50 Words or Less
The 2021 TaylorMade P790 irons are some of the fastest in golf. If you want to hit your irons insanely far, this is the set for you. Strong forgiveness.
Check out the 2023 TaylorMade P790 Irons HERE
Introduction
Since their introduction in 2017, the TaylorMade P790 irons have been a huge success. By pairing tremendous distance and strong forgiveness with a near-players look, they hit the sweet spot for a lot of golfers. I tested the latest version of this top seller to see if they’re bringing anything new to the table.
Looks
Though the 2021 version of the P790 is a bit more of a departure than its predecessor, this iron is still quite recognizable. The TaylorMade “T” still resides on the toe, but “P790” and “Tungsten” have migrated all the way to the heel. The most impactful change is that the rectangular band that used to be on the toe has been replaced with a chrome, triangular band. This version still has that faux-blade look which so many aspiring players enjoy in the bag.
At address, the 2021 P790 looks a little slimmer than the 2019 version. The offset is progressive – modest in the short irons, average in the long irons – and the top line is moderate, just a little too thick for me to put it in the players category. Similarly, the size of the face sits between GI and players.
Overall, the address look hits a sweet spot. For the improving player, the P790 looks great without being too scary. For the skilled player, it looks a little more forgiving and confidence-inspiring without being oversized.
Sound & Feel
With an iron that’s built for speed and distance, you might expect a very thin feel and a louder impact sound. The P790 defies those expectations. Hitting a Tour-quality ball produces a baritone, medium volume impact sound. That tone is accompanied by a feel that’s solid and firm.
Feedback from the P790 is appropriate for the target player. You can easily distinguish a pure strike from a mishit, but nothing will ever sting your hands. You will need to focus to know exactly where the ball met the face.
Performance
I started my testing of the 2021 TaylorMade P790 irons on a launch monitor. They immediately grabbed my attention with ball speed numbers that are absolutely elite. Without thorough head-to-head testing, I can’t definitively say that this is the fastest iron on the market, but there is no doubt that it is in the conversation.
What makes the P790 even better is that it can retain very high ball speed on mishits. A friend of mine refers to these as his Miller Lite irons because, “They work when I’m sober, and they also work after a few Miller Lites.” That forgiveness is powered by TaylorMade technologies like the Thru-Slot Speed Pocket which makes thin strikes perform more like pure shots. There’s also as much as 31 grams of tungsten in each head to make them more stable on those toe or heel shots.
The other pieces of the distance equation, alongside the ball speed, are launch and spin. TaylorMade has given the P790 a low CG to promote high launch and low spin. Just as in a driver, this is a recipe for extremely long carry distances. I hit the P790 6-iron over a club longer than my gamers.
As I’ve noted in other reviews, the low spin can be a mixed blessing. Low spin is great for long carries, but it’s not as good for holding greens. The high launch of the P790s does a lot to help in that area, but it’s still critical to get fit to make sure your irons do everything you need them to.
Back on the positive side, that low spin is going to be helpful to players who want to hit straighter shots. If you struggle with slicing or hooking your long irons, the reduced spin will shrink those shot shapes noticeably. You can still work these irons, but you’ll need to be more intentional to get them to curve.
For the player seeking more distance and more forgiveness in their irons without going to a large, game improvement-style club, the P790 fits the bill. I see this as a great option for both the improving player and the skilled golfer who has lost some speed.
Conclusion
The TaylorMade P790 has been very popular for good reason: it’s long, it’s easy to hit, and it’s good looking. This latest version enhances every element of that. If you want insane distance from your irons, your search should start with this set.
Visit TaylorMade HERE
TaylorMade P790 Irons Price & Specs
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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Matt, Did you find that these come into the green with a steeper decent than the previous models?
Mack,
A bit, yes. They launch a touch higher and descent more steeply, though they are still very low spin.
Best,
Matt
Do you have any thoughts on these compared to the p770? I am a low handicap and was thinking about moving to the p770 for added forgiveness (don’t need more distance). But maybe I should go all the way to the p790 and bend them a degree week which would also remove some of the offset. Thanks!
