For too long, Wilson has been arguably the most criminally underrated manufacturer in the iron game, making some of the best irons on the market over the past few years.
Watch: PGA Professional Joe Ferguson puts the full new Wilson Staff Model range through its paces in the Golf Monthly Performance Lab.
Despite a history laden with Major victories, they often fly under the radar compared to the "big four." However, with the release of the 2026 Staff Model line, this should absolutely be the year that narrative changes.
Having put the new Staff Model CB irons through their paces, I've been left wondering what more people could possibly be looking for...
Wilson has stuck to its guns with premium materials, constructing the CB from Forged 8620 Carbon Steel. This is a strategic choice; 8620 is one of the softest materials on the market, designed to provide instant feedback at impact and the kind of workability better players demand.
The engineering team has also integrated its "Fluid Feel Hosel" design. By eliminating unused weight from the hosel, it has redistributed it toward the toe, which elevates overall performance and stability without sacrificing the club’s classic silhouette.
Perhaps most crucial for scoring is the precision-milled face. This milling pattern allows for longer ball-to-face contact, giving the player more consistent spin and increased stopping power. It’s a feature that was very apparent during testing.
Visually, these irons are a masterclass. Along with the Staff Model Blade and XB, the new brushed satin finish on these irons is exquisite. It gives the club a premium, modern elegance that sits beautifully behind the ball, reducing glare while superbly highlighting the craftsmanship.
At the address, the shaping is superb. It features friendly curves and a marginally thicker topline than the Staff Model Blade, providing just enough confidence without looking chunky.
I particularly like that they don't look too boxy or squared off at address; the slightly curved leading edge softens the overall aesthetic nicely, making it very inviting to hit rather than intimidating.
The launch monitor data (collated on my Foresight Sports GC3) was exactly what I would expect from an iron of its type and loft.
With a 7-iron loft of 34°, this is a true players' iron, not a distance-chasing shovel. The carry numbers were predictable and repeatable - a non-negotiable for a low handicapper.
What stood out most to me, aside from the looks, was the sheer consistency of spin. Even when testing in very wet conditions, the numbers were encouraging, likely a testament to that precision-milled face.
If I have to nitpick, a little more attention and shaping on the sole would be a welcome addition to completely optimize turf interaction. It isn't bad by any means - they still do a decent job of offering versatility in a variety of ground conditions - but compared to the absolute best-in-class sole grinds such as the Tour VT sole of the Srixon ZXi7, there is maybe a fraction of room for improvement.
The Wilson Staff Model CB irons deliver a strong feel, consistent performance, and outrageously good looks. They offer a modern cavity back shape with a compact profile and reduced offset that will appeal to the purist, packaged with enough forgiveness to make them playable. Wilson has produced a serious contender here, and it is time more golfers took notice.
All of the 2026 Wilson Staff Model irons are available for £1,169/$1,399 for a seven-club configuration.
