Expert Review: Wilson D9 Irons
All photos courtesy of David L. Brown
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the golf club, which I tested for one day in January of 2023.
My take
The Wilson D9 Irons are a solid option for those looking to gain more distance in the mid-range game. These irons are geared for mid to high-tiered handicappers who want to take their game to the next level.
About the clubs I tested
- Model: Wilson D9 Irons
- Loft setting: 7 iron - 27 degrees, 9 iron - 37 degrees
- Shaft type: Steel
- Shaft flex: Regular
About me
- Average score: 79
- Handicap: 7
- Experience: 22 years experience of playing golf
- Right/Left-Handed: Left-Handed
- Typical ball flight: High
- Golf ball used: 2022 Callaway Chrome Soft Triple Track
- Club swing speed: 97mph
Test conditions
- When I tested the clubs: January 2023
- Days tested: 1
- Where I’ve used it: Simulator
- Weather and wind conditions: Indoor simulator
How it performs
What I was looking for
I was looking for new irons as my TaylorMade Racs are from 2008. I wanted to find a club that created more distance and feel within my mid-range game.
Why I chose to test these clubs
I looked into these irons as my father-in-law got fitted for them last year, and it seemed like a solid set. However, I didn’t buy these irons myself, as in my testing session, I found that the Callaway Rogues and the TaylorMade Stealths were higher performing from a distance and workability standpoint.
What I love about it
- Forgiveness: The forgiveness was good due to its power sole and head design, as off-centered hits still traveled a ways and rarely were 10-20 yards off the target line.
- Sound: The sound was simple, with a normal tinging noise. When it comes to sound, I am only looking for something that doesn't have a loud, ear-piercing ping.
- Shaft Feel: The regular steel flex irons allowed me to move through the ball and create solid, consistent contact, which made me feel confident as my ball flight was going where I liked.
- Shaft Performance: The shaft performance was good overall as they allowed me to consistently strike the ball and have the same spin rate over and over at around 7,500rpms.
- Launch Angle: The ball flew off the face quickly and felt better than my TaylorMade Racs, but I am willing to bet that’s because of the new technology. These launch off the face just fine for the average golfer because it stays relatively low, creating consistent ball flights.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Distance: The distance was comparable to my TaylorMade Racs, but compared to the Callaway Rogues and TaylorMade Stealths, they averaged 5-10 yards less with each shot.
- Feel: The feel was average at best, as the face didn’t offer much feedback on mishits. The ball was felt instantly through my hands when it was thin or chunky.
- Workability: The workability was very basic, and I wanted to move the ball more from right to left but couldn’t do so. Compared to the Callaway Rogue STs, I felt it wasn’t close in terms of the maneuverability of the ball.
- Adjustability: The irons were the stock irons off the shelf, so the clubs were not adjusted.
- Aesthetic Appeal: These irons are pretty boring, in my opinion. They don’t have much flash, and the black, silver, and gold could be way cooler if designed differently.
- Grip Feel: The default grips were Lamkin grips that were slippery to me. I prefer Golf Pride grips on my irons and would look at customizing the grips if I were to purchase these clubs.
Best shot with these clubs
No shot stands out to me, but I did not have any terrible slices or duck hooks. I left my testing session thinking these would be a solid option for a straightforward golfer who wants to take their game more seriously or for someone looking at a first set.
Value for the money vs. other options
These irons are a good option for someone who does not want to break the bank on an iron set. However, when it comes to performance and price, I would lean to the Callaway Mavriks, as those are crazy consistent and are the best bang for their buck.
Final verdict
The Wilson D9 Irons are great for the basic golfer looking to improve their game or would be great for someone just starting. However, I would look elsewhere at the TaylorMade Stealths or Callaway Rogue series for the more serious golfer.
Wilson D9 Irons
- We price match
- Returnable