TaylorMade P770 vs P790 Review 2023: Which One Is Better?
TaylorMade’s P770 and P790 irons have gained popularity among golfers. Here is a comprehensive review of P770 vs. P790 to help you know which suits you better.
Summary
TaylorMade’s P770 and P790 irons have become highly sought-after choices for golfers who prioritize performance and distance. Although these models share certain similarities, there are some key differences to consider.
The primary difference lies in their footprint, with the P770 featuring smaller blades and more compact heads. It is important to note that even minor differences can significantly impact a golfer’s performance and overall experience with the clubs.
Therefore, testing both sets and determining which suits individual needs best is recommended to understand these variations fully. To help you decide between these two golf clubs, let’s take a closer look at each of their features.
My experience review with P770 Vs P790
TaylorMade has been producing some of the highest quality irons in the market for years, and both these clubs have their own distinct features.
So, to better analyze the differences between these two models, I decided to test them in both indoor and outdoor conditions.
Outdoor experience
During my time on the golf course, I found the P770 irons to possess notable versatility in terms of shot shaping. The compact head design and lower lofts allowed for easier manipulation of ball flight, particularly when intentionally playing fade or draw shots.
Whether executing a gentle fade around a dogleg or a controlled draw into a tight fairway, the P770 irons instilled a sense of confidence in my shot execution.
On the other hand, the P790 irons offered significant forgiveness and distance across a range of shot types. The larger clubhead size and enhanced perimeter weighting provided added stability and consistency, especially on off-center strikes.
P790 irons excelled in generating high ball speeds and delivering reasonable distance, allowing me to achieve extra distance on my shots.
Indoor experience
To accurately assess the differences between the TaylorMade P770 and P790 irons, I conducted a thorough performance evaluation using a launch monitor in controlled indoor settings.
Specifically, I analyzed the performance of the pitching wedge for both the P770 and P790 models. Here are the results of my tests:
Parameters | P770 | P790 |
Ball speed | 102.4 mph | 108.5 mph |
Club head speed | 92.1 mph | 88.6 mph |
Launch angle | 26.8 degrees | 27.2 degrees |
Backspin | 8262 rpm | 8101 rpm |
Carry distance | 129 yards | 140 yards |
Total distance | 130 yards | 141 yards |
The P770 irons had a solid performance with consistent ball speed and club head speed. The launch angle provided a good trajectory, and the backspin ensured control and accuracy. The carry distance was 129 yards, with a total distance of 130 yards.
In comparison, the P790 irons had a higher ball speed but a slightly lower club head speed. The launch angle was higher, resulting in a higher trajectory. The backspin was slightly lower, but the carry distance increased to 140 yards, with a total distance of 141 yards.
While the P770 irons excelled in generating backspin and maintaining control, the P790 irons showcased higher ball speeds and longer carry distances.
Each iron offered a different experience, with the P770 irons prioritizing precision and the P790 irons emphasizing distance. Both sets had their strengths and would be suitable for golfers with varying playing styles and preferences.
Performance factors: P770 Vs. P790
When it comes to selecting a golf iron set, prioritizing performance is crucial. In this regard, let us examine how these TaylorMade irons contribute to each essential factor.
1. Distance
Both the P770 and P790 golf irons have a thin 4140 forged hollow body design, which contributes to more distance. As a result, the interaction between the golf ball and clubhead is similar, leading to slightly comparable ball speeds.
However, there is a significant disparity in the clubs’ lofts, with the P790 being slightly more focused on game improvement. The P790’s seven iron has a loft of 30.5 degrees, while the P770’s is 33 degrees. This difference in loft translates to a slightly longer flight for the P790.
Winner: The P790 irons provide a slight advantage with an additional 10-15 yards of carry.
2. Forgiveness
The latest version of the P790 irons boasts a significantly larger sweet spot, measuring 60% bigger than its previous iteration.
Both irons incorporate a hollow back design to improve forgiveness. In addition, the P790 features a larger topline and clubface, resulting in an enhanced moment of inertia (MOI) and improved ball contact. This makes it easier to hit with and provides a more forgiving experience overall.
Winner: The P790 offers slightly more forgiveness than the P770, while the P770 remains more forgiving than traditional players-type irons.
3. Playability
The P770 irons provide improved workability with their compact head, smaller sweet spot, lower lofts, and higher spin, making it easier for skilled golfers to execute intentional draws and fades.
On the other hand, while the P790 irons offer reasonable workability, they do not offer the same level of prominence for draws and fades as the P770.
