Questions for Wilson Golf?

[Matt Saternus]

Spies:

 

This is last minute (as in, T-minus 11.5 hours), but if you have any questions that you would like me to ask the people at Wilson Golf, please post them in this thread. I will be headed to their Innovation Center tomorrow for a tour and fitting with a full report to follow.

[Xamilo]

I love Wilson/Staff Irons, and play Ci7s now a days, but I'm a little bit concerned about lofts. Really, it sounds stupid since I know every brand is using smaller lofts these days to say their irons are "longer", but I would really like to know why they had gone so far (the D9-D11 are ridiculous, they use an approach and a gap wedge between the PW and SW!!!!), and if there is any possibility new irons coming in the next years will come down in their lofts to make it easier to adapt a 52-56-60 wedge configuration.

 

If that's not the case, is it possible to order "delofted" irons from them on a custom order?

 

Thanks mate...

[RookieBlue7]

With the reinvention of the 88 series putter line, is there any intention on releasing a classic retro styled anniversary edition of the 8802 classic that has the smooth face, exactly as tall as a nickel face height, and a headspeed shaft? I'd think an anniversary edition would sell like hotcakes and it'd be something the 8802 lovers would pick up to collect and/or game. I know several retro guys that still buy original 8802's to restore because of the affinity for the model.

[fozcycle]

I have an R90 wedge from the mid 80's.....are the new R90's comparable?

[roadkill]

I've been playing the Di line for a few years. My question would be why does Wilson make it so difficult to find their products? I know they are trying to differentiate themselves from the other manufacturers but it's not always easy to find any of the better equipment.

[Maverickping]

How do you relate your Tour presence/successes with the consumer other than incorporating the technology?

[BDL]

I'm playing the W/S FG TOUR irons, Wedges and ball and a KC1 putter.

 

Any plans to offer a more customizable Driver in the future?

 

An old School Full brim visor with the W/S logo would be great as well.

[HillWilliam]

Not so much a question but desire to see the European line of Wilson Staff clothing available through your website.

I understand that a commitment to full line stores is probably not a money maker at this point, but I suspect if you offered your European line through your online presence you'd get a great response. The underlayers, FG rainsuit etc are great looking...Just a vote to make them available in the U.S. or give a location in Europe that would ship them here...

[BDL]

Also,

 

Any plans to work with a Putter house in the future like you guys did with Kirk Currie? There is a pretty good one right there in Chicago!

[ninetails]

I haven't heard much on their customization offerings. What options are there?

[ninetails]

Why don't they use a different brand to sell their cheaper lines?  I think it really hurts their image when they sell their complete sets using the same branding as their top lines.  Maybe they should do something similar to Callaway where it has top-flite.

[ninetails]

What would be the best way to prepare for a fitting session? Should you be hitting as much as possible before a fitting or would they recommend something else?

 

Are there things that most golfers don't usually bother to take notice or look for that can actually help a fitter during a fitting?

 

What are their thoughts on equipment used in the fitting? Other than Trackman, what other options are comparable?

 

I find hitting indoors to a net, does not give enough feedback. In the range I could adjust my swing to get it to a state where I'm happier (sometimes). If the fitting is done indoors, how do you get to your "ideal" swing before the actual fitting starts? Is it just better to go to a fitting that can be done outdoors?

[Tuck1030]

I've been playing the Di line for a few years. My question would be why does Wilson make it so difficult to find their products? I know they are trying to differentiate themselves from the other manufacturers but it's not always easy to find any of the better equipment.

[Tuck1030]

In regards to getting Wilson products I work for a major sporting goods company and we do not,I feel get a good representation from Wilson!! Too bad because we could really sell the procuct line!! Frustrating becaus the name Wilson does stand the test of time!!

[ninetails]

What set of questions should a fitter ask in every fitting?

[Bob92]

Spies:

 

This is last minute (as in, T-minus 11.5 hours), but if you have any questions that you would like me to ask the people at Wilson Golf, please post them in this thread. I will be headed to their Innovation Center tomorrow for a tour and fitting with a full report to follow.