MG,
I have a full review of the P770 here: https://pluggedingolf.com/2020-taylormade-p770-irons-review-2/
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt, do all p790s including 8,9 PW and AW come with Tungsten inserts?
I’m not certain. TM indicates that some irons have more than others, but isn’t clear if every has tungsten.
Best,
Matt
Matt, how does it compare with P790? Which would you pick to be best?
Marcos,
I think you have a typo in your question, this is the P790.
Best,
Matt
Matt, how would you compare the forgiveness levels between these new P790’s and the P770’s?
Bill,
The P790 is larger and more forgiving.
Best,
Matt
how would you rate these in comparison to the p770, last p790, p7mc, and p7mb?
I have reviews of each of those on the site. You can find them easily with the search function.
-Matt
Matt
How would you compare the new P790’s to the 21 standard Callaway Apex irons in terms of forgiveness and distance?
Kevin
Kevin,
I don’t have head to head data, but my sense is that they’re similar in forgiveness but the P790 is longer.
Best,
Matt
How did they react when you hit a thin shot? (Do the thin misses travel further than other irons you’ve tried?, etc.)
Alex,
They’re quite forgiving for an iron of this size on thin strikes.
Best,
Matt
How are the 2021 P790 compared to the 2019 P790?
Shawn,
I found the 2021 version to be a bit better in every way. Not night and day, not a “must” upgrade, but measurably better in forgiveness, launch, ball speed.
-Matt
Played the 2017 version of the P790s for four years and thought they were great. My only complaint was consistency in distance. Recently demoed the new version and it felt similar. Ended up with Titleist T-300s and, feel these are a bit better for me. Cosmetically not as nice, but more consistent and equally long.
Hi Matt – How were the P790s with regards to shot length consistency? Any issues with fliers?
Marshall,
In my testing, I had no issue with fliers.
Best,
Matt
These look like a direct competitor to PXG 0211. How would you compare look/feel/distance/spin to the PXG 0211’s or 0211ST blades? Thank you!
Mark,
The P790 is quite a long way from any blade. With regard to the standard 0211, I have a full review here: https://pluggedingolf.com/2021-pxg-0211-irons-review/
Best,
Matt
If you only had a choice between these p790 and titleist t200. Which would you prefer?
Kan,
Being a low spin player, I would favor the T200.
-Matt
Hi Matt excellent review once again.
I’m currently gaming a set of mizuno’s 921 HMP. How does the P790 compare to the HMP in terms of forgiveness. I’ve found the HMP to be descent in terms of forgiveness on mis hits.
Overall would you say that the P790 are a superior iron over the HMP?
Mark,
I don’t like to say that any club is objectively superior to another because there’s always a question of “For whom?” and “In what way?” That said, the P790 creates more ball speed, is more forgiving, and will probably be longer for most players due to the low spin.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt!
Visually, at address, I like the look of the 2021 T200 over the 2021 P790. 1. Do you think the P790 is more forgiving? 2. Do you think the T200 is more consistent in regards to distances? Meaning distance accuracy/ consistency.
Thanks,
Joe
Joe,
I think they’re comparable in forgiveness. Consistency will depend on the fit and how a player gets along with low spin irons.
-Matt
Matt,
I could have worded my # 2 question above better. I meant did you find the front to back distance dispersion better with the 2021 P790 or T200?
Would you say 790 is better on low face strikes? T200 is better at holding greens? Thanks again for your detailed reviews!
~ Joe
Joe,
I understood the question.
The P790 is probably a bit better at retaining ball speed on low face strikes. For most players, the T200 will spin more and thus hold greens better.
-Matt
Matt,
One last question in regards to iron fittings that you do. I don’t like a lot of offset. Probably why I like the T200 a little better at address. However, I could use some forgiveness like in the 790. I am a picker with my irons. I hit the ball clean with very little to no divot on my good shots. On my bad shots, I tend to hit the ground a little behind the ball. Sometimes 2-4 inches behind the ball and drag the club across the turf to the ball. Then throw the ball high into the air with my right hand and high follow through. It is weird that I have always had a high ball flight with lots of spin even though I hit behind the ball. Dumb! I know that is not ideal. It is just my swing flaw. Well, that and coming over the top. Anyways, if I was to weaken the loft on say the P790 by 1 degree, I know that would reduce the offset a little and add 1 degree more bounce. It would also raise the leading edge a little. In your experience as a fitter, would you say that it would be bad for a picker, like me, to weaken the loft on any iron or wedge because raising the leading edge, even a little bit, would probably lead to more shots hit thin? The extra bounce leading to thinner shots too?
