Wilson Staff Blades

[tpartee]

I picked these up at a local golf store in their used bin and was wondering if anyone new what year these are from or the years they were made. Thanks for your help.

[tpartee]

I picked these up at a local golf store in their used bin and was wondering if anyone new what year these are from or the years they were made. Thanks for your help.
Added a picture of the 7 iron face. All other irons are in same or better condition.
[attachment=652074:081.JPG]
[attachment=652191:090.JPG]

[XYB34A]

they are called buttonbacks. depends on what the shaft label says. late 60's or they did a reissue of them around 89-91 somewhere in there.

[Dr_evil]

Awesome looking set there nice score seeing as they look pretty much unused

[tpartee]

[quote name='justaman5' timestamp='1283806157' post='2681926']
they are called buttonbacks. depends on what the shaft label says. late 60's or they did a reissue of them around 89-91 somewhere in there.
[/quote]

The shafts in them are DG S400. Whether those are the originals or replacements I don't know. The clubs and faces are in excellent shape and the best part is that I only paid $21 for them.

[honketyhank]

The original Buttonbacks were 1973. They had an "Ultralite" steel shaft. Since your shafts are Dynamic Gold, they were installed no earlier than the 1980s (whether original or replacements). In any case, a DARN good deal for $21, especially considering how good condition they appear to be in.

[farmer]

One small point is that Wilson made a dept store line and what was called a pro line that was sold only in green grass shops. These irons were the top of the line pro line clubs.

[tpartee]

So I decided to take these out for a round just to see how they would play. To say they are unforgiving is an understatement. If I didn't hit these on the sweet spot or real close to it, they just didn't go very far. I think it had more to do with the length of the irons compared to my normal set. They are about a half inch shorter and I just couldn't adjust well to these. Now when I did hit them good they felt sweet, the only problem was they were about two clubs shorter on good shots than with my normal irons. That has something to do with the lofts and the length of the clubs though. Think I'll just practice with them in the mean time because I think the feedback is invaluable for grooving a good swing. Oh well it was a pretty cheap experiment anyways.

[dalehead]

One small correction. The button backs were out in 71 and 72. I can still vividly remember bringing my set home from the pro shop. And since we moved from that house soon after, I'm sure it was mid 1972.

Wilson changed the Staff model design every 2 years back then, and in 73 they came out with the model with a changeable swing weight disc in the toe.

[dalehead]

[quote name='honketyhank' timestamp='1283810745' post='2682067']
The original Buttonbacks were 1973. They had an "Ultralite" steel shaft. Since your shafts are Dynamic Gold, they were installed no earlier than the 1980s (whether original or replacements). In any case, a DARN good deal for $21, especially considering how good condition they appear to be in.
[/quote]

In thinking about your post, you are right about the Ultralite being the stock shaft in the button backs. And of course the Dynamic Gold shaft didn't exist in the 70's.

But the ferrules look like the originals Wilson used on these clubs.

So either someome reshafted them and went to the trouble of finding ferrules that were an exact match, or these are the late 80's remake.

A minor point in any case, since either way they are a great pick up, especially at $21.

[honketyhank]

[quote name='dalehead' timestamp='1284333134' post='2692936']
[quote name='honketyhank' timestamp='1283810745' post='2682067']
The original Buttonbacks were 1973. They had an "Ultralite" steel shaft. Since your shafts are Dynamic Gold, they were installed no earlier than the 1980s (whether original or replacements). In any case, a DARN good deal for $21, especially considering how good condition they appear to be in.
[/quote]

In thinking about your post, you are right about the Ultralite being the stock shaft in the button backs. And of course the Dynamic Gold shaft didn't exist in the 70's.

But the ferrules look like the originals Wilson used on these clubs.

So either someome reshafted them and went to the trouble of finding ferrules that were an exact match, or these are the late 80's remake.

A minor point in any case, since either way they are a great pick up, especially at $21.
[/quote]
I noticed the same on the ferrules. I concur fully.

[honketyhank]

[quote name='tpartee' timestamp='1284319210' post='2692587']
So I decided to take these out for a round just to see how they would play. To say they are unforgiving is an understatement. If I didn't hit these on the sweet spot or real close to it, they just didn't go very far. I think it had more to do with the length of the irons compared to my normal set. They are about a half inch shorter and I just couldn't adjust well to these. Now when I did hit them good they felt sweet, the only problem was they were about two clubs shorter on good shots than with my normal irons. That has something to do with the lofts and the length of the clubs though. Think I'll just practice with them in the mean time because I think the feedback is invaluable for grooving a good swing. Oh well it was a pretty cheap experiment anyways.
[/quote]

So you paid $21? Post them somewhere and you can get better. Heck, I'll give you $22.

