Wilson Staff returns to claim premium status

Both models feature extra-sharp tour grooves, deeper and steeper than usual, to promote more spin. A note on the packaging warns golfers that the grooves may scuff golf ball covers.

Suggested retail price is $199.99 per wedge.

PUTTERS

Wilson Staffs high-tech theme carries over to its two putter series: Kc and Arch-i. KC stands for Kirk Currie, the craftsman who designed the four different models in the line. Arch-i stands for the rear stabilizing arch in a five-putter extended mallet series.

With putters ranging from a traditional heel-toe blade to an extended alignment mallet, the Kc putters offer a proprietary BalanceFit adjustable weight system that allows customization based on how greens are playing. The clubs contain weight portals in the shafts end cap and sole. A bag of weights is provided and information on how to use them.

GolfWeb testers like the head weights and putter stability on the Kc putters, but some players were put off by the oversize handles.

The Arch-i putters have a soft aluminum face insert to enhance feel, milled micro grooves to reduce skidding and a signature red stabilizing arch in the rear that moves weight further back from the face. The putters are differentiated by various shaft and hosel designs, and differing rear flange arrangements.

Suggested retail prices are $299.99 per Kc and $199.99 per Arch-i putter.

BALLS

Here again Wilson Staff is going high-tech with a three-ball lineup offering unique characteristics.

Most noticeable is the common, 312-dimple configuration on the Tx4, Px3 and Dx2 balls. The dimples are flat-bottomed and extremely shallow, meant to create a more stabilizing, penetrating flight. Wilson is calling this technology PhD Aerodynamics, which stands for Pan Head Dimples.

The dimples, by the way, are reminiscent of a two-piece TC--or Truncated Cone--ball series that Wilson used to produce.

Internally, the new Wilson Staff balls comprise: a Nano Tech core, ionomer layer, Fusion mantle and urethane elastomer cover in the four-piece Tx4; a Nano Tech core, HPF mantle and soft ionomer cover in the three-piece Px3; and, a Nano Tech core and ionomer cover in the two-piece Dx2 ball.

Test players polled by GolfWeb credited the balls with being responsive and achieving satisfactory distance. The Px3 and Tx4 were deemed most workable around the green. All three putted extremely well.

Suggested list prices are $37.99 per dozen for the Tx4, $34.99 for Px3 and $27.99 for Dx2.

Editor's note: Chuck Stogel writes about golf equipment. Look for his columns each week on GolfWeb and PGATOUR.COM.