As a mid-handicap player and equipment reviewer who’s tried lots of irons over the years, I was genuinely excited to get my hands on the latest TaylorMade P790 irons. After spending several days putting these clubs through their paces, I can confidently say that TaylorMade has raised the bar yet again. Let me take you through my thoughts on these remarkable clubs.

First Impressions and Design Features

The moment I unboxed these irons, I knew TaylorMade had created something special with these new irons. The look immediately caught my eye, showcasing a perfect blend of classic design and modern engineering. The sleek, satin chrome finish gives these clubs a premium look that’ll turn heads- as much as clubs can turn heads! If you really are just looking to turn heads- try this!

Aesthetic Updates and Visual Appeal

What strikes me most about the new P-790’s is their sophisticated appearance at address. The topline is slightly thinner than its predecessor, which I find particularly appealing- makes me feel like I’m playing with old blades! The reduced offset provides a cleaner look that better players will appreciate, while maintaining enough forgiveness to inspire confidence in mid-handicappers.

Technical Innovations

TaylorMade has packed these irons with cutting-edge technology. The newly designed SpeedFoam Air is 69% lighter than previous versions, allowing for better weight distribution and enhanced performance. I’m particularly impressed by the intelligent sweet spot design, which provides consistently high ball speeds across a larger portion of the face- God knows I need it!

Performance Analysis

After testing on both the range and course, I can attest to the remarkable performance capabilities of these irons. Let’s break down the key aspects that stood out during my round.

Distance and Consistency

One of the most notable improvements I’ve observed is the consistent distance control. During my testing, I found shot dispersion to be tighter than previous models, particularly on slight mishits. The new TaylorMade Irons seem to maintain ball speed more effectively across the face, which translates to more predictable distances – something every player can appreciate.

Feel and Feedback

The feel of these irons is where they truly shine. TaylorMade has achieved something special here, creating a club that provides the satisfaction of a player’s iron with the forgiveness of a game-improvement model.

Impact Sensation

The impact feel is incredibly satisfying – solid without being harsh, and responsive without being jarring. It’s a subtle improvement over the previous generation, but one that more discerning players will definitely notice and appreciate.

Sound Characteristics

The sound at impact is perfectly tuned – a crisp, clean “thwack” that provides excellent feedback without being too loud or clicky. This refined acoustic engineering contributes significantly to the overall playing experience. They just SOUND right!

Who Should Consider These Irons?

Based on my testing, I believe these irons hit a sweet spot in terms of their target audience. The TaylorMade P790 Irons are versatile enough to appeal to a wide range of players, but let me break down who I think would benefit most from them.

Handicap Recommendations

In my opinion, these irons are ideal for players with handicaps ranging from 5 to 15. However, I do think they would be find for higher handicap players use, thanks to their forgiving nature. The key is having reasonably consistent contact, as these clubs will reward good mechanics while helping to minimize the effects of slight mishits.

Skill Level Considerations

For improving players, these irons offer room to grow. They’re forgiving enough to help you through the learning process but have enough performance capabilities to remain relevant as your skills advance. I particularly recommend them for players transitioning from game-improvement irons to more player-oriented clubs. They are a good long term club.

Value Proposition and Final Verdict

While these irons represent a significant investment, I believe they offer excellent value for the right player. The combination of performance, durability, and versatility justifies the price point, especially when considering their potential longevity in your bag.

Price-Performance Analysis

When comparing the P-790s to similarly priced competitors, I find they offer superior performance in several key areas. The technology package, build quality, and performance characteristics make them a compelling option in the premium iron category.

Long-term Investment Perspective

Having tested these irons extensively, I’m confident they’ll maintain their performance characteristics over the long term. The build quality suggests excellent durability, and the classic styling means they won’t look dated anytime soon.

I’ve come away thoroughly impressed with the new TaylorMade P-790 irons. They represent a meaningful evolution in iron design, successfully balancing performance, forgiveness, and feel. For players seeking a premium iron that can grow with their game, these clubs deserve serious consideration. The thoughtful improvements TaylorMade has implemented make these irons not just a worthy upgrade from previous generations, but a benchmark against which other irons in this category should be measured.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are the TaylorMade P790 irons suitable for high handicappers? While they can be played by higher handicappers, I recommend them more for mid-handicappers and better players who make relatively consistent contact.
2. How do these compare to the previous generation P-790 irons? The new version offers improved feel, more consistent distance control, and a slightly more compact head shape, while maintaining the forgiveness that made the original popular.
3. What’s the typical distance increase compared to traditional irons? In my testing, I saw about 5-7 yards of additional carry compared to traditional cavity-back irons, with notably tighter dispersion patterns. In other words- I spray the ball anyway… but it wasn’t nearly as much as usual!
4. Are these considered game improvement or player’s irons? They sit in between, often called “player’s distance irons” – offering some game improvement features while maintaining a more traditional look and feel.
5. What’s the best way to get fitted for these irons? I strongly recommend a professional fitting session with a certified TaylorMade fitter who can dial in the proper shaft and lie angle for your swing.