It’s the No.1 golf ball we’ve tested for two years in a row – so why are 99% of us not trying it?

For the second consecutive year, this golf ball has beaten the likes of Titleist, TaylorMade, Srixon, and Callaway to top our 2025 robot test.

If there is such a thing as robot royalty in the world of golf ball testing… then this golf ball has a substantial stake to the crown.

For the second year running, this tour-caliber, four-piece urethane golf ball has outpunched its heavyweight rivals to the title of Today’s Golfer Golf Ball Robot Test Winner in our biggest ever head-to-head of 62 of the game’s most popular models.

That’s why it remains surprising to us, given how we know this ball performs, not to see it given more of a crack at the elite level… and in the bag of more amateurs!

Its rarity in the bags of the world’s best players is one explanation, with many of us defaulting to the tour-dominant Titleist Pro V1 franchise, or premium tour-level offerings from other powerhouse brands such as TaylorMade, Callaway, and Srixon.

But if our testing has shown us anything over the years, it’s that there are so many incredibly competitive models in the golf ball market that you simply won’t see on tour, and you could be doing your game a disservice by not swapping in and out of the best golf balls to see which one might be perfect for you.

And if you’re yet to give this ball a shot (or 80-odd), then it’s about time you did.

Our 2025 Golf Ball Robot Test winner is the Wilson Staff Model X, joined on the podium by its softer sibling, the Wilson Staff Model.

Why do we use a robot to test golf balls?

For the third year running, we used a $100,000 robot to test golf balls across every conceivable metric. We collected data at three driver speeds (114 mph, 93 mph, and 84 mph), representing the real-world average swing speeds of PGA Tour pros, LPGA Tour pros & male club golfers, and female club golfers, respectively. We additionally collected 7-iron data at 80 mph and 56-degree wedge data from a 40-yard pitch shot. 

• Best golf balls for fast swing speeds
• Best golf balls for average swing speeds
• Best golf balls for slow swing speeds

We know from years of experience that a robot is the only way to guarantee the consistency of strike required to isolate the one variable we are trying to test: the performance of the golf ball. Even the world’s best golfers can’t hit a ball exactly the same way, time after time, which brings in other variables. That’s why every golf manufacturer uses a robot when developing golf balls, and it’s why we use a robot to test those golf balls head-to-head.

Thanks to the robot’s adjustability, it’s possible to control lie angle, swing path, face angle, attack angle, impact location, hip rotation, and wrist action at swing speeds from 5 – 130 mph. There simply isn’t a better swinger out there – not even among the world’s best golfers.

When selecting our equipment test winners, we employ human testing – both on a launch monitor and on the course – to gauge intangibles like sound and feel. However, for pure data, a robot is a must-have.

So, why is the Wilson Staff Model X worth your attention?

To find our Golf Ball Robot Test winners, we aggregated five rankings across driving, approach-play, and short game performance, which we believe the vast majority of golfers, irrespective of ability, would consider desirable.

And rising to the top of those tee-to-green rankings in 2025 is the Wilson Staff Model X, followed by the standard Staff Model, with Srixon’s Z-Star Diamond and Callaway’s Chrome Tour X narrowly behind.

• Best golf balls for distance
• Best golf balls for approach play
• Best golf balls for short game

Now, that’s not to say these balls are irrefutably better than their tour-level rivals, as the optimal ball for your specific game requirements will more likely be found by digging deeper into the data.

However, if you are looking for a great all-rounder to add to your shortlist, then have read through our findings below and see if you come to the same conclusion.

Driver performance

Long story short. The Wilson Staff Model family is fast and long at all swing speeds, but especially if you are capable of wielding your big stick at the average club golfer swing speed (93 mph) and above.

While the Callaway Chrome Tour registered the fastest ball speeds (165.1 mph) and carry distances (275.4 yds) across the whole test, the Wilson’s were hot on its heels, registering top ball speeds within 0.4 mph and carry distances within 1.1 yds.

The X model ranked 3rd for ball speed at both 114 and 93 mph swing speeds, and fourth at slower speeds of 78 mph. This led to carry distances that ranked 5^th, 6^th, and 4^th, respectively, across the entire 62-ball lineup. The standard Staff Model edged its fimer sibling off-the-tee at tour-level swing speeds, with the results vice-versa at 93 mph and below.

*Results from the 27 tour-level models tested at the 114 mph swing speed. Rankings reported in relation to the entire 62-ball sample.

Approach performance

In assessing approach performance, we aggregated the rankings of descent angle (a key component of stopping power) and carry distance consistency (integral for having confidence in your shot selection).

