TL;DR: When buying TaylorMade irons, consider your skill level, playing frequency, and budget. Look for features like Speed Bridge, ECHO Damping System, and Speed Pocket that enhance distance, feel, and forgiveness. Remember, high-end models offer premium materials and technologies, whereas entry-level sets offer solid performance at a more affordable price.

My name is Ryan Graybar, and before joining Curated as a Golf Expert in 2021, I was a college golfer and a caddie at a private club for players of all skill levels. I am now a certified product and fitting specialist for many of the top manufacturers in the world. I love playing and talking about golf! I help match players with clubs that work best for their game all day.

In this article, I’ll cover everything you need about the top Taylormade irons!

Why TaylorMade?

TaylorMade, established in 1979, is a renowned American golf equipment manufacturer headquartered in Carlsbad, California. It revolutionized the game with its innovative metal woods and has since been a pioneer in advancing golf technology. TaylorMade is known for its high-quality drivers, irons, and putters, favored by many of the best players in the world. Their irons are known for superior design, performance, and craftsmanship, combining precision and power. They offer a wide range of irons to fit all types of players.

What to Consider When Buying TaylorMade Irons

1. What is Your Skill Level and Playing Style?

Your skill level in golf greatly influences the type of irons you should choose. TaylorMade designs irons for all skill levels — from beginners to professionals. Higher handicappers benefit from game-improvement irons that offer forgiveness and distance, while low handicappers might prefer player’s irons that prioritize control and feel.

2. How Often Do You Play?

Your frequency of play can help justify your investment in a set of irons. Players who are on the course several days a week can further justify investing in the best-performing irons for their game. In contrast, occasional players might prefer more affordable yet still reliable sets.

3. What Type of Iron Set Are You Interested In?

TaylorMade offers a range of iron sets, each designed with specific features to suit different playing styles. Whether it's the M, Sim, or Stealth series designed for distance and forgiveness or the P series for control and feel, understanding your preferences and needs on the course will help you choose a suitable set for you.

4. Do You Need Custom Fit Irons?

Playing the correct length, lie, shaft, and iron head is crucial for playing the best golf. The newest Taylormade models can be custom ordered, while older models are only sold in stock specs. Consider custom-fit irons if you are looking for the very best fit.

5. What is Your Budget? How Much Should Irons Cost?

The price of TaylorMade irons varies widely depending on the model and features. Entry-level sets can start around $600, offering solid performance and reliability. Mid-range irons, usually priced around $700-$900, provide a balance of performance and advanced features. High-end irons, which can exceed $1,000, offer premium materials, advanced technology, and superior craftsmanship, providing the ultimate package in whatever style of iron you choose.

What Are the Different Types of TaylorMade Irons?

TaylorMade manufactures several series of irons in a catalog covering the three main iron golf club types. Each series caters to different skill levels and preferences, so let’s break it down:

1. M-Series Irons (M2, M4, M6)

Known for their combination of distance, forgiveness, and feel, TaylorMade’s game-improvement M-Series irons are popular among mid to high-handicap golfers. They incorporate innovative technologies like Speed Bridge and Speed Pocket to increase ball speed and provide a high launch. The result is added distance and an improved sound and feel for players that want an easy-to-play club.

Benefits:

• Made for everyone: The M-series is designed for a wide range of skill levels, offering balanced performance for various golfers.
• Solid forgiveness: Although these irons are a good fit for all handicaps, there is a decent level of forgiveness that high-handicap players and beginners will find beneficial.
• Enhanced distance: Speed Bridge technology enhances distance while improving sound and feel.
• Mid-range price point: Compared to some other TaylorMade series, M-series irons are available at a more accessible price point because they are an older model. The M2 line was released in 2017, M4 in 2018, and M6 in 2019.

Keep in Mind:

• Limited control and shot-shaping: These irons may not offer the same level of feel and control more experienced golfers might prefer.
• Modern aesthetics: The larger clubhead size can inspire confidence at address for some players. However, golfers preferring a more compact, traditional look will likely find these irons unappealing.
• Less engineering: Lacks some of the advanced technologies found in the newer game improvement models like the Sim or Stealth lines.