Let the bidding begin!

[Night train]

The re-issues were made with DG S-400s

[romphill]

Why can't I find clubs for prices like that!?!?! Where are you shopping?

[M85 Macgregor Drive]

[quote name='dalehead' timestamp='1284332689' post='2692925']
One small correction. The button backs were out in 71 and 72. I can still vividly remember bringing my set home from the pro shop. And since we moved from that house soon after, I'm sure it was mid 1972.

Wilson changed the Staff model design every 2 years back then, and in 73 they came out with the model with a changeable swing weight disc in the toe.
[/quote] I was going to say the same thing. I have a bunch of the originals in my rack. You have to be playing very well to hit them consistently, but when you are they have great feel.

[varsityhacker]

Button backs were released in 71 and the s400 shaft points to them being a reissue from the 80's. Great sticks for $21 bucks you could flip them for at least $100+ on FleaBay.

[Shallowface]

[quote name='tpartee' timestamp='1283801728' post='2681804']
I picked these up at a local golf store in their used bin and was wondering if anyone new what year these are from or the years they were made. Thanks for your help.
[/quote]

Definitely 1980s re-issues. If you look at the "Wilson" stamp on the back of the blade, the S and the O are not connected. Wilson made this change in their logo around 1980.

On the 1971-72 originals, the S and O are connected as you would expect in standard cursive writing.

That said, still an awesome find, especially for the price.

[dumpybutz]

If my memory serves me correctly, there were two re-issues of this set/model year. The most recent was in 1992-93. The first re-make was in 1986. I believe they also made the 1967 and 1969 models as well.

I have the 1986 Re-Make Set brand new in an Original Wilson Staff Solid Oak Case.....2-SW

[stage1350]

[quote name='dumpybutz' timestamp='1288023242' post='2758295']
If my memory serves me correctly, there were two re-issues of this set/model year. The most recent was in 1992-93. The first re-make was in 1986. I believe they also made the 1967 and 1969 models as well.

I have the 1986 Re-Make Set brand new in an Original Wilson Staff Solid Oak Case.....2-SW
[/quote]

Agreed. These look like 1986 remakes of '71 Buttonbacks.

Either way, for $21, a great set. Throw a set of grips on them and enjoy! One of Wilson's best designs, along with the '69 bulletback and FG-17.

[Shallowface]

[quote name='dumpybutz' timestamp='1288023242' post='2758295']
If my memory serves me correctly, there were two re-issues of this set/model year. The most recent was in 1992-93. The first re-make was in 1986. I believe they also made the 1967 and 1969 models as well.

I have the 1986 Re-Make Set brand new in an Original Wilson Staff Solid Oak Case.....2-SW
[/quote]

I've never seen any remakes of the 1967s, although they certainly could have using the 1984-85 Tour Blade heads. Virtually identical.

Edwin Watts sold a limited edition remake of the 1965 Staffs during the mid 1980s. I've seen these on Ebay from time to time.

[LYG]

These bring back great memories...think I will throw a new grip on a couple of my 1969 Staffs ("bullet backs") and see how they hit.

It was 25 or 30 degrees today in Atlanta with strong winds (felt like it) so I will wait a few days.

[golfingfool25]

They could use a good refinish but they do look good.

[storm]

i always loved the old wilson blades, great looking clubs

[Bobcat 2]

[quote name='farmer' timestamp='1283822323' post='2682399']
One small point is that Wilson made a dept store line and what was called a pro line that was sold only in green grass shops. These irons were the top of the line pro line clubs.
[/quote]


Years ago wasn't the dept. store line just called "Wison" and the Pro Shop Lines had "Staff" added to delineate the clubs were sold through professsionals and of highest quality.

[hawk59]

[quote name='golfingfool25' timestamp='1292990550' post='2853244']
They could use a good refinish but they do look good.
[/quote]
I respectfully disagree. Those are gorgeous. Put me on the waiting list if you decide to sell. They would make a great pair with mine, although mine have seen quite a bit more play than those.

[M.C.H.]

I have a set of Wilson staff fluid feel blades. I'm pretty sure they came out in the late 70s

[BarneyRubble]

Ah memories...

I bought a set of the remakes in the mid-80's because I threw my set of MacGregor Muirfield's (one club at a time) in a lake after hitting three balls in said lake. I often think of that day and wish I had both sets back.

Good luck with the staff's

Matt

[rod1]

69 dynapowered

[Bob_golf1]

I have a set, Fluid Feel........1972. Great equipment.

[secretmidam]

Great steal and great looking!