Tour PXG Gen 4 prototype drivers - new putters

[evoviiiyou]

Just picked up my Gen4XF...placed the order yesterday morning! WOW impressive timing.  Anyway, got her all weighted up to D4 on my scale with my gamer V Red Velo. 15gram front, 5gram heel, and 2.5 back.  Tomorrow will grab a bucket to compare to the Proto+ and report back gents...pumped

Edited June 23, 2021 by evoviiiyou
added pics

[ajlacombe]

1 minute ago, evoviiiyou said:

Just picked up my Gen4XF...placed the order yesterday morning! WOW impressive timing.  Anyway, got her all weighted up to D4 on my scale with my gamer V Red Velo. 15gram front, 5gram heel, and 2.5 back.  Tomorrow will grab a bucket to compare to the Proto+ and report back gents...pumped

Haha - I read the first bit and thought "You bastxxx, where TF do you live?" then I saw Chandler.  Damn - I am going to have to wait 2 weeks I bet 😞 Good luck and let us know how it goes.  Why can you pick it up in one day and it can take 7-10 days to ship out, then another 7 days in transit...  must be patient 🙂 

[evoviiiyou]

Just now, ajlacombe said:

Haha - I read the first bit and thought "You bastxxx, where TF do you live?" then I saw Chandler.  Damn - I am going to have to wait 2 weeks I bet 😞 Good luck and let us know how it goes.  Why can you pick it up in one day and it can take 7-10 days to ship out, then another 7 days in transit...  must be patient 🙂 

Thank you AJ, looks a little busy to my eye(memories of the first Gen4X) but we shall see. I agree with your review of the head cover, its really a nice weight...not too heavy and not too light.

 

Yes patience my friend...honestly its usually a week for most single club builds, but this time I ordered it stock set up no options or changes as I had the shafts and weights in ready go mode. 

[AdExec]

Just booked my fitting for Saturday at Scottsdale HQ. 

 

Love my new Gen 4 irons and milled wedges. 
 

looking to replace the proto, Gen 2 fairway, and hybrid. 
 

might go 3 wood, 7 wood this time around because it’s unlikely they can make a better 19* hybrid than my Gen 2. 

[My2Dogs]

Really hope someone comes out with some numbers on the Gen 4 fairway woods and Gen 4 hybrids.  Those Gen 2 hybrids were a beast.  

[ajlacombe]

5 hours ago, My2Dogs said:

Really hope someone comes out with some numbers on the Gen 4 fairway woods and Gen 4 hybrids.  Those Gen 2 hybrids were a beast.  

I have 4 of the Gen2 hybrids - only used the 4h.  I have 3 different shafts in them as well.  Yesterday I hit the Gen4 4h.  Here is what I have noticed

 

The Gen2 hybrids have fantastic weighting - you can really fine tune things.  Gen4 weights are more limited without any ability to weight the toe.  Keeping in mind my hybrids have the following shafts

G2 19º - Riptide 5.5, G2 22º - Fujikura Pro 8S, G2 25º & 28º - KBS TGI 80

 

For me the 19º seemed to be very easy to hit, but the shaft was not consistent enough for me, especially out of the rough.  The 22º is my gamer and a killer off the tee, but out of the rough is less reliable for me.  The 25º & 26º were OK, but distance and strike quality were not that great.

 

Yesterday the G4 22º with the Tensei CK Blue 80S was so consistent - nice ball flight and straight.

 

I will run numbers once I get it to compare the G2 3&4 and the G4 4 - with shaft swaps.  Should be an interesting test.

[OspreyCI]

13 hours ago, evoviiiyou said:

Just picked up my Gen4XF...placed the order yesterday morning! WOW impressive timing.  Anyway, got her all weighted up to D4 on my scale with my gamer V Red Velo. 15gram front, 5gram heel, and 2.5 back.  Tomorrow will grab a bucket to compare to the Proto+ and report back gents...pumped

Looking good man!! You playing it at 44.5"? Can't wait to hear how it goes and your opinion vs the Gen4 X you had.

[evoviiiyou]

13 minutes ago, OspreyCI said:

Looking good man!! You playing it at 44.5"? Can't wait to hear how it goes and your opinion vs the Gen4 X you had.

