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Ball Lab: PXG Xtreme
MyGolfSpy Ball Lab is where we quantify the quality and consistency of golf balls. Today, we’re reviewing the 2023 PXG Xtreme . To learn more about our test process, click here.
About the PXG Xtreme
Unless you’ve been living in a bubble or in an underground bunker, you’ve heard of Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG). To augment their full line of golf equipment and apparel, PXG released its first golf ball model in 2023, the PXG Xtreme – “the one ball that does it all.” The Xtreme is available in white from PXG and other online retailers. Furthermore, for our military community and its supporters, PXG is offering the Xtreme printed with military service insignias for the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines.
PXG says the Xtreme was “engineered to increase speed and distance off the tee” and “designed to maximize spin and control for your approach shots and around the green with exceptional durability.” Under test conditions during our 2023 Golf Ball Test, the Xtreme was in the top 10 for ball speed in the fast, mid and slow driver swing speed category as well as overall distance in the fast and slow category of the same. As for spin, the Xtreme was frequently the highest-spinning ball in all the categories tested. The PXG Xtreme ball can be classified as a mid/high-launch, high-spin ball suitable for those golfers who struggle to generate enough launch and spin.
The PXG Xtreme is manufactured at the SM Parker factory in Vietnam.
Key Takeaways
A mid/high-launch, high-spin urethane ball for those who struggle with too little launch and spin. With an average compression of 98, the PXG Xtreme is an option for golfers who prefer an extra-firm feel.PXG Xtreme Construction
The Xtreme has a three-piece construction with red, white, and blue core that PXG notes is in “honor of PXG’s American roots.” PXG also says the ball “has been designed with a soft urethane outer cover to maximize spin and control around the greens, combining this with the firm ionomer mantle layer and explosive polybutadiene core to increase speed and distance off the tee.” Of further note is the Xtreme’s unique 338-dimple pattern, PXG reported, is “engineered to deliver aerodynamic characteristics that maximize distance with the driver while producing a high trajectory with optimal spin with irons and wedges.” For those golfers that draw a line on the ball to help you aim, the PXG Xtreme has “reticle alignment aid” to help you line up and sink more putts, provided you do your part.
PXG Xtreme Compression
The PXG Xtreme has an average compression of 98, near the upper end of the compression scale on par with Maxfli Tour X (2021).
Other balls falling a point above and below at 99 and 97, respectively, are the Callaway Chrome Soft X LS (2021) and the Titleist Pro V1x (2019).
The compression consistency across the sample was rated as “Fair” (see below) with an 8.5-point compression range across the sample. Three balls were flagged as bad due to variation in compression across the three points measured.
Compression Chart
We’ve had requests for a standalone compression comparison tool. As it turns out, that tool exists. We created it as part of our Golf Ball Compression FAQ page. At some point, we may merge the two charts but, for now, the plan is to include this chart in future Ball Labs.
Diameter and Weight
None of the balls in the sample fell under the USGA’s minimum diameter standard. All met our standard for roundness. Size consistency across the sample was average.
PXG Xtreme – Inspection
Centeredness and Concentricity
No notable concentricity defects/off-center layers were detected across the three dozen tested.
Core Consistency
The core colors of the balls were consistent throughout the sample. No unmixed material/chunks were noted.
Cover
No cover defects were identified in our sample.
PXG Xtreme – Consistency
In this section, we detail the consistency of the PXG Xtreme. Our consistency metrics measure how similar the balls in our sample were to one another relative to all of the models we’ve tested to date.
Weight Consistency
Weight consistency falls in the “Average” range. Box 1 had six balls weighing a bit heavier while Boxes 2 and 3 exhibited slight variability from the average.Diameter Consistency
Diameter consistency of the PXG Xtreme falls on the “Average” range. Boxes 1 and 2 had slight variability while Box 3 showed minimal to no variability to the average.Compression Consistency
Compression consistency falls within the “Fair” range. Boxes 1 and 2 had slight variability while Box 3 had a bit more variability with half on the higher end of the compression average. Compression across the sample ranged from 94.8 to 103.3 with a compression delta of 8.5 points.True Price
True Price is how we quantify the quality of a golf ball. It’s a projection of what you’d have to spend to ensure you get 12 good balls.
The True Price will always be equal to or greater than the retail price. The greater the difference between the retail price and the True Price, the more you should be concerned about the quality of the ball.
True Price
True Price is how we quantify the quality of a golf ball. It's a projection of what you'd have to spend to ensure you get 12 good balls.
The True Price will always be equal to or greater than the retail price. The greater the difference between the retail price and the True Price, the more you should be concerned about the quality of the ball.
PXG Xtreme – Golf Ball Quality Summary
To learn more about our test process, how we define “Bad” balls and our True Price metric, check out our About MyGolfSpy Ball Lab page.
The Good
“Average” consistency across the weight and diameter metrics that we test. A middle-of-the-road urethane offering at a discounted price compared to other premium offerings.The Bad
Three balls out of the three dozen were flagged as “Bad” due to compression variations.The Score
The True Price for the PXG Xtreme is $43.63. That’s a nine-percent increase over the retail price we paid at time testing of $39.99 ($34.99 for the PXG Heroes program) per dozen. Be mindful, however, that the Xtreme with the military insignia will increase the cost slightly to $44.99.
At the time of testing, the PXG Xtreme received a Ball Lab score of 67, six points below another extra-firm ball, the Maxfli Tour X (2023), and below the current database average of 73. While there were three bad balls in our sample due to variation in compression, the rest offered good continuity from ball to ball. A ball being bad for having a compression value significantly different from the median “could” be caused by a ball not being perfectly round, layer thickness differences and/or potential inconsistent core mixtures.
The PXG Xtreme is a middle-of-the-road urethane offering at a reduced cost comparative to other premium offerings. With the average cost of a dozen premium balls hovering around $55, that’s a savings of $15 ($20 for the PXG Heroes program) per dozen. If you’re a PXG fan or someone who struggles with spin and launch, you may want to try the PXG Xtreme. If you already produce a lot of spin or play in windy conditions, you may want to look elsewhere. Like a colleague said in a previous posting of the PXG Xtreme, “The requisite advice is to try the PXG ball yourself—and the motivation to do so may be found in the price point.”
On
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