In the world of game improvement irons, there might not be any two that are hotter right now than the TaylorMade P790 and TaylorMade Stealth.
Over the years, TaylorMade has always been at the top of the iron and wood game with these two sets being no exception.
If you are considering purchasing either iron we have put this comprehensive guide together for you to make your decision easier.
The TaylorMade P790 irons and TaylorMade Stealth irons are for the player looking to get maximum distance and forgiveness out of their approach clubs while the P790 still retains a tour-style head look.
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 P790 Irons
Introduced in 2017, the TaylorMade P790 iron series has now entered its fourth generation.
What distinguished these irons from the beginning was their innovative design approach, customizing each iron within the P790 collection to enhance player performance.
Over time, these iron heads have undergone significant refinements, but their unique construction, characterized by hollow and speed foam-integrated heads, has remained a consistent hallmark of P790 irons.
This unique design element has continuously defined the essence of P790 irons. The primary goal of P790 irons is to provide game-improvement features while preserving the feel of a player’s club.
They excel in producing high, lengthy shots with the longer irons while emphasizing control and precision for the shorter ones.
These versatile irons are suitable for both left and right-handed players and cover a range from three-iron to gap wedge, featuring loft angles ranging from nineteen to fifty degrees.
The three-iron through nine-iron models maintain a standard D2 swing weight, while the pitching wedge and gap wedge have a slightly heavier D3 swing weight.
Check our full TaylorMade P790 Iron Review
TaylorMade Stealth Irons
In 2022, TaylorMade unveiled their groundbreaking Stealth product line, which garnered significant attention thanks to their innovative carbon faces integrated into their woods. Despite the irons being somewhat overshadowed, they shine just as brightly, if not more so.
The Stealth irons are characterized by a design focused on improving gameplay, aiming to produce a mid to high trajectory with moderate spin and a neutral shot shape.
This goal is achieved while preserving a traditional and consistent feel. Additionally, the Stealth irons provide an alternative in the form of the Stealth HD, which offers a higher launch and a draw-biased head option.
For right-handed players, the Stealth irons are available from the four iron to the lob wedge, while left-handed players can access them from the four iron to the sand wedge.
Sounds, Look, and Feel
The TaylorMade P790 irons make a visual statement with their contemporary and stylish design. These clubs not only enhance the overall aesthetic of your golf bag but also present an enticing setup when addressing the ball.
On the other hand, the TaylorMade Stealth irons boast a classic game improvement design, featuring a larger head compared to blade-style alternatives.
However, what sets them apart is that despite their size, the head doesn’t feel overwhelming, and the offset and top line contribute to an aesthetically pleasing look.
So, both sets have their visual merits, catering to different preferences.
When it comes to sound and feel upon impact, the TaylorMade P790 irons incorporate an internal sound stabilizer bar and speed foam.
This combination results in a profoundly solid and pleasing sound and feel, creating a satisfying sensation when well-executed shots are delivered. Even on off-center hits, these irons provide valuable feedback on impact location, enhancing the overall experience.
In contrast, the TaylorMade Stealth irons offer a remarkable surprise in terms of sound and touch. Unlike some other game improvement irons that often exhibit muted acoustics and a somewhat unresponsive feel, the Stealth irons deliver a different experience.
The sensation and sound closely resemble that of striking a forged head. This unique effect can be attributed to the integrated ECHO dampening system present in each head, which effectively absorbs undesirable vibrations, resulting in a distinctive and satisfying experience for golfers.
Both the P790 and Stealth irons deliver a satisfying sound, look, and feel that appeal to most golfers, though our team enjoyed the P790’s sleek styling slightly more.
Read our full TaylorMade Stealth Irons Review
Forgiveness
The P790 irons incorporate FLTD CG technology, which plays a pivotal role in enhancing forgiveness, particularly in the longer irons.
This technology achieves this by lowering the center of gravity (CG) and increasing the Moment of Inertia (MOI).
Lowering the CG makes it easier for golfers to launch challenging long irons into the air effortlessly. The increased MOI contributes to greater stability and consistency in shorter clubs, allowing for precision in every swing.
