Fast, long, and forgiving? TaylorMade P790 Irons (2023) Review

Everything you need to know about the 2023 TaylorMade P790 irons, with their larger sweet spot and enhanced launch and playability.

Since its launch in 2017, there’s been no bigger iron than the TaylorMade P790. This single iron model has utterly transformed TaylorMade’s iron business. The franchise has confidently become known as one of the best golf irons available, and it’s also seen as the benchmark for what club golfers want within the players’ distance iron market. As the model enters its 4th generation, sales show no sign of slowing up and the P790 remains the iron other brands want to knock off its pedestal.

With the previous P790 having been in the market since 2021, TaylorMade has sensitively looked at how they can rinse additional performance from the model without spoiling the equity the best players’ distance iron of its generation has built over the last six years.  

For the 2023 P790, TaylorMade has focused on optimization by looking at each iron within the set as an individual. Through some hefty reengineering, their team has created a new Flighted Centre of Gravity which enhances launch and playability in the long irons and improves control with the scoring irons – an idea the brand first used in the 2022 TaylorMade P770. There’s also a new larger sweet spot that protects the ball speed of more off-center hits than previous models.

Here’s everything else you need to know about the 2023 TaylorMade P790 irons.

Everything you need to know about the TaylorMade P790 (2023) iron

There’s a flighted CG

Moving lots of weight inside the head of a hollow body iron is a tough task, as the walls are incredibly thin. But, by taking an individualistic approach to each iron in the set TaylorMade has created a progressive center of gravity, which essentially runs upwards in a line from the longest to shortest iron, which isn’t always the case with other irons on the market. The results may not be too noticeable through ball flight to all golfers, but essentially it means shots launch progressively higher as the iron lofts get stronger, and shafts get longer.  

Inside that means each iron needs its own unique shape, which hasn’t been the case with previous P790 models. Thanks to this mass optimization helping reduce vibration we reckon the impact sound is improved too.

Finding the sweet spot       

Improving what is already an iconic iron model is a tall task for even the most brilliant engineers, but thanks to the new mass optimization idea golfers can expect a slight swelling of the size of the sweet spot in the new P790 model.

There are no massive claims from TaylorMade on how much the idea improves performance apart from the brand saying more off-center shots will be captured, which helps deliver improved ball speed and accuracy consistencies.

Forged face

With previous versions of the P790 being such a winning combination, TaylorMade felt zero need to look at new construction methods for this new head. So, like many hollow body players irons the new P790 has a forged face (4140 steel) and 8620 steel cast body.

Inside injected SpeedFoam supports the face, so less ball speed is lost at impact, the material also dampens vibration and tunes sound.    

Lighter regular flex shaft

Undoubtedly TaylorMade wants the P790 to appeal to as wide an audience as possible and we love how like the previous model the regular flex shaft option comes in at a slightly lighter 95g weight (where the stiff runs to 105g). We’re absolutely not saying this opens the model up to very moderate swing-speed players. But, if you generate average levels of speed this is going to be more friendly and attractive, plus a better feeling option.  

Weight a minute

Tungsten has always played a role in the TaylorMade P790 irons, but where the original 2017 model had 8 – 13g inside this new model has up to 38g across the set (which is also 7g more than the previous 2021 model). The weight is positioned predominantly in the toe which helps hold the face square when shots don’t impact the center face.

Extra discretionary weight has also been freed up by creating a thick/thin pattern on the back wall of the iron.

Choose your loft

With irons lofts being such a hot topic of debate it’s worth remembering TaylorMade has developed a SelectFit system that allows you to try each of the brand’s irons at either stronger or weaker lofts. So if you’re swing speed is on the cusp of not being enough to launch the P790 (or any other of the brand’s irons for that matter) high enough to stop shots on the dancefloor it’s completely possible to weaken lofts by 1 or 2° to optimize ball flight for your game.   

Details: TaylorMade P790 (2023) iron

RRP: £172 (s), £200 (g) per club

Stock steel shafts: Dynamic Gold 105 (X,S), Dynamic Gold 95 (R)

Stock graphite shaft: Mitsubishi Chemical MMT

Category: Players’ Distance Iron

Forgiveness rating: 2.5/5

7-iron loft: 30.5°

Where does the P790 (2023) sit within the TaylorMade irons family?   

The new 2023 P790 sits in exactly the same place within the TaylorMade iron line-up as it’s always been, this is a players’ distance iron. The model is highly likely to suit mid to high single-digit handicappers, plus possibly up to 12 or 14 handicappers, so long as your ball striking prowess is better than your handicap suggests.

