TaylorMade basically invented a whole new category of iron in 2017 with the introduction of the very first P790 iron. A hollow-bodied rocket ship of an iron, wrapped up in a somewhat 'better player' aesthetic, it really was the beginning of the player's distance iron era. Some eight years on we are still seeing new iterations of this modern-day classic. Looking to sit amongst the best irons of 2025, here's what I discovered in testing...
In terms of the technology, the blueprint is somewhat set in stone. A hollow body, filled with SpeedFoam Air, and a Speed Slot in the sole of the longer irons, is still the order of the day, but there have been some subtle changes. The 2025 P790 is introducing a new high-strength forged face material (4340M), which TaylorMade says is 20 percent stronger than the 2023 P790 iron, and because it is so strong it has allowed the engineers to create a thinner face offering more flex and speed.
The CG has been moved even lower in the long irons to improve launch and playability, while a higher placement in the short irons has been designed to help with control and spin in the scoring clubs.
Moving on to the looks, your opinion on the changes to the playing profile may very much depend on your ability and ball-striking competence. As a fairly capable PGA Professional, the slightly thinned-out topline and overall cleaner, neater look is a real plus point to me, moving this iron visually just a tad more into the typical ‘better player’ realm. Not only has the topline been tightened a touch, but the hosel to topline transition is also a massive improvement to my eyes.
My only slight concern is that these irons aren’t necessarily aimed at PGA Pros or very low handicap players, and I wonder whether this much more sophisticated look may intimidate higher handicappers looking for ultimate confidence at address. I guess that really depends on how well they perform, although this version of the P790 does sit nicely between the best irons for low handicappers and the best distance irons in terms of size, leaning more towards the smaller side.
Fortunately for TaylorMade, the performance is exceptional although their brilliance lies more in the subtleties than any real launch monitor gains. Firstly, to address my previous concern for the higher handicapper with the new aesthetic, I am happy to tell you that there is absolutely no drop off in forgiveness, so my advice would be to just drink in the more refined looks safe in the knowledge that your playability needs are still very much being addressed with the 2025 P790 iron. The ball speed retention on off-center strikes is outstanding, and while other irons, such as the Callaway Elyte iron or the Cobra DS-ADAPT iron offer similar in that regard, neither do so maintaining such an impressive feel. In fact, the feel of this iron may well be the standout feature.
I did a good amount of testing moving back and forth between this and the 2023 model, and there has been a significant improvement. The sense of speed and power remains as potent as ever, however, it has somehow been softened and tamed without compromising any ball speed. These things are always subjective but the 2025 model is a significant upgrade in terms of impact sensation and is comfortable among the best compact mid-handicap irons for feel.
Another noteworthy refinement is the upgraded sole, which features an increased radius offering a touch more versatility than the previous model for me. I play a lot of my golf on the tight links turf of Saunton Golf Club, so I tend to put a lot of attention on my iron soles, and the P790 stood up to the scrutiny very well.
Overall, I found the 2025 TaylorMade P790 to be excellent. Admittedly, they were starting from a good place, but the subtle visual refinements and significant improvements in feel combine to make this model a genuine upgrade and for those seeking distance in a sleek, sophisticated package, you'll be hard pressed to find a better all rounder than this one.
The TaylorMade 2025 P790 irons are available in the UK for £179 RRP per club in steel, and £212 RRP per club in graphite, while pricing in the US is based on a seven-club set and comes in at $1,399.99 for steel and $1,499.99 in graphite.
