50 Words or Less
The PXG Lightning Max-10K+ driver has tremendous forgiveness. High, consistent ball speed. Arguably the best adjustability/fitting system in golf.
Introduction
In early October, I was invited to Scottsdale National Golf Club to celebrate PXG’s 10 year anniversary. I suspected there would be new clubs unveiled but was given no advanced notice of what they might be. When I arrived, I was greeted by Lightning, PXG’s new family of woods. Featuring innovative new tech alongside their proven adjustability systems, I was excited to see if the PXG Lightning Max-10K+ driver could take over the top spot in my bag.
Looks
In the address, position, the PXG Lightning Max-10K+ driver has the look of a super forgiving, max-style driver. It’s stretched from front to back, though PXG’s designers did a good job rounding out the shape rather than making it a triangle. There’s a slight lean toward the heel, though I didn’t notice this until I really stared at it for this review. Through my fitting, a range session, and a round of golf, it didn’t stand out to me at all. The Lightning drivers feature the same glossy, carbon fiber crown that PXG used on Black Ops, but the graphics at the trailing edge have been dialed way down.
In the photo above, you can see the PXG Lightning Max-10K+ driver (right) next to the Lightning Tour Mid driver. The Max-10K+ is slightly longer from front to back, and the face is a bit shallower. It’s not a dramatic difference, even when they’re side by side, but there’s enough that many gear heads will have a clear preference. Going from the Max-10K+ all the way to the Lightning Tour is a much more noticeable leap.
In the bag, the PXG Lightning Max-10K+ driver has a very clean look. The sole is almost entirely carbon fiber. The branding is minimal and pushed to the edges of the sole. As with all PXG clubs, the Lightning driver is entirely black, white, and silver
Sound & Feel
The major focus of the PXG Lightning Max-10K+ driver is the Frequency Tuned Face. While the tuning was done for performance reasons, it also positively impacted the sound and feel. Striking a premium ball produces a staccato “pop” that’s more woody than metallic. It’s average in volume and mid-low in pitch. The Lightning Max-10K+ sings a little more on centered shots than mishits, providing a hint of audio feedback.
Through the hands, you’ll find above average feedback for a driver this stable. Though the results were consistent across the face, I could easily tell when I’d hit a pure shot versus a stinker. The feel complements the sound, leaning toward solid and traditional. Perfect shots produce a little extra bounce that lets you know the ball got every possible mile per hour.
Tech Talk
There’s a lot of interesting technology behind the PXG Lightning Max-10K+ driver, so we’re going to discuss that separately from what it did on the range and on the course. This section is for the gear nerds. If the tech doesn’t interest you, feel free to skip ahead.
Take a look at the picture above. Notice the sharp ridge in the center of the sole. This is what PXG calls “Spined Sole Design.” It’s a key part in the Lightning’s Frequency Tuned Face. We have heard some OEMs talk about frequency before, but it’s always been in the context of dialing in the sound. PXG is using frequency to enhance performance. By tuning the frequency of the head to 4500hz to match the impact interval of the golf ball (how long it’s on the club face), PXG’s engineers have been able to increase face deflection, leading to more ball speed.
As always, PXG is willing to offer hard data to back their claim. Compared to the Black Ops driver [review HERE], the PXG Lightning Max-10K+ driver produces an extra 1.5 MPH of ball speed with an 85 MPH swing and an added 1.3 MPH with a 100 MPH swing.
The other big tech feature is the titular 10K+ MOI. MOI stands for Moment of Inertia, a measure of the club’s stability or resistance to twisting. In the last couple of years, going over 10,000 combined MOI (adding the vertical MOI and the horizontal MOI) has been the gold standard for “Max” style drivers. PXG was able to achieve this high level of forgiveness by boosting the size of the carbon fiber plate on the sole by 84% and moving the rear weight further back. In fact, to remain within USGA limits, PXG can’t put a weight heavier than 17.5 grams in the back port.
One final tech note: PXG etched the face of the Lightning drivers. This was done at the behest of PXG’s Tour players to make the face more visible. While looks may have been the driving force, testing showed that the etching also had performance benefits: dispersion area decreased by over 100 square yards in both wet and dry conditions.
Performance
Fun fact about me: in the last few years, I’ve been incapable of having a “normal” club fitting. Sometimes I look like I could consider a run at professional golf, sometimes I look like I don’t know which end of the club to hold. There is almost no in between. At my most recent PXG visit, I had one of each, on consecutive days. The bad day came during the driver fitting, which allowed the PXG Lightning Max-10K+ driver to show off just how forgiving it can be.
