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The Wilson Staff Model X golf ball is a quality golf ball but there is a problem when comparing it to the 2025 model – which might end up being a good thing for golfers whilst the 2025 model stock lasts!
Wilson has made impressive progress in high-end golf ball offerings, and the 2026 Staff Model X continues this. As a more responsive, higher spinning version of the standard Staff Model, this four-piece urethane-covered ball is designed to rival the top contenders – like the Titleist Pro V1x. The 2026 edition aims to provide a softer feel compared to its predecessor while maintaining speed. Now, let’s take a look at how it performed with our full Wilson 2026 Staff Model X golf ball review…..
Wilson 2026 Staff Model X Golf Ball Review: A great ball but there is 1 big problem | National Club Golfer
NCG SUMMARY
The Wilson Staff Model X is a premium four-piece urethane-covered golf ball designed for golfers seeking tour-level performance but with a softer feel and sound than last years model.
As last year’s model did, the Staff Model X 2026 continues to provide consistent, quality data throughout the bag.
PROS
Golfers looking for a ball that delivers tour-calibre spin for better shot control
Players who focus on precision and feel around the greens
Golfers with moderate to high speeds who prefer a firmer sensation off the clubface
CONS
Premium price and no significant performance gains on the previous model
Wilson 2026 Staff Model X Golf Ball Review: First Impressions
First off, Wilson has upped their packaging game for the 2026 Staff Model X. The new ‘eye-catching’ champagne bronze colourway box is designed to give a premium feel to match the balls premium performance.
Inside the ball looks very similar in design to last year, with the Wilson logo being big and bold in the centre. The alignment line reading Staff Model X has gone from a black with white lettering to black printed lettering on the white background.
Wilson has continued with the 362 hexagonal seamless dimple pattern. This is designed to produce the optimum flight trajectory to maximise distance performance.
NCG Verdict
I tested the Wilson 2026 Staff Model X and also had the chance to compare it to last year’s model. Starting at the bottom end of the bag, hitting both of these balls with a putter you could tell that the 2026 model has a much softer sound.
Additionally, the short game performance is rounded off on the greens. The spin control is phenomenal, thanks to Wilson’s ultra-thin urethane cover.
Moving onto wedge numbers, I compared shots with my 58 degree wedge aiming for a 50 yard shot. As you can see from the data below the Wilson Staff X 2025 ball produced high spinning numbers averaging over 8000RPM. This allows for exceptional stopping power and even the occasional spin-back shot.
The 2026 ball was still up in the high 7000RPM range but didn’t quite reach the figures from last years ball.
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With a 7-iron, the ball maintained excellent spin rates compared to other balls that I’ve tested so far this year. Whilst on this cold January day for testing my carry distance saw a decrease in yardage, I was still very happy with the consistency of the Wilson.
When compared to the Wilson Staff X of last year that wasn’t an awful difference between the two with only a couple of hundred RPM of spin separating the averages.
With driver the Wilson Staff Model X also performed very well. As shown in the table below, the numbers were very consistent. The carry distance was also strong given the temperatures. Spin sat at a comfortable average of 2205RPM.
As shown above, the comparison with driver between the 2025 and 2026 model. There is little fluctuation between the data. A lower spin number on the 2026 model due to a worse strike but still maintaining the same average carry of 220 yards. Again, the colder weather knocked these figures down but they’re very consistent.
Final Verdict
Overall, the Wilson Staff Model X 2026 continues to provide great numbers that are consistent. It provides, however, only very similar data to the previous model without excelling further.
Both balls are undoubtedly premium quality golf balls but with the 2025 model now represents unbelievable value with it being up to 42% off at some online retailers – it would hard to argue against purchasing the 2025 model over the 2026 model – whilst the discounts and stock lasts!
