Although still relatively new to the golf ball market, Wilson has made some top-class Tour-level golf balls for years now. Its a tough market to gain any market share in, especially when talking Tour adoption.
Some felt older models lacked feel and were a bit clicky on impact, well for 2026, Wilson has unveiled two new Staff Model balls that they feel will change that. The Staff Model and Staff Model X.
The latest four-piece urethane constructions deliver enhanced speed, control, durability and feel for elite players. Both models are also available in the popular TRK360 alignment-focused design, providing golfers with improved visual feedback and precision on the greens.
“The new Staff Model and Staff Model X golf balls are engineered with distinct performance attributes to meet the needs of different elite players,” said Frank Simonutti, Global Director of Golf Ball Innovation. “We wanted to build on the momentum we’ve had over the last few years, which is our premium balls stack up to anything else on the market and it’s good to see so many golfers are putting them in play,” he added.
The balls are engineered using advanced V-COR performance technology, which utilises a unique core composition to magnify energy and generate maximum velocity off the club face for the fastest ball speeds on the market, according to internal testing*.
Staff Model
The Staff Model ball features a compression of 90, which is 10 points softer than the Staff Model X. This ball is designed for the elite golfer who wants the performance of a Tour-calibre golf ball but prefers a lower spin rate than a harder urethane ball. The 2026 Staff Model iteration produces ball velocity, distance, and a lower spin rate (~ 3.5% to 4%) than “harder” premium urethane balls on both driver and irons. The ball utilises a soft-compression rubber core, a softer inner mantle layer to control driver spin, a hard ionomer outer mantle layer for velocity and distance, and a thin, soft cast urethane cover layer for exceptional spin on approach shots.
The dimple pattern of the Staff Model ball comprises 362 dimples arranged in a modified hexahedral pattern. The dimple pattern is designed to produce the optimum flight trajectory to maximise distance performance.
Staff Model X
The new Staff Model X remains the World’s Fastest Urethane golf ball but now offers a softer feel and sound to address feedback from Wilson Tour professionals. This was achieved with a construction comprising a small, mid-compression core, a soft, fatty-acid-modified terpolymer inner mantle layer, an extra-stiff ionomer outer cover layer, and an ultra-thin cast urethane cover.
The softer compression core, compared to the previous Staff Model X, reduces driver spin rate, the soft inner mantle layer provides a combination of velocity and feel/sound, the stiff outer mantle layer provides ball velocity, and a thin, soft cast urethane cover combines with the outer mantle layer to provide exceptional spin on approach shots.
The dimple pattern of the Staff Model X is a 362 hexagonal seamless dimple pattern designed to produce the optimum flight trajectory to maximise distance performance.
TRK360
Both the Staff Model X and Staff Model balls are also available with the popular TRK360 design. The 360-degree visual alignment lines are offered in a muted black and silver stripe to help golfers aim more accurately at their target but not become a loud, visual distraction. The side seam stamp doubles as a training aid during putting practice, with a smooth, end-over-end roll indicating a well-struck putt, while any wobble reveals an off-centre strike.
Our Take
The old saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” could hardly be more applicable. The new models may look the same and have the same name as the previous iteration, but multiple layers of their four-piece construction have been updated. Using feedback from tour pros, Wilson revamped this premium line to sound and feel softer without sacrificing velocity. At the price point, it will go toe-to-toe with anything out there, too. Give it a go, you wont be disappointed.
Price/Availability: The Staff Model and Staff Model X are available in white and yellow. Each model can also feature TRK360, a 360-degree alignment aid stamped onto the ball. €60 per dozen.
Leave a comment