2009 Wilson Staff Zip

[jorel6248]

Please share your experience

I'm interested in this ball. How do you distinguish (visually) the 2009 version from the previous? Is the new version really more durable (less shredding/scuffing) as they claim it to be? Distance? Spin? Feel? Thanks.

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

I wonder about the ZIP as well. Is it a rebadged PX3? Is it anything like the 50, which, BTW, I hate.

[toms]

Haven't seen the 2009 version yet, it will be marked ZIP 302 I believe. The 2008 could use a little more bite and durability but for a sub $20 ball it's a ridiculously good ball

[toms]

The 2008 version of the ZIP was the same as the "Improved PX3" that showed-up just before the release of the ZIP. It was a noticeable improvement over the original PX3, in durability and feel.

[bikist33]

They have a picture on the wilson site:

http://www.wilson.com/wilson/staff/product...534374302759026

 

Comparing to the old one, I have one in my hand, it looks like the only cosmetic difference is the "302" on the aiming line. you can see that the dimple design is subtly different as well, still very flat, but the larger dimples are more homegenous looking.

[mary2cute]

I got this information from the R&D man at Wilson Golf who developed the new Wilson Zip ball:

 

The Zip ball performance is a result of its design – as the design is from inside out.

 

Core – Compression of cores is measured based upon the deflection of the ball under an applied load. The more that the core (or ball) deflects under this applied load, the lower the compression of the core/ball. Under a 200 lb. load – a deflection of 0.160" results correlates to a zero compression – and each 0.001" less deflection is equivalent to 1 compression point. The Zip cores have a deflection of roughly 0.170 to 0.180" – which actually correlates to a compression of less than Zero. (On an Atti spring test, the ball would not register a compression as the stiffness of the core is not high enough to compression the spring that is used in the Atti test).

The new 302 dimple patterned helps create a more stable ball flight, whereas the old Zip has 312.

The ball design contributions are as follows:

 

Core – The Zero compression cores provides low spin rate on shots hit with high club velocity. This results in accuracy (less hooks/slices) off the Driver and longer clubs and also contributes to the overall distance of the ball.

 

Mantle – The DuPont HPF mantle is a soft thermoplastic material that provides COR properties that are significantly higher than standard Surlyn materials. DuPont HPF materials also provide/contribute higher spin rate at the same hardness as standard Surlyn materials. The result is that the use of this material improves the COR (for distance performance) and also results in higher spin rate than would be expected froma standard Surlyn mantle.

 

Cover – The soft Surlyn cover blend provides higher spin rate on shots made with slower swing speed (short irons, chipping, etc.).

 

 

The overall concept of the ball is that at high clubhead speeds, the interior portion of the ball is the primary contributing factor to the ball performance. So the effect of the Zero compression core and mantle (low spin rate, high COR) are designed to optimize performance on these shots. As you get closer to the green, and clubhead speed decreases, the outer portions of the ball (HPF Mantle/soft Surlyn cover) become the primary contributing factors to the ball performance. On these shots, the soft surlyn/HPF mantle combination result in higher spin rates and still very good COR.

 

 

 

Neodymium rubber – Neodymium is a type of catalyst that is used in the polymerization of butadiene monomer into polybutadiene. The use of Neodymium catalyst (instead of other catalysts such as Cobalt, Nickel, etc.) is the resultant polybutadiene polymer has an improved stereoisomerism – specifically a higher cis-1.4 content and (more importantly) a lower vinyl-1,2 content. This results in a more "linear" polymer. This is important – as when a golf ball core is molded, a more linear polymer results in a higher COR in the core and resultant golf ball. This becomes more important in low compression golf ball designs, as this COR increase is necessary to overcome generally lower COR properties of low compression cores and soft Surlyn materials.

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

The 2008 version of the ZIP was the same as the "Improved PX3" that showed-up just before the release of the ZIP. It was a noticeable improvement over the original PX3, in durability and feel.

 

I will give them a go, the previous PX3 is a GREAT golf ball and can still be found on shelves every now and then.

