Wilson Staff makes great players irons. Let’s just get that out of the way. It’s their niche, though sometimes we wonder why they don’t lean into that niche just a little harder. As the primary source of the brand’s Tour play, and known for their iconic looks, they deserve to be showed off. I remember the first set of Staff irons I unboxed, 2011’s FG Tour V2 set, and the excitement I felt that day was genuine. They probably overmatched my skill level, but I played them faithfully for a substantial amount of time and still can see all the little divots and marks that bag chatter imparted on them. If there’s a t-shirt with an FG Tour V2 on it out there, feel free to send it my way.
By now, we all know the history, and while we could wax poetic on Wilson’s storied past in golf, we’ll refrain. The story has been told so many times that you’ve surely heard it all before. Instead, let’s look at Wilson today, and what they’ve done with their newest players irons, the Staff Model Blade and Staff Model CB.
For a variety of reasons these types of irons rarely feature major technology stories, but there are some noticeable design changes from the line’s previous generation. Wilson decided to focus efforts on giving consumers two iron sets that could easily be built into a combo set. While the loft specifications of the earlier Staff Model iron sets were identical, most of you should (hopefully) know by now that loft alone doesn’t determine ball flight. Both new sets have been built with “common lines and weighting, similar aesthetic details and parallel performance attributes,” according to the company.
Both irons feature a throwback technology that was discussed heavily during last year’s reboot of the DynaPower franchise. It’s called Fluid Feel Hosel, which is essentially a redistribution of weight from the hosel to elsewhere on the iron. This, of course, gives Wilson the ability to fine tune not only the center of gravity, but also how the iron feels and launches. Most notably, Fluid Feel is going to move the sweet spot a little more toe side, closer to what we perceive as the center of the face.
The Fluid Feel Hosel trickles down into what Wilson is calling Precise Toe Weighting. The weight saved from the heel side has been positioned in the toe of the golf club. This has the effect of not only slightly repositioning the center of gravity, but it also impacts the face’s closure rate. The language Wilson uses to describe the feature is interesting. They say it, “allows the golfer to hold the club face open, eliminating the low left shot.” Typically, you’ll see companies phrase this in a way that describes a clubs “workability” instead of its ability to mitigate a certain miss. Regardless of how it’s worded, the bottom-line is that you should be able to hit fades with relative ease, or any type of shot for that matter. It almost makes us wonder if the “low-left” comments tie back to Wilson’s Tour staff, especially when we look at what the company has to say.
“Throughout the development process, we engaged our Wilson Advisory Staff across the TOUR so that we could deliver irons that will make them better shot shapers,” said Bob Thurman, Global General Manager of Golf and Vice President of Research & Development at Wilson. They’ve obviously done something right, as Padraig Harrington already has a Champions Tour win (by a whopping seven shots) with the Staff Model CB’s in the bag.
Both irons also feature what Wilson is calling Precision Milling, which the company says, “allows for longer ball-to-face contact for more consistent spin and increased stopping power in both iron offerings.” This appears to be a subtle application of milling, as the faces don’t seem overly textured. In fact, outward appearances present a very familiar Wilson Staff look, with smooth and shiny chrome surrounding a matte, grooved surface.
Staff Model CB
The new Staff Model CB irons offer accomplished golfers a player’s look at address, coupled with the added forgiveness of a cavity back iron. Designed with instant feedback and precision in mind, the sleek construction of these irons caters to golfers seeking increased forgiveness in their longer clubs.
- Precision Milled Cavity Back: Precise milling on the club face allows for longer ball-to-face contact resulting in more consistent spin and increased stopping power.
- Precise Toe Weighting: Precise weighting positioned on the toe allows the golfer to hold the club face open, eliminating the low left shot. The toe weighting also allows for maximum forgiveness while keeping ultimate control shot after shot.
- Fluid Feel Hosel: Adapted from our classic Wilson Dyna-powered irons, the Staff Model Blade design has been refined to eliminate unused weight within the hosel to redistribute it in areas to elevate performance.
- Pricing Information: $1,199.99 MSRP here available in 4-PW (2 & 3 & GW irons available through custom fit)
The Staff Model CB appears to have undergone the biggest facelift among the two new Wilson irons. The cavity has a significantly different look to it and there are a couple key technology components that seem to be gone. First, there is no longer a visible tungsten insert on the toe area. This indicates the entire structure of the iron has been redesigned, likely due to the Fluid Feel Hosel. It’s possible that the weight savings in the hosel reduced the need for the boost tungsten provides. Second, the Tri-Brace Stabilizer is no longer featured, leaving a much more classic looking cavity. The coffin-shaped cutout on the heel side illustrates the toe-biased weighting even more.
One visual component we will be especially interested to hear about from readers is the newly-blank Wilson Staff Shield. For such a small modification, this is an incredibly bold visual change. It almost gives an industrial look to the cavity. This minimalistic approach to branding reminds us of some smaller boutique brands in ways, which should be appealing to certain consumers. Still, with a brand like Wilson Staff that relies so heavily on the past, it’s unexpected.
Staff Model Blades
Continuing the rich history of Wilson forged blade irons, many of which have been played by the game’s greats, the new Staff Model Blades are based on the timeless design that has been admired over the years. The Forged 8620 Carbon Steel, one of the softest materials available, provides instant feedback and on demand workability.
- Precise Toe Weighting: Precise weighting positioned on the toe allows the golfer to hold the club face open, eliminating the low left shot. The toe weighting also allows for maximum forgiveness while keeping ultimate control shot after shot.
- Fluid Feel Hosel: Adapted from our classic Wilson Dyna-powered irons, the Staff Model Blade design has been refined to eliminate unused weight within the hosel to redistribute it in areas to elevate performance.
- Forged 8620 Carbon Steel + Precision Milling: The Staff Model Blade is forged from some of the softest materials available. The forged 8620 carbon steel provides instant feedback and on-demand workability. Precision milling on the face allows for longer ball-to-face contact resulting in more consistent spin and increased stopping power.
- Pricing Information: $1,199.99 MSRP available in 4-PW (2 & 3 irons available through custom fit)
From a looks perspective, we expect a lot of love from consumers for the new Staff Model blades. The chrome-overload notwithstanding, this is a clean, refined look that marries classic and modern lines. The half-coffin cutout again visualizes the toe-side bias Wilson has been communicating to us.
We love the strong, squared lines from hosel to heel, along with the bold, high-toe area. It’s classic Wilson shaping that has stood the test of time for a reason.
Specifications
Fitting information and Details
Wilson notes that this year’s Staff Model irons will be the first ones to utilize their new Wilson Fit AI fitting technology. This software works with Blast Golf motion sensors to recommend custom fitting specifications in as few as five swings and will be available at Wilson retailers beginning January 24, 2024.
- Price: $1,199 4-PW with 2 iron and 3 iron (Blade and CB) and GW (CB only) available for custom order.
- Stock Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid 115
- Stock Grip: Golf Pride Z (no cord)
- More information at www.wilson.com
