TaylorMade P790 vs P770: Which Players' Iron Should You Buy?
Both are hollow-body forged irons built for better players — but they solve slightly different problems.
TaylorMade's P-Series has become the benchmark for "players' distance" irons, and the P790 and P770 are the two names Australian golfers search for most. Both use hollow-body forged construction with SpeedFoam inside the head, but the shaping and priorities differ enough that picking the wrong one means giving up either forgiveness or shot-shaping you actually wanted.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | P790 | P770 |
|---|---|---|
| Head Size | Slightly larger, more forgiving | More compact, closer to a players' blade |
| Forgiveness | Higher | Lower, by design |
| Workability | Good | Better — built for shot-shaping |
| Best For | Mid-to-low handicappers wanting distance and forgiveness | Low handicappers wanting a compact players' iron with hidden forgiveness |
P790: The Volume Seller for Good Reason
The P790 popularised the "players' distance iron" category — a head that looks compact enough for a better player at address, but hides SpeedFoam and a hollow forged construction that boosts ball speed and forgiveness well beyond what the shaping suggests. It's the more forgiving of the two, making it the right call for the majority of golfers who want that combination of good looks and real-world margin for error.
P770: Built for the Better Player
The P770 uses the same core hollow-forged philosophy as the P790, but in a noticeably more compact head with a thinner top-line and less offset. It's aimed squarely at low-handicap players who want the shot-shaping control of a traditional blade or muscle-back iron, but still want more forgiveness and distance than a true blade delivers. Think of it as the P790's shaping tucked in for players who've earned the right to a smaller head.
Which One Actually Suits You?
- Mid-handicap (10–18): P790 — more forgiveness, easier to launch consistently.
- Low-handicap (0–9) wanting distance without sacrificing looks: P790 still works well here, particularly if consistency matters more than pure workability.
- Single-digit handicap or better, prioritising shot-shaping: P770 — the compact head rewards players who already strike the ball consistently.
💡 Common mistake: buying the P770 for its looks before your ball-striking consistency justifies it. Both irons perform best when matched honestly to your current game, not your aspirational one.
Shaft Considerations
Both models are commonly found with steel shafts (True Temper, KBS) for players who want a heavier, more controlled feel, and with lighter graphite options for those prioritising swing speed and easier launch. Because the P770 is aimed at better players, expect a higher proportion of used listings on steel shafts with stiffer flexes — always check the specific shaft against your own swing speed rather than assuming based on the iron name alone.
Buying Used: What to Check
- Groove wear — check face grooves closely under good light, as both models see heavy play from serious golfers.
- Sole wear — light scuffing is cosmetic; deep gouges near the leading edge can affect turf interaction.
- Set configuration — confirm exactly which irons are included (e.g. 4–PW vs 5–AW) before buying.
Every set we list is assessed under our published grading system, so condition is always clear before you buy.
Shop Used TaylorMade P-Series Irons — Australia-Wide Shipping
Professionally graded, dispatched from Adelaide. $30 flat rate shipping. Free over $600.
Can't Find What You're After?
Specific set configurations and shaft combinations for both models move quickly given their popularity. If you're after a particular setup, use our Club Sourcing Request page and we'll look for it on the next buying trip.
The Bottom Line
Both irons share the same hollow-forged DNA, so the decision comes down to head size and how much forgiveness you honestly still need. The P790 covers more golfers well; the P770 rewards those who've already earned the smaller head.
Honest prices, quality gear. Simple.