50 Words or Less
The PXG 0311 P GEN3 irons pair industry-leading ball speed and distance with excellent forgiveness and good looks. A clear improvement over PXG’s Gen2 irons.
Introduction
There’s a huge percentage of golfers who want a great looking club but don’t have the time to get their ball striking to an elite level. Every year, the industry pushes to pack more forgiveness and performance into an attractive package, and the new high water mark in that arena is the PXG 0311 P GEN3 iron. With its new Impact Reactor Powered by DualCOR Technology, it gives golfers loads of ball speed and forgiveness in a club that with tremendous visual appeal.
Looks
The PXG 0311 P GEN3 irons are the middle child of the GEN3 line, but they resemble the T more than the XP. In all the key elements – offset, blade length, top line and sole thickness – the P has more game improvement character than the T, but not by a lot. To my eye, these are still very clearly players irons, but the look won’t scare off a 12 handicap.
For the GEN3 irons, PXG chose to offer a satin nickel finish. Even in harsh winter conditions, this finish reduces glare, and PXG promises that it will have a long life.
Finally, in the bag, the 0311 P GEN3 irons have PXG’s signature look with some added player appeal. The nine weights at the edge of the club immediately signal that it’s a PXG iron. What’s new is the shape of the back – borrowed from the PXG ST (Super Tour) iron – which gives each iron the shape of a modern blade.
Sound & Feel
The tech inside the PXG GEN3 irons has a big name – Impact Reactor Powered by DualCOR Technology – but the idea is simple. Rather than use one material, they use two: one to create a soft feel, one to provide more ball speed. This gives the PXG 0311 P GEN3 irons a softer feel than Gen2 but with more ball speed.
As I mentioned in my review of the 0311 T (review HERE), I also found that the GEN3 irons have the best feedback of any PXG irons. Though mishits don’t sting, I was easily able to feel the location of contact on every shot.
Performance
According to PXG’s testing, the 0311 P GEN3 is longer and more forgiving than the T. Given how similar they look, the differences in performance are impressive: 13% higher MOI, 2 MPH more ball speed, and 5 yards more carry distance. These improvements are fueled by lofts that are 1 degree stronger throughout the set and a significantly larger Impact Reactor (internal cavity) compared to the T.
My testing of the PXG 0311 P GEN3 irons was an interesting example of the importance of being fit. While I have no doubt that the P is longer and more forgiving for the majority of golfers, I got my best results from the T. My fitter, Nick, said that he had similar results because of how he delofts the club at impact. Additionally, I think my preference for the look of the T gave me more confidence and led to better results.
While the T was slightly better for me, my results with the 0311 P GEN3 still place it among the elite irons in golf. My 7I was carrying about 10 yards further than my gamer but still landing at a very steep, playable angle. The importance of this can’t be overstated. PXG’s new irons get their added distance from more ball speed, not lower spin. This means that your shots will still hold the green, which, of course, is the point.
Conclusion
PXG states that they don’t release new clubs unless the new one is superior to the old one. That’s definitively the case with their GEN3 irons. Thanks to unparalleled technology inside each iron, these clubs create huge ball speed and offer plenty of forgiveness. While the price is undeniably high, you’re paying for performance that is unlike anything else currently on the market.
PXG 0311 P GEN3 Irons Price & Specs
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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In 30 years of playing golf, I’ve found that the irons I have in the bag have almost zero effect on my scores as long as the shaft fits my swing to a reasonable degree. I’ve played everything from super game improvement irons to blades, and the only things that cause my scores to change are keeping my driver in bounds and not chunking chips. I feel this is the case for most amateur golfers, as no iron will help when you are hitting hosel rockets and tossing 18 inch beaver pelts. What is your take on this?
Brandon,
I hear this sentiment rather frequently, but I don’t agree. Playing a game improvement iron is not going to turn a chunk into a shot that scares the flag, however it can turn a shot that would be short in the bunker into one that safely finds the green. If a player kept an honest accounting of every shot, they would see the impact of that forgiveness over the course of several rounds, but A) many people don’t keep an honest score and B) most people are looking for their 92s to turn into 75s overnight, and nothing is going to do that.
All that said, people should play what they want to play.