[toms]

I've seen them at wallyworld for under $18

[billybaroo]

I picked up a box of these and played part of my last round with them, for $18 IMO it is a very good ball. I like a softer feeling ball, I played the e6/e6+ in the past, but was looking to try something different as around the greens the e6 is not the easiest ball to control (for me). The zip felt great off all clubs, I can't comment on distance though it seemed to fly the same as the prov I was using on the front nine. In terms of spin with a full gw (non-aggressive grooved club too) I was able to stop it or get the ball to jump back 5-10 feet. Greenside chips would hit and check, it took me a bit to get used to that, as I usually play for the e6 roll-out. Felt good off the putter, definitely soft, which is what I like but with good feedback. I was using a putter without a polymer insert FWIW.

 

IMO a good ball that doesn't get much love.

 

On a side note I bought my wife a box of Wilson Luxe ($4/dozen on sale!) and hit it a few times, IMO it felt and played similar to the zip. If she doesn't like them I'll play them early season up here in the great white north for a soft ball that I don't mind if I lose to the bogs of early season golf. Small pink stripe on the ball doesn't bother me.

[prestong]

I really like the new Wilson Zips. I play to a 12 handicap and have 93-98mph swing speed. This is the only ball I can truly feel real compression when I make a good solid strike. I seem to hit these longer with the driver and they are solid into the wind. They also spin enough to give me good green side control. Best part though is that if I do hit one OB or into the woods..no worries. I just drop another and move on.

[Starched]

If you like premium balls these will be too soft. They are the same as the UK version PX3 "soft spin". The regular and discontinued PX3 is much firmer. ZIPs perform great in every category except feel for me. They are sooo soft that there is no feedback. It's like hitting a rubber superball. I have posted about this before. They are just too vague for me. No feeling at all. The better you hit it the less you feel the ball. I have hit perfect shots that seemed fat because I never felt the ball, just the turf. It is like a feather. Would be great on a cold day, but otherwise, not a great choice for me. No click or swoosh, just kind of "boing" Love the PX3 and TX4 though. My SS is 100, hit the driver about 260. 8 hdcp.

[toms]

ZIP = Balata feel (not spin)

[Terpman]

For a slow swing like mine, SS driver is 84-87, these balls do fairly well in every phase of the game but I don't feel like they do anything exceptionally well. They are very good in cold weather, soft off every club, fairly long and spin some around the greens. I do have an issue with them on the green -- they are too soft, almost mushy coming off the putter face. I think I'll stick with my Srixon AD333s.

[toms]

anyone had a chance to play the ball yet? (ZIP 302)

[billybaroo]

anyone had a chance to play the ball yet? (ZIP 302)

My comments, as are several others in this thread pertain to the new 302 version. IMO they are a great ball at a great price.

[toms]

anyone had a chance to play the ball yet? (ZIP 302)

My comments, as are several others in this thread pertain to the new 302 version. IMO they are a great ball at a great price.

 

Any notable differences from the first generation ZIP?

[prestong]

anyone had a chance to play the ball yet? (ZIP 302)

My comments, as are several others in this thread pertain to the new 302 version. IMO they are a great ball at a great price.

 

Any notable differences from the first generation ZIP?

 

 

I have played both and I seem to get really good solid distance with the new 302. I have noticed a good ball flight in the wind, rolls after the drive and it checks on long/short irons.

 

I may not sound like the coolest guy on the first tee when my playing partners state that they are playing Titleist or Callaways and I say "Wilson " but I score just as well as those guys (if not better) and spend allot less.

[toms]

Wilson is cool. Always had a great ball line-up for us mere mortals.

[drbryan29]

I stocked up on Wilson Zips and 50s last year via their free promotion ... everyone in my family "registered." ;)

 

Now I would like to get some more, and I simply can't find a retailer other than the Superstore in Myrtle Beach! Where do y'all get your Wilson golf balls? Nothing at Dick's, Sports Authority, Wallyworld, Target, or Kmart.

 

Thanks.

[toms]

wallys is where I get them, under $19

[prestong]

You can get the Wilson Zips (new and old) at www.tgw.com

[rgk5]

I wonder about the ZIP as well. Is it a rebadged PX3? Is it anything like the 50, which, BTW, I hate.

 

I'll second that opinion.