50 Words or Less
The PXG 0317 CB irons offer surprisingly high levels of forgiveness for a traditional cavity back. Ultimate combo set flexibility with the 0317 ST. Great feel.
Introduction
Last fall, PXG released the 0317 ST irons [review HERE]. A mixed set of cavity backs and blades, they were a perfect complement to PXG’s high tech 0311 irons, but they left many golfers asking the question, “Can we get a set of all cavity backs?” PXG was listening, of course, and new for 2023 is a full set of 0317 CB irons.
Looks
The PXG 0317 CB irons strike an attractive balance between traditional forged cavity backs and PXG’s 0311 irons. These irons ditch the two-tone back and small tungsten weights of the 0311 GEN6 P [review HERE], but they do have the larger Precision Weighting port in the center of the head. For me, the mill marks that radiate out from the weight port are the highlight. They speak to the extreme precision that goes into crafting each head.
In the address position, the 0317 CB irons have a classic players look. They have minimal offset (the exact same as the 0317 ST) and are compact from heel to toe. One thing you’ll notice in the picture below is that the leading edge starts out very straight in the long irons and becomes more rounded in the short irons and wedges.
For players thinking about a blended set, PXG’s website lets you see the CB and ST at four different lofts. The differences are minute, so I would strongly encourage you to let performance drive the decision more than aesthetics.
The PXG 0317 CB irons are available in Chrome and Xtreme Dark finishes. In the Xtreme Dark finish, the entire iron – including the weight port – is black, save the PXG logo.
Sound & Feel
The PXG 0317 CB irons are traditional, solid body, forged irons that deliver the wonderful impact feel that so many players want. On center, they’re so soft that you barely feel the impact. It’s almost like a phantom strike. That sensation is only found on truly perfect swings, which sets up very clear feedback. Missing the center doesn’t sting, but you feel the contact more when it’s off-center.
This traditional, soft feel is paired with a very quiet impact sound. Often the sound of impact overwhelms the feel, but that’s not the case with these irons. In the short irons, there’s little more than a “thud.” The longer irons get closer to a “snap,” but it’s never more than average in volume.
Performance
With all of the amazing tech that GI and SGI irons have – AI-designed faces, hollow bodies, multi-material construction – it’s easy to forget how impactful a simple, well-made cavity back can be. The PXG 0317 CB irons are a great reminder. Testing these on a launch monitor, I was stunned at how forgiving they are. Are they they equal of PXG’s 0311 XP GEN6 irons [review HERE]? No. But compared to a blade, they’re worlds more consistent. A bad strike might lose five yards instead of ten. A thin strike still launches reasonably with good carry distance. If you want to move to something more player-ish but don’t want to completely abandon forgiveness, these irons are perfect.
Speaking of player’s club, the 0317 CB irons are just that. That starts with higher spin. Extra spin means more stopping power on the green and more ability to work the ball left and right. These irons also afford the golfer tremendous trajectory control. Most importantly, they don’t produce any unexpected results. Good swings produce the same shot time after time.
One thing that separates the PXG 0317 CB irons from other high quality cavity backs is the Precision Weighting Technology. As we showed in Golf Myths Unplugged, swing weight can have a major impact on a club’s performance [learn more HERE]. With PWT, your fitter has the ability to find the perfect swing weight for you without moving the center of gravity. It’s a major fitting advantage that, at this time, only PXG is offering to golfers.
Finally, PXG is giving players ultimate combo set ability with the 0317 CB and ST irons. Both sets are available from 3I through Gap Wedge, so you can transition at any point. Additionally, the specs are identical – even the offset – so you don’t have to massage the lofts to get perfect distance gaps. This is one more way in which PXG is offering players the ability to design their perfect iron set.
Conclusion
Since the birth of the company, PXG has been at the forefront of iron technology. With the new 0317 CB irons, they’re showing that they can elevate a more traditional set, too. Whether you want all blades, all cavity backs, or a mix, PXG’s 0317 irons are a must-try for the skilled ball striker.
Visit PXG HERE
PXG 0317 CB Irons Price & Specs
Matt Saternus
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Nice review. Beautiful looking irons and going for my fitting this week. Curious on thoughts of possibly blending these with 0311 P Gen 6’s. Looking into blending my 5-7 0311P and 8-PW 0317 CB to take the hotness out of the approach shots to green.
Kyle,
The big question would be distance gaps. I would take your P irons to your PXG fitter and see what they came up with as far as recommendations.
Best,
Matt
Excellent review (as always!). Would you say these are at the same forgiveness category as ZX7 (version 1) and T100 and T100s? Maybe a little more forgiving?
Thanks!
Stephen,
Yes, they’re in the same class.
Best,
Matt
Nice review what shafts did you test with these?
Chris,
True Temper DG120.
Best,
Matt
Would they be for a beginner senior golfer
Thank you
Terry Hilke
Terry,
I would recommend a more forgiving iron, such as the PXG 0311 XP GEN6, for the new golfer.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
How would you compare these irons to the Apex TCB regarding feel, forgiveness, sound, carry, flight, distance?
I have a set that I like very much and I was using lead tape to get a tad more swing weight. However, after seeing the PXG CB I called up Callaway and I ordered the “back plate” for my TCB in a heavier weight (as well as the tool needed to install said weight) so I could rip of the lead tape and enjoy the beauty of the iron sans my tinkering. I have gotten use to these irons and really love them…in a sense, they too have a “weight” that can be used to get the swing weight that is desired.
The other issue I have with clubs of this nature is distance. I’m old, not complaining or bragging, just stating a fact. In your opinion, can I gain a few more yards by tweaking the loft 1-2 degrees stronger or would that somehow negate the integrity of the ball flight, as in, too much tinkering and the poetry is gone.
Many thanks for your response! Also, your reviews reflect, imo, integrity and accurate assessment along with a lovely readable style that speaks to the poetry of golf.
David Rudick
PS I see the Blueprint’s are still in the bag! Keepers, right?
David,
Thank you so much for the kind words!
I have a full review of the Apex TCB here: https://pluggedingolf.com/callaway-apex-tcb-irons-review/
In comparing the two, I think they’re quite similar and two of my favorite irons in the past few years.
Strengthening the lofts will give you more distance, but it will also change the bounce on the sole, which is something a better player will likely notice. I wouldn’t worry about it changing the ball flight, other than making them fly a bit lower and stronger.
Regarding the Blueprints, yes, they’ve survived many a challenge. I adore them.
Best,
Matt
I would like to get fit with the PXG clubs especially irons, I live in Honolulu, HI. Thanks,,,,,Poe.
Poe,
I would recommend going on PXG’s website to find your nearest PXG fitter.
Best,
Matt
I have the 0317 CB and the Gen6 P irons with the UST dart graphit shafts. I tried to combo Gen6 5,6,7 with 0317CB 8,9,pw. The lofts on the Gen6 are really strong had to deloft the Gen6 by 1 degrees still a little to much gap so I play all 0317s and everything is ok now made the 0317s 1 degree stronger loft everything matching up.
I had an amazing and surprising fitting experience with these. Tried them after my Gen6 P fitting, and we switched to the 0317 CB. But think I’m going to go P in the 6 and 5. Plan is 1 degree weaker in P and 1 degree strong in the CB’s from 7 to GW. I hope that closes the distance gap without throwing off the design of the clubs too much!