There’s no question the success of P790 over the last decade is one of the surprises for the company. Having created a hollow body iron that looks like those demanded by low handicap players but offers significant distance gains was always the goal. But TaylorMade truthfully had no idea how wildly popular the irons would become, with low-handicap golfers and mid-handicap players alike gravitating to the mix of looks and distance gains.
“P790’s heritage is something we’re incredibly proud of—P790 created the player distance category,” says Matt Bovee, TaylorMade’s Global Product Director for Irons. TaylorMade is returning with the fifth generation of the P790, led by improved aesthetics, better sound and feel, and distance gains.
Returning as part of a two-year cycle, TaylorMade is sticking with the P790’s legacy of hollow body construction. But that doesn’t mean TaylorMade can’t refine an already successful formula, which is exactly what you’ll find in the 2025 version of the P790.
Product Keys
Aesthetics
One of the keys to the success of P790 is the look of the irons—the size and shape appeal to better golfers, while disguising a lot of tech built into them. That remains true with this latest version, but the aesthetics are amplified, with a tour satin finish, and mirrored highlights that really bring the iron to life. It is what Bovee calls “notes of craftsmanship.”
“You see all these little lines like an expensive watch or jewelry,” he says. “We didn’t leave any stone unturned.” There’s also a topline that’s slightly slimmer than the previous generation, making the iron really appeal to discerning golfers. “It looks inviting, but also aspirational,” Bovee adds.
New Face Material
The new forged face uses 4340M steel, which is 20 percent stronger than the previous generation. The new material makes the face lighter and thinner—and faster. That increases distance, though Bovee says that’s not necessarily the key improvement. “The part I’m most excited about is the increase in the sweet spot that comes with this new material,” he says. There’s a 24% increase in the sweet spot, which means more consistent distance. “We always keep that in mind—keeping the clubs consistent while increasing the distance,” Bovee adds.
Progressive Sole Geometry
TaylorMade made changes to the sole of the irons, increasing the curvature. Increased curvature on the longer irons impacts the position of the strike, especially on longer irons, and improves launch conditions. Shorter irons have a different level of curvature as launch isn’t the primary consideration.
Sound And Feel
The two elements that are always connected, as players actually “feel” the sound of the strike. That’s a key that TaylorMade addressed and believes it has taken feel “to the next level.” “We feel we made a substantial shift to a better feeling product,” Bovee says. To accomplish this, TaylorMade engineers stiffened certain areas of the clubhead with new tungsten positioning. The tungsten also impacts the centre of gravity, improving launch conditions on long irons.
“We know players struggle to launch their long irons in the air more than any other—so where do you want your lowest CG?” Bovee asks. “Simply put—your longest irons.”
Irons 8 and above in the set don’t have any tungsten, allowing for shots to be flighted. The changes also result in slightly adjusted lofts for appropriate gapping.
Other Tech
TaylorMade’s Thru Slot Speed Pocket continues to be a big part of P790, and you’ll find legacy technology used throughout the set.
Are They For Me?
When P790 first appeared, they were aimed at better golfers who perhaps had lost some swing speed as they aged and weren’t matching their old distances. That’s still the formula with this set, which is aimed at 5 to 15 handicaps seeking a great looking player’s iron with added distance.