The fitting started with the PXG Lightning Max-10K+ driver. I hit a series of shots – mediocre swings but very solid results. The numbers were good, too, the launch just a little short of optimal. I told my fitter, Terry Trammel, that I have no ego when it comes to driver selection – I want all the forgiveness. Nonetheless, we tried the other two models before he gently agreed that I would benefit from the 10K+ MOI. We spent a little time dialing in the shaft and experimenting with the weights before writing up my build sheet.
Need lower spin? Check out the PXG Lightning Tour driver HERE
I was able to take my new driver onto Scottsdale National’s Other Course the next day. Mercifully, my swing was in slightly better shape than during the fitting, and the PXG Lightning Max-10K+ driver did everything I wanted. On poor contact, I was still putting the ball in range of the green. With good contact, I was hitting it as far as I ever have. And, most importantly, my mishits stayed on the course.
When I got the Lightning Max-10K+ driver home, I took it out for some launch monitor time and extended range sessions to see if it could end up in my bag. I started out hitting it side-by-side with my Black Ops [review HERE]. While I still like that driver, the Lightning Max-10K+ was the clear choice. I prefer the sound, the ball flight was stronger, and it was more forgiving.
Every time I took it out, the PXG Lightning Max-10K+ driver did what I saw in my fitting: forgave my bad strikes and elevated my good ones. The flight has been mid-high launch with fairly low spin when paired with the Fujikura Ventus Black [review HERE]. I can move the ball around a little, but, as regular readers know, that’s something I rarely do on the course. What I value in the Lightning Max-10K+ is its ability to keep the curvature in check and the ball in play. Knowing I’ll be able to find my drive gives me the confidence to swing aggressively and set up shorter approach shots.
Conclusion
Did the PXG Lightning Max-10K+ driver end up in my bag? To paraphrase Judge Marinacci in Rounders, “I don’t make decisions like that in December…let’s just say I’ll put it on the top of the list.” For the player that wants all the forgiveness and high end performance alongside limitless adjustability options, it doesn’t get better than this.
Buy the PXG Lightning Max-10K+ Driver HERE
PXG Lightning Max-10K+ Driver Price & Specs
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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43 Comments
Nice review here. I’ve always enjoyed when PXG launches new products. I’ve been a firm believer that they don’t release new products unless the new is better than the old unlike others. I get a little nervous walking into a PXG store however because I always have to break out my wallet. When they had their promo going on when you can bring your current gamer into the store and put it up against theirs I would walk out shocked. I’m nervous if they do this again with this launch. Regardlesss, I’m excited to test this new line up including Fariway Woods to see how they compare. As mentioned above, not sure if December is the right time for me but will surely test all of the new products and see how they stack up against m current set up. Exciting times for golfers for sure.
$649.00? Let’s just price the average guy out of the game of golf, shall we?
The average golfer isn’t priced out; it’s just where you choose to spend your money.
If $650 for a club you shouldn’t swap out for 3-5 years that you hit 14x a round is beyond what you are willing to pay… then don’t.
I see a lot of average golfers who complain about the price of clubs stepping out of an F150 Lariat when the STX would have performed the Costco run just as well.
Choices
Man, that review had me looking for my nearest PXG fitter. Great review as ALWAYS. Question: I’m 74, 80 mph ,
Currently using Tour Edge C722 (which is 8500 MOI) with great success, mainly because I’m nearly always DCI; anyways, I’ve stayed away from MOI drivers simply because I know weight is further back. Is all this new technology and more specifically THIS club going to benefit me any? 10 yards or so doesn’t stimulate me, and I don’t care about the economics. Would you recommend this new tech. Appreciate you.
Thank you!
If you’re not looking for more distance, what about a new driver would excite you?
Best,
Matt
10 yards or so doesn’t interest you at a 80 mph swing? That is getting you a club closer on each hole.
To quote what you’ve said:
“What I value about [this driver] is it’s ability to keep the curvature in check and the ball in play. Knowing I’ll be able to find my drive gives me the confidence to swing aggressively and set up shorter approach shots.”
So you don’t miss the planet with this driver, hence promulgating the ShotScope/Pro myth that amateurs can hit driver all of the time, and by doing so, they’ll “set up shorter approach shots”, implying more greens in regulation, implying lower scores! Maybe it does do all of that, but is that just for you, or would that apply to an amateur who, on the basis of this article, buys this driver? Do they find that it doesn’t cure their slice, or their hook, or their two-way miss, or their skies, or their tops, or their chunks? Or is this the best driver ever, that cures everything?
