Wilson Staff C200 Irons Review

A few years ago, Wilson Staff created three categories of irons, designed to fill different needs for different players. Their F-C-D (Feel - Control - Distance system as it was called, was well received by players and the performance of their new equipment produced some tremendous results.

The recent introduction of the C200 irons has led the company to change what "C" stands for. Originally it was "Control" and the original C100 irons sacrificed distance for control. The C200 irons are now considered "Crossover" irons and are designed for players seeking a midsize head shape, moderate offset and a lot of feedback from your hands (feel). The fact that you can hit these irons and awful long way is a plus.

It's no secret that one of the keys to gaining more distance from an iron is to turn the clubface into a trampoline - at least in theory. Wilson Staff has introduced a new way to do this with the C200.Their new patent-pending FLX Face technology minimizes the contact points between the thin face and the club head. Only 24% of face actually comes in contact with the perimeter of the club head, creating 9 "Power Holes". This allows the face to flex upon impact resulting in increased ball speed and extreme distance. And by freeing up this space, the weight that is saved can be redistributed. This adds in a heaping helping of forgiveness and a superior launch angle.

But wait. According to the USGA, Wilson Staff's "Power Holes" are in violation of a club's accepted parameters and shape. You know, the part that says there can be no open holes through the head and/or face. In order for the irons to conform, Wilson had to fill in the gaps and did so - with TE031 Urethane.

This was not a bad thing; in fact, it turned out to be really beneficial. In addition to legalizing the irons, the dampening effects of the urethane dramatically improved the sound and feel of the C200, making it more like a player's iron. And though the slots are filled in, golfers can still see the FLX Face and power hole technology at play. This allows the C200 to bridge the gap from F to D, and is a club I'm sure will appeal to many mid and high-handicapped players.

With the C200, you will notice a fair amount of offset, something else that should appeal to mid/high-handicappers. Wilson is not continuing their practice of stronger iron lofts and are now falling with 1degree - 2degree of their competitor's lofts. But to me, in order to create a great iron, you need to pair the club head with a responsive shaft and Wilson has done just that with both their steel and graphite partners. Players may now choose from KBS Tour 90 steel shafts in regular or stiff flex or Aldila Rogue Pro graphite shafts in senior, regular or stiff flex. A Wilson Staff Lamkin Crossline grip is standard as well. The C200 irons are available in both RH and LH orientations and a standard 8-piece set consists of 4-PW, GW. Retail price is $799 for steel and $899 for graphite. An optional 3-iron is available for right-handers only.

Aesthetically, this club has a lot of curb appeal. At address, the shiny polished metal heads have a "pro" look to them and the way the ball catapults off the clubface will leave players in awe. My first round with these irons saw increased distance over the distance irons I have been using and I certainly did not sacrifice accuracy at all. The high irons produced good spin and held the greens nicely. I found both the low and mid irons easy to shape and I was able to easily avoid the trees my errant tee shots left me behind. The mid to high ball flight suits my game well.

For more information on the new Wilson Staff C220 irons or any other Wilson Staff golf gear, visit the website at www.wilsonstaff.com.