PXG 0317 ST Blades Iron Review
PXG’s pricing structure may be a little bemusing and it has its challenges competing in the premium driver market, but from my experience it makes some of the very best irons in the game and for the better player, the new 0317 ST Blade might be at the top of the pile.
Visually arresting, the shelf appeal of this iron is through the roof. Triple forged 8620 soft carbon steel, it features a milled pattern on the back that undoubtedly enhances the aesthetic appeal as well as a tungsten weight right behind the hitting area to optimize the swing and head weight during a fitting.
(Image credit: Future)
Down at address, this iron has a Ping S55 iron look about it based on the overall shape and size, the high toe and white bottom groove to help with alignment – which is no bad thing. In terms of the profile and how it sits, it’s hard to fault and I like the brushed satin finish too.
Having tested this iron indoors on a launch monitor and out on the golf course, where this iron really excels is feel. It produces the dream combination of the dense, compression at impact you expect from a muscleback but married with quite a springy, energetic sensation as the ball leaves the face. Often times, blades can feel quite dead, relatively speaking, especially when struck marginally off-centre but this clubhead clearly has a bit more liveliness to it from a wide area.
This was reflected in the numbers, too. The 7-iron has a loft of 33° yet regularly carried the ball in excess of 165 yards. It was as long as most other low handicap irons I’ve tried, including some with hollow-headed constructions like the TaylorMade P770, which really shocked me. The flight was on the low side, but with plenty of spin to get the ball to stop.
You could even say that those who’ve been put off from investing a blade set because of a perceived lack of distance or playability now have a reason to consider the category again. There are more forgiving better player irons out there, but the ST Blade has a surprising level of help on offer.
(Image credit: Future)
As…
..
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Golf Monthly RSS Feed…