Wilson has launched a new design in the 2026 Staff Model iron series with the arrival of a distance option for top-tier players in the form of the XB.
Although the existing Blade and CB models have been upgraded from the 2024 version, they are joined by the new XB model as the third member of the 2026 range of Staff Model irons.
Designed as a distance option for players with a balance of control, forgiveness and speed, the XB is designed for low to medium handicap golfers and sits between the low handicap blade model and the medium handicap CB cavity backs.
The new
Advantages and disadvantages
✅ Hollow body ‘player distance’ design for fast ball speeds and ample distance in a compact head
✅ Very sleek, tour-inspired profile with thin topline, minimal offset and stylish brushed satin/matte finish
✅ Forged 8620 carbon steel body with urethane injection for a solid, premium feel and improved sound at impact
✅ Facial optimization and internal weighting increase MOI and forgiveness across the entire face
✅ Slightly weaker lofts that still keep up with ball speed but help with stopping power and gaping
✅ Wider sole and hollow construction provide stability, making them playable for low to mid handicaps rather than just elite ballplayers
❌ Appearance and profile are very ‘player-like’, so some mid-handicappers may find them a little intimidating behind the ball
❌ The feel is slightly firmer than the distance irons of some benchmark players Taylor Made P790which feel purists might notice
❌ Not as ultra-strong with loft as some distance irons, so pure distance hunters may see slightly less raw distance track by track
❌ Higher handicappers who want bigger heads and maximum help may be better at a true game improvement model
Wilson Staff Model XB Irons 2026 Specifications and Design
The Wilson Staff Model XB irons are the new addition for 2026, adding a true “player distance” option to the Staff Model family for the first time.
XB is designed to deliver more ball speed, higher launch and more forgiveness in a package that still looks and feels like a traditional player’s iron at address.
The
The hollow cavity is filled with a special urethane material that dampens vibrations and tunes the acoustics, giving the iron a clear sound and feel.
Wilson has applied simulation-based face optimization to increase the effective sweet spot and maintain ball speed over a larger portion of the face.
In the club head, tungsten weighting is strategically positioned in the 2-7 irons to position the center of gravity lower and more central, promoting easier launch and improved stability.
Topology optimization has been used to create internal rib structures and a parabolic mass path, refining both sound and performance without cluttering the sleek exterior.
The topline remains relatively thin and offset is kept minimal, meaning the XB still offers a traditional touring-inspired look at address.
Wilson Staff Model XB Irons 2026 Review: Are They Any Good?
Wilson’s XB irons finally give the brand a hollow-body option that can stand next to the usual ‘big names’ without looking out of place.
The head shape is the classic Staff Model – thin topline, minimal offset and a beautifully muted satin/matte finish – but under the hood you get a fully engineered hollow construction, urethane fill and face tuning to chase ball speed and forgiveness.
If you like the idea of something that looks more like an iron, but behaves more like a modern distance iron, then this fits right into that lane.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the release date of the Staff Model Irons 2026?
The Staff Model range was officially launched in late January 2026 as part of Wilson’s new equipment refresh, with the XB making its debut in the range.
How much do the Wilson Staff Model XB irons cost?
They retail for about $1,399 for a 7-club set (4-iron to Pitching Wedge), depending on the shaft and adjustment.
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