Wilson

What it does: The D9 Forged iron replaces the D7 Forged and builds upon many of the technologies in that iron head. A two-piece construction with an 8620 carbon-steel body and face that is two millimetres thick offer more than enough pop, but it’s what’s on the sole of the club that’s interesting. Having introduced the concept of “power holes” (essentially mini slots) six years ago, Wilson has refined the idea that less material contacting and supporting the face can help the face flex at impact. The holes are filled with a urethane formula that allows the metal to give while enhancing feel. 

Why we like it: More than 3,000 automated simulations produced more than 1,000 power-hole designs with varying permutations of the number per row, height, width, spacing and toe/heel bias. The goal: reduce the variance between centre and heel hits. The simulations revealed that the heel section is a stiff area of the club and having a longer power hole near that spot increases rebound. To help make the club more palatable to better players, there are no holes in the 8-iron to gap wedge. The longer irons are where you want the most speed, and control is paramount in the short irons. 

7-iron loft 30.5 degrees pw loft 44 degrees