TaylorMade P790 Irons

The TaylorMade P790 are one of the products featured in our Editor's Choice 2020 product list

TaylorMade P790 Irons

We were big fans of the original P790, so were interested to see if the new model, which looks a little cleaner from the back, would offer improved performance. The answer is yes, even if only marginally so.

Editor's Choice 2020

Just to recap, TaylorMade’s P790 is a hollow compact distance model that looks more like a blade than a game improvement iron, but there is a Speed Pocket to provide greater forgiveness and consistency. Internal tungsten weighting and TaylorMade’s Inverted Cone face also assist on the forgiveness front.

One thing we were a little unsure about in the original was the sound off the face, but this new version has addressed that with a slightly quieter sound courtesy of the SpeedFoam that’s designed to dampen vibrations and enhance both sound and feel. We think the two are interlinked, with many golfers equating a quieter sound to a softer feel.

Related: TaylorMade P790 Irons Review

Performance gains

We referred to marginal gains, but that sometimes is all a golfer is looking for. If we start with the looks, then at address, the new model’s topline does appear just a fraction thinner, which may tempt better players in a little more.

In terms of performance, the new P790 gave us a fraction more ball speed than the original but spun 300rpm lower and flew a little lower too. The overall results showed a slight gain in average distance of two to three yards with a 7-iron, with no discernible difference in dispersion.

• BUY NOW (UK): TaylorMade P790 irons from American Golf from £859
• BUY NOW (US): TaylorMade P790 irons from Worldwide Golf Shops from $1,049.99

As we say, small performance gains, but we feel that the improved impact sound will make this great-looking iron more appealing to a wider range of golfers including better players. It should also particularly appeal to mid- to high-handicappers who hanker after the aesthetics of a more refined blade but are all too aware that they need just a little assistance too.

For all the latest gear news and launches, follow Golf Monthly on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.