I’m sorry to be critical but, as a pro golfer and a journalist, the impression that you give is that this driver is perfect, for everyone. Is it?
Neville,
To clarify: I’m neither a pro golfer nor a journalist. Perhaps you were saying that you are, and that’s the basis for your critique?
I’ll start here: I’m not sure what you’re trying to say with “ShotScope/Pro myth” about hitting driver all the time. Math is math. The numbers and data are what they are. The driver goes longer than the 3W. Hitting 3W does not meaningfully improve accuracy. Hitting it longer and just as straight off the tee is better. Full stop.
As to the rest of your comment: my reviews are statements about what the club did for me (hence all of the first person pronouns) and explanations of the objective benefits of the design/technology based on many years of teaching, club fitting, reviewing clubs, and playing. People can do with that what they wish.
For over twelve years, Plugged In Golf has been unwavering in our stance that every golfer should be fit. No other golf equipment site/magazine/etc comes close. If you want to rant about publications that are trying to sell miracle cures to make affiliate dollars, there are plenty of them out there, but we aren’t one.
-Matt
I’m sorry but you describe yourself as an “editor”, surely that makes you a journalist, doesnt it, particularly as you are “editing” a weekly publication?
As for being a professional golfer, you say that you have “worked in nearly every job in the golf industry from club fitting to instruction to writing and speaking.”. Having looked at the USGA regulations defining a professional golfer, if you did these activities for payment, or as part of a paid job, that makes you a professional golfer, doesn’t it?
So, I am, understandably, confused when you say that you are neither a journalist or a professional golfer?
Nor am I “ranting” about those “publications that are trying to sell miracle cures….”. I am commenting about what YOU have said. Or don’t you stand by your “jounalism” because surely that’s what this article is?
As for the ShotScope assertion that golfers should always use driver as, again, to quote you “The numbers and data are what they are. The driver goes longer than the 3W. Hitting 3W does not meaningfully improve accuracy. Hitting it longer and just as straight off the tee is better. Full stop.” I’m amazed! So, if that was actually true, why, week after week do we see Tour Pro’s teeing off on par 4’s and 5’s with 3-woods and driving irons? (For reference, have a look at the recent Indian Open in New Delhi, there are a lot of examples!). And before you say, well this data just relates to amateurs, most of the courses that I play have narrow fairways, bounded by head high gorse or scrubland, where even if you find your ball, it will be unplayable! So, does Shotscope count penalty shots in its data? No. How does it treat lost balls dropped on the nearest bit of fairway? Math is math, but only if that data isn’t corrupt!
But I digress. Yes, you’re fully entitled to your opinion, but, surely, you must temper your enthusiasm for the prospective buyers who will go to their local pro and say “I want to buy this driver because Matt Saternus says….”! So, when you describe a driver as “keeping the curvature in check, and the ball in play” doesn’t that sound a little bit like those “miracle cures to make affiliate dollars” that, again you quote to me?
I’m sure that we’re never going to agree on this, so I’m probably wasting my breath.
Finally, no I’m not a professional or a journalist, just a golfer who has been playing golf for over 50 years and has seen more “false dawns” in golf equipment than I can remember. I don’t want a publication who’s views I respect to fall into the same trap of over enthusiasm as many others have in the past.
Neville,
I save the term “journalist” for people who do real journalism on real, important issues. I have too much respect for the term and that kind of work to put myself in that category. I’m a golf writer. I edit the work of other golf writers, so I’m an editor, too.
As for “professional golfer,” I think that’s a term commonly understood to mean someone who is paid to play golf, someone who plays golf at a high/professional level. I’m a professional in the golf industry, sure, but that’s a “professional golfer” the same way that the guy who sets up the chairs in the United Center is a professional basketball player.
As for the rest of this, I’m going to be fairly concise and then be done with this.
Driver vs. 3W: If using the straw man fallacy makes you feel smart, cool, knock yourself out. I’m trying to help people play better golf. NO ONE has ever said you should hit driver on every single hole. There are other factors. What smart people know is that, all else equal, you should be hitting driver, not 3W.
To your comments on this review: it seems that, at the bottom of this, you are upset by my enthusiasm. I won’t apologize for that or change. I’m excited about the performance of this club. I’ve been excited about many clubs over the years, from many brands, in many categories. When I stop feeling enthusiasm for writing about golf and trying to help other players, I will quit.
-Matt
You are much more patient than I would have been.
As someone who worked as a greenskeeper during college and later a professional who edited tech documentation in a news organization – I have never been mistaken for a journalist nor a golf professional.
And to be plain the USGA Rule 2 and USGA Rule 4 do not define professional the way Mr. Hubbard does.
