Golfstead is reader-supported. When you buy through links on the site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Our affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network and Amazon Associates.
Today, I’ll be reviewing the PXG 0311 GEN6 driver.
The 0311 GEN6 is designed to do everything well, offering distance, forgiveness, MOI, adjustability, and workability. It has a traditional pear-shaped profile and is aimed at players across the skill spectrum.
This driver is supposedly the best yet from PXG. But how does it actually perform when put to the test? How does it compare to the 0311 GEN5? Is it worth putting in the bag?
Here’s what will be covered in the review:
Read on to learn what you need to know to make an informed purchase.
Note: Unless otherwise stated, stock shafts and stock grips are used when evaluating this club. In most cases, the golf clubs reviewed on Golfstead are acquired temporarily for testing purposes and are not purchased. The review that follows is based on the personal experience and research of the author. Because everyone’s swing and body are different, results with a particular club may differ from person to person.
What are the reviews like?
The PXG 0311 GEN6 driver has been received very positively overall. It enjoys a high average rating of 4.5/5 (87% recommended) on the PXG website.
Critics and consumers have noted the very strong performance across the board, rivaling or surpassing many models from well-known brands.
What People Like
- long, straight and highly forgiving
- excellent fitting process
- tremendous versatility from adjustable weighting
- a clear improvement over the GEN5 model
- awesome headcover
- more affordable than ever
What People Don’t Like
- some find the feel & sound underwhelming
- a custom fitting is especially important
The Features
The PXG 0311 GEN6 driver has a traditional pear (or tear drop) head shape with a more compact body, curved crown, and tall face. This shape is more appealing to better players and provides an optimal blend of distance, forgiveness, spin, and workability.
The other technologies of the 0311 GEN6 driver are:
- Ti412 Titanium Face: a high-strength titanium alloy face generates super fast ball speeds resulting from a high degree of face deflection at impact.
- Carbon Fiber Crown: the crown is made entirely of a high-strength, high-grade carbon fiber. This allows for weight savings which are redistributed low and to the perimeter of the clubhead, thereby optimizing launch and enhancing forgiveness.
- Precision Weighting: a special structure consists of weights strategically placed in the perimeter of the clubhead and anchored to the outer wall. This adds stability and stiffness which generates high-frequency vibrations for a quality sound and feel.
Stock Info
The 0311 GEN6 driver is available in 7.5°, 9° and 10.5° standard lofts.
Included is a lightweight adjustable hosel that allows you to adjust loft and lie. There are numerous configurations that allow you to change the loft by ±1.5° and introduce a 2° or 3° flat lie angle. Hence, this adapter can be used to introduce a fade bias to your ball flight.
PXG offers a selection of shafts for the 0311 GEN6 at no additional charge such as the Project X EvenFlow Riptide CB. The stock grip is the PXG Z5 Black, but a selection of alternative grips are also available.
Below are the specs. Click or zoom to enlarge.
The Performance
PXG did something interesting and creative with the 0311 GEN6 driver. They conducted what they call the “GEN6 Driver Challenge” where they took golfers being fitted to an 0311 GEN6 driver and compared the fitted performance with their current gamer.
What they found is that the 0311 GEN6 driver performed better than the current driver around 93% of the time, either in terms of distance or dispersions.
To be frank, I think this is a little misleading because is doesn’t say anything about how old the models are for these current drivers.
Many players don’t upgrade their driver for 5-7 years or more, so whether they are gaming a Callaway, TaylorMade, PING, or some other brand, old models are going to have a natural disadvantage compared to a 2023 model driver like the 0311 GEN6 that is using the latest cutting-edge technologies.
So, keep in mind that when PXG says the 0311 GEN6 driver is on average 9.9 yards longer and 35% more forgiving than the competition, it’s not necessarily in relation to same-year models from other brands such as the Callaway Paradym or TaylorMade Stealth 2.
But what about my test and evaluation of the 0311 GEN6 driver? Here’s what I found:
- Distance: a slight edge in ball speed (around 1 mph) and lower spin (around 300-400 RPMs) compared to the 0311 GEN5 driver. The result is a nice boost in total distance of around 10-15 yards on average.
- Forgiveness: a significant improvement in dispersions (at least 25%) compared to GEN5. Ball speed preservation on mis-hits is also better, largely thanks to the improved Variable Face Thickness (VFT) architecture.
- Trajectory: mid launch with mid-low spin and good penetration. Flight characteristics can be altered via three swappable weight ports on the sole as well as the adjustable hosel.
- Playability: very versatile. Skilled players should have little trouble shaping shots.
The Look
The look of the 0311 GEN6 driver screams “premium”.
The geometry, details, and finish of this driver are just exquisite. The flat matte black crown is cleaner and more traditional, although I prefer the AV carbon fiber texture of the GEN5 and previous models, but that’s just my personal taste.
The 0311 GEN6 has a simple black/silver colour scheme that works very well and distinguishes itself from other brands.
The shape is certainly more pear-shaped and compact than the XF model, but I would still consider it to be mostly symmetrical.
The headcover of the 0311 also deserves a mention. It’s fantastic, very well made, and the integrated magnet that allows you to affix it to a golf cart when it’s not sleeved over the driver is a nice touch.
The Sound & Feel
At impact, the 0311 GEN6 driver produces a mid-pitched “smack” sound with a little bit of a metallic reverberation. The sound mostly just gets duller as you move away from the sweet spot into mis-hit regions.
The feel at impact is more solid than the sound might suggest, and it’s also very responsive. I didn’t find during my tests that the feel changed much on mis-hits, but extreme misses near the heel and toe definitely aren’t as crisp.
You would expect a premium driver like the 0311 GEN6 to deliver a premium sound and feel, and it certainly doesn’t let you down, but it’s not my personal cup of tea as I prefer the feels of other drivers (such as the TaylorMade Stealth 2) more.
Where To Buy This Driver Online
Online availability of PXG golf clubs is very limited compared to other manufacturers. Most online retail stores do not carry the latest models.
Fortunately, PXG makes it easy to get everything you need on their online store. Not only can you custom order the 0311 GEN6 driver, but you can also book an affordable PXG fitting directly from their site.
Aside from the PXG store, the best place to get the 0311 GEN6 driver at an affordable price is eBay. You can typically find deals there that you can’t find anywhere else.
PXG also offers a robust fitting process which may be available in your local area. I highly recommend a PXG fitting if possible so that you know which configuration works best for you.
Final Thoughts
While PXG’s “GEN6 Driver Challenge” isn’t as earth-shattering and impactful as it might appear at first glance, there’s no doubt that the performance of the 0311 GEN6 driver can compete with, and sometimes exceed, the latest models from other brands.
This driver is extremely long, is very versatile, and boasts plenty of forgiveness. This is rounded out by premium looks, a satisfying feel, and extensive adjustability.
Given how much of an improvement the 0311 GEN6 is over the previous GEN5 model, I don’t see how PXG could have done a much better job here. Whether you’re a low or high handicapper, it’s definitely worth giving this driver a shot.
Are you interested in the 0311 GEN6 driver? Have you played it? What’s your experience? Tell us about it in the comments below.