The Staff Model X delivered the steepest descent angle on test (45.4°), with the Staff Model ranking 7^th, just 0.2° shallower.

Both models ranked comfortably within the top third of our test for their consistency of carry, which, when combined with their descent ranking, scored the pair at 9^th and 10^th overall for approach performance with a 7-iron.

The Vice Pro reported the tightest carry consistency, with all three of the Srixon Z-Star models performing exceptionally in this area.

*Results from the 27 tour-level models tested. Rankings reported in relation to the entire 62-ball sample.

Short game performance

Getting those awkward 40 to 50 yard pitches to dig their teeth in on the green and nestle up to the pin is super desirable for most amateur golfers, and key to saving pars or avoiding three putts when the approach goes awry.  

In this year’s test, we engineered this exact wedge shot into our protocol to see which of our 62 balls had the most bite.

And yes, you guessed it…the Wilson Staff Model X was up there again at 6,091 rpm, ranking 4th behind the Callaway Chrome Tour X, Srixon Z-Star Diamond, and TaylorMade TP5. The standard Staff Model ranked 12^th for spin at 5,993 rpm.

*Results from the 27 tour-level models tested. Rankings reported in relation to the entire 62-ball sample.

Consistency

The realities of mass manufacturing mean that minor imperfections and discrepancies exist from one ball to the next. That’s why Bryson DeChambeau famously floats his balls in an Epsom salt solution to check their balance and discard any that don’t meet his exacting standards.

Instead of running a bath, we quantified the consistency of each of the 62 models by examining the variability across four directly measured metrics – ball speed, launch angle, backspin, and compression.

Remember, the robot is as consistent as it gets, and the test is done in a controlled indoor center to remove environmental variables, so any changes in performance can be attributed to inconsistencies between the balls.

Both the Staff Model and Staff Model X demonstrated high consistency, ranking 5th and 15th, respectively, in our overall consistency rankings. This means they are not only two of the best-performing models but also reliable in delivering the outcomes your swing achieves shot after shot.

*Consistency rankings across four metrics for the most consistent 20 models on test.

Everything you need to know about our test winners

Wilson Staff Model X

The most dominant Tour-level golf ball

Best overall golf ball

Price: $49.99

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Price: $49.99

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Alternative Retailers

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Robot test verdict

This is arguably the best golf ball in the game. The Wilson Staff Model X is the gold medal winner for tee to green performance at 93mph and 78mph, silver medal winner for tee to green performance at 114mph, silver medal winner for off-the-tee performance, and bronze medal winner for approach play and short game spin.

No other golf ball in our test has received as many awards as the Staff Model X. It's the only golf ball to have received an award in every category.

Staff Model X isn't the longest or fastest golf ball at any of the three driver swing speeds we tested, but it's consistently towards the top of the rankings. It's a higher-spinning golf ball compared to the Staff Model, and that is highlighted with its approach play and short game performance.

This golf ball lands with the steepest descent angle of all 62 tested (45.4°), which helps it easily hit and hold greens. Pair that with the fourth-highest backspin (4,782rpm) and you have a recipe for success.

With the 40-yard pitch shot, Staff Model X generated the third-highest spin (6,091) and again, a steep descent angle (35.5°), meaning this golf ball will stop very quickly when playing around the greens.

On-course verdict

Since being released at the start of 2024, the Staff Model X has been one of my favourite golf balls to play with over the past couple of years. I have a ton of confidence in this model whenever I put it in play. It has become a go-to golf ball for me when I'm not playing my best golf because I know I can trust it to perform well and true.

With its firm feel, it may not appeal to every golfer, but this makes the ball extremely responsive, providing brilliant feedback on all shots. The firm feel is noticeable, compared to softer golf balls, but after a couple of rounds, you practically forget it's a firm golf ball.

Off the tee, the Staff Model X offers slightly more spin than the Staff Model, but that doesn't hinder its overall carry distance. The higher-spinning nature of this model means greenside spin and control is very strong.

The Wilson Staff Model X is the full package. If you're shopping for a premium Tour-level golf ball, this is the No.1 option for golfers of all abilities to consider.

Read our full Wilson Staff Model X golf ball review.

