WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The GEN8 irons (T, P and XP models) utilise a proprietary internal polymer that boosts ball speed. The dual perimeter weighting system allows fitters to control centre-of-gravity placement and swing weight.
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PRICE & AVAILABILITY: The 0311 GEN8 T, P and XP irons are available immediately, although Australian pricing is TBC.
3 Cool Things
1. Switch it up: Adjustability in woods is commonplace, but in irons it is a point of differentiation. In the 0311 GEN8 line, a pair of weights are employed on the heel and toe area. By repositioning mass from the centre of the clubhead to the perimeter, the system increases moment of inertia while allowing precise heel-toe centre-of-gravity placement by moving the 12-gram weight. Shifting mass towards the toe or heel can modestly influence face position at impact, helping golfers achieve more consistent start lines before lie-angle adjustments are even considered, a boon to many players.
2. At the core of the matter: Long known for its use of internal polymers, PXG has been on a long journey to constantly improve the performance benefits of it. Originally used primarily to produce a pleasing sound and feel, subsequent iterations focused on keeping those traits intact while reaping more rebound.
“With GEN8, we focused on elevating every performance variable without compromise,” said Mike Nicolette, senior director of irons research and development for PXG. “From the polymer to the face architecture to the weighting system, every element works together to maximise energy transfer, tighten dispersion and deliver the soft, responsive feel golfers expect from PXG.”
Maintaining that soft feel is not easy to accomplish considering the maraging-steel face is razor thin at .050 of an inch at its thinnest in the P and XP and .062 of an inch for the T. Additionally, a channel around the hitting area of the face provides extra face flex.
Also not to be ignored are the internal tungsten toe weights (ranging from 15 to 25 grams depending on the model) to help keep the centre of gravity centre-face.
3. Player’s choice: The 0311 GEN8 line boasts the T, P and XP models, three decidedly different clubs that share a host of base technologies. Each iron is five-times forged from 8620 carbon steel and has a milled back surface that produces a pleasing aesthetic. Speaking of which, both are offered in a Xtreme Dark finish in addition to chrome.
Better players will gravitate towards the 0311 T, which offers a shorter blade length with minimal offset, a thinner top rail and sole, more loft, and a thicker face designed to produce more spin with a focus on distance control. The P model is aimed at low to mid handicaps that appreciate a clubhead with a little less bulk and a moderate amount of offset that allows the player to control their ball flight. The XP is targeted at mid to high handicappers that don’t mind looking a little heftier clubhead with more aggressive offset and stronger lofts in exchange for chasing distance with forgiveness features built in.
