For many years manufacturers have stereotyped and categorised golfers in regards to iron designs. The better golfer was presented with a blade-style head; the higher handicapper was steered down the road of something that resembled a frying pan, more than a golf club, and the golfers in the middle were offered a blend of the two.
Technology and material knowledge has evolved like most things, but there are very few irons that can reach out to all levels. TaylorMade’s P790 came close, just missing out in looking after the higher handicapper.
Now the brand, which put the metal-headed driver on the map, has revised their P790 iron, it appears the tech tweaks might have widened their appeal to the golfer seeking more forgiveness and height.
SpeedFoam Air
The newly-engineered SpeedFoam™ Air is 69% lighter than its predecessor. It provides an average of 3.5g of weight-saving that has been redistributed to further optimise mass properties for better launch conditions. The new formulation gives you exquisite sound and feel, while producing a fast, flexible face.
Thin-Wall Construction and Forged L-Face
A new 8620 carbon steel construction makes the head thinner by up to 37.5% in strategic locations, allowing for a significantly lower CG placement. This new thin-walled design pairs with a responsive 1.5mm forged 4140 steel L-Face to promote supreme flexibility, fast ball speeds and distance, while upholding a premium forged feel.
Thru-Slot Speed Pocket
The Through-Slot Speed Pocket™ provides increased face flexibility, while preserving ball speed and distance on low face strikes.
Intelligent Sweet Spot
Using data analytics, TaylorMade have repositioned the sweet spot lower on the face to naturally capture more shots and provide performance where golfers need it most.
Tungsten Mass for Low CG
Engineers developed new construction methods to thin-out the body, allowing for up to 31g of tungsten to be placed in the toe. It creates a massive amount of stability and forgiveness, wrapped in a player’s package.
Looks
I’m a sucker for anything that resembles a muscle back blade. It reminds me of the old Mizuno MP-4 irons I had in my golfing prime. Many regard the MP-4 asthsteically as one of the greats, so the fact the P790 reminded me of this could only be a positive.
Feel
Manufacturers are divided on what you fill a head cavity with – air or foam? The P790 is trying to be an ‘inbetweener.’ It’s still filled, and it probably needed it, to aid the acoustics and give that hard forged 4140 steel a softer feel.
Distance and grouping
As you would expect with a low CG head, thin face and tungsten-weighting, it delivers a punch. The Through-Slot Speed Pocket I thought was just a marketing gimmick, but despite the fast face, I didn’t get any unexpected fliers, which I was anticipating, having recently tested clubs with the same sort of construction.
Verdict
As a golfer whose handicap is on the climb out of single and into double digits the P790 is just the ticket. The upgrades have certainly been effective for golfers looking for a higher, stronger flight and more speed. The offset might not be enough for the higher handicapper and the top-line might not be thin enough for the scratch player, but the wide appeal of this club remains one of the best.