-Matt
I agree with you Matt. In addition, scores aside, there is something to be said about the enjoyment that a well struck iron gives you. Especially when the feel and sound are great.
FYI i just started playing the 0311T Gen 3s. I have added a club distance, at least. They really are remarkable technology. The sound and feel are absolutely incredible and they are surpisingly forgiving. I will be taking them to Bandon Dunes this summer.
I nearly wet myself reading this. You’ve absolutely nailed golf in just a few sentences. Magnificent prose!
Agree
Great review. I also was slightly better with the “t” irons, but it doesn’t always translate the same way to varying course conditions. That’s why I decided to blend the “t” (7 to Gap) and the “p” (5 & 6). I’ve considered the “xp” 4, but I’m happy with my Srixon 4 iron hybrid. Totally agree with you on the looks, feel and performance. Can’t wait to get them! The other thing too is the fitting process was fantastic. They have all the shafts and weights and my fitting to place at a range where I could see the flight…helps.
As a member of the PXG 1000 club, I’ve had ’em since the first week of December. They are AMAZING!!! Difficult to believe PXG can keep getting better but they do. I’ve now had all 3 Gens and each one is superior to the last.
could you please email me all the prices also photos of each club and driver if available of the PXG 0311 P GEN3.
Cheers
Wayne,
We do not sell PXG, or any other, clubs. If you’re interested in purchasing clubs, you can contact PXG or Club Champion.
Best,
Matt
I went for a PXG fitting today and tried everything. To my surprise, the most consistent club for me was 0211. The CG on the T and P was too high on the face for my strike point with my swing, the XP was too low spinning (but it did go a mile!). You can’t discount the value of getting fit. PXG does such a good job and all their irons feel amazing. In my opinion, definitely the best irons I’ve ever hit.
A very honest review as always Matt. I’m not a PXG hater and feel they are always trying to improve their clubs. I just wish they would make a nice club for the retired Social Security golfer. That said I’m very happy with my CBX irons and will be looking at the UHX & HB Turbo irons later this year.
They do. Its the 0211 iron at $95 an iron. Thats cheaper than the Chinese made Titleist and Taylormade. Check their website out and go get fit.
Dan,
You might want to look into the PXG 0211 irons.
Fantastic feel and they are very playable for the average golfer.
Do you notice any difference in distance and/or feel in the 3rd Gen irons vs the 2nd Gen 0211 irons?
Steve,
The GEN3 0311 irons are softer than the 0211 irons to me.
Best,
Matt
When can we expect the MIURA tc-201 review!!!!
Adam,
Thanks for your interest. These are on our list, and you can expect to see something in the next couple months.
Best,
Matt
Matt, do you also make a review of the PXG Gen 3 XP irons serie?
Dennis,
A review of the XP model will be up 2/12.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Would you say the difference between the P and the T are similar to the difference between i210 and iBlade? Or would it be more like the difference between P790 and P760? Or something totally not comparable? I would lean toward T on looks but if the P isn’t too far off in looks, I’d gladly take the extra forgiveness.
Max,
The iBlade/i210 comparison is a very good one. Fittings at PXG are free, so there’s no reason not to try both.
Best,
Matt
How do you compare these to the new Cobra Forged Tec?
Jon,
I have a full review of the Cobra Forged Tec here: https://pluggedingolf.com/cobra-king-forged-tec-irons-review-2/
-Matt
Yea, but which one did you like better? Cobra Forged Tec v PXG 0311 P GEN3
Jon,
The Forged Tec vs. the P is a toss up. If it’s the Forged Tec vs. the T, I have a preference for the GEN3.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Thanks for another great review. I have a set of ping i210’s, I came from some i25’s. I think you have experience with both of those. I am looking into getting some Gen3 irons from PXG because of their Covid pricing right now. None of the golf stores around me have PXG clubs to get fit. Would you say the i210’s or the Gen 3 P clubs are more forgiving and which one felt softer? I would imagine the ball speed on the Gen 3 would beat the Pings.
Thanks
Will,
The GEN3 feel softer to me. Forgiveness is close, but I think the PXGs are a bit better for ball speed retention.
