Over the years, TaylorMade has offered a lot of great irons for players of all abilities. Currently, their top two irons for the widest range of players are the P790s and P770s.
Both these heads are very similar but also very different. To help you navigate these two great irons and determine which head is right for you, we have tested them with our team so you don’t have to.
The TaylorMade P-790 iron is for the player who is looking for maximum distance and forgiveness while the P-770 head is for the players looking for more control and playability while sacrificing a little distance and forgiveness.
In this article, we will explore the sound, look, and feel of each iron. We will also dive into forgiveness features, distance attributes, as well as pros and cons.
After reading, you will have a much better idea of the one you want to buy.
TaylorMade P-790 Irons
Launched in 2017, the TaylorMade P790 iron family has now evolved into its fourth generation.
What set these irons apart from the start was their innovative design philosophy, tailoring each iron in the P790 set to elevate player performance.
Over the years, these iron heads have seen significant refinements, yet a constant feature has been their unique construction, characterized by hollow and speed foam-integrated heads.
This distinctive design element has consistently defined the essence of P790 irons.
The primary objective of the P790 irons is to offer game-improvement capabilities while preserving the feel of a player’s club.
They excel at delivering high, long shots with the long irons while prioritizing control and precision for the shorter ones.
These versatile irons cater to both left and right-handed players and encompass a range from three-iron through gap wedge, with loft angles spanning from nineteen to fifty degrees.
The three-iron through nine-iron models maintain a stock D2 swing weight, while the pitching wedge and gap wedge feature a slightly heavier D3 swing weight.
TaylorMade P-770 Irons
The TaylorMade P-770 irons were also originally released in 2017.
They are now on their fourth generation with their past 2019 version being called the P-760s. Similar to the P-790 irons these irons are also all specifically tailored for specific iron performance.
Over the years, these iron heads have also seen significant refinements, yet a constant feature has been their unique construction, characterized by hollow and speed foam-integrated heads.
This distinctive design element has consistently defined the essence of P770 irons, just like the P790s
The primary objective of the P770 irons is to offer game-improvement capabilities just like the P790 head only to reduce distance and forgiveness while increasing control and consistency.
These irons are also available in both left and right-handed in three iron through pitching wedge while having an added option available in a gap wedge for right-handed people.
Lofts range from 19.5 degrees in the three iron up to 51 degrees in the wedge. The swing weight is D1 in every club except for the gap wedge which is D2.
Sound, Look, And Feel
After conducting extensive testing, our team developed a deep appreciation for both the P790 and T200 irons, both in terms of their aesthetics and performance.
These clubs feature a contemporary and stylish design that not only elevates the visual appeal of your golf bag but also presents an enticing setup when addressing the ball.
The P790 showcases a remarkably sleek design for a game improvement iron. In contrast, the P770 exhibits a thinner topline, less offset in the long irons, and a shorter blade length compared to its larger sibling, the P790.
The P790 incorporates an internal sound stabilizer bar and speed foam, resulting in a profoundly solid and pleasing sound and feel upon impact.
On the other hand, the P770, while lacking the sound stabilizer bar, still delivers an exceptionally high-quality sound due to its forged design and foam-filled insert.
Both sets of clubs provide a highly responsive feel. Well-executed shots deliver an immensely satisfying sensation, while off-center hits offer valuable feedback on impact location.
In terms of sound and feel, these two heads are on par with each other. The distinction primarily comes down to personal preference regarding whether you prefer a larger head or a more compact, streamlined version.
Forgiveness
The FLTD CG technology can be found in both the P790 and P770 irons, offering distinct advantages in the longer irons by lowering the center of gravity and increasing the Moment of Inertia (MOI).
This engineering allows golfers to effortlessly launch challenging long irons into the air while maintaining precision and consistency in their shorter clubs.
Additionally, both sets incorporate a cutting-edge feature termed the “intelligent sweet spot” by TaylorMade. This feature includes a forged face with an ultra-thin measurement of 1.56mm at its thinnest point.
Combined with innovative internal shaping, it results in a unique sweet spot configuration, representing a significant leap forward from previous iterations.
In summary, although the P790 and P770 share many technological aspects, the P790 head is notably the more forgiving choice.
Designed with a thinner topline, shorter blade length, and reduced offset, the P770 head is oriented towards a tour-level experience and doesn’t offer as much forgiveness as the P790.
Distance
The integration of speed foam-infused clubheads and the strategic positioning of a low center of gravity in the long irons results in outstanding ball velocity and an enhanced carry distance for both sets of clubs.
Moreover, even in the context of a tour-style design, such as the P770, a combination of an exceptionally thin face, a through-slot speed pocket, and inverted cone technology enables it to keep pace with the P790 in terms of distance.
Remarkably, our team witnessed a remarkable increase of up to two clubs in distance when using the P790 irons in comparison to their current irons, signifying a substantial improvement.
Although the P770 irons didn’t quite match the P790 in terms of sheer length, several of our team members still experienced an impressive gain equivalent to a full club’s distance compared to their existing clubs.
In summary, if you’re in pursuit of greater distance, both sets of irons offer significant improvements.
However, it’s important to note that the P790 irons stand out as some of the longest-available options in the market.
TaylorMade P-790 Pros
- Higher forgiveness in long irons and more precision built into short irons.
- LONG, get ready to pick up at least one club of distance with these clubs compared to the P770s.
- Consistent ball flight and distance on mishits.
- Has the look of a player’s club with the benefits of a game-improvement iron.
TaylorMade P-790 Cons
- Ultra-thin face could cause faster-speed players to have inconsistent distance control.
- Expensive, coming in at $1,399.99 (although worth it)
- Long irons could be too high launching for high-ball hitters
TaylorMade P-770 Pros
- Smaller and slimmer head design for players who love the tour head look and playability.
- Still offers a lot of the same great technology packed into the larger P790 head.
- Long and forgiving for a tour-style head
TaylorMade P-770 Cons
- Less forgiving and shorter than the P770
- Too small and punishing for any player over a low single digits handicap
- Expensive, coming in at $1,299.99.
Key Takeaways
1. TaylorMade P790 Irons:
- Ideal for players seeking maximum distance and forgiveness.
- Designed to maintain the feel of a player’s club while delivering game-improvement capabilities.
- Available for both left and right-handed players from three-iron to gap wedge.
- Features a sleek design with an internal sound stabilizer bar and speed foam for a solid and pleasing sound and feel.
- Offers excellent forgiveness with FLTD CG technology and an intelligent sweet spot.
- Provides remarkable distance gains, with some players experiencing up to two clubs’ worth of improvement.
2. TaylorMade P770 Irons:
- Suited for players looking for more control and playability while sacrificing some distance and forgiveness.
- Also designed with game-improvement capabilities, focusing on control and consistency.
- Available for both left and right-handed players from three-iron to pitching wedge, with an additional gap wedge option for right-handed players.
- Features a thinner topline, less offset, and a shorter blade length compared to the P790.
- Offers an exceptionally high-quality sound and feel due to its forged design and foam-filled insert.
- Provides forgiveness with FLTD CG technology and an intelligent sweet spot but is slightly less forgiving than the P790.
- Still offers significant distance gains, with many players experiencing a full club’s worth of improvement.
In conclusion, the choice between the TaylorMade P790 and P770 irons depends on your priorities on the golf course.
If you prioritize maximum distance and forgiveness, the P790 is an excellent choice.
However, if you value control and playability while still gaining distance, the P770 is a strong contender.
Both sets of irons offer exceptional performance, and your decision should align with your specific needs and preferences as a golfer.
