TaylorMade P790 Irons (2025)

The Short Version

The 2025 P790 is the fifth generation of the iron that invented the players-distance category, and it remains the benchmark. TaylorMade's headline upgrades are a stronger 4340M forged face, a measurably larger sweet spot, and individually tuned CG locations in every head. It looks like a blade, launches like a game-improvement iron, and feels better than any P790 before it.

Performance

Distance has always been the P790's calling card, and the 2025 version pushes it further. The new 4340M face alloy is 20 percent stronger than the previous generation, which let TaylorMade make the face thinner for more flex and ball speed. The company claims a sweet spot up to 24 percent larger than the 2023 model, and the FLTD CG system places the center of gravity low in the long irons for launch and progressively higher through the scoring clubs for spin control. The Thru-Slot Speed Pocket in the 4 through 7 irons preserves ball speed on the low-face strikes where most amateurs miss. Reviewers consistently describe the P790 as one of the longest irons in its class, with a mid-high launch that holds greens. This is a research-based review compiled from published testing and specifications; we did not conduct our own launch-monitor testing.

Forgiveness

For an iron that looks this compact, the forgiveness is remarkable. The hollow-body construction, tungsten weighting (30 to 40 grams positioned low in the long irons), and the enlarged sweet spot mean off-center hits lose less distance than they have any right to. The 2025 model's individual head optimization extends the variable-face-thickness pattern to protect the areas where real golfers actually make contact. That said, this is still a players-distance iron, not a game-improvement iron. High handicappers and steep, inconsistent strikers will find more help in the Qi line. For the 5 to 15 handicap range, the forgiveness-to-looks ratio is arguably the best in golf.

Feel and Sound

Feel was TaylorMade's stated priority for this generation, and it shows. Each head was individually optimized using modal analysis, and the SpeedFoam Air fill damps unwanted vibration while letting the thin face flex. The result is a dense, powerful sensation at impact that reviewers describe as the best-feeling P790 yet. The thinner topline and refined shaping also quiet the slightly hollow note that earlier hollow-body generations could produce. It is not a forged muscle-back, and it does not pretend to be, but among hollow-body irons the feel is top-tier.

Value

At $1,399.99 for a 4-PW steel set ($1,499.99 graphite), the P790 commands flagship money. The technology is genuine, not marketing fluff, and the iron holds its value well on the used market. But the value equation has a real caveat: the 2021 and 2023 generations deliver the vast majority of this performance at 30 to 40 percent less now that the 2025 model has launched. Unless you specifically want the larger sweet spot and improved feel, a prior generation is the smarter buy. Factor in that most golfers in the target handicap range benefit enormously from a professional fitting, which adds $100 to $150 (often credited toward purchase).

Who Should Buy It

The ideal P790 player is a 5 to 15 handicap who loves the look of a compact iron, wants help launching the long irons, and refuses to give up workability in the scoring clubs. It combos beautifully with the P770 or P7CB in the short irons for players who want a blended set. It is not for beginners, and elite ball-strikers who prioritize precision over distance should look at the P770 or P7CB instead.

Verdict

The 2025 P790 defends its title as the players-distance iron to beat. The stronger face, bigger sweet spot, and per-head CG tuning are substantive improvements, and the feel upgrade is real. It loses a half-step on value only because prior generations are such strong discounted alternatives. This is a research-based review synthesized from manufacturer specifications and published independent reviews; no personal testing was conducted.