One standout feature in the P790 is the “intelligent sweet spot.” This innovative concept includes a forged face with an ultra-thin measurement of 1.56mm at its thinnest point.
Combined with advanced internal shaping, it creates a unique sweet spot configuration, representing a significant leap forward from previous iterations. This engineering translates to enhanced forgiveness and a more forgiving sweet spot across the entire clubface.
The TaylorMade Stealth irons on the other hand take forgiveness to another level. These irons incorporate an entirely fresh back-cap design that expands the sweet spot to cover the most common impact zones for amateur players.
This substantial sweet spot ensures that even off-center hits can result in acceptable outcomes, reducing the penalty for mishits.
Additionally, TaylorMade’s strategic weight redistribution from the toe to lower on the face in the Stealth irons aids players in achieving higher launch angles and sustained flight for their shots.
This design adjustment complements the forgiveness aspect by making it easier for golfers to get the ball airborne and maintain consistent distance even on less-than-perfect strikes.
Rigorous on-course testing demonstrated that the TaylorMade Stealth irons rate among the most forgiving game improvement irons currently available.
The P790 irons are also right there in the conversation as well but the Stealth take this category.
Distance
The P790 irons harness the power of speed foam-infused clubheads and a strategically positioned low center of gravity (CG), primarily in the long irons. This combination yields outstanding ball velocity and an enhanced carry distance for the set clubs.
During testing, our team was astounded to witness an impressive increase of up to two clubs in distance compared to their current irons.
This significant improvement in distance speaks volumes about the P790’s ability to help golfers gain notable yardage, making them a solid choice for players seeking more distance without compromising on precision.
In the case of the TaylorMade Stealth irons, distance gains are also a standout feature. The innovative back-cap design integrated into these irons achieves a lower center of gravity (CG), making it easier for players to launch shots higher and over longer distances.
This design innovation results in enhanced face flexion and accelerated ball speeds, particularly beneficial for individuals with lower swing speeds. During extensive testing, the impact of increased distance became strikingly evident.
Our team, consisting of players spanning a broad spectrum of swing speeds, ranging from slow to high, experienced significant distance gains similar to those achieved with the P790 irons.
This clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of the TaylorMade Stealth irons in generating impressive distance gains across various swing speeds.
In the distance department, both of these irons are long. We will give this category a tie.
TaylorMade P790 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 P790 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 Stealth Pros
- Top-level sound and feel for a game improvement iron
- Feels like you are hitting a blade
- Not too bulky for a game improvement head
- Add an extra level of forgiveness compared to the P790 head
TaylorMade Stealth Cons
- Too inconsistent on distance control for players with fast club head speeds
- Launches the ball too high for some players
- Hard to shape the ball, likes to hit the ball straight (not the worst problem to have)
- Appears too big and bulky for some player’s eye
Key Takeaways
In the realm of game improvement irons, the TaylorMade P790 and TaylorMade Stealth are standouts, offering impressive distance and forgiveness.
The P790 boasts a sleek design that enhances visual appeal and alignment. Its sound and feel are solid and satisfying, thanks to an internal sound stabilizer bar and speed foam.
The Stealth, though larger in head size, maintains an appealing look and offers a unique forged head-like feel, thanks to the ECHO dampening system. Both sets perform well in this category.
The Stealth irons take the lead in forgiveness with their expansive sweet spot, catering to amateur players. Weight redistribution aids in higher launch angles. The P790, meanwhile, offers FLTD CG technology and an “intelligent sweet spot” for forgiveness. Stealth wins this category.
Both sets excel in delivering remarkable distance gains. The P790 irons use speed foam and a low CG, witnessing an impressive increase of up to two clubs in distance.
The Stealth irons also achieve impressive distance due to their lower CG, expanded sweet spot, and innovative back-cap design. This category is a tie.
In conclusion, both sets offer compelling options for enhancing your game. The choice depends on your preferences in forgiveness, aesthetics, and feel.
Both promise increased distance and playability, making them solid choices for players looking to improve their approach clubs.
