Wilson Staff Model ZM Wedges Review

The Wilson Staff Model ZM Wedges are forged wedges with deep ZM grooves that gave me a lot of spin and precise distance control. I used them for 5 rounds, on the range and in the IGR Office on our Carl’s Place DIY simulator, with numbers from a FlightScope Mevo+. The spin was the story, often going well over 10,000 rpm.

Wilson doesn’t get as much buzz as some other wedge brands, but these wedges deserve a spot on your shortlist. I was impressed by the precision with which they attack flags and by the spin control they offer on every shot.

Grooves and spin

Wilson says the ZM grooves are deeper and sharper because of its garnet face-blasting process, which creates more spin. I don’t have a microscope to check that, but the on-course eye test says it’s true.

I had exceptional spin shot after shot from any lie. FlightScope backed it up with spin often well over 10,000 rpm, and the wedges still felt under control.

Forged feel

These are forged wedges, built from soft 8620 carbon steel, so you get a soft feel to go with the grooves. A solid-feeling shot inspires confidence. It doesn’t dictate what the ball does, but it changes how a shot feels in your hands and how you might manipulate the result. That consistent forged feel is what better golfers want from their wedges.

Lofts, bounces and my setup

The ZM wedges can be configured many ways. There isn’t a low-, mid- and high-bounce option for every loft, but each loft has good options to choose from. I found that the combinations on offer fit the majority of golfers’ needs.

I played a 50°, 56° and 58° combination. The lofting looks a little uneven for gapping, but the 56° fit the space well from a distance and usage perspective, and it hit the number I wanted between the 50° and the 58°. All three were consistent on full shots and useful for touch shots around the green.

The High Toe (HT) head

The ZM HT, short for High Toe, comes in 56°, 60° and 64°. I know Tyler Fitzel, aka “The Wedge Magician,” will probably go 64°, but I tested the 60° HT.

It’s a finicky club for me. I either hit the most amazing wedge shots you’ve ever seen or one of the worst skulls, because I can’t look down and feel confident with the shape. All the grooves and that high toe just don’t fit my eye, but I know many golfers love it, so it’s a good option for Wilson to offer.

What my numbers show

My 56° launched on a mid trajectory with very high spin, so shots stopped almost where they landed. They also stayed in a tight window from side to side, which is what you want when you’re trying to attack flags.

Should you buy it?

Yes, if you’re a better ball-striker who wants a forged wedge with high spin and plenty of loft and bounce choices. The Wilson Staff Model ZM Wedges gave me exceptional spin, a soft feel and a three-wedge setup that fit my gapping.

Skip the HT head if the high-toe shape doesn’t suit your eye, as it didn’t suit mine. Our best wedges guide has more options.

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