Thanks OspreyCl. Yes 44.5” same as the Proto+ set up. You bet will be able to get over to my range around 4pm and get some  idea of weighting and loft sleeve on the Gen4 XF with ball flight and comparison to the Proto+. Hopefully, the XF does as well on the low center miss as the Gen4 X with the 15gram front port weight. This is where seemingly that front port is about a centimeter closer to the face on the new Gen4 models than the Proto+. Also, allows that same spread from front to back port for a little more adjustability front to back. The heel port seems exactly in the same spot in all of them. Stay tuned 

[eddiebigeddie]

So, was able to get out for 14 holes yesterday while my son had a 9 hole qualifier.  I played only the Gen4 0811x for my round (11 driver holes) and I will say I am definitely excited about my tourney this weekend.  I hit it really well with only one bad swing causing a bad result (pulled left into tree trouble).  But the most exciting part for me was I hit 3 of the longest drives I've ever hit at this course (or in general) and had a few others notice as well from adjacent holes. 

 

On hole 8 (380 yds all uphill until just past the 150 yd marker, then downhill sloping left to right all the way to the green), I played it 2x I usually have around 130-120 left with a "good" drive.  Well yesterday my first time playing it I landed it over 150 marker and and it stopped 5 feet past the 100 yd marker.  The next time through, hit another drive with a slightly different line and was sitting a legit 40 yds off the green...I did get the benefit of the hill that helped with additional roll, but at the same time it rolled into the first cut which was a little on the thick side and stopped it quicker then the fairway would have been.  Also the other long drive came on a par 5 that plays 467 from tips and slightly uphill, I had approximately 130 left (didn't have exact # as my son had my rangefinder) but I was 20 yds in front of the 150 marker (walked it off).

 

And all drives were either dead straight or a 5 yds in either direction depending on strike location.

[OspreyCI]

My Gen4 X was delivered today. Got it off PXG Express for a smoking deal because it came with a Evenflow Riptide Senior Flex shaft. Already had my Diamana S+ shaft tipped 1/2", so knew I did not care what shaft came in it. Had a 17.5 and 2 x 2.5 gram weights in it. Swapped it out for a 15 gram in the front port and came out at D4 and 45.25". 

 

Wow is that headcover nice - Geez. Cannot wait to go hit it in the morning. Playing Sunday. Looks so good at address.

[OspreyCI]

Well…. Had to share my stripe show because you guys did. Lol. Hit about 20 balls with my Gen4 X this morning. Wow! First swing was a nice butter cut just like I want to play. Proceeded to hit one after another like that. I even tried to draw a few and was able to.

 

I am a big fan of it vs the Proto+ I been playing since the release. Feels more powerful off the face and I would say even more forgiving. I even hit a few banged up Titleist I had in my bag. Man those felt so good. 
 

Thanks to @evoviiiyou for telling me to tip that shaft. Loads so well for me and did not seem to spin up at all. Not the most high end expensive shafts like I normally play, but it was working for the first session. My buddy ended up giving it to me for free. Sold the shaft that came in the Gen4 driver so I really only paid $250 for the driver. Lol. 
 

Excited to get in my first round with it Sunday. 

Edited June 25, 2021 by OspreyCI

[evoviiiyou]

WOW look at that dialed strike pattern ^^^^ awesome.  Glad to hear the set up is more than working.  Love those strikes, and if you want a little more launch a little higher in the face would be the ticket. Hows the crown of the club working in terms of impressions and alignment response?

 

I have a 3pm Talking Stick range session waiting for me today to test my G4 vs Proto+ to add some more.

[OspreyCI]

2 minutes ago, evoviiiyou said:

WOW look at that dialed strike pattern ^^^^ awesome.  Glad to hear the set up is more than working.  Love those strikes, and if you want a little more launch a little higher in the face would be the ticket. Hows the crown of the club working in terms of impressions and alignment response?

 

I have a 3pm Talking Stick range session waiting for me today to test my G4 vs Proto+ to add some more.

Yea, felt great for sure. I do need to tee it up just a touch to get that strike a little higher. I really like the crown for the alignment or just looks like you are zoning in on the ball when teed up. Not sure how to describe it. I did like it.

 

Let us know how your session goes today. With PXG out there?

