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Today, I’ll be reviewing the PXG 0317 ST irons.
The 0317 ST is on the extreme end of the better-player spectrum, built for high-skill players. It’s engineered to deliver maximum workability and control in a slim, compact, Tour-inspired muscleback profile.
How does the 0317 ST actually perform when put to the test? How does it compare to the other models in the 0317 line? Who is it best suited for? 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 0317 ST irons have been received very positively overall. Critics have praised them for their classic blade performance and phenomenal consistency.
What People Like
- longer than most other blade irons
- traditional soft feel with ample mis-hit feedback
- cavity backs in long irons help with launch and forgiveness
- terrific looks
- surprisingly good forgiveness for a blade
- high control, workability and consistency
What People Don’t Like
- clubhead finish seems to get scuffed up relatively easily
- narrow appeal
The Features
The 0317 ST iron is marked by a solid-body muscleback (blade) construction, thick face, and compact clubhead, all of which minimize face movement and promote maximum control and spin consistency.
The 5-GW irons have the muscleback build, while the 3 and 4 irons add a cavity back for a boost in forgiveness, as we all know how difficult it is to hit long blade irons (even pro golfers on professional tours steer clear of them).
Other features of the 0317 ST irons include:
- Precision Milling: the back and face of the iron are CNC-milled, enabling an extremely high level of precision when it comes to the construction of the club. Every line, angle and curve are engineered to exact specifications, enhancing the looks and optimizing performance.
- Robotic Polishing: a precise manufacturing process that ensures a perfect finish and consistent sole and face perimeter geometry.
- 3X Forged: the 8620 carbon steel head is forged using three hits, creating a tight grain structure that enhances feel, strength and durability.
- Precision Weighting: a large weight on the back of the clubhead can be used by a PXG fitter to optimize swing weight.
It’s worth noting that weight tolerances in the head are just one gram as opposed to the industry standard of three grams.
Stock Info
The 0317 ST irons are available in 3-GW (21°-50°).
In addition to the standard chrome, PXG offers what they call an Xtreme Dark Finish with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating. This coating, which is unique to golf, has extremely high wear resistance.
Stock shaft options include the True Temper V2 Elevate Tour S (steel) and Mitsubishi MMT 80 S (graphite). The stock grip is the PXG Z5 Black. Custom options are available.
Below are the specs of the 0317 ST irons. Click or zoom to enlarge.
The Performance
In the sections that follow, I’ll talk about my experience with the 0317 ST irons. Let’s jump in.
Distance
As an iron unapologetically geared towards elite players, the 0317 ST is maybe slightly above average in terms of what you would expect from a blade.
My testing indicated that raw ball speeds are marginally lower than the CB model by around 1-2 mph, which themselves are a little less than the 0317 T model. In the 3-4 irons with the cavity back, however, I didn’t notice a difference in ball speed.
Combined with spin that is marginally higher, you may get less distance with the ST. However, solid strikes produce some of the most consistent distance results I’ve ever seen in an iron.
Forgiveness
While you will not be bailed out if you mis-hit a shot, I’m very impressed with the amount of forgiveness the 0317 ST has to offer.
It has more offset and a thicker top line than other blades I’ve seen, which makes it a bit easier to hit in the 5-GW. The cavity back in the 3-4 irons really seems to make a positive difference in how consistent ball speed is across the face.
The 0317 ST certainly doesn’t have a game-improvement level of forgiveness, but I can safely say that it’s more forgiving than most blades I’ve tried.
Playability/Trajectory
When hit solidly, trajectories with the 0317 ST irons are high. Spin is the highest in the 0317 family of irons.
The high spin potential certainly limits distance, but it’s also what makes these irons so incredibly consistent and controllable. Stopping power into greens is outstanding.
Workability is, of course, exceptional, although the forgiveness profile of these irons tends to work against that a little bit. You can shape your shots with ease, whether it’s a draw, a fade, or flighting it low or high.
The cavity back in the long irons really goes a long way in boosting playability and increasing launch.
As with PXG’s other iron models, the large Precision Weight on the back of the iron can be modified by your PXG fitter. This will allow you to dial in your swing weight (and potentially improve your launch, accuracy, etc.) without changing the CG location in the clubhead.
The Look
The ST is most players-oriented model in the 0317 players’ line. As such, it has the slimmest and most compact profile overall.
Compared to the 0317 CB, the ST has an even smaller blade size from heel to toe. The offset is the same (very minimal) and the lofts are the same through the set, but the top line is a little bit thinner and the sole is even more narrow.
Like the other 0317 models, I really love the aesthetic of this iron. The forged construction and intricate milling that dominates the back of the iron really drive home the fact that this is a premium iron, and nothing looks better in the bag than a slim, sleek muscleback.
Behind the ball, the 0317 ST sets up very clean. As mentioned previously, the 3 and 4 irons have a cavity back, which actually makes them look very similar to the CB model.
The Sound & Feel
Predictably, the 0317 ST iron has the softest feel next to its sister T and CB models. This wonderfully soft yet solid feel is the ultimate reward for making quality ball contact, and it’s something that you can never truly appreciate until you experience it.
Impact produces a muted and subtle “swoosh” with a thud that is very satisfying.
Of course, because this is a blade we’re talking about, you’ll certainly know when you mis-hit a shot. The 0317 ST will let you know through your hands and arms in particular, as the feel will be much more firm.
Ultimately, there were no surprises with the feel of the 0317 ST during my tests, as it’s as terrific as you would expect from a quality blade.
Where To Buy These Irons Online
Online availability of PXG golf clubs is very limited compared to other manufacturers. Most online retail stores do not carry them.
Fortunately, PXG makes it easy to get everything you need on their online store. Not only can you custom order 0317 ST irons in whatever set composition you want, but you can also book affordable PXG fittings directly from their site so you can figure out the exact configuration that works best for you.
Aside from the PXG store, the best place to get these irons at affordable prices is eBay. You can typically find deals there that you can’t find anywhere else.
With blade irons like the 0317 ST in particular, a custom fitting is highly recommended.
Final Thoughts
PXG’s 0317 ST iron gives the highly skilled player everything they could possibly want in a blade — top-tier distance control, consistency, accuracy and workability — plus a touch of added forgiveness that sets it apart from many other blades out there.
There’s truly nothing like a PXG muscleback, with its exquisite milled surfaces, robotic polishing, and luxurious looks.
While this iron is best suited for low single-digit handicappers, scratch golfers and negative handicaps as part of a PXG fitting, it’s something that mid and high handicappers should probably stay away from unless they really want to challenge their game.
Are you interested in the 0317 ST irons? Have you tried them yet? What’s your experience? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
