It really is interesting how time changes perceptions. At one point, if you were to mention putters, Wilson Staff would have been at the top of the list not just for perception, but overall number of clubs in play as well. With one of the most iconic designs (8802) of all time, it’s no wonder that they garnered such success and made such an impact.
Fast forward to 2022 and the discussion isn’t quite the same. While the Wilson Staff Infinite lineup did have some very good success among THP’ers and was extremely competitive in price point, there was still something missing. A sensation of the company trying to show off their Chicago Roots with the naming conventions, but at the same time almost hoping it would stick. Well, today Wilson hopes to correct course on that, while seeking to dig in among a competitive putter segment by going all in on premium materials, refined designs, and a timeless, albeit understated, look aimed at standing out on merit rather than flash.
This is the Wilson Staff Model Collection of putters.
Wilson Staff Model Collection
Jumping right into this release and what has been revealed about them, it is very nice to see Wilson embracing both the standard brand name, as well as bolstering the Wilson Staff moniker at the same time. In recent years, there has been a bit of muddling in their message, but the Staff Model line at initial outset looks to remedy that a fair amount.
This release will consist of four different models which upon closer inspection is quite possibly the most complete and well-rounded shape lineup we have seen from Wilson in putters, well, ever. However, before we dive into each of those it is important to mention that while many manufacturers have and continue to use 303 Stainless Steel in their designs, Wilson is utilizing 304 Stainless here with the sole purpose of offering softer feedback through impact to impart a more “premium” sensation for the user. Also, the putters are entirely milled to ensure precise specifications, a departure from what we saw in the Infinite putters. Each Staff Model, aside from one, utilizes precision sole weights in the heel and toes.
First off, putter connoisseurs and historians rejoice, because the 8802 is back and based on the initial release pictures, it really looks like Wilson stayed out of their own way and let one of the greatest shapes of all time show out. This is of course a full toe-hang putter with a half-shaft offset over-hosel neck design that is all about flow, both in shape as well as the stroke.
Next, a must have for any company wanting to be taken seriously in milled putters, what the Staff Model Collection is calling the BL22, a Tour Proven Blade. It is an Anser/Newport shape which features soft lines and flowing balance in a plumber’s neck with full shaft offset and a medium toe hang.
The MT22 represents the mid-mallet option in the Staff Model Collection. Utilizing a slant-neck over-hosel design, it gives the clean rounded flange appearance which has remained as relevant today as it ever has been. This is a ¾ offset look at setup and provides medium toe-hang for golfers.
Finally, the biggest surprise of this release, no pun intended, the TM22. This is the fully milled full-mallet design, if it looks as clean in-hand as it does in the release images from Wilson, then it could certainly turn some heads. Clearly based upon another legendary putter shape, this fanged mallet which Wilson is calling “twin-tailed” is a higher MOI design with a ¾ offset over-hosel slant neck setup. Because of the shape and its placement of weight, it aims to be a more moderate, but not face-balanced, toe-hang option.
The Details
As you can see, Wilson has potentially snuck up and dropped a very interesting release on the golf world. While it will be interesting to hear everyone’s feedback on the much cleaner and more subtle looks of the new Staff Model Collection, it will be the in-hand looks which tell the tale on what this lineup could be at its $349.99 price point. We here at THP should be getting them in soon to help answer those very questions. The 8802 will weigh a true to history 325g with the other three models being adjustable from 340g to 380g, however it is not clear as of yet if the weight kit is included or not.
What do you think? Is Wilson on the right path with the Staff Model Collection? Is the messaging clear? Jump in and let us know your thoughts either on the THP Community or in the comments below!
This is a 2023 release, but they will hit some stores on November 1st and for those that cannot wait and want to pre-order, that will be available in early October from Wilson.
I’m one. I live in NC
Does Wilson put much effort into the champions tour?
I genuinely have no idea.
I have noticed this as well. The Wilson launch pad irons get a lot more love over the pond than the Cleveland halo which is the opposite I feel in the US
I’d bet that’s not the case based on market share
They don’t, but imo they should
Need VIjay back! Also try and get John Daly back with them he is great marketing.
They should and they have the perfect guy in Paddy. Get him into one of these and make sure it’s on his YouTube Paddy’s Tips.
otherwise they are clean and hope they do well as my first irons were Wilson so have a soft spot
They need some Senior presence but need young fresh faces more
Hard no to the first. He’s…a jerk.
To the second, hasnt benefited the 1,962 other companies he has signed with in the past 5-10 years.
The one dexterity which might truly want one, it’s an odd decision imo.
It was a joke, my sarcasm missed
At the same time I know this is picky, I know I may be an outlier, but I have a hard time considering a putter premium if it just has the simple chrome shaft. It’s the same shaft used in a $79 Harmonized line, it has no business being in the premium Model line.
that’s more expensive than the odyssey triple track and mizuno M1’s.
really curious to see how they do here at that price point.
So SC’s aren’t premium? Nor just about every boutique putter maker on the planet? ??
Not compared to what Toulon and Odyssey have been doing. I considered that shaft as less than premium.
That’s an…interesting…take.
Even Cobra has Sik for the premium stuff. I am not going to dog them for a steel shaft because Nardi, SC, and others use them so if it works it works.
Saying that Tulon, Odyssey, Sik, LA Golf, even PXG have premium putter shafts so I get where they are coming from.
You do realize that the standard non upcharge SIK shaft is steel, right? The others all literally designed their own putter shaft, is that something we were expecting Wilson to do now? Especially when we were just talking about how they’ve potentially priced themselves out of a segment with a $349 putter, if you add a developed shaft after that, the price will go higher.
EDIT, and I hope this doesn’t read as harsh, I’m truly loving this convo!!!
It is, but I’m loving the Odyssey putters with the red shafts at Golftec
Thats why I said if it works it works. That is why I feel like they are in no mans land price wise.
The Wilson site says they use a KBS Tour 120 putter shaft.
Solid shaft
Used in a lot of putters. TM loves using KBS.
Yup, would love to see the 8802 in hand
I understand how it seems crazy for me to nitpick the shaft. But a Kinetixx Tuned Red would be a step that others aren’t doing. To go along with the premium material used in the head, a premium shaft would be pretty darn cool. It would add to the "why buy this putter?" question that Wilson is going to face.
I am venturing a guess that at the stock level, virtually nobody considered the shaft in a putter before Stroke Lab.
Things like Kinetixx would be great, as it is a fantastic product, but you won’t find their stuff at the stock level, by design.
All of that is totally understandable. Especially on Paderson’s side of it.
Maybe I just need to accept I am at the stage of Internet Golferness where I am critical of putter shafts.
Looks like a bunch of them are out of stock 33" TM22, all left handed TM22, 33" MT22, all left handed BL 22, 33" BL22, and all 8802. Impressive really.
But $350 looks to be the low/mid tier of premium.
They aren’t shipping until November. It should say Pre-sale.
No, some of the models are listed pre order and you can add them to the bag. The 8802 are out of stock (according to the website)
Makes total sense for Wilson to hang their hat on innovation from 36 years ago
I almost want to buy an old one just for the torture, but that’s a lot for a round or two of bad putting
Clay is a legend. To this day. He’s still an innovator and if you want a classic high end milled putter shape, he’s a BRILLIANT one to collab with. He shouldn’t be sold short.
And to add, Wilson is the one who should imo be shamed for not saying ANYTHING anywhere about Clay. That, is a miss.
At 65 I’m I still kick ass everyday in my work. I’m thinking Clays still very capable of making artwork in the form of a putter.
I talked about this very thing on WGP yesterday.