[evoviiiyou]

Awesome.  I remember from my G4X that I loved the alignment and that it loved a higher tee than the Proto+ to get the most out of her. I think since she is lower spin (regardless of set up) to the Proto+ it needs a little more + launch angle to max carry.  Love it!  Thanks for the feedback brother. Congrats as the side benefit is how pretty she is for sure

[OspreyCI]

41 minutes ago, evoviiiyou said:

Awesome.  I remember from my G4X that I loved the alignment and that it loved a higher tee than the Proto+ to get the most out of her. I think since she is lower spin (regardless of set up) to the Proto+ it needs a little more + launch angle to max carry.  Love it!  Thanks for the feedback brother. Congrats as the side benefit is how pretty she is for sure

From the flight I saw, it did seem lower spin. No numbers though, just watching it. Just really like the feel off the face more than the Proto… that is for sure. 

[evoviiiyou]

10 minutes ago, OspreyCI said:

From the flight I saw, it did seem lower spin. No numbers though, just watching it. Just really like the feel off the face more than the Proto… that is for sure. 

For sure and agree with that...the sound tuning is much improved thats for sure and feel was the first thing that I can remember with G4X saying whoa thats incredible.  Probably the best feeling driver and sounding driver I have to date.

[evoviiiyou]

Another thing I’ve been pondering about the weighting neutrality and sound upgrade. Is where the mass of the TPE insert is and how much more centered,

symmetrical, and seemingly larger it is in the Gen 4 drivers vs Protos. Proto is and “L” shape in the heal probably to offset the weight port in the toe. Anyway thought it’s interesting to compare for us gear heads. 

Edited June 25, 2021 by evoviiiyou

[ajlacombe]

2 hours ago, evoviiiyou said:

Another thing I’ve been pondering about the weighting neutrality and sound upgrade. Is where the mass of the TPE insert is and how much more centered,

symmetrical, and seemingly larger it is in the Gen 4 drivers vs Protos. Proto is and “L” shape in the heal probably to offset the weight port in the toe. Anyway thought it’s interesting to compare for us gear heads. 

The fitter told me that the insert moved to offset the loss of that toe port and I can say for sure that it is not draw biased for me, and if anything it is the straightest driver I have ever hit.  But... you can definitely work it right.  Trying to draw it for me is a bit harder (and I have hit a draw my whole life) 🙂 

 

The ball sounds like it jumps off the face more to me.  Once I get my new shaft I will run numbers for multiple shafts in both drivers to see what they look like

 

To tell you the truth I have hit a driver that this reminds me of - it was the all Carbon Wilson Killer Whale driver from the early 90's - same kind of crack sound and performance - the face cracked on mine 😞 

[snagy2000]

I actually like the sound of the Proto X. Either way, they're both performers in my book. Rolled with Gen4 X, 3 & 5 today. I think I found the shaft & weight combos, but will keep testing next week. I need to give the XT a run with the Drago as well.

[ajlacombe]

51 minutes ago, snagy2000 said:

I actually like the sound of the Proto X. Either way, they're both performers in my book. Rolled with Gen4 X, 3 & 5 today. I think I found the shaft & weight combos, but will keep testing next week. I need to give the XT a run with the Drago as well.

I hate to ask but how are the FWs?  I bought the Proto FWs and they definitely spin more than the Gen2 - meaning they are easier to get in the air, but it required a shaft change to contain that spin.  At my fitting last week, I got done and one of the guys said - "Do you want to hit anything else?"  The answer in my head was hell yes, but I said no and left 🙂  After having hit the G4 Driver and Hybrid, I am feeling the FWs are rock stars as well.

[evoviiiyou]

3 hours ago, ajlacombe said:

The fitter told me that the insert moved to offset the loss of that toe port and I can say for sure that it is not draw biased for me, and if anything it is the straightest driver I have ever hit.  But... you can definitely work it right.  Trying to draw it for me is a bit harder (and I have hit a draw my whole life) 🙂 

 

The ball sounds like it jumps off the face more to me.  Once I get my new shaft I will run numbers for multiple shafts in both drivers to see what they look like

 

To tell you the truth I have hit a driver that this reminds me of - it was the all Carbon Wilson Killer Whale driver from the early 90's - same kind of crack sound and performance - the face cracked on mine 😞 

I concur with this 100% after my large bucket today comparing the Gen4XF and Proto+ same shaft same swing weight (D4 XF 15frt,5heel,2.5rear and Proto+ 12.5frt,5heel,2.5toe,2.5rear at 44.5”), loft sleeve on the PXG setting both 10.5* heads. Here are the executive summary bullets:

