Irons · 2022
PXG 0311 XP Gen5
The CaddyIndex™ breakdown: our rating across all six performance dimensions, researched from published expert reviews, online sentiment and our own weighting algorithm.
By the CaddyCompare editorial team · updated 5 June 2026
Performance index
Six researched ratings, lower (blue) through to elite (gold).
Where it wins
- Distance88
- Forgiveness87
- Feel86
Watch
Rated highest for distance and forgiveness; its softest dimension is workability.
You're a mid-to-high handicapper who just wants to hit it straighter and further - maximum forgiveness, easy launch and exceptional distance, with a surprisingly soft feel.
You want workability or greenside control (the T or P), a compact head, or you already strike it well.
Pros
- Longer and more forgiving than Gen4 - perimeter tungsten boosts MOI about 5%
- Faster and longer - about 2 mph more ball speed and 5 yards more carry than Gen4, with slightly less spin
- A lighter, higher-COR XCOR2 core that frees weight for MOI and flexes the face more for an ultra-soft feel
- Exceptional distance through the bag with fast ball speed
Cons
- The least workable Gen5 - it won't stop on a dime
- The biggest head in the Gen5 line
- Premium-priced
By dimension
Forgiveness
ExcellentThe most forgiving Gen5 - longer and more forgiving than Gen4, with the tungsten shifted to the perimeter to boost MOI about 5%, giving straighter, on-target dispersion. Elite, class-leading game-improvement forgiveness.
Distance
ExcellentThe longest PXG iron - about 2 mph more ball speed and just under 5 yards of extra carry versus Gen4, with exceptional distance through the bag and fast ball speed. Elite, class-leading distance.
Workability
FairDistance over shaping - built for the player who wants to hit it straighter and further and isn't worried about stopping on a dime, the max-forgiveness, max-distance head. Low workability, by design.
Feel
ExcellentUltra-soft - the lighter, higher-COR XCOR2 core, which flexes the face more, gives an ultra-soft feel, a satisfying, soft strike. Outstanding feel for a game-improvement iron.
Sound
ExcellentSolid and clean - a solid, satisfying note off the XCOR2-filled head, a clean acoustic. A refined sound for a game-improvement iron.
Looks at address
StrongBig but clean - the largest head in the Gen5 line, with a clean PXG finish despite the game-improvement size. A reassuring, tidy game-improvement footprint.
Sources
Dig into the independent expert reviews and lab tests that feed into how every club here is rated. Each one is worth reading in full — they carry the launch-monitor data, hands-on testing and detailed photography that paint the complete picture before you buy.
- Read the full review at PXG 0311 XP GEN5 Irons Review - Plugged In Golf
- Read the full review at PXG 0311 XP GEN5 Iron Review - Golf Monthly
- Read the full review at PXG 0311 GEN5 iron Review - Today's Golfer
- Read the full review at PXG 0311 GEN5 Irons Review - MyGolfSpy
- Read the full review at PXG Gen 5 Irons Review - XP, P, T & Vs Gen 4 - Southampton Golf Club
- Read the full review at Gen5 Iron Comparison - PXG (specs)
More Irons ratings
Frequently asked questions
Who is the PXG 0311 XP Gen5 best for?
You're a mid-to-high handicapper who just wants to hit it straighter and further - maximum forgiveness, easy launch and exceptional distance, with a surprisingly soft feel.
Who should avoid the PXG 0311 XP Gen5?
You want workability or greenside control (the T or P), a compact head, or you already strike it well.
What handicap is the PXG 0311 XP Gen5 suitable for?
The PXG 0311 XP Gen5 scores strongest for high-handicap golfers, and also suits mid-handicap golfers.
What is the PXG 0311 XP Gen5 best at?
In our research the PXG 0311 XP Gen5 rates highest for distance and forgiveness, and is softest on workability.
Does the PXG 0311 XP Gen5 have a shot bias?
The PXG 0311 XP Gen5 is broadly neutral in shot shape (no built-in draw or fade bias), with a high launch and mid spin.