With all due respect I don’t read this or any review with the idea that the technology will fix my game. I do however will read a review and if intrigued, will see if the club is right for my game and swing? Conversely, if the review isn’t overtly positive, I may just pass on looking at the club, unless of course I speak with others that may have a different view. Matt’s review merely piqued my interest in further investigation, but it was the sole determinant in purchasing the club.
And as for cost? Everyone here knows that things are getting more expensive. If you are currently working or have in the past, I am sure you have asked for a performance based raise? So long as people identify that the cost of a good or service is worth the price, manufacturers will continue to see how high prices can go. Personally, I love golf and if I can find equipment that makes the game more fun then I will pay what I think that is worth.
Again, Matt, thank you for your reviews and articles; continue the great work.
You are on fire Neville with this post and reply. The hope is you can relax and go try (or not) a driver that someone says may be helpful for golfers looking for more forgiveness.
Now get off my lawn!
Are you new around here? Matt never makes broad recommendations and always recommends a fitting, much to the chagrin of many readers who want an answer (lol).
So is this the driver that unlocks the Ventus Black for you? 10K MOI + a shaft that loves a straight ball sounds like a good combo.
Mike,
Yeah, in the fitting the Ventus Blue was going left just a little more than I’d like. The Ventus Black isn’t 100% perfect for me – I’d like the shaft to do a little more work for me – but it does keep the ball very straight.
Best,
Matt
Hmmm, you’re right! I guess nothing. Thanks so much
Isn’t it funny how we get excited about new stuff, then realize we’re happy with what we have?
Best,
Matt
Right again (as usual)
I appreciate this review. Previously I was not familiar with PXG aside from anecdotes, but after numerous reviews by PIG I am headed to my first PXG fitting! Thanks!
Let us know how it goes!
Best,
Matt
Just had a combo fitting with PXG (Driver and Irons). Great session. We accumulated data and discussed what I wanted my shots to look like. We tried the 0317 CB and T eventually going with the T. The fitter added weight and put me in DG Mid 115 stiff. Lie was adjusted as well (my gamers were 2 upright!). Excited about the 0317T
As for the Lighting Max 10K it was a beast! Put me in a 9 degree flat 1 with Ventus Black 6X. Amazing flight and ball speed! Average 165 with carry of 275-280! We adjusted to the weight to set up the fade flight I prefer. Overall very impressed with this driver!
As you have advocated before, getting fit is important. PXG does an outstanding job. Shout out to Iain Steel with PXG!
Great to hear! I hope you have the weather to enjoy these on the course soon.
Best,
Matt
Thanks for the honesty and unbiased opinions that you shared in your reviews 😇I have purchased clubs based on your reviews and thePXG black ops driver and 4 wood were examples of really great products but I’m a Ping player at heart and went back and got the Ping 440 in the same combination with a little more distance and dispersion forgiveness How much difference between Black Ops and the new 10 K version and how does it compare with the 440 PingFly
Greg,
Thank you.
I think the Lightning Max is better than Black Ops, but it’s not night and day. As I’ve said many times, there are no more big leaps in equipment, it’s incremental steps and fine tuning the fit to the player. The Lightning is going to have a dogfight with the G440 Max when the spring comes around, I think it’s that good.
Best,
Matt
Interesting to see the improvements touted by PXG for the Lightning over the Black Ops.
– 1.5 mph ball speed at 85 mph swing speed, 1.3 mph ball speed at 100 mph swing speed. What does this translate to in distance ? Is it around 3 yards ? Is that even noticeable on the course ?
– Reduced dispersion of 100 square yards is highlighted, but over how many shots is this calculated ? Is this is left/right dispersion or front/back dispersion ? What does that mean out on the course ? It would be helpful to understand.
– Looking at the published launch monitor data by PIG, the numbers for the Black Ops and the Lightning are pretty much identical. Of course the data sets were collected at a different time and under different conditions even though it was the same golfer. So how does the increased forgiveness manifest in actual results on the course ? Is there any data to support this assertion or is it purely based on the subjective observations of the reviewer ?
Perhaps the reviewer should publish the data from a side by side comparison in the same hitting session to help the reader understand just how much better the new driver is. It’s nice to know that a new driver is better than the one from the previous year, but the question is how much better ? And how can this improvement be measured out on the course ?
On another note, the reviewer mentions “limitless adjustability options” for this driver. What does that mean ? Is is even remotely accurate ? Has PXG come out with a new way to adjust loft and lie ? There doesn’t seem to be any information on that aspect in the review even though it’s a very bold claim.
