Wilson Staff Vizor Level 2 M3
Golfmagic joins 10 testers at Horsley Lodge Golf Club in Derby to test some of the best new mallets in the game
Brand: Wilson Staff
Putter: Vizor Level 2 M3
Design: Mallet
RRP: £120
Loft: 3-degree Lie: 70-degree
Head Weight: 370g
Available lengths: 34-35"
Summary: Wilson Staff Vizor Level 2 M3 features an improved version of last year's I-Lock technology - the concept of which is to help the golfer make sure his or her eyes are in a position directly over the putter and the target line at address. This time the I-Lock system has been altered slightly. There is more open alignment 'bridge' to allow additional light in for a quicker and easier confirmation of being over the target line. The 'bridge' is now level with the ground for a more consistent eye and address position and there is a single colour, high contrast black/white alignment aid.
Looks: Testers preferred the frosted silver head finish featuring refined edges and detailing in comparison to last year's original Vizor. Testers were split on the I-Lock technology. Seven testers said they could see how I-Lock aids the golfer in positioning eyes directly over ball and line of putt, while the remaining five struggled to see much logic behind it. 3.2 (out of 5)
Feel: New urethane insert provided all 12 testers with a soft feel from close and long range, several of which explained it was the softest feeling putter in the test and how sound provided great feedback. Some said it was too soft and that led to several putts pulling up a few feet short from the 15-feet range. Five testers commented on the comfort of the Wilson Staff X-Tack synthetic grip. Three testers thought the putter was far too light in the hands for a mallet design and that caused problems when the wind picked up. 6.3 (out of 10)
Performance: Several testers thought there was just too much going on in the sense of looking at the cup, lining the putt up and then worrying whether you were pushed, pulled or locked in to the I-Lock system. When you're a little nervous - let's face it, we all get jittery on the greens - seeing lines flick back and forth isn't exactly ideal. Nevertheless, despite being a distraction, the majority of testers agreed it was a helpful putting aid and one they gradually got used to in the test. 6.9 (out of 10)
Verdict: Decent value for money at £120 when you consider it's nice soft face feeling insert. Great to see Wilson Staff moving in the right direction again with its new family of golf clubs for 2014. Vizor Level 2 won't be everyone's cup of tea but if you like the idea of an alignment system that tells you when you're locked in and ready to drain a putt, this is well worth a look. 16.4 (out of 25)
Results: 89 putts holed (out of 180)
| Tester | Name | Handicap | 3-feet | 6-feet | 15-feet |
| 1 | Andy | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| 2 | Charlie | 14 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| 3 | Tom | +3 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| 4 | Dean | Pro | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| 5 | Sam | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| 6 | Steve | 13 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| 7 | Jerry | 16 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| 8 | Damian | 17 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| 9 | Gareth | 20 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| 10 | Andrew | 21 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| 11 | Dick | 23 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| 12 | Bob | 26 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Final Results
Andy first joined the brand on a month's work experience back in April 2011, and he now assumes the Editor role. When Andy joined GolfMagic it was a small site with potential.
