I’ve Never Been a Fan of the TaylorMade P790s: A deep Dive into the Controversial Irons

The TaylorMade P790 irons have earned their spot as a popular choice among many golfers, often praised for their sleek design and innovative technology. However, not everyone is sold on their hype. I’ve never been a fan of the TaylorMade P790s, and in this article, I’ll explain exactly why. If you’re considering these irons or simply curious about their pros and cons, stick around for an honest and in-depth review.

What Exactly Are the TaylorMade P790 Irons?

The P790 irons, part of TaylorMade’s innovative product line, are known for blending power and forgiveness in a forged package aimed at mid-to-low handicap golfers. Featuring a hollow-body design with SpeedFoam technology infused inside, the P790 promises a combination of distance, feel, and playability.

• SpeedFoam Technology: Injected foam inside the clubhead to enhance sound and feel without adding weight.
• Forged Construction: 4140 steel for a soft, premium feel.
• Thru-Slot Speed Pocket: Intended to increase ball speed and improve forgiveness on low-face strikes.
• Player-Level Loft Setup: Strong lofts designed for extra distance.

Reasons Why I’m Not a Fan of the TaylorMade P790s

1.Overemphasis on Distance at the Expense of Feel

While TaylorMade markets the P790s as a perfect blend of distance and feel, I find thay lean too heavily on distance. The hollow-body design and SpeedFoam inevitably effect the traditional “soft” feel that forged irons are known for.For purists or players who prize feedback from each shot, this can be a drawback.

2. Forgiveness Isn’t That Forgiving

Despite the claim of added forgiveness, the P790 irons require a fairly consistent strike to reap the benefits. Mid- to high-handicap players might find these irons less forgiving compared to true game-betterment irons from other brands.

3. Loft and Launch Characteristics May Not Suit Everyone

With generally stronger lofts than traditional irons, the P790s can produce a lower ball flight. This might be advantageous for players who want to reduce spin and maximize roll, but it doesn’t suit players playing into elevation or those who want a higher trajectory for stopping power.

4. price Point and Value Consideration

These irons carry a premium price, often costing upwards of $1500 for a set.For the features offered, some golfers could find better value in alternatives that deliver both forgiveness and feel, without a significant cost.

Performance Comparison: TaylorMade P790 vs. Other Popular Irons

First-Hand Experience: What I Noticed on the Range

Testing the TaylorMade P790 irons over several sessions revealed some consistent themes:

• Inconsistent Feel for Mishits: The foam insert dampened feedback making off-center hits feel less punishing but also less instructive for improvement.
• Ball Flight: The trajectory skewed a bit lower than I personally prefer, affecting my ability to control approach shots on undulating greens.
• Distance Gains: Distance was undeniable, but I often found I had to compromise shot-shaping abilities.
• Sound: The impact sound was muted compared to the classic forged irons I’m used to, which may deter some players.

Who Should Avoid the TaylorMade P790 Irons?

If you fit into any of the following categories, you might want to rethink investing in the P790s:

• high Handicap Golfers (20+): You’ll likely find limited forgiveness and may struggle to consistently hit center strikes.
• Purist players: Those craving traditional forged iron feel and feedback may be disappointed.
• Golfers seeking Higher Ball Flight or Spin: The strong lofts and design favor a lower trajectory which can hurt stopping power on greens.
• Budget-Conscious Players: Premium pricing with features that don’t necessarily justify the cost for every player.

Practical Tips: Getting the Most Out of TaylorMade P790s If You Choose Them

If, despite my reservations, you decide to take the plunge with P790 irons, here are some tips to maximize their potential:

• Custom Fitting Is Essential: Because lofts and shafts play a pivotal role in performance, getting a professional custom fitting is strongly recommended.
• Focus on Strike Consistency: Work on your ball-striking to exploit the distance benefits without sacrificing accuracy.
• Combine With a High-launching Wedge: Pair your irons with wedges that help you achieve a softer landing in tight conditions, compensating for lower iron spin.
• Practice in Varied Conditions: Test trajectories on different courses and weather conditions to adapt your gameplay accordingly.

Common Misconceptions About the P790 Irons

There are several myths floating around about the TaylorMade P790s that I’d like to clear up:

1. “They’re only for touring pros.” This is untrue; P790s are designed for a range of skilled amateurs and low-handicap players,though some beginners may find them challenging.
2. “They provide the best feel of any iron.” Feel is subjective,but many find traditional forged irons or even some cavity backs deliver better tactile feedback.
3. “You’ll automatically gain yards.” Distance gains depend heavily on swing speed, launch conditions, and consistency — P790s are not a magic distance wand.

Summary Table: Pros and Cons of taylormade P790 Irons