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hat’s new? How much does it cost? And how does it perform? Jack Backhouse brings you the low down on the Wilson Staff Model ZM wedge
Wilson seems to be doing whatever it takes to get back into the conversation about what is the best golf equipment. The Dynapower series has been an absolute success, and the 2024 new Staff Model Iron series is also extremely well-rated. So how is their new wedge? Find out in our Wilson Staff Model ZM wedge review.
Just like their irons, Wilson are the brand with the most major victories with their wedges and they are attempting to get back to the front of the conversation about what wedges you should carry.
The Staff Model ZM have a new milled groove pattern and sand blasting process so that the ball really rips off the face, and are also made out of a soft forged 8620 carbon steel for a soft feel around the greens.
PROS
CONS
I like the feeling I get when I first pick this wedge up. The bore-through shaft is a nice nod to the ‘good old days, ‘, which I appreciate, and I am a huge fan of the simple logo. The head shape is interesting, with a very straight leading edge, but I think I prefer that as I feel like I am going to get more of the club under the ball. They would look great in the bag with the Wilson Staff model blades.
The wedge market is extremely competitive in 2024, with many of the big wedge brands releasing new and upgraded models, Wilson have dove into the deep end with their new Staff Model wedges. The focus with the Wilson Staff Model wedges this year is very much on the new ZM precision milled groove pattern and garnet face blasting, which is designed to extend the interaction between club face and ball for more spin.
Wilson have worked with their tour players who were looking for higher, more consistent spin and a club that works better in wet conditions. One of the design changes is a higher centre of gravity, which helps keep the ball flight down and, in turn, helps produce more spin. The wedges have already helped player Padraig Harrington win on the Champions tour in the USA.
I started my test on a driving range mat with a 58-degree wedge, working up and down different distances between 40 yards and 85. The ball does come off this 58-degree pretty low, which I love; I had no issue getting the ball to launch under 35 degrees, which is the holy grail of producing backspin. I scored pretty highly on my FlightScope wedge test, which, although it is not what I base my opinion on, is a good start for it.
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Around the greens, I really like the low-bounce option. I was sent and played some really nice short-game shots. I actually prefer the straighter leading edge this wedge is designed with, as I feel like I can get better strikes on worse lies around the green. The low bounce was great, too, although with it being so soft and wet at the moment, I was able to take some pretty deep divots. I tried to use a bit of creativity around the green, hitting low and high shots with one club, and I was able to do this with no issue.
Out of bunkers is where I had the most fun; I was able to lob the ball up and spin it really easily. The club moved through the sand really cleanly, and I just liked how soft the ball seemed to come off the face. It felt like I could hit the ball harder, which was great.
The Wilson Staff Model ZM wedge is also available in a high-toe option, which just gives more versatility around the greens, interestingly Padraig has the high-toe wedge option in his 64 as, presumably, he hits a lot of open-face lob shots with that club.
I do like this wedge for sure, but I am concerned there are only 3 bounce options in the lofted wedges compared to competitors offering more. other than that, I can’t really find much wrong with it. the DG spinner shaft is solid, and I love the standard Golf Pride tour velvet grip, which comes as standard. This is a great wedge at a good price so it should be considered for your bag in 2024.
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Available: March 2024
RRP: £140 & £160 for high toe
lofts: 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60°
Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Spinner
More information: Wilson Website
We always recommend getting a club fitting before purchasing new equipment. Did you know American Golf offers free fittings across its UK stores? Find your nearest store today!
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