Lots of golfers get drawn into thinking the smaller, more player-focused P770 is their bag, just be aware this model has a 7-iron that’s 2.5° weaker in loft, so if not giving up distance is important to you the slightly more forgiving P790 is likely to be a better option.

Any decision between the P790 and Stealth comes down to whether you want the feel and sound of a forged face hollow body iron, which inevitably costs more. Or, if you’re happy accepting the cast Stealth. Both are good irons, but if you play each at their stock loft, so long as you have decent levels of speed, the Stealth should be fractionally longer as the lofts are stronger (1.5° in the 7-iron).

Video: How does the TaylorMade P790 compare to other leading 2024 Players’ Distance irons?

Verdict: TaylorMade P790 irons (2023)

The P790 is the gift that keeps on giving for TaylorMade. Now into its 4^th generation since launching in 2017 the model continues to go from strength to strength and remains the model other brands most want knocked from its pedestal. Every generation of P790 has been an award winner here at TG and the latest iteration hasn’t let the side down.

Our test pro reckons the model is a stunning choice for a wide audience of reasonable-ability golfers and I’m in no doubt the P790 warrants a berth among my five best-performing Players Distance Irons of 2024.

There’s a real beauty in how the model from day one has been designed to be a timeless classic. The idea means there aren’t huge changes from generation to generation and if you happen to own a set of the original 2017 P790 they’re just as good today as what they were when golfers went nuts for the marquee seven years ago.

The untrained eye will likely look at our data chart and wonder why thanks to being in a ‘distance category’ the P790 which posted almost bang-on average carry warrants such praise. Let me explain.

At 30.5° in the 7-iron the P790 is nowhere near the strongest loft players’ distance iron we tested this year, in fact, it’s 2° weaker than the Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Pro that also produced the fastest ball speed and longest carry distance.

But look more closely and you’ll see how the P790 produced a ball speed above our test average while flighting shots higher, spinning more and hitting the green at a steeper angle so shots will stop when they hit the dancefloor.

When I add the P790 is one of the best shaped, nicest sounding/feeling, and most desirable irons in the category into the mix along with a tied 2^nd performance for carry distance drop-off and shot area 45.4% tighter than our test average (2^nd best) you really can’t question this models credentials. Players’ Distance Irons just don’t come any better.   

Data comparison: How does the TaylorMade P790 compare to leading competitor Players’ Distance Irons?

Iron	7-Iron Loft	Ball Speed	Launch Angle	Backspin	Height	Descent Angle	Carry Distance	Carry Distance Drop Off	Shot Area
Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Pro	28.5°	124.1 MPH (1)	14.6°	4881 RPM	28 YDS	41.8°	186 YDS (1)	22 YDS	741.4 SQ YDS
Srixon ZX5 MK II	31°	122.8 MPH (3)	15.8°	5292 RPM	30 YDS	44°	181 YDS (T2)	18 YDS	392.4 SQ YDS
Callaway Paradym	29°	123 MPH (2)	14.2°	5120 RPM	27 YDS	41.5°	181 YDS (T2)	15 YDS	360 SQ YDS
Mizuno JPX923 Forged	30°	122.4 MPH	14.5°	5117 RPM	27 YDS	41.8°	180 YDS	7 YDS (1)	210 SQ YDS
PXG 0311 P GEN 6	30°	122.2 MPH	14.6°	5520 RPM	28 YDS	42.6°	178 YDS	10 YDS	199 SQ YDS
Vega Mizar Tour	30°	122.3 MPH	13.5°	5381 RPM	26 YDS	40.8°	178 YDS	13 YDS	360.1 SQ YDS
Sub 70 699 Pro	30°	121.8 MPH	14.9°	5349 RPM	28 YDS	42.6°	178 YDS	10 YDS	166 SQ YDS (1)
Yonex Ezone CB702	31°	122.6 MPH	15.6°	5820 RPM	30 YDS	44.4°	177 YDS	23 YDS	533.6 SQ YDS
TaylorMade P790	30.5°	121.6 MPH	15.1°	5932 RPM	29 YDS	43.7°	175 YDS	8 YDS (T2)	180.8 SQ YDS (2)
Wilson Dynapower Forged	30.5°	120.8 MPH	13.9°	5482 RPM	26 YDS	41.1°	175 YDS	9 YDS	188.1 SQ YDS (3)
Ping i525	30.5°	120 MPH	15°	5666 RPM	28 YDS	42.7°	173 YDS	11 YDS	217.8 SQ YDS
Titleist T200	30.5°	119.7 MPH	15.4°	5760 RPM	28 YDS	43.3°	173 YDS	13 YDS	331.5 SQ YDS
Cobra Forged Tec	29.5°	119.4 MPH	14.7°	5558 RPM	27 YDS	41.9°	173 YDS	20 YDS	612 SQ YDS
Mizuno Pro 245	30°	119.3 MPH	16.1°	5481 RPM	29 YDS	43.6°	173 YDS	14 YDS	271.6 SQ YDS
Takomo 101 T	32°	116.7 MPH	16°	6383 RPM	28 YDS	43.9°	165 YDS	8 YDS (T2)	203.2 SQ YDS
Average		121.2 MPH	14.9°	5516.1 RPM	27.9 YDS	42.6°	176.4 YDS	13.4 YDS	331.2 SQ YDS

