50 Words or Less
The Wilson D7 Forged irons look like players clubs but are packed with forgiveness. Traditional feel. Plenty of distance without sacrificing control and spin.
Introduction
Rather than release another prototypical super game improvement iron in their D series, Wilson took on an extreme challenge: blending maximum forgiveness with “Tour-level appeal” visually. The result of their efforts is the D7 Forged iron, a club that blends Wilson’s well known Power Hole technology with an appearance usually associated with players clubs.
Check out the Wilson D9 Forged Irons HERE
Looks
Knowing the history of Wilson’s D series irons and their claims about the look of the D7 Forged, I was very eager to get these irons unboxed to have a look for myself. Like any golfer, I’d love to get huge forgiveness in a slim package, but I was skeptical about those two things coexisting.
When I ripped off the plastic and dropped the D7 Forged into an address position, I was extremely impressed. The look of this iron is more in line with Wilson’s C series, almost bordering on an FG series players club. There’s very little offset, and the top line is average for a game improvement iron. Behind the ball, this is a great looking club.
I was equally surprised and impressed by the look of the D7 Forged in the bag. Typically game improvement and super game improvement irons feature bold graphics and loud colors. The D7 Forged eschews trendy colors for a timeless silver and black color scheme. The shaping of the cavity is bold and modern, but that’s balanced out by toned down branding. When you see these irons on the shelf or in the bag, “Super Game Improvement” will be the furthest thing from your mind.
Sound & Feel
With two rows of Power Holes along the sole, I swung the Wilson D7 Forged irons expecting a bouncy impact feel. I was surprised to find that the first contact felt very solid, like a traditional forged iron. Also like a traditional forging, I could clearly feel mishits. They didn’t sting my hands at all, but I could easily locate where the ball met the face.
In addition to a traditional feel, impact creates a crisp sound on good swings. When you miss the center of the face, the sound gets a little mushy which provides good feedback.
Performance
Before launching into details, I want to say this clearly: I am extremely impressed with the Wilson D7 Forged irons. Relative to its size, this is one of the most forgiving irons out there. Also, if you like forgiveness but not offset, this is a must try.
The number one thing that makes the D7 Forged so impressive is the consistency of the ball speed and spin. I was hitting shot after shot on a launch monitor, a wide array of good and bad swings, and the ball speed simply wasn’t moving that much. If a flushed shot launched at 120 MPH, I was still getting 117 MPH out of a shot in the heel. This is the #1 ingredient in consistent carry distances and more greens in regulation.
As I’ve mentioned in other iron reviews, a major issue with some modern distance irons is the lack of spin. Wilson was cognizant of this problem, and made sure to give the D7 Forged irons plenty of stopping power. The ball flight is still strong, but there’s enough spin to hold a green. It’s also worth noting that the spin is extremely consistent, even when you strike it low on the face.
All this consistency plus the limited offset adds up to a set that is a pleasure to hit. Especially in the winter, I tend to hit the shots I need to hit and get on to other things. With the D7 Forged, I could work the ball easily and virtually every shot was good, so I just kept swinging.
The one caveat that needs to be added here, as with all stronger lofted irons, is that you need to be mindful of your gapping. I tend to launch the ball fairly low, so I get a lot of distance out of my short and mid irons, but that tails off in the long irons. If I were to game the D7 Forged, I would stop my set at the 5I because the 4I is only longer when I absolutely pure it. This is true for me in virtually every set with stronger lofts.
Conclusion
I want to say it again, the Wilson D7 Forged irons are one of the more impressive sets of irons I’ve tested recently. For an iron that looks this good to deliver this much forgiveness is excellent. And for Wilson to keep the price of the set under $1,000 is also great. If your eyes like a traditional iron but your game needs forgiveness, the Wilson D7 Forged irons are the perfect compromise.
Wilson D7 Forged Irons Price & Specs
Matt Saternus
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Wilson continues to roll! I wish they had come up with anything besides “Power holes”… something catchy like “Hammerhead Generators” maybe…
Hi Matt, great write up. I gamed C200s for a couple of seasons and these have me considering returning to Wilson. Was your testing with the steel or graphite shafts? Thanks!
Steel.
Seems similar to the Srixon Z585. Filling the same niche.
What a great review! I’m currently looking for a new set of irons to replace my Mizuno forged set which is 15 years old. Being 76 yrs. old with an 18 handicap, this Wilson D7 forged set seems a perfect fit. I will go test these soon! Thank you!!