Do you think pickers and people that tend to hit behind the ball do better with thinner soles on their irons and wedges because I am not dragging as much surface area of the sole along the ground and therefore not losing as much club head speed.
Thank you in advance for your thoughts and advice!
~ Joe
Joe,
A 1 degree tweak is not going to change the game for players outside of the very low handicaps. That’s not to say you shouldn’t get the right specs, but it’s not as if the stock set up will be great and then 1 degree strong or weak will be terrible.
There are positives and negatives to thin soles for a picker who hits it fat. Ultimately, I think everyone should get fit and see what each specific club/combination does for them.
-Matt
Hi Matt i am thinking of purchasing the 2021 p790 irons to replace my existing Mizuno 919 forged irons. I currently have 5 to 9 irons in the Mizuno range and wanted to ask you the follwing question. As the TM irons are stronger lofted would 6 to 9 irons be syfficient to replace my mizuno 5 to 9 irons?
Raj,
You would need to test them -ideally with a fitter – to be sure. It’s very possible that the P790 will be longer than your 919 Forged, but you might want to keep the 5-9 set up to have more options at longer range.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt any thoughts the P790 compared to the Mizuno Pro 225? I just got TM’s but like the Mizuno look better.
Thanks
Rick,
I haven’t hit the new Mizunos yet.
Best,
Matt
Hey Matt – love the reviews! Quick question: who wins on distance & forgiveness & feel with these 2021 P790’s and the Gen 3 PXG XP irons? Interested in both and with the deal going on the PXG Gen 3’s I’m interested in your thoughts. Thank you sir!
Chris,
I have a full review of the GEN3 XP here: https://pluggedingolf.com/pxg-0311-xp-gen3-irons-review/
It really comes down to fit between these two. The P790 is very low spin which is great for some but terrible for others. I think if I were making a blind recommendation, I’d lean toward the GEN3 XP for most players.
-Matt
Matt,
I’m looking to replace my Rochetbladz Tour. Love them but they’re almost 10 years old. Would the P790s be similar? Or what club would you say is a close replacement?
ThanksKen
Ken,
Yes, I think these will be close. I always recommend a fitting to ensure you’re happy with the way they perform.
-Matt
Dumb question – 20-25 years ago i used to play more and never had a handicap, but was in the mid-80s so slightly better than bogey golf. That was a long time ago and i still have the Mizuno Comp EZs i was playing last. Loved these for the forged irons and the forgiveness i got to help me out. i’m just starting to hit balls again and wondering what the new club tech is like these days.
are these 790s the same kind of forgiveness category? Your, and other, reviews label them as hugely forgiving, so would this be in the same ballpark?
Aaron,
I don’t have any knowledge of the Comp EZ, but the P790 is very forgiving in terms of ball speed, probably moreso than any iron that’s 20 years old.
-Matt
Hi Matt,
Great review Matt. I’ve got a very strange question to ask you. I was wondering how much forgiveness is it from the new Callaway apex DCB irons to the P790’s? I know that you have to hit them yourself to find out but from you is it a lot or not much?
Jonny
Jonny,
Without head to head data, my guess is that it’s going to be a fairly noticeable difference.
Best,
Matt
Hi im looking to buy my first set of adult golf clubs I’m a teenager with low handicap of 8. I don’t know if to choose th P 790 or the new Titleist T100. This is going to be the set I’ll to be staying for a while so I need a good option. What do you think?
My best advice is always to get fit or at least try both.
Best,
Matt
Hi thanks. The thing is I got fitted. And I tried the ping I525, and the P 790, but what I want to do is probably choose blindly an option as I’m not going to change them for a long time and I want a good head from a good brand I tried a tons of faces but I’m looking forward for other brands as the face types are really similar and choose what fits me. The two faces I shined on where the ping i525 and the p 790 I’m looking for a third option to choose based on what fits best, as the availability is limited on my area I want another option even if I haven’t tried it.