-Matt
Hi Matt,
PXG has recently lowered prices into a much more reasonable range. However, no in-person fitting. Still I’m curious about the 0211 (affordable) model now at $95 per. I’m playing Mizuno Hot Metal Pro and find them to have a pretty hard feeling at contact. I’d like something softer that’s still a great club. Not sure if 0211 is in the same quality category. Also, is the 0211 similar on the softness dimension as the Gen3 irons? Thanks!
Jim,
I haven’t hit the GEN3 and 0211 head to head, so I’d be hesitant to say definitively which is softer. I do think both are clearly softer than the Hot Metal Pros.
Best,
Matt
Did you find this club more forgiving/playable than the Titleist T200?
Jack,
Yes, I think the 0311 P is more forgiving.
-Matt
Great review. I just went through an iron fitting at club champion and ended up picking the gen3 0311T irons. I have been playing Titleist 755 irons since they were released way back in 2006. Ball flight and spin numbers were through the roof so I needed a shaft and head combo that could help bring the flight down and reduce spin. It was a safe bet that anything I chose was going to give me an impressive boost in performance. My decision came down between gen3 0311T, gen3 0311P, and the apex 19. While I did see the most impressive ball speeds from the apex 19 it also had the widest variation and I noticed the same with the 0311P. The gen3 0311T easily provided me with the most consistent performance across the board with only 2 yards difference in average distance compared to the other two models. Final setup is gen3 0311T (4-G) paired with Nippon 1150 GH taper, which overall provided me +20 yards in 6iron carry, 5500 spin, and 48 descent.
How do you think these would work as a combo set in a 4/5/6 with the 0311 t’s in the ladder?
Adam,
That sounds fine. Just make sure that you have the distance gaps you want between each club.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
I’m reading this review after I already went through a very thorough and pleasant fitting experience with a PXG rep who has been doing monthly fittings at my country club. I bought in and my new clubs are in transit to PXG’s fitting studio in Bellevue, WA. C’mon FedEx! Daddy is waiting.
I’ve been gaming 718 AP2’s since their release and find the PXG’s to be a superior solution for me and my game. The forgiveness on slightly mis hit shots is exceptional in comparison. Dispersion with the shaft combination (Modus3 Pro 105 stiff) we agreed on, after several options tested), is undeniably superior to my current gamers and nearly zero loss in distance on off-center hits.
Long comment, but I wanted to add this readers question about blending. I went with the 0311P in 7-P and the 0311 XP 5-6 for a hint more forgiveness/confidence. With the blended set, PXG is able to weaken the lofts of XP’s by 2* to bring the gaps closer. I may end up ordering the 4 iron this way also once I’ve had some time in the saddle with OG setup, but will keep the current 816 21* hybrid in play for now.
Keep up the awesome reviews. Cheers! ~EB
I currently play XXIO irons and i noticed when comparing the specs of the 7 irons, for example, the loft of the XXIO is 28 degrees and the loft of the Gen 3 P is 31 degrees. Would this result in a loss of distance by use of the Gen 3 PXG?
Steve,
Potentially, but not definitely. Your particular launch/spin needs may benefit from more launch, plus PXG’s irons create more ball speed relative to loft than others.
Also, on a more philosophical level, if you know that you’re going from a 28 degree club to a 31 degree club, are you actually losing distance or just changing the number on the sole?
-Matt
Hi Matt,
Given the dual polymer set up in the Gen 3’s, it made me think about golf balls which have a similar interior construction. Golf balls lose potency when they age, and with extreme temperature variations. The internal materials lose their properties. Before I spend a ton, has anyone asked about the aging of this Impact Reactor double gel/polymer material? Can you get it retested? Would they replace it? Thanks!
Jim
Jim,
Interesting question. Obviously the irons have not been in the market long enough for them to know how they age in a real world setting. I would guess that PXG has some thoughts/estimates about aging, but nothing they’ve shared with me.
Best,
Matt
I currently play the PXG Gen 1 iron and have had them for four years. I am debating between the PXG Gen 3 P, the Titleist T100 or 200s, and the New Level 902s. Assuming the clubs are fit properly for me, do you think there is a material performance difference for a 4-5 handicapper who carries his 7 iron about 155? Thanks!!! Stephen
Stephen,
Yes, among those 4 models there are substantial differences.
