Club Test 2011: Wilson Staff Di11 Irons

From Golf Magazine (April 2011)
Category: Max Game-Improvement Irons
We tested: 4-GW with Half-and-Half steel/graphite shaft

Key Technologies: A stainless steel ring surrounding the cavity moves weight low and deep in the head to improve launch conditions and increase forgiveness and stability. The extended cavity expands the effective hitting area toward the toe (where most amateurs miss). The cavity has a vibration-dampening medallion.

OUR TESTERS SAY: Balanced performers that provide a good option on scoring shots.

PROS
PLAYABILITY: Wedges and short irons create ample spin for scoring; Di11 performs well from the rough.

ACCURACY/FORGIVENESS: Most find that mis-hits stay on line fairly well without major loss of distance.

DISTANCE CONTROL: Predictable yardages; small minority have bona fide distance gains.

FEEL: Many testers report a balanced, stable sensation; some find Half-and-Half shaft delivers on its promise.

LOOK: Thumbs up to its traditional shape, relatively thin topline and the game-improvement elements that are hidden at address.

CONS
Some don't like the look of the Half-and-Half shaft; unique shaft doesn't set the club apart from the rest; several guys prefer more feedback on poor shots.

From Sports Illustrated Golf+ (February 7, 2011)
This game-improvement iron was designed with one thing in mind—distance. The fifth generation of this model, the Di11 has a higher volume and a wider cavity than its predecessors. Couple that with the large, unsupported thin face and you have an iron that delivers a sweet spot that's 24% larger than past iterations. The cavity of the Di11 is also coated with an elastomer to reduce unwanted vibration on mishits.

From Golf Magazine (December, 2010)
The Di family of Wilson irons is all about distance, and with the soon to be released Di11 irons, the manufacturer has gone to extra lengths to create its longest iron yet. The Di11 (available October 1) received a powerful upgrade over its predecessor, the Di9, thanks to more aggressive styling and a wider undercut cavity that expands the sweet spot over a greater area of the clubface. The vibration-dampening medallion on the Di9 was removed to allow more weight to be shifted to the perimeter and sole of the club, producing a lower, deeper CG (center of gravity) and higher MOI (moment of inertia). Wilson's proprietary Half-and-Half shaft, which fuses graphite with steel to deliver both speed and precision, is also available in the Di11 irons. Visually, the Di11 irons will appeal to a wide range of players because of their moderate offset, thin top line, sleek profile and wide sole. But the club's performance characteristics (longer shots and maximum forgiveness) should make it very popular with 10-plus handicappers with low- to medium-clubhead speeds.

$499, steel; $599, graphite; $699 Half-and-Half

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