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The PXG 0311 Black Ops Ultra Lite driver is engineered to maximize speed and forgiveness for golfers with slower swing speeds. Great looks and appealing sound.
Introduction
Golfers have several options for increasing swing speed. This can be as simple – and free – as improving flexibility, or more intensive by utilizing a targeted speed training systems like the SuperSpeed Speed Sticks Pro [review HERE]. But for some golfers, the easiest path to a faster swing is a lighter club. The PXG Black Ops 0311 Ultra Lite driver is designed to be that club.
Looks
As the newest member of the PXG Black Ops 0311 driver family, the Ultra-Lite exhibits plenty of characteristics familiar to its siblings. The main difference that caught my eyes immediately was the single weight port on the sole versus the three on the base Black Ops [review HERE]. Branding is crisp with a restrained boldness, and overall the PXG 0311 Black Ops Ultra Lite driver sole communicates simple, competent power.
Flipping the club over, I love the balanced, rounded shape of the Ultra-Lite’s head. The weave on the carbon fiber crown is tight and the gloss finish blends nicely with the surrounding framework. Graphics around the perimeter offer definition and add visual appeal.
Kudos to the pebbled stock headcover material that feels like uber soft leather. And my new favorite “why didn’t someone do this before” feature – the QuickStick cart magnet.
Sound & Feel
The PXG Black Ops 0311 Ultra Lite driver produced a deep, woodsy “crack” on centered strikes. I’d place the volume in the mid-range. The sound became less pronounced when contact wavered from the center, offering clear audible feedback.
Impact felt solid with a touch of pop off the face. Tactile feedback was subtle but identifiable. PXG fine-tuned the driver head’s structure with what they refer to as “natural frequency optimization” to enhance the sound and feel.
Performance
Overall, the PXG 0311 Black Ops Ultra Lite driver delivered solid results across the performance field. I picked up one mph of clubhead speed against my gamer which may not seem like much, but at my speed zone it’s noteworthy. Similarly, spin and launch angle were up a tad aligning with PXG’s advertised characteristics.
While reviewing the launch monitor data I collected at Club Champion, what stood out was the tight dispersion. My landing points were about equal left and right, and distances were very consistent. The PXG 0311 Black Ops Ultra Lite driver’s forgiveness gave me confidence to swing freely – and expect good results.
Freely did not mean wildly. With the head of the PXG 0311 Black Ops Ultra Lite driver 14 grams lighter than the standard 0311 Black Ops, I did find myself focusing on contact. Unlike some other brands, PXG didn’t go lightweight on all the components. Shaft and grip stock options are the same range as the base 0311 and Tour -1 models.
One aspect of PXG that I’ve come to truly appreciate is their focus on utilizing state of the art materials and manufacturing. Take the body of the Black Ops Ultra-Lite driver – the high grade carbon fiber composites of the crown and sole are compression molded to keep them lightweight yet strong. This allowed PXG engineers to precisely position the CoG deep and low, while maximizing MOI.
The Ultra-Lite driver also utilizes PXG’s proprietary Advanced Material Face (AMF) Technology. Using a high strength titanium alloy, the face is manufactured with both variable thickness and non-uniform bulge and roll. The result is a more consistent energy transfer across the face. Or in non-geek speak – better performance on mishits.
Conclusion
The PXG 0311 Black Ops Ultra Lite Driver is a solid addition to the 0311 Black Ops family. As PXG Founder and CEO Bob Parsons says: “Whether you play like a pro or an average Joe, we’re committed to having a high-performance setup that will help you play your best and have a good time.” For golfers with slow or even moderate swing speeds, the 0311 Black Ops Ultra-Lite driver is a worthy contender for a spot in your bag.
Visit PXG HERE
PXG 0311 Black Ops Ultra Lite Driver Price & Specs
Senior Writer at Plugged In Golf
Matt – aka ‘Meeks’ – lives in the beautiful Lowcountry of South Carolina with his wife who allows his golf obsession to stretch the limits of normalcy.