50 Words or Less
The 2024 Wilson Staff Model CB irons offer almost everything that better players love about the Staff Model Blades but with greater consistency in the long irons. Sensational feel.
Introduction
The Wilson Staff Model Blades [review HERE] and CB irons [review HERE] put the historic OEM back on the map for better players. After five years – an eternity in the golf industry – Wilson has updated both models. The new 2024 Wilson Staff Model CB irons promise to give skilled ball strikers much of what they love about true blades without the stinging penalty on mishits.
Looks
The first thing I noticed in comparing the 2024 Wilson Staff Model CB irons to the original is how much the cavity has been cleaned up. This new version still has visual interest with several levels and a matte finish contrasting with the chrome perimeter, but it relates much more closely to the Staff Model Blade. Longtime Wilson fans will note that the iconic shield logo is now blank inside, which I think puts a modern twist on the classic emblem.
At address, the new CB irons have a slightly thinner top line than the previous version. This, too, brings them more in line with the Staff Model Blades. The 2024 Wilson Staff Model CB irons also have a compact heel to toe length and very minimal offset. Finally, the leading edge of the pitching wedge it noticeably more rounded than that of the longer irons.
Comparing the Staff Model Blades (above, left) to the Staff Model CB irons, you can see that the top line of the Blade is slightly thinner. Both are fantastic looking irons, but players who fret over every millimeter of the top line will certainly prefer the blade. There is virtually no difference in offset between the two – the maximum gap is 0.01″ in the longer irons.
Sound & Feel
Just like the Blades, the 2024 Wilson Staff Model CB irons are made from forged 8620 carbon steel for a soft, traditional feel. On center, they’re extremely soft and give you a feeling of connection to the ball. Blindfolded, I’m not sure I could tell the difference between the CB and Blades. This soft feel on center is complemented by a quiet “thud.”
Much like the Blade, the CB also gives players precise feedback on strike location. There’s a gradient of feels and sounds as you move away from the sweet spot. Small misses firm up a bit and are slightly louder than pure strikes. Big misses will feel hard and can produce a noisy “clack,” especially if they’re thin.
Performance
Everything so far hints at the idea that the 2024 Wilson Staff Model CB irons are very close to their brother, the Staff Model Blades [review HERE]. That continues with Wilson’s tech overview which mentions the same Precise Toe Weighting and Fluid Feel Hosel that are featured in the Blade. The one key difference, of course, is the “Precision Milled Cavity Back,” and I was eager to see how much that changed the performance.
Hitting the Staff Model CB on the range, the ball flight was very similar to the Blade. The CB has the same “weak” lofts, so it launches the ball fairly high. Launch monitor testing revealed that there is a little less spin in the CB, but that difference was not noticeable on the course. The CB still has above average spin, providing ample stopping power.
The shot control that the Blades offer is present in the Staff Model CB, too. Mortals may not be able to flight the CB quite as low as the Blade, but it’s more than capable of hitting a satisfying stinger. Shaping the ball right or left takes minimal effort.
Where the CB excels over the Blade is in forgiveness. In the scoring irons, this gap may not be meaningful for the lower handicap players. However, in the 4I, 5I, and even 6I, mishits are noticeably more consistent with the CB. My launch monitor testing showed that where the CB really shines is in retaining launch angle to keep those carry distances predictable on mishits. Both sets have the same loft specs, so you can easily create a blended set if you want more help with the long irons.
![](https://pluggedingolf.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-Wilson-Staff-Model-Blades-Irons_1935.jpg)
The other key difference is the sole width. As you can see above, the 2024 Wilson Staff Model CB irons (right) have much thicker soles than the Blades. The bounce specifications are nearly identical, but I found that the CB provided more insurance against fat shots where the Blade had a very satisfying sensation of biting into the turf. One is not inherently better than the other, but it is important to consider which one is a better fit for your swing and local conditions.
Conclusion
If you want to move into an iron with beautiful looks, spectacular feel, and loads of shot control, but aren’t ready to jump all the way into blades, the 2024 Wilson Staff Model CB irons are for you. This set does a great job in making the long irons more playable without removing the fun of shot shaping.