Review: Wilson Staff Model X golf balls

Wilson Staff Model X golf balls review

Think of golf balls and Wilson might not be the first name that comes to mind – but with their new and improved Model range, they are serious contenders for 2024. In this range there’s the Model and the Model X, and I took the latter, the higher spin version, out for a few test drives – pun intended – so let’s see how it performed.

The First Look

Firstly, I really like the silver box that these come in. You’d be surprised how much of an impact this has on golfers in the pro shop looking to invest in their next dozen, and Wilson have smashed the shelf appeal.

The ball itself looks great. Wilson say that these balls are painted with a finely controlled application process to ensure a flawless finish. In the dozen that we tested, there certainly wasn’t any blemishes.

I also like the alignment aid printed on the side of the ball, which is ideal for someone like myself who likes to line up putts.

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Wilson Staff model X golf ball review

The Wilson Staff Model ball is designed for players looking for less spin. (Credit: Wilson)

The Model X is the higher spinning option from Wilson. (Credit: Wilson)

This ball had been played for 18 holes, but you wouldn't know it.

The Tech

These are four-piece golf balls, aimed at elite players. At its price point, the Wilson Staff Model range needs to perform as well as the big players in the golf ball world, which is why they’re packed full of tech.

Firstly, the ‘X’ model is designed to produce higher velocity and spin, which is largely thanks to the new inner mantle layer of the ball. This is going to give you a firm but fast feel, while still increasing spin on your approach shots the greens.

As well as that, these are designed to fly a long way off the tee, and that’s helped by the V-COR performance technology. This amplifies energy around the core of the ball, producing long distances. So long, Wilson say, that in their testing, this ball was flying further than some of the balls you’ll see most PGA Tour players using. While we’ve not had a chance to test that out ourselves, when we do our golf balls test later in the year, we’ll see how it stacks up.

Finally, the 3SIX2 urethane cover helps to provide maximum spin, helping with stopping power on shots around the greens.

The bunkered Verdict

I used the Wilson Staff Model X golf balls for a number of rounds over the winter period, and the thing that stood out to me was the durability.

In the second round, I used the same ball for 18 holes – a rarity for me and so many golfers! – and I would happily use it again for another. There were no noticeable blemishes on the cover, despite hitting several full wedge shots and some bunker shots. If you’re someone who doesn’t lose a lot of balls and wants value, that’s a big plus.

From the tee, I agreed with what Wilson said that these give a firm feel. I usually play a Callaway Chrome Soft, and the Model X certainly gives a firmer feel than that. It’s not a bad thing, particularly in cold conditions, but might not appeal to everyone.

Around the greens, I really felt this ball performed well. It was noticeable how responsive it was on well-struck chip shots, which is something that elite players are going to demand. Big plus here.

I just wish these balls were a little cheaper. They’re £3 cheaper than Callaway’s new offering and while that will make a difference, if they were below the £50 mark per dozen, it would appeal to that large market of golfers who want premium quality at an affordable price.

Still, I understand that since these are top quality balls, the price tag will reflect that.

The Details

RRP: £52 per dozen
On Sale: Late January

If you want to see the rest of the new gear for 2024, make sure you check out the bunkered YouTube channel!