Wilson Staff C300 £349
www.wilson.com
◆ Lofts: 9° / 10.5° / 12°
◆ Shaft: Fujikura Speeder Pro 58 ◆ Adjustable hosel: Yes
◆ Loft change: +2/-1°
TECH: Power holes have featured in irons for a number of years, but the C300 is the first to bring the tech to the crown, toe and sole of a driver. Wilson says it improves ball speeds across the entire face, and alone can add seven yards of extra distance. Three sole weights (2 x 6g, 1 x 2g) can be interchanged to dial in a neutral, draw or fade bias.
WE SAY: Like hybrids it seems drivers have evolved very much into a couple of body-width categories recently. Wide, stretched drivers target forgiveness and protection of ball speed, but taller, narrower heads help reduce spin and improve workability. The C300 is unashamedly in the taller category (it has a very deep face) meaning it’s likely to appeal to the “players” market. Slightly surprisingly the C300 was our pro’s lowest-spinning driver, which meant it naturally performed well for distance. A 268-yard carry average was just six yards shy of his longest, which has to say something positive about the effectiveness of Wilson’s Power Hole tech. Red heads aren’t usually everyone’s cup of tea, but this one looks really nice.
TOP GEAR VERDICT
Wilson is targeting a very specific player with the C300; if you fit the bill, you won’t be let down by the performance on offer. Don’t be put off by the Power Holes, which fade into the design at address. If you own a powerful swing that could benefit from cutting spin the C300 should definitely be on your shortlist to try.