Winner: The TaylorMade P770 irons provide slightly better playability, which is preferred by low-handicappers.
4. Looks
The TaylorMade P770 and P790 irons have distinct visual characteristics. The P770 has a compact, traditional design with a sleek and refined appearance, featuring a shorter blade length and thinner topline.
In contrast, the P790 has a slightly larger size and a slightly thicker topline, combining modern elements with an appealing aesthetic.
Winner: It’s a tie. In terms of looks, both P770 and P790 models offer attractive designs, making it a matter of personal preference.
5. Sound and feel
When it comes to sound and feel, the TaylorMade P770 and P790 irons have noticeable differences.
The P770 offers a traditional, solid feel with a distinct sound, appealing to golfers who prefer responsive feedback. Additionally, P770 irons typically have a shorter wedge length, which can impact the overall feel and control in short game shots.
On the other hand, the P790 provides a slightly softer feel with a different sound that may be perceived as over-muted.
Winner: P770 provides a more satisfying sound and feel, which suits many players.
Based on my testing, here is my rating for each factor comparing the P770 and P790:
Factors | P770 | P790 |
Distance | 4.1 | 4.5 |
Forgiveness | 4.5 | 4.7 |
Playability | 4.8 | 4.6 |
Looks | 5 | 4.9 |
Sound and feel | 4.9 | 4.5 |
Key features and technology: P770 Vs. P790
Both P770 and P790 iron sets from TaylorMade incorporate advanced technologies that aim to improve performance and provide a good golfing experience.
Feature | Purpose | P770 | P790 |
SpeedFoam Air | Foam injection for improved sound, feel, distance, and forgiveness. | Included | Included |
Thru-Slot Speed Pocket Technology | Face slot for enhanced flexibility and ball speed on low-face strikes. | Included | Included |
Progressive Inverted Cone Technology | Enhanced sweet spot design for consistent distance and forgiveness. | Included | Included |
Thin-Wall Construction | Thin-wall construction for improved ball speed and distance. | Not included | Included |
Forged Hollow-Body Construction | Forged hollow cavity design for optimal weight distribution and forgiveness. | Included | Included |
Compact players shaping | Sleek design with a thinner topline and reduced offset for a compact look. | Included | Not included |
Tungsten Weighting | Strategic placement of tungsten weights for enhanced forgiveness and stability. | Not included | Included |
Flighted Center Of Gravity | Progressive cg design for optimized trajectory and control across the set. | Included | Not included |
Pros and cons: P770 Vs. P790
Although both the P770 and P790 are premium irons from TaylorMade, they offer distinct performance benefits and drawbacks. Let’s explore the pros and cons of choosing each:
TaylorMade P770
Pros
Cons
TaylorMade P790
Pros
Cons
Which is better for you? P770 Vs. P790
When choosing between the TaylorMade P770 and P790 irons, consider your handicap and preferences.
P790 is recommended for mid to high handicaps, offering forgiveness and ease of use. P770 is better for lower handicaps (10 and below), providing enhanced workability and a superior feel. P770 offers control and shot shaping, while P790 prioritizes forgiveness and is more forgiving.
Here is a head-to-head comparison of TaylorMade P770 and P790 irons to help you decide which one is better for you:
Feature | TaylorMade P770 | TaylorMade P790 |
Design | Traditional muscle back design | Cavity back design |
Feel | Firm | Soft |
Focus | Playability and feel | Distance and forgiveness |
Grooves | Standard milled grooves | Precision milled grooves |
Finish | Chrome | Chrome |
Player handicap | Mid to low handicappers | All handicaps, mainly mid-high |
Shaft | KBS Tour 120 S | Steel- Dynamic Gold VSS or Graphite- Mitsubishi MMT |
My Take
The P770 and P790 irons cater to different players, but the overall winner depends on your handicap level and personal preferences. If you are a beginner, choose the P790, and if you are a low handicapper, pick the P770. If you are a mid-handicapper, you can choose either of them based on your golfing needs.
FAQs
Can beginners use TaylorMade P790 Irons?
Yes, the P790 is designed for all handicaps, mainly mid-high. It is forgiving and easy to use for beginners. However, the hefty price tag might be a concern for beginners.
Do any Pros use TaylorMade P770 and P790 irons?
Yes, many PGA pros have used TaylorMade P770 and P790 irons in professional tournaments. While Tiger Woods and Tommy Fleetwood use P770 irons, Jason Day, Patrick Cantlay, Adam Long, and Justin Rose use P790 irons.