About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the irons, which I tested for one day in August of 2021.

My take

The TaylorMade P790 is one of the best-selling 2019 irons on the market, and for good reason. For a player looking for an all-around blade iron, the P790 line is a go-to club. However, if one isn’t sure about spending the amount for the 2021 version, then look no further than the 2019 model.

About the club I tested

• Model: 2019 TaylorMade P790
• Loft setting: Standard
• Shaft type: KBS Tour Fit 130 X
• Shaft flex: X-Stiff

About me

• Average score: 85
• Experience: Four years of golf
• Right/Left-Handed: Right-handed
• Typical ball flight: Power fade
• Golf ball used: TaylorMade TP5
• Club swing speed: 98 mph (7-Iron)

Test conditions

• When I tested the club: August 2021
• Days tested: 1
• Where I’ve used it: Simulator at Golf Galaxy, NJ
• Weather and wind conditions: Indoor Simulator

How they perform

What I was looking for

I was looking for a forged bladed iron that gave me the best all-around performance. I knew I was going with a TaylorMade club, so I decided to test out their best-selling iron: the P790.

Why I chose this club

Ultimately, I opted to buy the newer 2021 version. But I must say the 2019 and 2021 P790s are the nicest irons I’ve ever swung. Finally, I went with the newer model because of the newer technology, and I liked the ball flight better. But outside of a few minute differences, these two clubs are essentially the same and are worth every penny.

What I love about it

• Distance: These clubs maximize distance. Balls I felt I struck incredibly well went longer than any iron I had hit previously. Blade irons are designed to maximize power; this club did better than the rest.
• Feel: I could easily tell what shots were hit well and what ones weren’t. Great shots felt like a rocket ship off the face. The main difference between this and the 2021 version is that the 2021 version feels more buttery (smooth), while this has that rocket feel. Holding this club, I just felt more confident approaching the shot.
• Sound: This has to be one of the most pleasing-sounding irons. It has such a crisp snap when the ball comes off the face and is so pleasing to the ear.
• Workability: The beauty of blade irons is that they are designed to allow players to work the ball. The 2019 P790 is great for this. No matter what shot someone tries to hit, this club will allow them to hit it.
• Shaft Feel: I love this KBS shaft. Feels great on my set of 2021 P790s and felt great with the 2019 ones. It complements the clubhead incredibly well too.
• Shaft Performance: This shaft helps me maximize my shot with these irons.
• Aesthetic Appeal: I love the look of these irons. They look so nice behind the ball. Not too thin. The ultimate player's-iron look. These have a shiny chrome finish, whereas the 2021 version has a brushed finish, so if one likes that shine, this is the club for them.
• Spin: This is a low-spin club that allows for tons of ball speed and farther distances.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Launch Angle: This club produces a lower, more piercing ball flight, whereas the 2021 version produces a high ball flight which I feel is better for control and holding greens. This was the only issue I found with this club and ultimately the only major difference between this and the 2021 version.
• Forgiveness: Forgiveness is a mixed bag with this club. It comes with good and bad. Blade and forged irons are much less forgiving than game improvement and cavity back irons. They are designed to reward good ball striking with more distance and increased workability. The con is forgiveness, but this club is more forgiving than others of its type. I would say its forgiveness is around 70%.

Best shot with this club

Prior to testing this club, I had a pair of TaylorMade RAC irons. They are cavity back irons so that I couldn’t hit the ball as far. I would hit my 7-iron around 175 yards with the RAC irons. The first club one is given when getting fitted for a set of irons is usually a 7-iron. I was handed the 2019 P790 7-iron, and my first shot went 186 yards. I knew I hit it well, but I was not expecting that at all, and I knew right away a blade iron was what I wanted.

Value for the money vs. other options

With the 2021 version available, one will most likely get these at a lower price. So if someone is looking for a forged or bladed iron and is okay with slightly older technology and a lower ball flight, these irons are for them. These are one of the best-selling irons in the game. Other 2019 options would be the Callaway Apex and the Mizuno JPX-919 hot metal. As I stated earlier, the 2019 TaylorMade P790s were considered the best iron in golf that year. So I don’t think any of these other options will adequately compare to this club.

Final verdict

Although I prefer the 2021 version, the 2019 TaylorMade P790 is an all-time great iron set that unlocks distance and all-around performance.