2. SIM Max Irons

These irons are designed for maximum distance and forgiveness and feature a fast, flexible face to deliver an explosive ball speed. They feature a Speed Bridge structure for better sound and feel, an ECHO Damping System for eliminating harsh vibrations at impact, and a Speed Pocket for increased face flexibility and added ball speed. The SIM2 Max OS version is oversized for even greater forgiveness.

Benefits:

• Excellent distance and forgiveness: SIM Max irons are a good fit for those needing distance and forgiveness, making them great for high-handicap players or beginners.
• Enhanced comfort: Speed Bridge and ECHO Damping System technology provide a superior feel and reduced vibration on off-center hits, enhancing overall comfort.

Keep in Mind:

• Less control and shot-shaping ability: While they excel in distance and forgiveness, these irons may not offer the level of workability and precision that advanced golfers or professionals want.
• Modern aesthetics: These irons might be less appealing to traditionalists due to their more modern, sporty design.

3. Stealth Irons

Stealth is the newest game improvement iron on the market from Taylormade. These irons are an improvement on the Sim series. The Speed Pocket and Cap Back Design are carried over from the Sim series in the Stealth irons for more ball speed and forgiveness. The Stealth does feature a major improvement in the ECHO Dampening System. It now has a toe-wrap construction for a better feel, more forgiveness, and a higher launch. The Stealth line also features an HD model for even more forgiveness and help with straightening a slice.

Benefits:

• Excellent distance and forgiveness: Stealth irons are a good fit for those needing distance and forgiveness, making them great for high-handicap players or beginners.
• Enhanced feel: Speed Bridge and the new Toe-wrap ECHO Damping System technology provide a superior feel and reduced vibration on off-center hits, enhancing overall comfort.

Keep in Mind:

• Less control and shot-shaping ability: These irons are great for distance and forgiveness but, as a result, lack control. Advanced players who want workability and more control will not find that in these irons.
• Modern aesthetics: These irons have a very modern and tech-infused look that traditionalists may not love.

4. P-Series Irons (P790, P770, P7MC, P7MB)

The P-Series irons are designed to cater to the needs of lower to mid-handicap players. The P790 and P770 models offer a balance of performance and forgiveness, while the P7MC and P7MB are muscle cavity and muscle back irons, respectively, for golfers seeking maximum control and feel.

Benefits:

• Excellent feedback: Forged construction offers a soft feel and better feedback, which can be important for precise shot-making.
• Better control and shot-shaping ability: The P-series provides superb control and workability, perfect for lower handicap golfers.
• Traditional aesthetics: These irons have a clean and classic aesthetic. They feature a more compact design, slim top lines, and narrower soles, which appeal to both advanced golfers and traditionalist players.

Keep in Mind:

• Low forgiveness: P-series irons are designed primarily for more advanced players and do not offer the high level of forgiveness that a beginner or high-handicapper might need.
• Pricier: The P-Series comes with a high price tag due to the forged manufacturing process and its top-of-the-market technology.

Features to Look for When Buying TaylorMade Irons

In addition to the basic things to consider when selecting irons, like choosing an appropriate clubhead or having the correct shaft flex, there are a few other distinctive features and technologies to consider when seeking out the best TaylorMade iron match for your golf game.

1. Speed Bridge Technology: This is a beam that connects the top line to the back bar of the iron, stabilizing the club and allowing the face to take on more of the load at impact. This results in increased ball speed, better sound, and improved feel. It's an excellent feature for those seeking distance and forgiveness.
2. ECHO Damping System: ECHO is an energy channeling system that absorbs harsh unwanted vibrations at impact while still allowing for a solid and satisfying feel. This greatly improves the feel of a cast iron.
3. Progressive Inverted Cone Technology (PICT): This technology varies the position of the sweet spot from club to club to optimize spin, launch angle, and forgiveness for each iron in the set. This can make your iron set feel more cohesive and help you hit more accurate shots with every club.
4. Thru-Slot Speed Pocket: This TaylorMade technology, found in some of their irons, is a slot cut through the sole of the club to increase face flexibility and enhance ball speed and forgiveness. It's beneficial if you're looking to maximize distance and minimize the impact of mishits.
5. Multi-Material Construction: TaylorMade often uses a combination of different materials (like steel, tungsten, and graphite) in their irons to optimize performance. The use of different materials can help you get the most out of your clubs, whether that's maximizing distance, improving accuracy, or fine-tuning your ball flight.