I am curious to know,since Wilson Staffs resurgence into the market starting several years ago, what there market share is at now compared to 5 years ago.

[joro3743]

I have been playing the Ci7 Irons since reading about them in the annual Golf Mag. Hot list. They have been great, they are a bit strong and go a bit farther than the traditional lofts, but easy to get used to. The specs are all posted on the Wison Staff Website. I have developed a friendship with the Wilson Rep. and as a PGA pro have just got a set of the new FG62 forged Irons and they are terrific. They are a bit weaker in lofts than the Ci7, but are beautiful and very easy to hit, even for a 72 yr. old former player. I just played my 5th round with them today and they have brought the "old days" back with a vengeance.

 

I have also been playing the new Tour Ball and find it longer, better feeling, and a better ball than my previous balls, the ProV and the Penta. In my opinion Wilson is bringing back the "old days" and as more and more people start playing Wilson they will gain back the respect they had in the past.

 

They truly are doing good things and making great product. They offer something for everyone, clubs, balls, and even gloves are great.

[LBlack14]

Why "Uniflex" shafts? Why not more custom options?

[Andrewbob]

Wilson should have purchased MacGregor when they were up for sale. That would have been cool! The two best (and iconic) brands from the 1970s coming together as one for current day players. Alas, this is not to be. However, what plans are on the drawing board to get Wilson Staff back to the prominent position they enjoyed in their heyday? Do they want to be as big as successful as the big kids on the block (like Callaway and Taylor Made)? Maybe they don't...

[Justin66]

I'm going to throw my hat in with the "where are you, W/S?" line of questioning. I'd really be intrigued by a bigger presence in stores.

[Shanker]

I still have two sets of FG49s (1 to SW). Beautiful clubs, but the 1 and 2 iron still look brand new as they never really got used for the simple reson that they were like butter knives!

 

I had to have the 3 and 5 iron shafts replaced because of breakage. The root cause of the breakage was because of the use of dissimilar metals. When the heads are fixed to the shafts, to make up the swing weight, Wilson used copper powder mixed with some sort of adhesive to make it set at the end of the shaft. The powder is added or taken away to achieve the correct swing weight at the grip end before the grip is fitted.

 

The problem was that an extra amount of more copper powder was needed to make up the swing weight so it exceeded the level of the hosel and came a little way up the inside of the actual shaft. The was a reaction over time between the copper and the steel of the shaft caused the shaft to weaken at that point.

 

I can well believe this because I have an engineering background and have studied the basics in metalurgy.

 

When the shafts were replaced, to avoid this happening again, instead of copper powder, lead tape was applied to the back of the club head to make up the swing weight. This is not very pretty as you may agree!

 

Ask them about this because I think it is important and please get back to me on this thread with their answer because I would be very interested!

[Matt Saternus]

Thanks for all the questions. I asked many of these questions to Steve yesterday, and the ones I didn't will get passed along via email. Look for a very long post in the next day or two.

[joro3743]

Why don't they use a different brand to sell their cheaper lines?  I think it really hurts their image when they sell their complete sets using the same branding as their top lines.  Maybe they should do something similar to Callaway where it has top-flite.

 

 

 

They do offer the cheaper line for sale not in Pro Shops and sporting goods stores called Wilson Harmonized. The Staff is the top Dog and my course just opened an acct. to carry the Staff Clubs, balls, hats, and whatever.

[ninetails]

They do offer the cheaper line for sale not in Pro Shops and sporting goods stores called Wilson Harmonized. The Staff is the top Dog and my course just opened an acct. to carry the Staff Clubs, balls, hats, and whatever.

 

They should do away with "Wilson" all together for their lower end stuff. I guess that's what I meant to say.

[joro3743]

You should send them an email about that.

 

I was shocked when I got my 62s, and the response of people at the course. These things are really nice, and very easy to hit.

 

Also there are a lot of questions on here about lofts and shafts and other options. It is ALL on the website. Wilson Staff. com Try em you might like em, something for everyone actually.