Forum Member Review: PXG Black Ops Irons

Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG) set out to make a splash in the game-improvement space this year with their first official entry into the category: the Black Ops iron line. Sure, a credible argument could be made that PXG has been in that space with the XP line of their Gen X offerings. Ask PXG, though, and they’ll tell you the XP is an aggressive player’s distance iron. With the Black Ops iron, PXG has firmly planted their flag in the game-improvement category.

What’s more, they’ve declared these new clubs “a breakthrough in game-improvement,” promising forgiveness, distance, ball speed and “feel that may be even better than forged.” With no shortage of bold performance claims, PXG put three sets of custom-fitted Black Ops irons in the hands of MyGolfSpy Forum testers. Did the Black Ops live up to the hype? Read on.

Key Highlights

• Aesthetics: Testers found the Black Ops to be sharp, bold and sleek while maintaining the larger profile consistent with the game-improvement category.
• On-course feedback: After getting fitted and receiving their clubs, testers reported distance gains and exceptional forgiveness.
• Performance: With their Black Ops irons in hand, our testers reported lower scores and lower handicaps at the conclusion of the testing period.
• Likes: Testers raved about the fitting experience and customer service they received from before the fitting through delivery of their irons and beyond.
• Dislikes: Each of our testers commented on the thick topline of the Black Ops line although each also reported quickly getting used to the look at address. 

Aesthetics

The Black Ops irons certainly look the part of a game-improvement iron with a larger profile head and thicker topline consistent with the category. Still, testers found the club design appealing and confidence inspiring.

”The PXG Black Ops irons deliver a sleek, modern look with their matte finish, but the Black Ops on the back really stands out. Their design exudes a premium feel, making them visually appealing at address. The clubs are a bit chunky on the top line and sole so this might not appeal to every golfer, particularly traditionalists. For the target audience (Game Improvement players), I believe PXG hits the mark here.” – USMCSnyper

“The Black Ops irons and wedges from PXG absolutely hit the mark when it comes to aesthetics. These clubs are sharp and bold, fitting perfectly into PXG’s distinctive style….While the clubs are noticeably thicker at approach, that’s typical for Game Improvement irons and not a flaw,” – FallenSaber

On-course feedback

On the course, testers reported distance gains accompanied by noteworthy forgiveness across the Black Ops iron set.

“The ball really flies off the face of these clubs. My personal best with a 5-iron used to be 188 yards. With the Black Ops 5I, I’ve hit two shots over 190 yards.” – FallenSaber

“The moment of impact felt smooth and responsive, giving clear feedback without being harsh, even on off-center strikes. This was particularly noticeable on slight mishits, where the forgiveness of the clubface helped maintain respectable ball speeds and tighter shot dispersion than expected.” – USMCSnyper

“The numbers on this set of irons are fantastic!! The mishits are insane…instead of a mishit off the toe going 35 yards right, it will only miss by about 7 yards or so…. The long irons are long, the short irons produce spin, and they are extremely workable. PXG pushed the limits of what a game improvement iron is supposed to do with the Black Ops.” – 3Putt4Double

Performance

Ultimately, the true measure of a game-improvement iron is, well, does it improve your game? Distance gains and more forgiveness are kind of beside the point if you’re not going to score better, after all. For our testers, bagging a set of Black Ops irons did result in better golf.

”I shot the best two rounds I have played in 10 years in the past two weeks. I attribute this to my confidence with these irons!” – USMCSnyper

“These clubs are incredible and will improve your game quickly….In just two months, I lowered my handicap by nearly 2 points without changing anything else – no lessons, no new routines. I can confidently say the PXG Black Ops irons and wedges played a significant role in that improvement” – FallenSaber

Likes

PXG is not shy in touting the quality of their fitting experience and overall customer service, proclaiming “PXG Fittings are an experience unlike any other” that will have you “walking taller to the tee no matter how you swing it.”

PXG certainly backed up these statements with our Black Ops testers. Each of our testers were contacted by the fitter in advance of their appointment and received a thorough fitting. What’s more, PXG sent each tester continuous updates after the fitting right up through club delivery AND followed up weeks later to ensure the testers were satisfied with the fitting and club performance. Our testers were impressed, to say the least.

“I have been impressed with the ease of engagement with PXG, the fitter’s flexibility and knowledge, and the iron performance during one session. He placed the order before I got to my car and I received the order confirmation within seconds.” – USMCSnyper

“Extremely professional place and highly recommended! I will be back and I want the exact same experience…I found my fitter!.” – 3Putt4Double

Dislikes

A thicker and chunkier clubhead is pretty standard fare when it comes to the game-improvement category. The PXG Black Ops line is no exception. More than one of our testers noted a thick topline as part of their first impressions which became less of a concern as more time was spent with the new sticks.

“The size of the sole and top line was off-putting at first. That is a thick top line. I was surprised because PXG usually rounds the top more. Per the fitter, the Black Ops iron is purposely designed this way to cater to a game improvement crowd. If that was the point, they met the mark. I prefer a GI iron that looks like a players distance iron.  The difference really started me off down the wrong path mentally….but that’s why they play the game. Hit the darn things!!” – USMCSnyper

Conclusion

With their new Black Ops irons, our testers found PXG has delivered on a number of promises in distance and forgiveness. If the standard of success in the game-improvement category is improved golf, then the lower handicaps and scores of our testers stands as evidence of a top-quality entrance in that space by PXG. The new Black Ops iron line is clearly a must-try for mid- to high-handicap golfers.