1) XF is definitely lower spin, and noticeably longer total (probably similar carry) with more roll out from lower trajectory 

2) XF has more of that powerful sounds and more responsive than the Proto+ on center strikes, and provides better feedback on misses for sure. Proto+ is more muted but still sounds amazing 

3) XF wants to fly straight and does a better job taking the left out than Proto+. Neither is fade biased just really neutral 
4) Proto+ has a higher trajectory and higher spin even in my spin killing set up. For a low ball hitter that wants more height, Proto+ or XF in a 12* is what I would recommend

5) Look at address is a toss up and if I’m splitting hairs, I actually got quite use to the Gen4 crown graphics and figured out how to use the AV Carbon patch for my specific needs on path and set up. Of course I love the easy subtle look of the Proto+. At this point you just have to go with the performance and take the look that works best 

6) Gen4XF is getting bagged for Sunday’s round and will probably be the gamer for the rest of 21 

7) Gen4XF definitely retains low center ball speed better than the Proto+ (I suspect due to the mass of the TPE insert and the closer to face weight that was 2.5grams heavier as well

 

 

Edited June 26, 2021 by evoviiiyou
spelling

[snagy2000]

2 hours ago, ajlacombe said:

I hate to ask but how are the FWs?  I bought the Proto FWs and they definitely spin more than the Gen2 - meaning they are easier to get in the air, but it required a shaft change to contain that spin.  At my fitting last week, I got done and one of the guys said - "Do you want to hit anything else?"  The answer in my head was hell yes, but I said no and left 🙂  After having hit the G4 Driver and Hybrid, I am feeling the FWs are rock stars as well.

They're great! A lot better than Gen2 and feel, sound and perform better than Protos IMO. A must have for 2021! 

[ajlacombe]

2 hours ago, snagy2000 said:

They're great! A lot better than Gen2 and feel, sound and perform better than Protos IMO. A must have for 2021! 

Nooooo, I did not hear that 🙂  but I suspected it - geez.  I will force myself to wait until I sell a few things before making that swap.  I listed 3 items on eBay and sold 2 right away.

[OspreyCI]

12 hours ago, evoviiiyou said:

I concur with this 100% after my large bucket today comparing the Gen4XF and Proto+ same shaft same swing weight (D4 XF 15frt,5heel,2.5rear and Proto+ 12.5frt,5heel,2.5toe,2.5rear at 44.5”), loft sleeve on the PXG setting both 10.5* heads. Here are the executive summary bullets:

1) XF is definitely lower spin, and noticeably longer total (probably similar carry) with more roll out from lower trajectory 

2) XF has more of that powerful sounds and more responsive than the Proto+ on center strikes, and provides better feedback on misses for sure. Proto+ is more muted but still sounds amazing 

3) XF wants to fly straight and does a better job taking the left out than Proto+. Neither is fade biased just really neutral 
4) Proto+ has a higher trajectory and higher spin even in my spin killing set up. For a low ball hitter that wants more height, Proto+ or XF in a 12* is what I would recommend

5) Look at address is a toss up and if I’m splitting hairs, I actually got quite use to the Gen4 crown graphics and figured out how to use the AV Carbon patch for my specific needs on path and set up. Of course I love the easy subtle look of the Proto+. At this point you just have to go with the performance and take the look that works best 

6) Gen4XF is getting bagged for Sunday’s round and will probably be the gamer for the rest of 21 

7) Gen4XF definitely retains low center ball speed better than the Proto+ (I suspect due to the mass of the TPE insert and the closer to face weight that was 2.5grams heavier as well

 

 

Good review man. Love those strikes too. 

[Hstead]

So I like my Gen3 0311Ps so well I ordered my son set of 0211 DCs for his birthday in two weeks.  I like my Titleist Tsi3 very much, but I also thought I liked my Ping i210s until I hit my PXGs.  Now I am going to buy a driver since the sale is so good right now.

 

From reading this thread it appears the Gen4 0811 is better than the Proto?  Now I have to figure out which head and shaft to order.  I love my GD AD BB 7x in my Tsi3.  I don't see it as an option.  I am thinking either stock shaft, Ventus Blue, or the Tensei Blue?

