Review: PXG Black Ops irons

PXG Black Ops irons review

PXG has been a key name in golf equipment for several years now. But, believe it or not, they’ve never made a game-improvement iron. Until now!

The PXG Black Ops iron range has landed today, along with an updated line of irons and wedges. These, though, are a brand-new range. These go along with the Black Ops woods, which we love. Let’s see how the irons stack up.

The First Look

Think of game-improvement irons and you probably picture clubs that have a large cavity back. That’s not quite what you see with these, and I was pleased when I got them in my hand. Behind the ball, these are generous, without being huge.

PXG rightly say that these will appeal to a wide range of golfer. If you’re someone who wants confidence with their ball striking, you’ll find it here.

The Tech

Here’s what PXG has to say about the all important tech in their new game improvement irons…

“New PXG Black Ops irons are a breakthrough in game-improvement. Black Ops Irons present a thicker top rail, larger face profile, and increased offset consistent with a traditional game-improvement club and they perform exceptionally well for a wide variety of players looking for an edge.

“To significantly boost MOI, PXG Black Ops irons introduce a Dual Cavity Design that is engineered to remove mass from the centre of the club and redistribute that weight to the perimeter. The weight-saving insert on the outer cavity allows the CG to be placed lower and farther back for optimal launch and maximum forgiveness.

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“The inner cavity is filled with PXG’s proprietary XCOR2 Technology. This lightweight polymer helps dramatically increase forgiveness on heel-toe and high-low mishits.

“Black Ops irons also feature a high strength-maraging steel face that allows the face geometry to be extremely thin. Additionally, the face employs PXG’s flagship Power Channel Technology, an innovative U-shaped corridor built into the internal surface of the club face to increase deflection. Combined with PXG’s proprietary core, the system generates a feel that is better than forged, and provides superior forgiveness and explosive ball speed.”

“PXG Black Ops irons are our first true game-improvement iron. When you set the club down it creates a lot of confidence, it is so easy to hit, and explodes off the face. Amateurs who hit this club are going to be blown away.”

– Mike Nicolette (PXG Senior Director of Irons Research & Development and former PGA TOUR Professional)

The bunkered Verdict

Firstly, I’ll caveat by saying that these irons aren’t aimed at me. But, that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate what PXG has done here.

The game-improvement irons market is a crowded one, but we know how popular PXG are becoming, especially with those who already have some of their clubs in the bag. I can see these being popular with PXG loyalists.

Putting these behind the ball, you immediately get a sense of confidence. On shots where you perhaps get the ball a little thin, you’re still going to get your ball launching in the air and that’s what game improvement irons are all about.

They also tick a lot of boxes in the looks department. I’ve always liked the way that PXG clubs look and that’s no different with these. I’m sure you’ll agree when you get these clubs in your hands too.

The Details

RRP: £139 per club
Available: Now
More info: PXG website

More from PXG’s 2024 range

• PXG Black Ops driver review

• PXG Black Ops fairway woods review

• PXG 0311 Gen7 irons review

• PXG Sugar Daddy III wedges

Want more new gear? Check out the bunkered YouTube channel for all the latest reviews!