TaylorMade P790 Irons Review (2026) – Distance, Feel & Forgiveness Combined
The TaylorMade P790 irons have become one of the most popular iron sets in modern golf, largely because they blend the sleek look of a players iron with the performance of a game-improvement club. Designed to offer distance, forgiveness, and feel in one package, they sit in the highly competitive “players distance” category.
However, while the concept sounds ideal, the real question is whether they actually deliver on the course.
In this review, we’ll break down everything — including performance, feel, and who they’re best suited for — so you can decide if the P790 irons are the right upgrade for your game.
First Impressions
At address, the P790 irons immediately stand out for their clean, premium look. Although they appear compact like a traditional blade, they still offer just enough thickness in the topline to inspire confidence.
In addition, the brushed metal finish gives them a high-end feel, while the shaping strikes a balance between sleek and forgiving. As a result, they appeal to a wide range of golfers, from improving players to low handicappers.
Key Features
Hollow Body Construction
Unlike traditional forged irons, the P790 uses a hollow body design. This allows engineers to redistribute weight more effectively throughout the clubhead.
Because of this:
- Forgiveness increases
- Ball speed improves
- Stability on mishits is enhanced
Interestingly, this design helps deliver game-improvement performance without sacrificing looks.
SpeedFoam Air Technology
Inside the clubhead, TaylorMade injects a lightweight foam material to support the face while maintaining speed.
As a result:
- Feel becomes softer and more responsive
- Ball speed remains high
- Vibrations are reduced at impact
This combination creates a unique feel that blends power with control.
Forged Face for Speed & Feel
The P790 features a forged face made from high-strength material, which is designed to increase both speed and durability.
Consequently:
- Ball speeds are consistently high
- Distance is improved across the face
- Performance holds up over time
Newer versions even use stronger materials to further boost performance.
FLTD CG (Progressive Centre of Gravity)
Another key feature is the progressive centre of gravity, which varies throughout the set.
This means:
- Long irons launch higher and are easier to hit
- Short irons offer more control and spin
- Gapping throughout the set is more consistent
As a result, you get a better balance between distance and precision.
Performance Review
Distance
When it comes to distance, the P790 irons are among the best in their category. Thanks to the hollow body design and fast face, they generate impressive ball speed.
In practice:
- Carry distance is strong
- Shots feel powerful off the face
- Yardages remain consistent
Even on slight mishits, distance loss is minimal, which makes a noticeable difference on the course.
Forgiveness
Although they look like players irons, the P790s offer surprising forgiveness.
Because of their internal weighting and larger sweet spot:
- Off-centre hits still perform well
- Ball flight remains stable
- Confidence increases with each swing
In fact, they are often considered one of the most forgiving irons in the “players distance” category.
Accuracy & Control
While distance is a key strength, control hasn’t been sacrificed.
Thanks to the progressive design:
- Short irons offer good stopping power
- Shot dispersion remains tight
- Ball flight is predictable
Although they aren’t true blade irons, they still allow for a reasonable level of shot shaping.
Feel & Sound
Feel is one of the standout aspects of the P790 irons.
At impact:
- The feel is soft yet powerful
- Sound is slightly muted but solid
- Feedback is responsive without being harsh
While some golfers may notice a slightly different feel compared to traditional forged irons, most quickly adapt and enjoy the balance it offers.
Who Should Buy the P790 Irons?
Mid-Handicap Golfers
If you’re looking for more distance and forgiveness without switching to bulky irons, these are a great option.
Low-Handicap Golfers
Because of their compact look and control, better players can also benefit from the added forgiveness.
Improving Players
If you’re progressing and want a set that will last as your game improves, the P790 is a strong long-term choice.
Who Might Prefer Something Else?
Despite their versatility, they won’t suit everyone.
For example:
- Beginners may prefer more forgiving, larger irons
- High handicappers might find them slightly demanding
- Golfers on a budget may look for cheaper alternatives
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- Excellent distance performance
- Strong forgiveness for a compact iron
- Premium look and feel
- Versatile for different skill levels
- Consistent gapping throughout the set
❌ Cons
- Premium price point
- Slightly different feel compared to traditional forged irons
- Not as forgiving as full game-improvement irons
P790 vs Other Irons
Compared to other irons in the same category, the P790 performs exceptionally well.
- Against Ping G430 irons → P790 offers more feel and workability, while Ping offers more forgiveness
- Compared to Callaway Apex → Similar performance, but P790 often feels more powerful
- Versus TaylorMade Stealth irons → P790 looks more compact and refined
Overall, the P790 strikes a strong balance between performance and playability.
Is the TaylorMade P790 Worth It?
For many golfers, the answer is yes.
Although they come at a premium price, they deliver a rare combination of:
- Distance
- Forgiveness
- Premium feel
Because of this balance, they are one of the most versatile iron sets available.
Final Verdict
The TaylorMade P790 irons continue to set the standard in the players distance category. By combining modern technology with a classic look, they offer a unique blend of performance and style.
If you want irons that deliver distance without sacrificing feel — while still offering forgiveness — these are one of the best options on the market in 2026.
Quick Summary
- Best for: Distance + feel balance
- Skill level: Mid to low handicap
- Strength: Power and forgiveness in a compact design
- Downside: Premium price