I can’t wait Matt . I always look forward to seeing what Wilson Staff brings out.
Sounds like a great set of irons to be fit with. I practice so much with my p790 I had to add extra clubs. I wore some clubs out on the hitting mat using wiffle balls.
I would love to test this set of clubs looks fabulous
Wilson certainly kicking some goals with the D7s and Staff Blades both getting a huge amount of love from both Matt and many others. The idea of something that looks this good and by Matt’s account, feels good, with decent forgiveness sounds like the holey grail. (pun intended).
What spin numbers did you see with the 7i and you said the impact felt solid but did it feel more soft like a forged or harder like a cast iron?
Viktor,
It had a forged feel. Spin was average throughout the set.
-Matt
I’m assuming you tested the 7i. Curious to know what you got in terms of carry, total distance, ball speed, CH speed etc. Also, did you test with the stock shaft.
Currently gaming C300 forged. Thanks
I tested the entire set. 7I flew 165-170.
-Matt
should I get steel shafts or forged,im 70 ,but fairly string still, money not a problem
Richard,
I would strongly suggest being fit. A fitter can make sure you’re in the right club head, shaft, and that the specs are dialed in for you.
Best,
Matt
Have now hit these and they are awesome. Look good, ridiculously forgiving and feel good (unlike most “distance” irons). Adds every bit of a full club to my gamers, which are Hogan Ptx. Modest 7 iron SS of 81-82 and getting 150m (165 yards) of carry. Have access to an indoor training facility with Trackman so numbers should be accurate.
Matt, was hoping you do a “myths” test on spin numbers of these types of irons vs. one piece forged. Maybe compare this with the Wilson Staff Blade? However, please don’t just test the same iron … i.e. 7v7. As the D7 is likely a club longer, test 2 clubs that will give you same carry distance (i.e. D7 8 irons vs. Blade 7 iron). I keep reading reviewers talk about low spin numbers (i.e. they’re not getting 1000 rpm per club compared to a blade). But I think this is misleading. Spin (and height for that matter) should also take into account carry distance more so than a number on the bottom of the club. Would be good to use the same shaft in both as well. Love the PIG
Jason,
I’m unclear as to exactly what the myth is. Most distance irons do spin far less than blades. Some offset that with higher launch, others don’t. And this isn’t a good or bad thing, it’s just a fitting variable that players and fitters need to consider when making their choices. Please let me know if I’m missing something here.
Thanks,
Matt
Sorry Matt. Very late reply. The Myth comment was related to distance irons having a rep of low spin. Typically when compared though testers compare say 30degree 7 iron GI to a 34 in the players . It would be good to compare spin based on 2 clubs that go the same distance, not based on the number stamped on the bottom. I hope that makes sense.
I just bought a set and played with them for the first time yesterday. They feel nice but we’re a club shorted than last year’s D7.
For now I am blaming it on the weather, wet ground and wind.
You should blame it on loft and the type of club. You can’t expect it to go as far as a SGI that’s 2,5 degrees stronger…
Great review as always Matt. What are your thoughts on this iron vs the Srixon 7585? What would you say feels more in line with a forged players iron to be used in the longer irons of a blended set.
Tony,
If you’re looking to play blades in the short irons, the Srixon is going to feel like a more natural extension, but the Wilson will make the long irons easier to hit. If I’m misunderstanding your question, please let me know.
Best,
Matt
Great thanks Matt, that does.
In a straight head to head full set would you go Wilson or the Srixon
Tony,
It’s been a while since I’ve had the Srixon irons in hand, so I’m a bit hesitant to say. I do think the Wilson is easier to hit so I think I’d lean that way.
Best,
Matt
If you could between the Forged tech irons and the D7 forged, which would you choose as the better iron?
I don’t think either one is objectively better, it’s a matter of preference on looks, feel, and performance needs. Personally, I really like the Cobras.
-Matt
Hi Matt, could I ask which iron between the Wilson D7 forged and PXG 0211 would you pick overall? Comparing sound and feel, performance and consistency? Thanks
Alex,
If I were buying, I’d hit them head to head and let the numbers decide. Subjectively, I prefer the D7 Forged because there’s a bit less offset.
-Matt
Great video. Couple of questions: how was the sole width? I know a lot of players distance irons still struggle with wider soles. Is there something you can compare it to?