I’m sorry, I’m not sure I understand what you’re looking for, specifically “wanting to choose blindly.”
If you were fitted, my advice is to trust the fitting. My personal policy is not to second guess a fitter unless there’s a distinct reason.
Best,
Matt
I bought a set (4-gap) and love them for all the reasons mentioned. I do though a bit struggle with loft of 50 on the gap. I hit the gap 10 yards more then my old 52. This lower loft gap opens up higher lofted wedges. Instead of classic 56 and. 60, now is it 54 and 58?
Yes, you’ll probably need to adjust your wedges to accommodate the stronger lofts of these irons.
Best,
Matt
Hello, Matt!
Wow… wonderful content here… thank you.
I’m returning to the sport and would value your further input as I am considering replacing my 1998 Tommy Armour 845s Ti’s. It’s become a very large golf product world! I’ve read many of your reviews and – so far – have created the following list to try out with a club fitter:
– Ping i210
– TaylorMade P790
– Callaway Rogue ST Pro
– My old TA 845s’ (just regrip-’em and rip-’em)
My priorities are as follows:
1) Minimal offset
2) Minimal offset (!)
3) Traditional/compact setup
4) Still forgiving
5) ‘Forged-ish’ feel
Do you think my list of irons above is the right place to start? Would you importantly add to my list anything I have overlooked? Even if you had to speculate a little, how would you rank those clubs (above) for forgiveness?
I’m very interested to hear you thoughts!
All the best,
Mark B.
Mark,
Welcome back to golf.
I think the P790 is a bit out of place in that list as it’s a distance iron with noticeable offset. Otherwise that seems like a fine starting point. Find a fitter you trust and let them guide the process and present you with some options.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt, great review. I brought the Callaway DCB 6 months ago. I no the forgiveness with the DCB are very high but they are a bit chunky for me now. My handicap now is 13 was 18. Do you think if I brought the P790 do you think I will go back to the start and shoot 16, 17 over again? or do you think it would be a good change. Just wanna know really how good is the forgiveness with the P790?
Regards
Jonny
Jonny,
My advice any time you’re going to make an iron change is to get fit. The P790 likely isn’t going to be as forgiving as the DCB, but it shouldn’t cause a 5 shot difference unless it’s a poor fit.
-Matt
I recently added P790 irons to my bag. Wow, these are easy to hit, easy to shape and worth the $. I’m a 15 handicap, way more control than my Mavriks. 5-AW, thinking of buying the 4iron.
How would this compare to Callaway Rogue irons?
Jason,
I have a full review of the Callaway Rogue irons here: https://pluggedingolf.com/callaway-rogue-irons-review/
-Matt
Hi just got back into the game and liked the look of the p790s I used to be around 18 handicap but just had 15yrs off duty to starting a family,just wondering if these would suit or more of a lower players iron? Any advice would be appreciated
Thanks
Steve,
My best advice is always to get a fitting before you buy new clubs. That said, to answer your question directly, the P790 is a forgiving club meant for a wide range of handicaps. If you want maximum forgiveness, there are better options, but I think most players can be pretty happy with a well-fit set of P790s.
Best,
Matt
I’m looking forward to trying the TaylorMade P790 irons!
I am considering purchasing the 2021 Taylor Made P790 irons after having a custom fitting. Should I be concerned that they are a model from 2021 vs. other brands with a newer model in 2023? Thank you.
Greg,
If you’re happy with the way the clubs performed in the fitting, I wouldn’t have any reservations about buying them.
-Matt
Ciao
Ho preso 790 ma non riesco a urlarlo, molta dispersione
Ho fatto poi fitting e me li hanno sconsigliati per mio hcp gioco 10!
Le aste sono in grafite 65 gr
Li venderò…!
Peccato sono bellissimi!!!
Hi Matt… what club is more forgiving P790 or Ping 525i?
Dave,
I don’t have any head to head data, but I’m inclined to say the P790.
Best,
Matt