Taylormade P790 Irons Specs: A Complete Overview
The 2023 TaylorMade P790 irons have a forged 8620 carbon steel body, a high-strength L‑Face, and SpeedFoam Air. Standard specs: 7-iron loft 30°, lie 63.5°, length 36.25″, offset 2.5 mm. Below are the full set specs, shaft options, and key tech. All numbers in this page are TaylorMade’s standard unadjusted measurements for the current (2023) generation. If you own a 2017, 2019, or 2021 set, lofts and lengths shift by 1–2° and 0.25–0.50″, and the 3‑iron offset on the 2017 model is 3.3 mm (not 2.9). Custom length or lie orders will also change the numbers shown here.
Loft, Lie, and Length Specifications
| Iron | Loft (°) | Lie (°) | Length (in) | Offset (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 18.5 | 59.5 | 39.00 | 2.9 |
| 4 | 21.0 | 60.5 | 38.50 | 2.8 |
| 5 | 23.5 | 61.5 | 37.75 | 2.7 |
| 6 | 26.5 | 62.5 | 37.00 | 2.6 |
| 7 | 30.0 | 63.5 | 36.25 | 2.5 |
| 8 | 34.0 | 64.5 | 35.75 | 2.4 |
| 9 | 38.5 | 65.5 | 35.25 | 2.3 |
| PW | 43.5 | 66.0 | 34.75 | 2.2 |
| AW | 48.5 | 66.5 | 34.50 | 2.1 |
| SW | 53.5 | 67.0 | 34.50 | 2.0 |
| LW | 58.5 | 67.5 | 34.50 | 1.9 |
- Offset declines from long irons to wedges, keeping the head square while reducing turf drag. This progressive offset reduces the visual “hook bias” as you move into the scoring irons, making it easier to shape shots with the shorter clubs.
- Lie angles are adjustable ±2° by bending. The P790 uses a standard ferrule, not an adjustable hosel, so a club fitter must do the work. If you need more than 2° of upright or flat lie, consider a different iron model to avoid stress on the thin face weld.
- Lengths are based on a 5‑iron of 37.75″. Custom over- or under-length sets can be ordered directly. Note that going more than 0.5″ longer may require heavy head weights to maintain swing weight.
Model-Year Differences (Quick Reference)
- 2017: 3-iron loft 19°, PW 45°, 5-iron length 38.75″, offset at 3-iron 3.3 mm. Face technology was the original L-Face without the wider speed pocket found in later versions.
- 2019: 3-iron 19°, PW 44°, 5-iron 37.50″ (0.25″ shorter than 2023). The SpeedFoam was introduced here, but it weighed more than the SpeedFoam Air used from 2021 onward.
- 2021: 3-iron 18.5°, PW 44°, length same as 2023 but with slightly different offset values (3-iron at 2.9 mm, same as current) and a tungsten weight that was smaller than the 2023 version’s.
- 2023: Specs as in the table above. Face is thinner, and the 4–7 irons have a wider speed pocket. The tungsten weight size increased to enable a lower CG and higher launch in the long irons.
Why it matters: Loft differences of 1–2° can change your 7-iron carry by about 3–5 yards. If you’re replacing an older P790 set, check your current lofts and adjust your wedge gapping accordingly—the 2023 PW at 43.5° leaves a bigger gap to the AW (48.5°) than the 2019 set’s 44° PW did.
Shaft and Flex Options
Steel Shafts
| Shaft Model | Weight (g) | Flexes Offered | Typical Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Gold 105 | 105 | R, S, X | Mid-launch, low spin; classic feel |
| Project X LZ 5.5/6.0/6.5 | 115–130 | R, S, X | Smooth loading, mid-launch, mid spin |
| KBS Tour Lite | 110 | R, S | Lightweight, mid-high flight |
Graphite Shafts
| Shaft Model | Weight (g) | Flexes Offered | Typical Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi MMT 85 | 85 | A, R, S | Light, smooth, mid-launch |
| Mitsubishi MMT 105 | 105 | S, X | Stable, controllable, mid-launch |
| Accra iSeries 95 | 95 | R, S, X | Premium feel, low torque |
Stock steel grips: Golf Pride Z-Grip (58R round, +2 wraps). Stock graphite grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 (58R). If you prefer a different grip size or wrap count, specify at order. Many fitters recommend a midsize grip for players with large hands or a tendency to grip too tight, as it reduces tension and improves release timing.
Practical Implication of Shaft Choice
The stock Dynamic Gold 105 (steel) is a good middle weight but can feel harsh if you have a smooth tempo. The Project X LZ offers a more gradual load, which helps players who transitioned from graphite. If you order the 2023 P790s with a graphite shaft, the swing weight typically drops to D0–D1; confirm with TaylorMade if you need a heavier head weight to maintain feel. Also consider that the MMT 85 is a popular upgrade for players with moderate swing speeds (75–85 mph with a 7-iron) who want a lighter total weight without sacrificing stability. The Accra iSeries 95 suits faster swingers who need a low-torque, consistent bend profile for tighter dispersion.