-Matt
Thanks!
Great! Thanks for this Matt. The place I’m getting fit at has a great deal on the Gen 2s and I thought I could get away with it, but by the sounds of it, these irons are a good bit better than the Gen 2. I am coming from JPX 919 Hot Metals, and I want something with less offset, and a better feel and workability, but I would also like to maintain my distance. Do you think these will offer that for me?
Yes, I think it’s possible.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt
I appreciate your evaluation of your PXG experience. However, my experience has been much different and regrettably so. As a former professional golfer and PGA member for 12 years, I was looking for the performance edge that the GEN 3 irons claim to provide. At 62 years old, I still keep myself physically fit and play to a scratch handicap when my game is in shape. After requesting an inperson fitting this past spring from PXG, I was told they were put on hold due to the pandemic environment at the time. I agreed to the over the phone fitting and provided the fitter with my specs and ability to play. The shaft that was recommended to me was the aerotech steel fiber fx shaft which I agreed to based on their recommendation. What a mistake! When I received the clubs I saw that they had fitted me with a 115 gram shaft. Most tour players wouldn’t be able to torque these shafts. The results of the performance was a 1 club reduction in distance and noticeable pronounced left to right ball flight that was accentuated with off-center hits. I could not have been more disappointed. So of course I contacted the fitter and wanted to know what PXG was willing to due to help correct the problem. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!! I was told that if I now wanted an in-person fitting which they are now doing, I would have to pay $50 after already investing over $5000 in the total set. Not only that, I would now have to pay additionally (at full price) for any changes to the clubs they built me. WHAT A RIPOFF!!! Not only does this company NOT stand behind their product, but they also make no representation to the integrity of their fitters. In my estimation, with customer service practices such as the one I have experienced, PXG won’t be around much longer!
Interesting as my experience has been the exact opposite to yours.
I think they will be around a long time and will gain in popularity but only time will tell.
Hearing some rumbling now of Gen 4 0311 release in april 2021. Any truth in this???
Scott,
I haven’t heard anything about it, but it wouldn’t surprise me.
Best,
Matt
My personal experience: until you dont try them and see your datas from trackman you will just say they are expensive and is only marketing. When i did my fitting i was just schocked and now 0311p will be in my bag soon as they are ready.
Thanks Matt. I’ve been playing Callaway x forged 2008 since they came out and now obviously looking to upgrade. Do you think there has been large tangible developments in iron technology over this period and I should expect to notice large differences in the performance from the Ps above and also some differences in similar forged modern cavity back equivalents to my current gamers.
Russel,
Over 13 years, yes, I think you’ll see a noticeable difference. Also, the X Forged and the 0311 P are not really comparable even in comparing the recent versions – the 0311 GEN3 P is at the cutting edge of forgiveness relative to size, the X Forged is a pretty traditional design.
Best,
Matt
Thanks for the feedback. I think with the frequency of how much I play now I want to move into something a lot more forgiving than a traditional CB.
I obviously expect the P to be more forgiving and faster than a traditional CB, but would you consider the P to be comparable in the sense of feedback and it still resembles a players iron – i’m not looking to move into something like an AP1 just for forgiveness. It seems the P has the best of all worlds?
Curious also if you could explain a bit more why the T performed better for you, would a player not deloft the P in the same fashion as the T if that is their delivery action? In the way you preferred the look of the T could a person find the P more “confidence inspiring” and be more consistent with the forgiveness and size of the P over a season rather than a fitting. Thanks!
Russel,
Yes, I think the P has feedback comparable to the T. As to whether or not it’s a “players iron,” I leave the line drawing to other people. Personally, I think the P is a fine looking club. Finally, yes, everyone finds different things to be confidence inspiring in a golf club. What I find unsightly others will find attractive, and vice versa.
Best,
Matt
I know you said the T was better for you because you deloft the club, but how did the P compare to the T in terms of the sole and turf interaction? I have a shallow angle of attack and tend to hit just behind the ball
Laban,
The P sole is wider, probably better if you need insurance against fat shots.