TaylorMade on the P790 irons (2023)

“P790 is a collision of art and engineering,” said Matt Bovee, Director of Product Creation for Irons. “The allure lies not only in the clean design and visual appeal but also in the high-performance machine that lives within. It’s the total package, an ideal blend of external elegance and internal power.”

Specifications: TaylorMade P790 irons (2023)

CLUB	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	PW	AW
Loft	19º	21º	23.5º	26.5º	30.5º	35º	40º	45º	50º
Lie	60.5º	61º	61.5º	62º	62.5º	63º	63.5º	64º	64º
Offset	3.5mm	3.4mm	3.1mm	2.9mm	2.7mm	2.4mm	2.1mm	1.8mm	1.6mm
Length men’s	39″	38.5″	38″	37.5″	37″	36.5″	36″	35.75″	35.5″
Swing weight men’s (ST/GR)	D2/DO	D2/DO	D2/DO	D2/DO	D2/DO	D2/DO	D2/DO	D3/D1	D3/D1
Length women’s	38″	37.5″	37″	36.5″	36″	35.5″	35″	34.75″	34.5″
Hand	RH/LH	RH/LH	RH/LH	RH/LH	RH/LH	RH/LH	RH/LH	RH/LH	RH/LH

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About the Author

Simon Daddow – Equipment Editor

Simon Daddow is the Equipment Editor for Today’s Golfer. Having tested and played more than 10,000 clubs in his life, what he doesn’t know about golf clubs isn’t worth knowing.

He’s a specialist in all things metal having spent a large part of his career as a golf club maker and product development manager, and has worked in the golf industry for more than 30 years. Starting out as trainee professional at Downes Crediton GC where he learned the art of golf club making, he went onto work for Clubhaus Plc and Tony Charles Ltd as a golf club maker, and running Product Development at Benross Golf.

Simon also spent time working as a Sales Executive in Harrods’ golf department, even helping supply Sir Nick Faldo with personalized shirts in a last-minute emergency ahead of a flight to a tournament.

He joined EMAP Active (now Bauer Media) as Equipment Editor in 2006 and has worked for both Today’s Golfer and Golf World. Working alongside our test pro Neil Wain, Simon has made todays-golfer.com the most reliable source for golf club testing.

Despite his youthful looks, Simon has played golf for more than 40 years and plays to a handicap of 10. A lack of club speed means he’s short off the tee, but very handy from 125 yards and in.

He enjoys excellent relationships with the biggest names in the golf equipment industry, including PXG boss Bob Parsons and TaylorMade’s Tomo Bystedt and Adrian Rietveld.

Away from the course, Simon is a season-ticket holder at Peterborough United Football Club, attending games with his young son. He’s also a keen cyclist and enjoys working (and relaxing) at his allotment.

His favorite ever piece of golf equipment is the Callaway Warbird fairway wood and he considers the biggest technological advancement in the game to have been titanium driver heads.

Simon’s job means he plays regularly around the world, and rates Kingsbarns as his favorite course. He uses a PXG 0311 GEN6 XF driver, TaylorMade Stealth 2 HL (15º), Ping G400 (20.5º), PXG 0317 X Gen2 hybrid, PXG 0311 GEN6 P irons (6–PW), Cleveland CBX2 wedges (52°, 58°), Ping 21 Fetch putter and a TaylorMade Tour Response golf ball.

You can contact Simon via email and follow him on Twitter for loads more golf equipment insight.

  

TaylorMade P790 (2023) iron

RRP: £172 (s) £200 (g) per club / $1,399 (steel) $1,499 (graphite) for a seven-club set

Stock steel shafts: Dynamic Gold 105 (X,S), Dynamic Gold 95 (R)

Stock graphite shaft: Mitsubishi Chemical MMT

Custom order steel shaft: KBS Tour Lite (S, R)

Stock grip: Golf Pride Z-Grip

Category: Players’ Distance Iron

Forgiveness rating: 2.5/5

7-iron loft: 30.5°