Pros & Cons Specs Features

Pros

• Extremely responsive thanks to the firm-feeling
• Performs highly for golfers of all abilities
• Amazing short-game spin and control

Cons

• Higher-spinning than the Staff Model off the tee

Carry distance (yds)	Driver 114mph - 273.7 | Driver 93mph - 209.8 | Driver 78mph - 162.2 | 7-iron - 156.1
Ball speed (mph)	Driver 114mph - 164.3 | Driver 93mph - 134.6 | Driver 78mph - 113.4 | 7-iron - 109.3
Backspin (rpm)	Driver 114mph - 2,797 | Driver 93mph - 2,792 | Driver 78mph - 2,623 | 7-iron - 4,782 | Pitch - 6,091
Launch angle (°)	Driver 114mph - 11.2 | Driver 93mph - 12.5 | Driver 78mph - 13.8 | 7-iron - 21 | Pitch - 30.4
Descent angle (°)	Driver 114mph - 38.4 | Driver 93mph - 32.6 | Driver 78mph - 28.1 | 7-iron - 45.4 | Pitch - 35.5
Peak height (yds)	Driver 114mph - 33.7 | Driver 93mph - 22.6 | Driver 78mph - 15.9 | 7-iron - 30 | Pitch - 6.7
Compression (psi)	114

• V-Cor advanced performance
• Firm compression core with velocity-boosting additive
• 3SIX2 seamless urethane cover
• 362 dimples
• 4-Piece construction
• Available in white and yellow

Wilson Staff Model

Gold medal for tee to green performance at 114mph

Best soft-feeling golf ball

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Robot test verdict

The Wilson Staff Model is a very impressive golf ball that unfortunately sits in the shadow of the Staff Model X. That might sound harsh, considering this is the best golf ball for tee to green performance at 114mph in this category.

At the 114mph driver swing speed, this is the third-longest golf ball, and one of only three to exceed 274 yards in the entire test. At a moderate and slower swing speed, the Staff Model is a solid performer, but not as strong as the Staff Model X - third at 93mph and second at 78mph.

There is one area where the Staff Model outshines the Staff Model X, and that's with approach play. Staff Model scooped up the silver medal for approach play with the Staff Model X, one place behind in the bronze medal position.

Approaching and playing around the greens, the Staff Model doesn't generate as much spin as the Staff Model X, but its distance is more consistent. Despite being a lower-spinning golf ball, you might be able to trust the Staff Model more to carry a repeatable distance - even if it is shorter.

At quick swing speeds, this is definitely a good option if you want a golf ball that can do everything, but with the Staff Model X just behind at 114mph for tee to green performance, and given how it's better-performing almost everywhere else, it's hard not to recommend the Staff Model X instead.

That being said, the best way to differentiate is if you want a lower-spinning, softer golf ball, go for the Staff Model.

On-course verdict

The Staff Model is a very strong performer from tee to green. If you don't want a high-spinning, firm-feeling golf ball, this is your best option. This model isn't as impressive as the Staff Model X, but it's pretty darn close.

From tee to green, the Staff Model is super consistent, and it ticks a lot of boxes for the majority of golfers. Regardless of your ability or swing speed, the Staff Model will work for you if you want a golf ball that's easy to control when playing into and around greens and competitive for distance off the tee.

There's a ton to like about the Staff Model, and its softer feel compared to the Staff Model X is sure to please a lot of golfers.

Read our full Wilson Staff Model golf ball review.

Pros & Cons Specs Features

Pros

• Incredible distance off the tee
• Amazing short game performance
• Softer feel will be appreciated by many golfers

Cons

• Overall performance is just below that of the Staff Model X 

Carry distance (yds)	Driver 114mph - 274.3 | Driver 93mph - 209.2 | Driver 78mph - 161.7 | 7-iron - 156.3
Ball speed (mph)	Driver 114mph - 164.7 | Driver 93mph - 134 | Driver 78mph - 113.3 | 7-iron - 109
Backspin (rpm)	Driver 114mph - 2,829 | Driver 93mph - 2,703 | Driver 78mph - 2,595 | 7-iron - 4,653 | Pitch - 5,993
Launch angle (°)	Driver 114mph - 11.2 | Driver 93mph - 12.8 | Driver 78mph - 13.9 | 7-iron - 21.1 | Pitch - 30.6
Descent angle (°)	Driver 114mph - 38.6 | Driver 93mph - 32.4 | Driver 78mph - 28 | 7-iron - 45.2 | Pitch - 35.8
Peak height (yds)	Driver 114mph - 34.1 | Driver 93mph - 22.5 | Driver 78mph - 15.8 | 7-iron - 29.8 | Pitch - 6.8
Compression (psi)	112

• V-Cor advanced performance
• Medium compression core with velocity-boosting additive
• 3SIX2 seamless urethane cover
• 362 dimples
• 4-Piece construction
• Available in white and yellow

Read more from our 2025 equipment testing:

• Best drivers 2025 – our data-backed test
• Best irons 2025 – the best in every category
• Best wedges 2025 – the year’s spin kings