VERDICT PXG 0311 XP GEN 3

◆ Availability 3-PW, GW ◆ STOCK SHAFTS True Temper Elevate Tour or 95 (s), Mitsubishi MMT 70 or 80g (g) ◆ 7-IRON LOFT 28° ◆ FORGIVENESS RATING 3.5

The XP (Xtreme Performance) isn't one of PXG'S new lower price models (though the price has come down from last year), but leaving cost aside and just looking at the numbers, it is stunning. Yes, the lofts are strong (the 7-iron is 28°), but so is the competition. The PXG was our longest mid-handicap iron (by three yards), but amazingly it also produced our smallest carry distance drop-off (eight yards or 4.3%) of the whole category. That means great consistency on the course, which is just what most club golfers need. Our test pro was really impressed with the sound and feel, which are outstanding for the mid-handicap iron category. What PXG have done for forged irons is incredible – game improver models just weren't this good looking a decade ago. They're expensive and not for everyone, which is why we've also selected the new 0211 iron among our favourites.