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In this review, I’ll be taking a comprehensive look at the PXG 0311 XF GEN6 driver.
This driver is built for two main things: extreme power and forgiveness. Aimed at higher handicappers, it’s designed to produce some of the best ball speeds in the industry, and the high-MOI head has a large profile which helps build confidence at address.
But how does the 0311 XF GEN6 actually perform when put to the test? How does it compare to its sister model as well as the 0311 XF 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 XF GEN6 driver has been received very positively overall. Critics and consumers have noted the remarkable forgiveness, feel, sound, and step up in performance compared to the XF GEN5 model.
What People Like
- forgiveness is absolutely top
- longer and more forgiving than GEN5
- inspires plenty of confidence at address
- awesome headcover
- more affordable than ever
- highly customizable through weight ports
What People Don’t Like
- a fitting is important to get the most out of the driver
The Features
The PXG 0311 XF GEN6 driver has a more symmetrical head shape with a larger profile which is appealing to many higher handicappers. This aerodynamic design is meant to provide more forgiveness and make it easier to square the face at impact.
Aside from this, the technologies of the driver are more or less the same as its sister model, the 0311 GEN6, namely:
- 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 XF GEN6 driver is available in 9°, 10.5° and 12° 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 for some fade bias.
PXG offers a selection of shafts for the 0311 XF 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
Distance
Distance results with the 0311 XF GEN6 driver are more or less what I expected.
Compared to the standard 0311 GEN6, it produces a slightly higher launch of maybe a quarter of a degree on average. Spin is also a little higher by a couple hundred RPMs. Ball speed is about the same.
For me, the result of this is that I was getting about 5-10 yards less carry than the 0311 GEN6. For other golfers, this may mean that they actually get more distance depending on their swing speed and other factors.
In addition, the 0311 XF GEN6 driver seems to have a considerable edge in distance (10+ yards) over the previous XF GEN5, which is great.
Forgiveness
The 0311 XF GEN6 driver has a slightly higher MOI and larger face than the 0311 XF GEN5. Dispersions are also around 25% smaller.
All of this adds up to clearly superior forgiveness. Naturally, dispersions are even better than the regular 0311 GEN6 model thanks to improved stability in the regions surrounding the center of the face.
All things considered, the 0311 XF GEN6 has comparable forgiveness to the best game-improvement drivers on the market, with the added benefit of extensive adjustability.
Playability/Trajectory
The 0311 XF GEN6 driver tends to produce a mid-high trajectory with mid spin.
It has no inherent draw or fade bias, but you can introduce any flight bias you want using the adjustable weight ports on the sole. For example:
- fade bias: put heavier weight in the toe port
- draw bias: put heavier weight in the heel port
- higher launch and max forgiveness: put heavier weight in the back port
A PXG weight kit is sold separately that includes 5g, 7.5g, 10g, 12.5g, 15g, 17.5g and 20g weights. In addition to experimenting with sole weights, you can further change your ball flight via the adjustable hosel.
The 0311 XF GEN6 is not really a shot-shaper’s driver, but versatility and workability aren’t much worse than the standard 0311 GEN6, so capable players should be able to flight their ball.
The Look
Looking at the 0311 XF GEN6 and the standard 0311 GEN6 model side-by-side, the first thing that will probably stand out to you is that the XF has a larger footprint that is more symmetrical and elongated from front to back.
This is typical of game-improvement drivers, as the additional mass in the back increases MOI and forgiveness.
Aside from this, the look of the 0311 XF GEN6 driver screams “premium” just like the 0311 GEN6 model, with exquisite geometry, details and finishes. The sole of the driver has a unique machine-like “terminator” feel, with a black/silver colour scheme, that really distinguishes it from other brands.
The stock headcover for the 0311 XF GEN6 is fantastic and 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 XF GEN6 driver produces a mid-pitched “smack” sound with a little bit of a metallic reverberation. Although mid-pitched, I found the pitch to be just a touch lower than the standard 0311 GEN6. The sound mostly just gets duller as you move away from the sweet spot into mis-hit regions.
I didn’t notice much difference in feel at all between the two models. It’s solid, and this solidness holds up very well as the ball contact moves towards the heel and toe, but I would have liked the feel to be a little more responsive.
Mis-hit feedback is not as clear with the 0311 XF GEN6 as its sister model, and this is expected. I do find that it’s easier to use the sound to discern the general area of impact rather than the feel through your hands.
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 XF 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 XF 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
The PXG 0311 XF GEN6 driver is a top performer, no doubt. It’s basically like the standard 0311 GEN6 but with more forgiveness, more spin, and a slightly higher launch.
I expect this driver to be able to satisfy most high handicappers looking for maximum forgiveness and confidence off the tee. Moreover, many golfers, especially slower swingers, are likely to see more distance with the XF than the standard model.
The 0311 XF GEN6 also boasts noticeably improved performance over the previous model, so if you’re currently gaming the XF GEN5, it could be very much worth the upgrade.
Are you interested in the 0311 XF GEN6 driver? Have you played it? What’s your experience? Tell us about it in the comments below.
