50 Words or Less
The PXG 0311 GEN5 hybrid is long, straight, forgiving, and accurate. It looks pretty cool too. What else could you want?
Introduction
PXG has poured a lot of technological innovation into its GEN5 hybrids. While gains may not be as dramatic as with the drivers and fairway woods, there’s still a lot to get excited about. There’s also been a name change. Every club in PXG’s flagship lineup now bears the 0311 moniker, replacing the confusing naming conventions of previous generations. After struggling with hybrids the past few years, I ended up taking it out of the bag last year in favor of a 7 wood. Am I ready to get hurt again or will things be different this time?
Looks
The 0311 hybrid has a compact head shape. Though not the slimmest profile of all the hybrids on the market, there are plenty with a more pushed back, wood-like profile out there. To me, it marries player-preferred looks with the forgiveness that most hybrid players are aiming for. You’ll also notice a flatter sole and side walls that are more vertical than sloped. This helps keep mass low and push weighting to the perimeter for higher MOI/forgiveness.
The other major visual component is the AV carbon fiber on the crown. This weight-saving material was introduced in GEN4 and has been expanded to cover the majority of the crown in GEN5. Thankfully, the color was toned down significantly. It is much less bright and easier on the eye now.
Sound & Feel
Balls struck on or near the sweet spot produce a satisfying metallic ‘crack.’ It’s a really pleasant sound that is quite close to the 0311 GEN5 fairway wood (review HERE). Balls struck further towards the heel or toe produce more of a dull ‘thwack.’ You can also feel this kind of strike much more through the hands compared to center contact, which feels crisp and clean.
Performance
Compared to the GEN4 0317X hybrid, the 0311 GEN5 provides large improvements but not as much as with the drivers and fairways. OEM testing shows 7% higher MOI. Compared to the previous iteration, the 0311 GEN5 boasts about 1 mph extra ball speed, carries about 7 yards further, and spins about 500 revs less.
This continues a theme for GEN5 of gaining distance by reducing spin. I discussed why that might be a concern for some players in my review of the 0311 P irons (HERE) but I don’t necessarily see that presenting the same issue with a hybrid. As long iron replacements, most of us are happy if hybrids fly straight with the distance we intended. We don’t expect it to stop on a dime the way we might with a mid or short iron.
There are three changeable weights in the sole. The default weight setting has two ten gram weights in the heel and back and a 2.5 gram weight in the toe. While this might look like a draw setting on paper, it didn’t perform that way for me on the course. Of course part of that is my swing. For me, this setting helped keep the ball from going too far right. Going left isn’t really a concern. Loft can also be changed +/- 1.5 via the adjustable hosel.
I previously mentioned the noticeable difference in sound & feel on off-center strikes. Remarkably, the drop in performance is nowhere near what you might expect. Mishits fly straight and long, just a bit shorter and lower than those with a more optimal strike location.
Last year I dumped my hybrid after years of struggling with whichever one was in my bag. The main reason why was related to results I’d get on below average strikes. I don’t expect poor strikes to be rewarded with perfect results, but I need to optimize my gear to get me around the golf course with the swing I have. So far, the 0311 GEN5 hybrid is helping me do just that.
Want more forgiveness? Check out the PXG 0311 XF GEN5 Hybrid HERE
Conclusion
The PXG 0311 GEN5 hybrid might be my favorite club in the GEN5 lineup. It has been an extremely reliable and impressive performer. On long par 3s and 4s or into short par 5s, it’s a club that I feel confident reaching for. As with all new PXG products, it’s not going to be the most affordable option. But if it’s in your price range, it’s well worth seeking out.
Visit PXG HERE
PXG 0311 GEN5 Hybrid Price & Specs
Dylan Thaemert
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The best option I’ve found for myself is a 7w head on a 4i length shaft, it’s absolute magic… you get the forgiveness of the strike but the length of shaft avoids the super moon ball.
Hi Dylan!
You prefer these over the Ping G425
I assume? Why so? Also, do you think they have less draw bias than most hybrids?
Thanks,
Joe
Hi Joe,
I haven’t hit the G425 hybrid so I can’t compare the two. I really don’t know why this would have less draw bias, or if it even does. Anecdotally for me though, it hasn’t gone left nearly as much as other hybrids I’ve spent significant amounts of time with.
Best,
Dylan
P.S. How does the face angle look at address?
Slightly closed or square?
Thanks!
Joe,
To me this is one of those tricky questions because I think people can perceive visual things like this differently. For me, it looks like it sets up square. Hope that helps.
Dylan
How’s the more forgiving model? I’d get a 5&6 and possibly 7. My gen2 hybrids are still good.
I have had the gen 4 hybrids for a couple months. The charcoal finish wears off very quickly on the sole and the face of the club. Makes them look older than they are.
Just picked up an 0211 hybrid recently for $174 but haven’t had a chance to take it to the course yet. How much difference can there be between that and the Gen 5? Both have adjustable hosels and are $206 difference in price.