PXG Gives its Irons a little DLC

Last week we showed you PXG’s Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark Teaser. Today we find out what that was all about.

The short version of today’s story is that PXG has announced a new black finish option for its 0311 and 0311T irons and wedges.

Woo hoo! Or perhaps even Woo hoo?

Let’s be honest here, taking an existing club and making it black (or for TaylorMade fans, taking a black club and making it white) isn’t usually particularly noteworthy, but PXG’s DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) finish is interesting above and beyond the fact that it just looks really cool. Actually, PXG says it’s sexy.

We can debate the merits of that particular adjective some other time, today I’m going to tell you why it is we’re talking about DLC.

Actual Technology

Firstly, DLC specifically addresses the major shortcoming of most black iron finishes; basically they’re not durable. They wear off, and while the distinctive patina that results isn’t without character, some of you probably bought black irons for a reason…and at the risk of overstating the obvious, that reason was because they were black, not faded grey, or brushed steel, but black, just black.

I have a hunch this is the look Bob Parsons wanted from day 1.

PXG’s testing found that DLC is significantly more durable than anything currently in use within the golf industry. We can’t yet independently verify this claim, but the promise is intriguing. I’ve also been assured that despite its hardness and durability qualities, DLC has absolutely no impact on the performance of the iron – and that includes feel.

Secondly, the more common usages of DLC coatings are actually interesting (at least to me). Before we get to that, I should probably mention that seasoned golf equipment industry cynics (such as myself) might assume that DLC is just PXG-speak for black paint. For once, that’s not the case. PXG didn’t invent DLC. There’s actual pre-existing technology being leveraged here.

We’ve already mentioned the durability, but DLC is also corrosion resistant, lightweight, and exceptionally smooth. Basically, it’s versatile.

PXG’s press release mentions that while this is the first application of DLC in golf, it’s in use by the automotive industry (fuel injectors). A quick google search suggests it’s being used for lifestyle products where durability is a concern, and DLC has several – numerous even- biomedical applications as well.

PXG mentions that Diamond-Like Carbon can triple the lifespan of prostheses. In the process of doing some quick research, I found out that it’s also being used in orthopedics, cardiothoracics, neuroprosthetic implants (google that one, it’s wild), dentistry, and even contact lenses. It’s an actual cutting-edge material with some really amazing applications outside of golf.

It just happens that PXG figured out that it also makes for a really durable (and good looking) iron finish.

I’ll readily and happily admit that a good bit of what I just said has little to do with actual golf, but man, I geeked-out and went down a total Google biomedical rabbit hole last night. I’m smarter for it and I want to share.

Pricing and Quantities

As you might expect, DLC does add to the cost of the iron. In this case it’s $100 per iron above the sticker price, and quantities are reportedly limited. For more information or to schedule a fitting visit www.PXG.com.