Wilson adds Zip to the game of golf
BY iseekgolf.com | Wilson Staff Zip (Balls) | 24 Sep 2007
Leading the golf industry in low-compression golf ball technology, Wilson Golf has announced the launch of the new Wilson Staff Zip, a three-piece golf ball with the world’s first zero compression core.
With an overall fifty compression rating, the Zip is the lowest USGA approved compression ball available to consumers today. The end result for golfers is simple…zip in the core helps it to zip off the tee and zip back around the green.
The three layers of the Wilson Staff Zip, each having specific functions, work collectively to offer golfers total performance from a golf ball. The zero compression core enhances feedback to the golfer at impact, while generating lower spin rates when struck with longer irons and woods for straighter ball flight. The Dupont HPF mantle, or speed layer, causes a high velocity reaction at impact, resulting in greater distance. The soft, pliable ionomer cover generates higher spin rates allowing better control on short iron and approach shots, with great feel.
“The Wilson Staff Zip is at the forefront of golf ball technology and evolution,” stated Tom Gruger, GDM and head of golf balls for Wilson Golf. “The Zip delivers the longer distances that the consumer has come to expect, and then blows the competition away with shot-stopping spin and a feel that is simply remarkable.”
The zero compression core inside the Wilson Staff Zip fuels the softest feel of any golf ball available on the market today, as well as a low spin rate off the driver for straighter shots. A high-velocity Neodymium Catalyzed Polybutadiene is used to achieve the zero compression. In short, the core is made using a minimum of curatives to produce a soft (very low compression) core with premium resilience.
Surrounding the zero compression core is a patented DuPont HPF Speed Mantle layer. Initially developed as a potential replacement for a rubber core, the HPF mantle layer provides maximum initial velocity allowed by the USGA off the club face. The HPF mantle also allows for traditional components of the ball to be altered in order to achieve greater distance, enhanced feedback and appropriate spin rates.
Outside, the soft, thin, pliable ionomer cover bites to the grooves of scoring clubs for greater spin, resulting in greater control and accuracy around the green. Like all Wilson Staff golf balls, the Zip also features Wilson’s proprietary PhD (Pan Head Dimple) design. The large, shallow dimples (50% shallower than a standard dimple) promote a significantly higher launch to maximize flight. The sharp joints between the steep dimple walls and flat bottoms help maintain flight at lower speeds while energizing the air flow around the ball. The result is reduced aerodynamic drag which translates into greater distance.
“The theory behind the design of the new Wilson Staff Zip is that the higher the club head speed, the more effect the core and mantle have on the performance,” said Frank Simonutti, Manager, Golf Ball Research and Development. “As golfers get closer to the green, their swing speed slows and the performance is more affected by the cover. The core and mantle combination is designed for long distance and low spin, while the cover offers higher spin and more control around the green.”
The new Wilson Staff Zip will be available in the US in October 2007 and is very competitively priced at US$29.99 per dozen.
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