Opinions Sought: Wilson Staff fg 51 irons

I have an opportunity to buy a set of these at what I believe to be a very good price.

Thoughts? Anyone have experience with these that they can share?

Thanks

I played with some Wilson Progressive irons for a while and the blades were FG-51's or very similar. Loved the clubs. Just don't hit the ball fat since the leading edge is sharp as a razor blade. The lofts were old skool compared to modern clubs so don't go there if you have ego issues related to club distances either.

I have 2-pw in my basement. They haven't seen the light of day since the late 80's. I take them out and look at them once in a while. Too damn thin, small and stiff for me now (and likely then too). Had my first hole in one with the 7 iron, so they aren't going anywhere. Of all the re-issued stuff back then from Wilson, they likely were the best of the lot and truer to the Wilson's of the 60's and 70's for design, good looks and quality. The new FG Tour 100 is almost a copy except for a little lipstick.

I have a set of Fg49s, which I like very much. Different stampings, but physically I think a similar design that seems to have been marketed in Europe around the similar time. And from the comments above, to wit, thin, small, sharp - the differences in practice are not great.

Having said that, they are the very antithesis of the fat bottomed blades that you have in your Cimarrons and seem to like. Also, be aware that they might be quite short in the shaft compared to what you're used to. I have two sets of Wilson Staffs from that era and both are at least a half-inch short of my other sets.

30 years ago, Wilson irons were everywhere you looked. Now, you could call them under-rated. Funny how times change.

Played fg17s, fg49s for yonks and the 55s aren't too different. I think the 55s are slightly more muscle backed but we're talking micro mms!! But if you're a blade golfer, these are true classics and they will feel great!! I would get them

I had a buddy who had a set of FG-51's for one summer he got off of eBay and took on a buddy trip to myrtle- nice looking sticks for sure. We are higher handicappers so we didn't always put the best swing on them, but when you did it felt great. He eventually moved to a little more GI club, but still talks about those Wilsons.....

The last great iron from Wilson before their slide. One of my favorite "modern" blades.

Thanks everyone. I ended up hearing back from the seller and finding out that they are Stiff flex which I can't play. I appreciate all the input though. I love this forum. You guys are all great!

Not that I need anther set of clubs, but what is he asking for them?

Not that I need anther set of clubs, but what is he asking for them?

He is asking $50 with some extra wedges and a couple putters plus a couple craptastic metal woods. They look good in the pics but the guy obviously knows nothing about golf so getting good answers from him is tough. He lives about 25 miles away and I have been "talking" to him via text and email. He listed on craigslist.

BUY them at that price....even with the stiff shafts. That's way too good a deal to pass up. What Craigslist area? I'd love to take a peek at them

I'd purchase the clubs (drop in an inexpensive set of shafts - Ping CFS can be had for $25 - $35 a set on eBay) and have fun experimenting. If you've never built a set this would be a great place to start. At worse, you'll learn along the way and break even when the experiment is finished.

I recently finished a set of FG59s following the same course of action. Swapping out the DGs for a lighter, higher launching shaft has led to a lively feel and improved ball flight.

BUY them at that price....even with the stiff shafts. That's way too good a deal to pass up. What Craigslist area? I'd love to take a peek at them

I know I would. By swing speed, I'm probably as much an R flex as an S flex, especially in Dynamic Gold which the majority of my clubs seem to have been fitted with. I have no business at all in X flex, but I saw a similarly good deal to yours on some TM RAC MBs in X100 and I thought they were worth buying out of curiosity if nothing else. Turns out they're actually quite playable. There's maybe a bit more temptation to try and thrash them, but what I find is that so long as I remain conscious of my rhythm and tempo, good shots fly and feel much the same as any other irons.

Here is a link. The clubs are in Wellington FL... http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/spo/5593478069.html

Yeah pick those up for 50. You could probably resell the others to get your 50 back

Last model for wilson forged by hoffman. These have an excellent feel and playability factor. Can get them on the cheap.

TimV snag those babies for the price. Great find.

BUY them at that price....even with the stiff shafts. That's way too good a deal to pass up. What Craigslist area? I'd love to take a peek at them

 

I know I would. By swing speed, I'm probably as much an R flex as an S flex, especially in Dynamic Gold which the majority of my clubs seem to have been fitted with. I have no business at all in X flex, but I saw a similarly good deal to yours on some TM RAC MBs in X100 and I thought they were worth buying out of curiosity if nothing else. Turns out they're actually quite playable. There's maybe a bit more temptation to try and thrash them, but what I find is that so long as I remain conscious of my rhythm and tempo, good shots fly and feel much the same as any other irons.

Right on. As long as your mechanics and positions are reasonable, rhythm and tempo are THE keys to hitting blades.

I have a set and they are one of the best Staff blades in my opinion. Looks, feel and playability are all first class.

TimV-

Wilson Staff FG-51s are a great pickup at that price.

Get them-- i have a 7 iron its a great club

If nothing else u can sell them for $50 if u dont like them

Craigslist ad says $20! That FG-51 set includes a 1 iron too! Run, don't walk, and snatch those things up!

Craigslist ad says $20! That FG-51 set includes a 1 iron too! Run, don't walk, and snatch those things up!

^^^This^^^ I've paid more for less on ePay and then had to lay out shipping to Canada on top of it all. That's such a good deal I'm tempted to call him and ask if he'll ship it.