Review: Wilson 2022 Staff Model R Golf Balls
By Golf Expert
Jonathan Belanger
12 photos
The Curated Take
4.4/5
The Wilson 2022 Staff Model R Golf Balls deliver standout performance for golfers desiring enhanced control and spin in their short game. Notable for its excellent greenside spin, durable construction, and premium feel, it ensures well-struck shots won't roll undesirably off the green and provides ample feedback without punishing hands. Though the matte finish might pose visibility issues and the alignment aid print tends to wear, its spin, approach control, and competitive pricing compared to other premium brands affirm its value. It is ideal for those prioritizing spin and feel without compromising durability and distance.
Ideal for
- Produces a lot of spin
- Ideal feel
Not ideal for
- Matte finish can be hard to spot
Durability
I played a whole round with one ball and used it in all situations without any gouges or scratches. The alignment aid and logo started to wear off because no...Read more
Alignment
The alignment aid on the Staff Model R ball is great. It’s simple and provides a solid line for aiming, which I enjoyed using. However, the alignment aid may wear...Read more
Greenside Spin
Around the green, there’s not a ball that spins as much as this does. I could hit any shot I could imagine (assuming I could hit the shot, too). Low...Read more
Feel
I have always liked a firmer golf ball, except rock-solid ones. This ball provides enough feedback to help someone pinpoint strikes without punishing their hands. The feeling of a well-struck...Read more
Distance
I was thoroughly impressed with how far this ball traveled off the tee, especially for a ball designed to spin more. The increased spin is not as noticeable on tee...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Jonathan Belanger
About the golf balls
- Model: Wilson 2022 Staff Model R Golf Balls
Test conditions
- When I tested these: August 2023
- Where I’ve used it: Trackman, practice green, and out on the course.
- How many times I've used it: 10
Expert Reviews of the Wilson 2022 Staff Model R Golf Balls
Jonathan Belanger The Wilson Staff Model R Golf Ball is a premium ball with best-in-class spin and feel. During testing, I enjoyed sticking my approach shots on the green and feeling the satisfaction of a great strike with this ball. The alignment aid could be a little better, but anyone can draw a darker line if needed.
I was impressed with how the cover of the ball didn’t show any signs of wear throughout my time using it. Overall, the finish is the only difference between this version and the standard Staff Model ball. If someone prefers a matte finish, pick this ball over the standard version; otherwise, they’re identical. Compared to other premium brands, this ball provides plenty of distance, and what makes it stand out is the spin provided on approach shots and around the green.
Product Specs
| Gender | Unisex |
| Model year | 2022 |
| Ball construction | 4-Piece |
Review Ratings
Durability
3/5
Jonathan Belanger gave 3 of 5 stars. I played a whole round with one ball and used it in all situations without any gouges or scratches. The alignment aid and logo started to wear off because no layer protected it from impact, making the ball hard to use on the putting surface.
Alignment
4/5
Jonathan Belanger gave 4 of 5 stars. The alignment aid on the Staff Model R ball is great. It’s simple and provides a solid line for aiming, which I enjoyed using. However, the alignment aid may wear away after using the ball for a few holes because the impact with the clubface on shots outside the green will smudge the print off.
Greenside Spin
5/5
Jonathan Belanger gave 5 of 5 stars. Around the green, there’s not a ball that spins as much as this does. I could hit any shot I could imagine (assuming I could hit the shot, too). Low spinners were easy and repeatable, and the high-flop shots didn’t roll out into eternity either. Overall, no matter the shot, this ball sunk its teeth into the green to help me get closer to the hole.
Feel
5/5
Jonathan Belanger gave 5 of 5 stars. I have always liked a firmer golf ball, except rock-solid ones. This ball provides enough feedback to help someone pinpoint strikes without punishing their hands. The feeling of a well-struck shot is second to none with the Staff Model R ball.
Distance
5/5
Jonathan Belanger gave 5 of 5 stars. I was thoroughly impressed with how far this ball traveled off the tee, especially for a ball designed to spin more. The increased spin is not as noticeable on tee shots compared to approach or chip shots, and the ball didn't alter my club distances.
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
Jonathan Belanger I love the feel and how much the ball spins around the greens and on approach shots.
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Jonathan Belanger My favorite moment with the Staff Model R ball was a pitch shot. I was about 50 yards from the hole and hit a shot that one-hopped and stopped on a dime two feet from the hole.
Why did you choose this product?
Jonathan Belanger I chose this product because I wanted a ball that produced more spin around the greens and was interested in the “raw” finish.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Jonathan Belanger This premium golf ball compares to ProV1, ChromeSoft, and TP5 but is cheaper. While the standard Staff Model ball is more durable than the Model R, it provides more control than the competition.