Second, and understanding that there would need to be fitting and loft adjustments, could these be combo with new staff can irons or are the concepts too different in your opinion?
Riley,
Second question first: I don’t think any sets can’t be combo’d, it’s just a matter of how much work you want to put into tweaking lofts, potentially playing two 6Is, etc.
As for the sole width, I found these very playable. Without having the iron in hand, I’m going to pass on a comparison for fear of inaccuracy.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt, how does the blade length and look at address compare to the C300 forged? Thanks
Alex,
Matt Meeker wrote the C300 Forged review here: https://pluggedingolf.com/wilson-staff-c300-forged-irons-review/
I’ve never had them in hand, so I can’t give you an educated comparison.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt
I really like the look of the D7 irons especially the forged. I’m starting playing golf again after a break of 14 years. I was a 36 handicap when I stopped playing. Should I be considering the D7 or the D7 forged ( im thinking of the future when considering forged). I’m hoping to be fitted for new clubs at a Wilson Staff demo day at my golf club in August. What are your thoughts
Norman,
I would suggest that you try both and see which one performs better and which one you prefer the looks and feel of. The D7 is going to be more forgiving but that doesn’t mean you’ll swing it better.
Best,
Matt
How would you say these compare to the Mavrik Pro’s?
Michael,
They’re in the same category, both very forgiving and long given their size.
-Matt
Love your reviews. Read review on i210 and see you have high opinions of both, but could you give your personal POV on D7 Forged vs i210 with regard the important metrics (distance, spin, forgiveness)? Thanks!
Darren,
Without testing them head to head, I’m hesitant to offer any comparisons like that. They’re both great, and I would include them both in a fitting if I were looking for a new iron.
Best,
Matt
i can break 80 on decent courses and my mistakes have nothing to do with not finding the face correctly but just strike misses. I am lookin at the wilson d7 forged and the taylormade p790’s i hit the 790’s great but can’t find a way to demo the wilsons but i want to buy like now!
How do you think these compare to the Wilson V6 irons…I am deciding between the two. Do you think the distance gained is just because of the extreme lofts (130 vs 135)? The V6 feels unreal but is 10-15 yards shorter
Trevor,
I would guess the lofts are a major part of the distance difference. Shaft could play a role. The D7 is more forgiving through the set.
-Matt
Hi Matt,
How do these compare for you with the Mizuno JPX921 Forged in terms of feel and performance? Thanks.
Jim,
I have a full review of the JPX921 Forged here: https://pluggedingolf.com/mizuno-jpx921-forged-irons-review/
-Matt
My son now has narrowed his search to d7 forged or split set Srixon x5-x7(8,9,p) he is really torn between the 2 sets numbers were close feel was great on both Any advice he is in high school should be his next set for 10 years
Brian,
If the numbers are close, I’d recommend that he buys the set he likes more. Both sets are high performers, so I’d let preference rule the day.
-Matt
Hello Matt,
Another great review. Thank you for all the great knowledge you share with us all.
I am in the market for a new set of irons. I am a 9 handicap. I like the looks of a traditional iron vs something chunky. My game is not there to play a true players iron (not afraid to admit). I currently play Mizuno JPX 919 forged which I hit well. However, I am disappointed with the sound and feel. Do you think this would be an iron to consider? In addition, what are your thoughts on weakening the lofts a degree or so.
Again, thank you for the great and honest reviews you provide.
Michael
Michael,
Yes, I think the D7 Forged is a very fine set and definitely worth trying. With regard to weakening the loft, there’s nothing wrong with that if you need it to hit certain distance gaps or match your wedges.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Thanks for another great review. I was just wondering if you felt that the level of forgiveness in the D7 Forged irons were better than the Apex 19? Would you advise that one is more forgiving than the other or would you put them on equal footings when comparing forgiveness.
Thanks!
Drew,
I think they’re pretty similar in forgiveness.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Any plans to review the new Wilson D-9 Forged irons?
Cheers,
Michael,
Yes, we are working with Wilson to get those in for review.
-Matt
I am excited to read your review on these!
Hi Matt,
Hoping you can review the D9 forged soon!
Just bought the d7 forged am 77 years old and used to play off 8 for 24 years but am now losing distance. these clubs have rectified that and I am back to getting the distance back to near were I used to be but with the added control and consistency. GREAT CLUBS