Wilson has been a strong performer in the iron market in the past 12 to 18 months with models such as the Dynapwr Forged and Staff Model CB particularly impressive during testing. This time I am testing out the Wilson Staff Model RB utility iron to see if it can hold its own against some of the best utility irons currently on the market.
The technology story that Wilson is focussing on here is around the face technology and the new internal structure that has been designed to promote more stability on mishits and to help optimize the acoustic. The new face has been crafted from high-strength C300 steel with the aim of enhancing strength and flexibility, while also providing a soft forged feel.
Visually Wilson has done a nice job of visually refining this utility iron from its previous iteration. A slightly thinner top line and a more premium feeling brushed satin finish really enhance the aesthetic and will certainly appeal to the better player. To my eye, there is also a tiny bit less offset than previously apparent which again will push this model more towards the lower handicap market in terms of looks.
I tested the Staff Model RB utility iron at Saunton Golf Club with my FullSwing KIT launch monitor and TaylorMade TP5 golf balls both on the practice ground and out on the course. I enjoyed the feel of the newly designed face which was lively and noticeably softer than a few of its competitors such as the Titleist U505, and the Callaway Apex UT.
The data was very comparable to the rest of the market which is no surprise as it is difficult to stand out from the competition in this area of the bag. Distance, launch, and spin can all be much of a muchness with utility irons, that said the Staff Model RB can certainly compete with those around it.
Surprisingly, I actually enjoyed this particular model more from the fairway than off the tee. I found turf interaction particularly smooth and the slightly softer feel than other models was somehow more apparent when combined with the impact of the turf.
I found the CG location to be pretty neutral, and as such detected no real shape bias when hitting the Staff Model RB, although I didn’t have any real difficulty shaping the ball when the shot required it.
The Wilson Staff Model RB utility iron is available in 2, 3, and 4 irons (18˚, 21˚, and 24˚) and the stock shaft offering is a graphite True Temper HZRDUS Gen 4 Black coupled with a Golf Pride Z grip.
Overall, I really enjoyed testing this product and for the low-handicap market, I think it will do well. The whole visual, feel, and performance may put off some higher handicaps however, who may be more inclined to put some of the best hybrids into play instead. Particular highlights for me were the classy visual, the soft feel, and the smooth turf interaction. This is a very solid offering from Wilson in the utility iron sector.