Features to Avoid When Buying TaylorMade Irons

While TaylorMade irons are known for their quality and technoloy, there are certain aspects you may wish to avoid, depending on your preferences and skill level:

1. Advanced irons for beginners: If you're a beginner, avoid irons that are too advanced for your current skill level. High-performance irons like those in the P-Series are aimed at skilled golfers, and their lack of forgiveness can be a problem for those just starting out.
2. Players models for short hitters: If you struggle with distance, you might want to avoid irons that don’t help increase your speed, like some of the player's irons in the P-Series.

Golf is a highly personal sport, and the right equipment for you will vary based on your needs as a player. It's always a good idea to try different models and consult with a club-fitting professional to find the best irons for your game. Feel free to reach out to me here on Curated for personalized advice.

How to Choose the Right TaylorMade Irons for You

Here are some real-life examples of people I’ve helped find the right irons for them.

Clint

A newer golfer who is looking for irons that are very easy to play.

Needs: Game improvement technologies, cavity-backed irons

Features to Look For: Low center of gravity, Thru-Slot Speed Pocket, cap back design, inverted cone technology

TaylorMade Irons to Consider:

• M4 Irons- These irons are a great budget option to get into a game improvement Taylormade iron. Taylormade keeps these in production to offer great value.
• Sim 2 Max Irons- The M4 offers even more forgiveness, distance, and modern technology while still being discounted off the top lines on the market.
• Stealth HD irons- Stealth HD irons feature an even lower center of gravity and a wide sole to help get the ball higher in the air. This iron also features a draw bias to help fight a slice. For newer or slower-swinging golfers that struggle with one or both of those issues, this top game improvement iron is a great option.

Ned

Mid-to-high handicap player looking for some forgiveness who is also considering an iron with a little more control.

Needs: Not the most forgiving or workable irons on the market

Features to Look for: SpeedFoam Air, forged face, tungsten, etc

TaylorMade Irons to Consider:

• Stealth Irons- This iron can appeal to the intermediate or higher handicap who wants a more forgiving iron. These have more control and feel over the Sim 2 Max, among other improvements. This is a cast iron, but it does a great job of offering better sound and feel than other similar irons on the market.
• P790 Irons- The most forgiving iron in the P-Series, the P790 offers tons of intermediate performance. For low handicaps who want some extra forgiveness or mid-handicaps who want some workability without sacrificing all of their forgiveness, this is a great offering from Taylormade.
• P770 Irons- This iron features a lot of technology, including the SpeedFoam Air, to keep ball speed and forgiveness up in a great-looking player's iron. For low-handicap players who want a sleek and modern-looking iron with some extra speed and forgiveness, consider the P770.

Jeff

Low-handicap player looking for a more compact and controllable iron.

Needs: Players irons that offer more workability and control

Features to Look for: Compact cavity-backs, muscle backs, more traditional lofts, compact grain forging, machine-milled grooves

TaylorMade Irons to Consider:

• P7MC Irons: This is a tour-inspired iron with high levels of workability and control, with just a touch of forgiveness. In the bag of some of the best players in the world, this iron is great ball strikers who would like a little more forgiveness than a true muscle back blade.
• P7MB Irons: The P7MB is one of the best-looking and feeling blades on the market. For elite ball strikers who want the ultimate experience in feel and control, consider the P7MB.
• P7TW Irons (these irons can only be custom ordered, message me or another Curated Golfing Expert to order a custom set for you): This is the ultimate in a players iron, built to the specs of Tiger Woods. It features milled grind soles for precision and enhanced turf interaction, a longer blade length, a thinner topline, weaker lofts, and other custom specs built to be Tiger’s preferred set.

Discover the Best Irons for You

Taylormade is one of the very best manufacturers in the world. They make irons that cater to beginners, the greatest players to ever play the game, and anyone in between. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean a TaylorMade iron is the best fit for you. Chat with me or one of my fellow Curated Golf Experts for help with finding the perfect iron for your game!