Swing Weight and Stock Grip
- Swing weight: D2 for steel shafts (D0–D1 for graphite depending on flex).
- Grip weight: ~50 grams for standard grips.
- Verification step: To check the actual spec of your set, remove the grip and read the spec sticker on the shaft (usually near the butt). You can also measure the 7‑iron length from the sole to the grip cap — if it’s not exactly 36.25″, you have a custom length. If you don’t want to remove a grip, a shaft puller at a club repair shop can check the sticker in under a minute without cutting the grip.
Construction and Technology Highlights
Forged 8620 Carbon Steel Body + L‑Face
The body is forged from 8620 carbon steel. The face is a separate forged high-strength steel that’s up to 40% thinner than the original P790 face, increasing ball speed on off-center strikes. The forging process also gives a softer feel than a cast iron, which is one reason better players prefer the P790 over a pure distance iron.
SpeedFoam Air
A lightweight polymer foam fills the cavity. It’s 50% lighter than the original SpeedFoam, allowing more mass to be placed low and back for higher launch and MOI. The foam also dampens vibration, making the P790 sound and feel more solid than a hollow-body iron with no filling.
Thru-Slot Speed Pocket
A slot cut through the sole behind the face preserves ball speed on low-face hits. The slot is wider on the 4–7 irons and narrower on the 8–PW. On a thin shot hit low on the face, the speed pocket flexes to reduce the distance loss — typically saving 10–15 yards compared to a solid sole.
Progressive Inverted Cone Technology
The inner face thickness varies: longer irons have a larger sweet spot; shorter irons trade a bit of forgiveness for better feel and spin control. The 3-iron’s inverted cone is significantly larger than the 9-iron’s, so you get more consistent ball speeds on heel/toe mishits with the long irons.
Tungsten Weighting
Precision tungsten weights (up to 80 g in the 3‑iron) are placed low in the toe for high MOI and high launch with controlled spin. The 2023 version increased the tungsten mass by about 10–15% compared to the 2021 model, which results in a 1–2° higher launch angle and roughly 200 rpm lower spin in the long irons — beneficial for players who struggle to get the ball in the air.
Performance Profile: Who Should Play the P790?
The P790 is a “players distance” iron — more forgiving than a blade, but with less offset and a smaller head than a game-improvement iron. It fits:
- Mid-handicaps (8–18) who want workability without giving up distance.
- Better players (4–8) who need launch help on long irons.
- Golfers moving from game-improvement irons who want a more traditional look without sacrificing too much forgiveness.
Realistic mismatch / trade-off: The P790’s thin face and welded construction make it less forgiving on extreme toe or heel strikes than a steel-faced cavity back. If you average 95 or higher and hit ball flight low and off-center often, a super game-improvement iron (like TaylorMade Stealth HD) will launch higher and produce less distance drop on mishits. Additionally, the P790’s 43.5° PW creates a 4.5° gap to the 48.5° AW — you may need to bend the AW stronger or add a 50° wedge to avoid a yardage gap.
Always test the set on a launch monitor before committing. On a TrackMan, look for a consistent 6–7 mph ball speed difference between the 7-iron and 8-iron; if the gap is larger than 8 mph, your loft spacing may not match your swing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the actual 7‑iron loft on the 2023 P790?
30°, which is 1° stronger than the 2021 version (31°) and 2° stronger than the 2019 version (32°). This strength allows the P790 to produce a 7-iron distance typical of a 6-iron in a more traditional set.
Can I bend the loft/lie beyond ±2°?
TaylorMade warns against bending more than 2° because the thin face can crack. If you need more adjustment (e.g., 3° upright), consider a forged iron without a welded face plate, such as the P770.
Is the P790 suitable for a high‑handicap golfer?
It can work if you have a decent strike, but the low offset and compact shape make it less forgiving than a game-improvement model. Most high‑handicappers (20+) get better results with a Stealth or QI HL iron for consistent launch and forgiveness.
What is the swing weight with the standard steel shaft?
D2 for steel shafts. With graphite, it typically drops to D0–D1. If you want to keep D2 with graphite, ask your fitter to use heavier head weights or add lead tape inside the shaft tip.
Specifications are based on TaylorMade’s published data for the 2023 P790 irons. For older models or custom orders, check the spec sticker on your club or use TaylorMade’s online spec tool.
Michael Reeves is a PGA Professional with over 20 years of experience in competitive golf and instruction. A former Division I collegiate player at the University of Texas, he competed on the mini-tours before transitioning to full-time coaching and golf journalism. He has been a certified PGA teaching professional since 2005 and has worked with players at every level, from absolute beginners to collegiate champions.
His writing has appeared in Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and The Left Rough. At GolfHubz, Michael leads the editorial team, overseeing fact-checking and ensuring every answer meets the same standard he demands on the lesson tee: clear, evidence-based, and immediately useful.
When he’s not writing or teaching, Michael plays to a +1.4 handicap at his home club in Austin, Texas. He has attended over 40 major championships as a journalist and fan, and has played more than 200 courses across 15 countries.
You can reach Michael at [email protected] or follow his occasional swing analysis posts on the site.