 

Which head would be most similar to the Tsi3, the X?  I am not sure I want to try to handle the XT.  And I am thinking the XF may spin too much.  I will order a 9 degree.  I generally like to move the ball slightly left to right.  

 

Thanks for any suggestions.

[OspreyCI]

First round with the Gen4 X setup and VERY impressed! Regular playing partners were not impressed. Third hole and the guy who sold me the shaft wanted it back. Lol. 
 

Man this driver is LONG and awesome sounding with the Bridgestone BX. The new TPE insert but makes this thing sing. Just a fairway finder and did I say long. I though my Proto+ IZ was long, but this thing had me in new places today. 

Have to add that I hit a couple off the toe from a bad swing and the ball still got out there. Feels a touch more forgiving than my Proto. I would say it flies a little lower than the Proto+, but seemed lower spin. 
 

I play with a rough crowd and they shut up fast! Especially when I took their money. Nice 75 and it was all because of my tee ball. 

 

Yes, this is the honeymoon phase, but so far I may be married to this thing like @evoviiiyou says. 

[evoviiiyou]

Lmao! Great round partner and really happy you are melding with the new bride for sure. Sounds like this combo is just what the doctor ordered for you mid season. 
 

I brought both drivers out today but chickened out spontaneously today and played o’faithful Proto+ to one better than Osprey, 74 at Silverado in Scottsdale on punched greens and pretty AZ bare fairways (was better a lot of the time in the secondary cut of rough).

 

Something about the way I center it up with the Proto+ makes me think I will still be one of the last Proto standing in the PXG driver ranks. I did notice today when setting up the Proto+ toe is pleasantly to my eye, more open at address than the G4XF. I think it’s all the silver crown graphics/AV carbon/and perhaps a slight design enhancement that cause the G4XF to be slightly closed in the PXG setting. I did open her up with the loft sleeve to one click lower off of the PXG flattest setting and then it seemed perhaps equal to the Proto+ in the PXG setting. All things considered both are really nice and are formidable weapons off the tee.  
 

This aspiring golfer for now is sticking with Proto+ for the foreseeable future. 

[ajlacombe]

I have to say - the G4X is an amazing driver.  Today I was striping it and it has allowed me to really swing at the ball without fear of the low left snapper.  It has been incredible.  The Riptide CB shaft is being put to the test and the GD Tour AD TP will be a welcome sight when it gets here, because I can feel the handsy swing causing the tip of the Riptide CB to be overmatched - fear of this = holding back.

 

Even the shots that are slightly away from central still get out there - this driver is a true pleasure to use.  

 

It is also making me want to go after the G4 FWs as well - there is just something about the face and the consistency of the flight.  I also think the Silver Pizza Slice does something with my alignment as well.

 

Yeah yeah, I am now a fan boy 🙂 

[snagy2000]

Just returned from messing around on a few driver holes at my club. The Gen4 X is a beast with 15g front, 2.5g in back/side and VA Drago as the engine. The ball explodes off the face with a nice penetrating flight. Same as it has on my gamer fairways over the last few years. I was seeing considerable improvement in distance as compared to my Proto X with the EF T1100. Not sure why I waited so long to install it into a driver. Going to give the Proto X and XT each a chance to dance with the Drago before making a permanent change in the leadoff position.

 

Also have Drago in my Gen4 3 & 5, launching rockets as well, but I need to fine tune a few weight settings with each to get the same swing feels. For instance, I have Drago 85 in my Ping G400 5f, but not in my Gen4. I went lighter in the Gen4 and it just doesn't feel the same. With my gamer, I can swing as hard as I want and it just goes straight no questions asked. Right now I don't have the same confidence in the Gen4 with a lighter shaft. I'll probably break down and get the same shaft for the Gen4, but I'm trying to configure the feel weight-wise before doing so. 

[eddiebigeddie]

So, come to report my weekend tourney…hit driver very very well, but had some really bad breaks. Because I hit it too long 🤦🏻‍♂️.  I love my driver and the set up but this course played really weird from its typical playing. Fairways hard and fast, like literally running out 60-70 yds which puts you into thick rough or ob. And the course had 15-20 mph winds that played havoc on the course. Didn’t place but def wasn’t drivers fault. More of bad luck, bare fairways and no luck. Literally had 7 lipped putts for par or bogey