50 Words or Less
The PXG 0311 XF GEN6 driver is more forgiving than the standard 0311 but doesn’t sacrifice any adjustability. Slightly higher launch and spin. Larger footprint at address.
Introduction
When I visited PXG to check out their GEN6 clubs and get fit, I had a few things pretty clearly established in my mind. I knew I’d want the 0311 P irons [review HERE], and I was pretty certain I’d opt for the added forgiveness of the 0311 XF GEN6 driver. However, the 0311 GEN6 driver cut in and stole the show. Did I make a horrible mistake? Should recreational golfers be opting for the added forgiveness of the XF? I’ll answer those questions and more in this review.
Looks
At a glance, the PXG 0311 XF GEN6 driver is indistinguishable from the 0311 GEN6 driver [review HERE]. Both have the matte black, carbon fiber crown and white “X” alignment aid. However, having them side-by-side reveals some important differences. First, the XF is longer from front-to-back and has a flatter crown. The shape of the XF is also more symmetrical than the standard 0311, which has a tear drop profile. Overall, players that find confidence in looking down at a bigger footprint will prefer the 0311 XF GEN6.
Flipping the driver over, you’ll see a sole that’s classic PXG. It’s all black save for the moderate PXG branding and the two silver slashes that run from mid sole to trailing edge. The three adjustable weights are camouflaged in black on black.
Sound & Feel
The similarities between the PXG 0311 XF GEN6 driver and the standard 0311 continue to the sound and feel. Both drivers have a satisfying staccato impact sound that’s mid-pitch and robust. Perfect strikes add a slight metallic overtone. The impact sound is below average in volume, which is unusual for a more forgiving driver.
Also unusual for a driver of this size and shape is the quality of the feedback. I was never in doubt about where the ball met the face. Across the entire hitting area, impact felt solid and strong, like even mishits were going to travel a long way.
Performance
In many OEM’s driver families, there are huge differences from one model to the next. With PXG’s GEN6 drivers, the differences are more subtle. This is, in part, due to the immense adjustability of each driver, and it’s also reflective of PXG’s focus on custom fitting. Let’s dive into the details.
Since PXG provides more data than any other OEM, we’ll start there. In their testing, the 0311 XF launches 0.3 degrees higher and spins just under 200 RPM more than the 0311. Also, while both drivers have MOI above 5000 g*cm squared, the XF is more stable on both the horizontal and vertical axis which leads to a smaller dispersion pattern.
Comparing the 0311 XF GEN6 to the previous year’s version [full review of 0311 XF GEN5 HERE], the MOI has been raised 2.2%, and the face is 12% larger. Spin is down about 150 RPM and ball speed is up, leading to a distance increase of 9 yards. That’s a full club less into each green! But, as with the 0311 driver, the most impressive difference is the decreased dispersion – 25% smaller than GEN5.
What has not changed from GEN5 is the huge range of adjustability. There are three weights ports with weights ranging from 5 grams to 20 grams in 2.5 gram increments. This allows you to make the driver even more forgiving, lower spinning, heavier, lighter, draw biased, or fade biased. On top of that, the adjustable hosel gives you the ability to add or subtract loft, change the face angle, and adjust the lie angle.
So, with all that said, did I make a mistake in opting for the standard 0311 GEN6 driver over the 0311 XF? I don’t think so, but I wouldn’t be unhappy having the XF in the bag either. For me and my hit-and-miss driver swing, the launch, spin, and forgiveness differences were not huge. If I performed slightly better with the 0311, it’s because I prefer that slightly smaller (though still 460cc) look at address. In fact, I would make the look a fairly high priority for anyone I was fitting with these two clubs. Thanks to the adjustability, you can get the address look you prefer and the performance you need.
*My testing was done with a 9 degree head, same as the 0311 GEN6 driver. The 12 degree head was just used for photos.
Conclusion
Whether you’re typically a max forgiveness player or not, it’s worth your while to check out the PXG 0311 XF GEN6 driver in your fitting this year. Thanks to massive adjustability, the XF is capable of shattering your expectations for a larger driver.
Visit PXG HERE
PXG 0311 XF GEN6 Driver Price & Specs
Matt Saternus
Latest posts by Matt Saternus (see all)
- GOAT Grips Putter Grip Review - September 20, 2023
- Podcast Episode 198 – Dan Ridgway, GOAT Grips - September 20, 2023
- Srixon ZX7 Mk II Driver Review - September 19, 2023
Love your reviews Matt. Unbiased and to the point. Does this review tell us you will now gaming a full set of PXG’s as opposed to your Ping Blueprints? I am currently playing an original set of 0211 irons and love them but have been seriously eyeing these and considering going all in on PXG irons/woods. Thanks for all you do.
Mark,
Thank you.
My full WITB is here: https://pluggedingolf.com/matt-saternus-whats-in-the-bag-2023/
Best,
Matt
I am 6ft 6 in tall can I get longer shaft in all clubs if set is ordered.
Stan,
Yes, you can order a longer shaft from PXG.
-Matt
Matt,
Does the XF have draw bias and does it sit neutral or toed in at address? I’m looking for a forgiving driver in a neutral setting that sets up square and doesn’t accentuate my draw.
Thanks,
Richard,
The XF sits square and has adjustable weights so you can have whatever flight bias you prefer.
-Matt
This was an awesome review with great info. Exactly what I was looking for…. EXCEPT I still don’t know which one to get lol. I’m a pretty high handy cap so my first thought would be forgiveness but if the 0311 is still forgiving but adds the distance then I fell that could also really help me since I struggle with long irons. Any advice on what to choose?
Zackary,
My advice is always to get fit, the results will tell you what to buy.
Best,
Matt