-Matt
Really enjoyed your reviews on these. As a 3 handicapper but not playing as much I used to I’m curious about the playability and performance of modern hollow back irons. Did you notice any issues in workability with these against a traditional mb/cb or have PXG perfected the hollow back iron. I’m concerned about the reputation of of hollow back irons being too hot off the face or are these more solid and controllable? Thinking with these and the GEN3T against the more traditional irons you test. Thanks
David,
The ball speed from these irons is higher than traditionally made irons, but they have the same workability.
Best,
Matt
Thanks Matt – So while the profile etc didnt suit your eye, the ball speeds, feel and performance elements were very playable for you?
David,
Yes, all the performance elements are excellent.
-Matt
but whats the catch compared to traditional irons? – has to be a reason why more better players arent transitioning to hot faced hollow irons, if i.e yourself going back to blueprints – less precision, workability, hot spots or simply the irons going too far and the player not needing the distance. Are the PXG strong in all these areas?
David,
When you say that “more better players” aren’t playing hollow irons, what is the basis for that? If you’re talking about Tour play, A) those guys don’t need more distance or forgiveness and B) the majority of them play what they’re paid to play.
-Matt
As a five handicap, would you do a ZX7/ZX5 combo set or a Gen 3 T / Gen 3P combo set? Assuming they were the same price!
Thanks!!
Stephen,
I would recommend getting a fitting where I could test both and I’d buy what performed better.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
Looking at the 311p Gen 3 irons currently reduced in price. I play to a 8-9 handicap but at age 65 will probably need the extra forgiveness compared to the 311t. I won a set of Ping G400 irons but being a game improvement club hardly any workability. How would you compare the the 311p to the G400
James,
We have a full review of the G400 irons here: https://pluggedingolf.com/ping-g400-irons-review/
-Matt
I have both and they really are not in the same ball park. The G400 is very large with very wide soles. And massive forgiveness but almost no workability. The PXG is more of a mid sized iron with a much softer feel, more workable if needed, very good forgiveness but not as much as the G400 shovels.
Hello,
I just went and got fit for 0311 irons and went with the P. I currently game the 0211 and hitting them against the 0311p the numbers weren’t all that different but the fitter sold me on I can grow more into the 0311 and I won’t get as many flyers with them. Do you think this is accurate or should I cancel before it’s to late? Currently an 11 handicap
Justin,
My policy is that I don’t second guess fitters. If your fitter saw something in your game/swing and explained it in a way that made sense to you, you should follow that recommendation. If you don’t trust your fitter, you should find a new fitter. I’m not trying to be unhelpful, but, as a former fitter, I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to throw their work into question when I’ve never seen you swing.
Best,
Matt
Good answer 👍🏼🇺🇸
Keep America Great 😊
Hi matt, great review. I am desperate on getting fit for a set of PXG irons but getting an appointment with a fitter is proving problematic in Scotland right now. As an 18 handicapper I was thinking the 0211DC or 0311XP, but wondered what your views were on the 0311P for some shooting off 18. The low spin and strong lofts of the ranges mentioned above puts me off a bit. I have a fast swing speed so I’m not look for any more distance.
Fraser,
I think a fast-swinging 18 handicap should not have much problem with the P irons. You might benefit from the forgiveness of the XP, but the stronger lofts might not be beneficial.
-Matt
Hi Matt for a steep swing do you recommend the the T or the P? Thanks!
Christopher,
I always recommend being fit. There are a lot of variables to consider when recommending the T or P beyond having a steep swing.
Best,
Matt
Matt, I recently purchased a new set of gen3 P’s and love them. The first time I hit a ball I started giggling because they felt sooo good. Soft like I’ve never felt before and distance I had in my twenties, no joke, and I’m almost 63 yrs old.
Yesterday hit a 4 iron just over 200 yds into a par 5, haven’t done that since I don’t know when. I sold my p790’s and so glad I did to get these. I am a single digit handicapper that was losing interest in golfing until I found these and the excitement and quality of these irons is the fountain of youth. I read your reviews often and agree often with your assessments. It makes it easier to purchase these two years later at a reduced price but still new clubs. For others like me, bad back, slower swing speed, etc. , you’ll be hard pressed to hit a better club, I haven’t.