK to try this particular scheme, we can tell you that it's well worth your time.  

Without giving too much away, we liked the PXG 0311 XF GEN6 so much that we've added it straight into our best golf drivers of 2023 guide.

Currently using a driver that was purchased off the rack, we were eager to experience a full driver fitting as much as we were to see PXG's newest range.

With the brand famously claiming, "Nobody makes clubs the way we do. Period." our expectations were sky-high.

After an extensive session with PXG's club fitting specialist, Brandon Bassett, we walked away with the PXG 0311 XF at 12 degrees with a UST Helium Black 5 60-gram stiff shaft. The changeable weights were set at 2.5 grams in the heel, 10 grams in the toe and 7.5 grams in the back.

Player Level

PXG 0311 XF GEN6 Looks and Feel

One thing PXG has never been short on is looks. The crown of this driver is made entirely of high-grade carbon fibre, and it offers a stunning stealthy finish that we absolutely loved. The step on the crown is similar to what we've seen from TaylorMade and Callaway in recent years and provides a subtle contrast look that really suits the aesthetic of the club. 

A grey and white lining hugs the outside edge of the head, and a white X is positioned at the centre of the crown to aid with alignment. 

Overall the club looks lovely sat behind the ball, opting for a classic tear-drop head shape the XF is slightly shallower front to back than our usual driver, but it does give the club a nice square look at address.

Flip the club over, and you are greeted with what we think is one of the best-looking soles on the market. 

Behind the face, you have a large gloss finish panel with the PXG logo and 0311 XG stamped with a chrome finish.

The understated monochromatic colour palette that PXG has become synonymous with, features two large chrome fangs that lead to the centre weight positioned right at the back of the head.  With two other additional weights located near the toe and heel of the club, the sole is certainly leaning towards the more modern end of the spectrum in terms of design.

In terms of feel, this driver offered a solid sensation when struck out of the middle. While perhaps not quite as springy as other drivers we have tested this year, the 0311 XF certainly felt nice and firm at impact.

We didn't notice a huge drop off in feel when struck out of the heel or toe, but there was enough feedback on offer to let you know it wasn't your best swing of the day.

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The crisp feel was accompanied by an equally satisfying sound. What could best be described as a muted crack, the noise was a touch quieter compared to other drivers we have tested, but it will certainly be loud enough to reassure your playing partners that you have sent one straight down the middle.

We should also give a special shoutout to PXG for its headcovers. Undoubtedly the nicest we have had our hands on this year, the thick leather feels weighty and luxurious in hand, while also offering an excellent amount of cushioning and protection for the clubhead. 

Tough rubber detailings round out the cover, and despite not being the most discreet logo we've seen, it's quite nice to be able to show off that you've got a PXG driver in the bag. 

A handy magnet on the top of the cover also means you can stick it to your buggy so it doesn't get lost, or alternatively attach a ball marker to it. 

While headcovers aren't the be-all and end-all, when paying close to £500 for a club, every little detail really does matter. 

PXG 0311 XG GEN6 Driver Forgiveness and Performance:

Now, let's properly dig down into the performance of this driver. 

In terms of distance, on average, we were carrying the ball 240 yards with a total distance of 272 yards. While we were delighted with these numbers, they were pretty much exactly the same as the driver we currently had in the bag. 

Where the 0311 XF really excelled, however, was accuracy. With all five of my drives with the 0311 XF finding the fairway, it managed to beat our current driver by 12.6 yards in offline dispersion. 

Now that is quite a substantial gain in accuracy. Brandon was delighted we weren't walking away $100 richer, and we were thrilled we now had our hands on a fairway finding machine. 

We were amazed at how much straighter our ball flight was with the 0311 XF, and not only that, but it also produced a much more piercing ball flight. Two thumbs up from us. 

While hitting numerous balls on the driving range is an excellent way of analysing the raw data behind a new club, we were very curious to see if we could match that performance out on the course. So with that in mind, we headed out for 18 holes to see how the club performed. 

To keep a long story short, this driver performed so well on the course that we can't see it leaving our bag for a very long time. 

We were hitting long, accurate drives all day long around Mitcham Golf Course, and apart from one or two poor swings, we managed to hit almost every fairway. 

Typically hitting a high spinning draw with our previous driver, the 0311 XF flattened out our ball flight and allowed us to limit the amount the ball moved in the air, making hitting the fairway a much simpler task. 

Even on slight mishits, the forgiveness on offer was second to none. Strikes that would have typically cascaded into the left rough managed to hold their line really well, with only a few trickling into the first cut.

All in all, we couldn't have been happier with how the 0311 XF performed both in the studio and out on the course. While some consider distance to be king, accuracy is where you can really save some shots as an amateur golfer, so to see such a quick improvement in that department was really impressive. 

Should you buy the PXG 0311 XF GEN6 Driver?

If you are a golfer who is looking for improved accuracy off the tee, then we would absolutely recommend you go and try out the 0311 XF GEN6 from PXG.

With good looks, excellent distance and outstanding forgiveness on offer, this driver is the full package. And if you don't want to take our word for it, you should book yourself into a fitting with PXG this month, with the worst-case scenario being you walk away $100 richer. 

Truly a driver that ticks all the boxes, we would happily recommend PXG's GEN6 drivers to golfers of any ability. 

With the American brand having also brought its prices down to match up with the likes of Callaway and TaylorMade, you won't have to dig quite as deep as you used to if you want to walk away with one of its drivers. 

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Challenge Details

For those who are ready to rise to the challenge, the process is simple:

• Schedule a free PXG GEN6 Driver Challenge fitting online or call 844.PLAY.PXG.
• Bring your current driver to the custom fitting appointment.
• Once warmed up, the PXG Master Fitter will have you hit five (5) shots with your current driver.
  • Performance data will be captured on Trackman® launch monitor.
  • The three (3) best shots will be selected and recorded.
• The PXG Master Fitter will then conduct a PXG GEN6 Driver fitting.
• Once complete, the PXG Master Fitter will have you hit five (5) shots with the fitted PXG GEN6 Driver.
  • The three (3) best shots will be selected and recorded.
• Results will be reviewed, and the winning driver will be identified. 
  • Fitter will use Average Total Distance (Carry and Roll) to determine the distance-winning driver​.
  • Fitter will use Side Total (+/-) to determine the dispersion-winning driver​.
  • PXG is the winner if either category is better than your current driver​.

Important notes:

• Swing speed average must be within three (3) mph - PXG GEN6 Driver vs. Participant’s Current Client’s Driver.
• Same brand of golf ball must be used throughout the challenge.
• Limit one challenge per person.