Cobra has the FutureFit 33 hosel, which allows for loft to be independently adjusted from lie which as far as I know, no other manufacturer offers. Has PXG now introduced something even better than that which, to paraphrase “has limitless adjustability” ?
Why does the reviewer think that PXG has the best adjustability/fitting system in golf ? I am intrigued.
Respectfully, I’m not going to answer all of these questions, particularly the ones that feel rhetorical, but here are couple answers:
What is 1.3-1.5 MPH of ball speed in distance? Fully optimized, 3 yards is probably about right.
PXG’s dispersion number is calculated off total area – front to back and left to right combined.
I like PXG’s adjustability system best because the three weight ports with a wide range of readily available weights make it possible to do almost anything: heavy draw bias, light fade bias, more stable, higher spin, lower launch, etc.
-Matt
I’ve been gaming the TE E725 this year and loving it. This one has me thinking I need to at least meet the fitter and hit one. One thing I like about PXG…Hero Pricing! Great review Matt.
Save your money, and buy the tour edge exotics E725 driver, it’s half the price, just as forgiving as any 10 K driver!!!
Matt,
Always appreciate your work. You mentioned testing the Tour and the Tour Mid along with the Max – did you notice any significant difference in ball speed , spin, and/or launch? I recall you are low spin player, did the Tour spin significantly lower than the Max?
Any insight would be appreciated.
Hi, Sandbagger.
I will have full reviews of the Tour and Tour Mid coming the next couple weeks, but the short answer is that there is a pretty healthy spin gap from the Max to the Tour, and the Tour Mid is in between. Ball speed peaks are highest with the Tour because of the forward CG, but the drop in forgiveness was not for me.
Best,
Matt
Agree with regards to the Tour and Tour Mid. I was considering the Tour Mid given the faster ball speed and spin but given the tighter dispersion with the 10k and added forgiveness the 10k was the driver for me. The Tour was too low spinning for me and the launch angle was too low for my skill set.
Can I read or relax without a dickhead ruining it?
Greetings! Thank you for your candid review and follow-up. I have been using PXG clubs since approximately 2019, and the Black Ops driver marked a significant improvement over previous models. I am eager to explore the new PXG Lightning series. An important aspect that many golfers overlook is custom fitting. In my opinion, the PXG fitting process is the best in the industry.
Matt! You being doing some speed training? I recall other driver reviews being ~108.
Matt,
Not lately, no. My speed fluctuates from the high 100s to the low 110s depending on how injured I am at the given time. Getting old is lame. :)
Best,
Matt
You’re telling me I have rheumatoid arthritis ,Clinical Ctes and ptsd plus 4 Total hips left side and cervical fusion.
Most of my injuries were caused by the marines.
Yesterday I just had shoulder surgery… I can play all year but ea h year is another surgery.
It’s been hard to stay in 80s
Another driver, .aybe.
Matt- love the honesty in all your reviews, I have never found and reason to mis apply any of the. Major ps. Love to meet Neville he would be a candidate for a seat on the View!!!!! Feel free to dial me up Nevilleness!
I appreciate PXG’s approach, discounts to veterans, show rooms, options etc. I think they do great work, and that is without sarcasm.
My question is: how long until it’s half-priced? PXG is famous for discounting their clubs rather quickly. Do you pay $650 when it might be significantly less by the time spring rolls around? Depending on where you live, you might not be playing any golf for the next 3-4 months as it is.
Black Ops got a pretty long life cycle. The prices from other OEMs are going to be at least this high, if not higher. If I had to guess, I’d say you won’t see the price marked down for a while. Maybe there’s a short term sale here or there, but I think that $650 price will be sticky. But, again, that’s nothing more than a guess.
-Matt
Hi Matt,
Another question for you. In comparison to the Tour Edge Max, you hit the PXG slightly further and with lower offline hits. Data being data, I would argue that you hit the PXG better. Would you say it’s worth the extra $150 to you?
Totally subjective question. Just curious.
I like the PXG driver more and hit hit better. Obviously not worlds better, but better.
The money thing is tough because this “job” allows me to change clubs on a whim. In my normal life, I’m pretty cheap, but when I spend, I want what I want. So if I had no driver and needed one, I’d pay for the one I liked best. If I already had the Tour Edge, would I replace it? Probably not.
Best,
Matt
I was recently fitted at PXG and compared both the 10K and light weight versions against my year old Ping. I am 81 years old with an 80 mph driver speed and a 14 hcp. The 10k was a revelation. It was consistently 8-10 yards longer the my current driver with a much tighter dispersion.