Wilson Staff D9 Iron Review

We test out the new D9 iron from Wilson Staff

Wilson Staff D9 Iron Review
(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
Golf Monthly Verdict

If you’re looking for maximum distance from a set of irons that are easy to hit and don’t break the bank, the Wilson Staff D9 is one of the stand out choices coming in at just £499 for a 5-PW set.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Lightweight and explosive feel makes it is easy to swing this iron fast and achieve longer carries

  • +

    Forgiving off-centre

  • +

    Provides exceptional value at this price point

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Lightweight feel may effect timing initially

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Wilson Staff D9 Iron Review

The Wilson Staff D7 became one of the best pound-for-pound distance irons when it launched at the end of 2018 so we were keen to discover if the new D9 iron could match it or even exceed it when it came to performance.

Watch as Joel Tadman discovers if the D9 was the longest iron at the time of launch

There are fewer Power Holes on the sole this time, Wilson has reverted to just two guided by computer modelling software to produce the most efficient design in terms of their length and positioning.

wilson-D9-iron-sole-web

The lofts have got a degree stronger than D7 (the 7-iron is now 27°) and we tested it both on the Foresight Sports GCQuad launch monitor and outdoors at Burghley Park Golf Club to assess the feel, flight and forgiveness.

wilson-staff-D9-iron-address-web

At address it offers up a clean, traditional look with a generous topline width and offset to inspire confidence. It has a wide sole too and up to the 7-iron the back of the sole is visible in the playing position on the heel side, which not everyone will like. But the sole does have a decent amount of camber to it so it will play a little narrower than it looks and offer good forgiveness through the turf.

The first thing that strikes you is the lightweight feel. It comes with the KBS Max Ultralite shaft as standard, the lightest steel shaft KBS offers, and as a result it feels very easy to swing fast. This also contributes to a higher launch. In fact, the peak height of this iron was surprisingly high given the lofts and while the spin was lower than most irons we’ve tested of a similar loft, the steep descent angle should provide enough stopping power.

wilson staff D9 iron data

The distance this iron generated really impressed us. Carries often exceeded 190 yards, undoubtedly making it one the longest irons we’ve tested, even against the more recently-launched irons like the Cobra Radspeed and TaylorMade SIM2 Max OS. It's worth mentioning the stock shaft length of the D9 7-iron is 37.5", a touch longer than most other irons contributing somewhat to the extra yardage.

The other thing that really stands out with this iron is the feel - the D9 feels as hot as a three wood or a driver out of the middle and feels nearly as good on slight mishits too.

wilson-staff-D9-iron-testing-web

The head itself is really stable - it’s unlikely you’ll be able to work the ball much but those after a straighter ball flight will enjoy what D9 has to offer. The lightweight feel may mean your control of the clubface is a bit off initially but once you get used to how it feels, your timing should improve with every round if you have a set in your bag.

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Deputy Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 14 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all equipment and video content at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader or viewer find exactly what they are looking for.

One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 2.8.

Joel's current What's In The Bag?

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9°, Fujikura Ventus Black 6 S shaft.

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15°

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18°

Irons: Titleist T150, 4-PW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM10, 50°, 54° and 58°

Putter: LAB Golf DF3

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x