Wilson makes great irons. Everyone knows that, don’t they?
Well, if this is true (and it is), it begs the question – why don’t we see more of them in people’s bags? What is it about Wilson irons that prevent more everyday players like you and me putting them in play?
In my opinion, there’s several different reasons. Between the 60s and 80s, in their heyday at the top of the golf gear tree, Wilson brought us Dyna-Power, the original staff blades and the legendary FG-17 forged blades.
From then things changed. A little-known brand called Ping came along with cast, cavity back irons that simply made the game easier for all. In 1985, PepsiCo sold Wilson to a highly leveraged private equity group, and 4 years later the equity group sold out to Amer Sports, who still own the company today.
Wilson began to lose money hand over fist and compounded this with bad products and bad business decisions that effectively cheapened the brand. Wilson became more synonymous with package sets, that you’d find down your local JJB, than what they used to pride themselves on – winning majors.
In recent times, Wilson have refreshingly gone back to basics, using their flagship ‘Staff Model’ irons to great effect. Cleaner looks, better marketing, better pricing, new branding and a better understanding of their place within the market has put Wilson in a much better position.
2026 looks to improve that position further, and if there was going be one category in which they can more than mix with the big boys, it’s irons. This year see’s the launch of three new irons in Staff Model irons family: the iconic Staff Model Blade, the refined Staff Model CB, and the all-new Staff Model XB.
In this review I’ll be putting the iron they are most excited about for 2026 through its paces. This is the latest release to enter the players-distance category: the Wilson Staff Model XB.
Who Are They Aimed At?
The Staff Model XB is about distance in a better players shape. So, if you’re a golfer that loves the idea of having an iron that is hot enough to give you a little bit lower spin and some extra yardage, without sacrificing too much in the looks department, the Staff Model XB is worth taking a closer look at.
Wilson is still known for pricing products competitively. Therefore, Wilson is also a great option alongside the likes of Cobra, Cleveland, and Tour Edge for slightly more affordable golf gear. Good news if you’re on a budget.
The Tech
Wilson is calling the XB a ‘Players Performance iron’, featuring a forged hollow-body construction that enhances face flexion for increased ball speed, while also delivering higher MOI and precise centre of gravity placement.
With minimal offset and a thin top line, the XB provides power without compromising its sharp, tour-inspired appearance at address.
Like we’ve seen from TaylorMade with the P790, the XB’s hollow body head is filled with urethane. This helps to dampen vibrations and create a crisp, clean sound at impact, while maintaining a seamless look across both the back and toe.
Using computer-based simulation, Wilson engineers also analysed both the body and the face to produce a hollow-body players iron that delivers what they say is exceptional feel, sound, and performance.
The resulting structure incorporates engineered rib supports, a parabolic mass pad, and precisely located tungsten weighting to achieve an ideal CG while maximising MOI in a slim profile.
Wilson Staff Model XB Irons Review
Looks
Although the XB irons have the ‘Staff Model’ stamp of approval, they’re certainly a lot bigger than the aforementioned Wilson heroes of yester-year. Don’t be fooled here, these things still have a large footprint in my opinion.
When it comes to Players-Distance or (Players Performance in Wilson’s case) in general, I think the looks benefits are more around shelf-appeal than down by the ball. The design of the XB irons is modern and sleek, featuring no cavity or visible tech on the head. You get that customary TaylorMade P790 / Callaway Apex Forged / Titleist T250 head design with a new brushed satin finish that will no doubt suit the eye of modern golfers.
I couldn’t help thinking however that the brushed finish of the XB just looks a little bright, therefore cheapening the overall finish – just my opinion.
By the ball, Wilson claims a ‘thin top line’ which I must disagree with. It’s by no means thick, but I think we need to remember that these are still cavity back irons, just without the actual cavity.
There’s bound to be a little bit of chunk behind the ball, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There’s minimal offset but enough to make you notice it.
These irons will look good in the bag and inspire confidence. A nice combo.
Feel
The XB irons promise a “crisp, clean sound at impact” which I have to say is true – kind of. They certainly weren’t overly loud or ‘tingy’ off the face like irons in this category used to be (I’m looking at you Ping i500), but having also tested the new Staff Model CBs and Blades, don’t be thinking buttery here.
Instead, they feel hot and quite firm but still responsive, which I would say is exactly what golfers want when looking at this type of iron. When you give it rip, you feel a good firm crack, but I’d say that’s a compliment as opposed to a criticism.
Performance
I tested these irons indoor at Clubhouse Golf, using Foresight GCQuad and Titleist Pro V1 balls. With the claims Wilson is making with the irons, and the meaty look behind the ball – I was expecting to see some strong carry numbers.
With an average ball speed of 117 mph whilst spinning at 5677rpm, I averaged 167 yards carry with a 7 iron. For me this is a number that I’m used to and that I’ve seen a lot over the years when testing irons. There were some little jumpers that got to 170+ but overall, I couldn’t help but feel a tad disappointed by the carry.
This could have been down to a couple of things, the peak height was around 115 ft which isn’t especially high for me, and you must look at the lofts. A Staff Model XB 7-iron is 32°, which in context of modern-day players distance irons isn’t that strong, P970 is 30° and the new Mizuno M-15 is an eye-watering 29°.
Consistency-wise, during testing I felt in very safe hands with these irons. They were forgiving, straight and consistent both front to back and left to right.
Wilson 2026 Staff Model XB Irons Verdict
The Staff Model XB irons have no doubt filled a little gap in Wilson’s overall iron lineup. This players distance-type iron is something they’ve not been able to offer, so I think it’s definitely a step in the right direction.
Like all the models in the 2026 Staff Model line, these irons look great and really stack up with the big boys. Wilson is doing a great job of improving their reputation within the market. Elevating the Staff Model brand itself was great decision and the product speaks for itself.
A full set of these irons has an RRP of £1,169 (£167 per stick) which might seem a lot, but I think its good value considering what it’s up against. As is always the case with Wilson, you’re going to save yourself at least £100.
However, in recent testing sessions with my current Titleist T250 irons I was seeing around 170 yards carry, so it’s all about how much you really value that extra few yards or whether you’re prepared to fork out for it.
One thing is for sure. Wilson is well and truly back in the conversation.
Would I Use It?
Probably not, as I’ve found better distance and higher spin in other similar irons.
