As I get more comfortable with them, the Deep Red irons are only helping my game more. Just last weekend, I was hitting my seven iron over 150 yards, and flying greens that I would struggle hitting with a seven just three months ago. Where I would hit a five or six iron, I’m pulling out a seven iron without thinking, and mulling over hitting it long. From 3I to PW, I have added about one to two clubs to my game. The most plesant surprise was my increased distance across the entire set of clubs. If you know much about golf, I think you can guess the result…ĭistance. The Fat Shafts worked as advertised: the clubhead twisted less, and the clubface was more square at impact. On a whim, I borrowed my father-in-laws old DDH irons (also graphite shafted) and took those to the range for comparison. Without a doubt, my shots were straighter and more consistent than previously possible with my older clubs. Between the Fat Shafts and the oversize heads, I noticed the effect of the Fat Shaft hype immediately.

Two things about the marketing hype Wilson sells with these clubs: your mileage may vary, but I suspect that if it does it’s because you’re a much better golfer than I am. It took me a few rounds to get used to these clubs – I chalk most of that transistion up to the fact that I switched from steel to graphite shafts. For the frequent off-center and mishitter (is that a word?) this translates into a set of irons that feels softer but still transmits enough of the impact feeling to help you learn. It’s basically a urethane-filled section of the cavity that dampens the sting you get on off-center and mishits. The Deep Reds also benefit from a “fluid feel” insert. Most people don’t know Wilson for their golf clubs, but standing next to a guy with “normal” irons, you definitely get some glances.

Instead of the standard hosel width, the Deep Reds have a nearly half-inch hosel which slams right into the head of the club. These clubs are aggressive, and a great deal of that bold aggressiveness comes from Wilson’s Fat Shafts. If you’re in the market for a club or set and don’t mind older clubs, give them a shot. I opted for the latter choice, and ended up saving almost $100 in the process.

They have a direct sales site, and if you feel like gambling, you can try their auctions. I purchased the 2003 Deep Red Irons from, over eBay. Unlike Erik, I’m happy to report exactly where I purchased my set of Deep Red irons.

Executive Summary: the Wilson Deep Red Irons are an excellet set of irons for a mid to high handicapper.

Wilson fat shaft iron chart