Wilson Men's STAFF MODEL URETHANE Golfball

Product Information

The biggest difference between the two balls is that the R model’s urethane cover is completely unpainted, which is a golf industry first. Wilson maintains that the unpainted ball produces a stronger ball flight on full shots, more friction and spin on short shots, and increased accuracy. In our testing, the first two claims were realized, with the ball flying as far as some of the best distance golf balls on the market. Improved accuracy, however, was difficult to discern. Not only that, but because it spins much less it will also allow average golfers to find more fairways as it won't deviate as much with side spin from hooks or slices. So basically, it’s straighter and longer, but only if you aren’t a highly accomplished player. The second is that for its testing, Wilson chose the worst of what it pulled from competitors’ boxes so, while better is still better, the typical results might not skew as heavily in favor of the raw ball.

Just like the Staff Model R it has a V-COR for increased distance off the tee and a 362-dimple pattern smooths airflow around the ball for a lower ball trajectory and maximum distance. For now, we can tell you that the compression is 98. That puts it solidly in the firm category alongside balls like the Titleist Pro V1x, RZN HS-Tour, and the TaylorMade TP5x. No buying guide would be complete without at least mentioning price. Thankfully most brands make models at different price points and you can rest assured there is decent performance on offer across the price spectrum. It is also worth considering that personalized balls cost a little more money. Which aspect of the game is most important to you? Are you looking for maximum distance or something that allows your short game to shine around the greens?Finished with a modern Staff Model stamp, the all-new premium ball joins the Staff Model family of products designed for elite golfers. Shop the new Staff Model ball here. An advanced core (V-COR) also magnifies energy around the centre of the ball, generating maximum velocity for greater distance. We’ve also used a urethane cover that features a seamless 362-dimple pattern, to smooth airflow around the ball, for a lower flight trajectory” he added. 1999 Open Champion Paul Lawrie on why he switched to the Wilson Staff Model golf ball In theory all of this does make sense, but realistically the margin of difference between an imperfectly painted ball and a perfectly painted one is going to be negligible to the point of being impossible to even measure. Perhaps the most interesting golf ball in Wilson's current lineup is the new Staff Model R. From a construction standpoint, it mirrors the Staff Model and is Wilson’s second premium golf ball offering, designed for Tour-quality distances and feel. Like the Staff Model, the Staff Model R features a four-piece construction and Wilson’s V-COR core, which combine to produce explosive distances in the long game. It also delivers the control and feel that golfers want with their scoring clubs on full shots and around the green.

Without the protective layers, numbers and logos are likely going to wear and stains from grass and dirt are going to impregnate the urethane. Whether that means the ball looks unpleasantly dirty or, as Wilson suggests, will develop a cool patina, is entirely golfer dependent. It is important to point out here that this does not impact on performance at all but visually it will be off-putting to some golfers. You don’t expect a brand new shiny golf ball that you’ve only played two holes with to look like one that has been lying in a muddy ditch for six months. Urethane-covered balls offer the best spin control and feel but do cost more. Experiment with each to see if you notice enough of a difference to justify the extra cost, or whether the best mid-price golf balls might be an option.The benefits of not going extreme with feel are twofold. For Wilson, it means no one is going to be turned off by the Staff Model. For the golfer, it puts the focus on playing the game, not thinking about the ball and how it might react. The 362-dimple pattern and cast-urethane cover provide golfers ultimate control and tour-level spin on iron and wedge shots. The hard, ionomer outer mantle and high CIS polybutadiene core deliver increased ball speeds for impressive distance. The Staff Model ball also features an HPF inner mantle to help give players a soft feel and maximum spin. Our other solution came during development, when robotic testing revealed that an unpainted or ‘raw’ version of the Staff Model ball provided virtually flawless performance. With no paint in the dimples, it delivered a lower flight trajectory, and ”grabbed” the wedge surface for enhanced greenside spin. The end result of this testing is Staff Model R, the world’s first unpainted urethane golf ball. If you’re a fan of the Wilson brand, the quality of the Staff Model is good enough that it shouldn’t dissuade you from playing the Staff Model R. If you’re not Wilson-inclined, there’s also no compelling quality argument for Wilson over its industry-leading competitors. If the performance works for you (we expect the Staff Model will be lower launching and higher spinning than a good bit of the competitive set), by all means, give it a go. The Good