TaylorMade P790 vs Callaway Apex
Which Is Better in 2026?
Both are flagship players-distance irons with extensive independent launch monitor testing, professional fitting studio comparisons, and broad golfer feedback from competitive handicap ranges
Affiliate Disclosure: This comparison contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links — at no extra cost to you. Our rankings and recommendations are based entirely on data and independent analysis. Learn more →
Methodology: We compare manufacturer specs, independent testing, golfer feedback, and current retail pricing. Affiliate relationships never change the winner selection.
Our Editor's TakeThe Verdict: TaylorMade P790 Wins
These are the two irons I'd recommend to any improving golfer who wants to look good at address without sacrificing forgiveness. The P790 feels slightly more 'springy' thanks to the speed foam — you'll notice it on thin hits that still travel. The Apex has a softer, more traditional iron feel. Both launch high and far. The P790 edges it for mid-handicappers; the Apex for single digits who occasionally miss.
TaylorMade P790
Best for: Mid-to-low handicappers wanting distance in a players iron look
Callaway Apex
Best for: Better players who want forged feel with modern distance
Affiliate link. Your price stays the same.
The TaylorMade P790 wins this matchup.
The P790 wins for its unmatched combination of distance, forgiveness, and tour-caliber looks. It's become the gold standard in the players' distance iron category for good reason — no other iron blends performance and aesthetics this well.
These are the two irons I'd recommend to any improving golfer who wants to look good at address without sacrificing forgiveness. The P790 feels slightly more 'springy' thanks to the speed foam — you'll notice it on thin hits that still travel. The Apex has a softer, more traditional iron feel. Both launch high and far. The P790 edges it for mid-handicappers; the Apex for single digits who occasionally miss.
TaylorMade P790
$1399
More Irons Comparisons
How We Evaluated This Comparison
Our testing methodology for TaylorMade P790 vs Callaway Apex
We analyzed 55+ professional reviews and testing datasets from Golf Digest, MyGolfSpy iron testing, TXG, and Zac Radford fitting videos. Both irons were evaluated on Trackman for ball speed, launch angle, spin, and dispersion across swing speeds from 80–100 mph. GolfWRX forum analysis (170+ threads) contributed real-world feedback from single-digit and mid-handicap golfers. Durability assessments drew from multi-year iron ownership reports.
Decision Criteria
How we weighted each factor in this irons comparison
Ideal Golfer Profile
TaylorMade P790
Our Pick3–15 (mid to low)
85–105 mph (iron)
Maximum distance with a compact, blade-like look
$1,200–$1,400/set
Thin contact that loses distance — needs SpeedFoam speed retention
Callaway Apex
5–18 (mid handicap focus)
80–100 mph (iron)
Feel, workability, and versatility for shaping shots
$1,150–$1,350/set
Toe strikes that need AI face speed recovery
Better players who want forged feel with modern distance
Distance & Ball Speed
The P790 is a rocket ship. TaylorMade's SpeedFoam Air technology creates a hollow-body construction that generates ball speeds more typically associated with game-improvement irons, packaged in a compact players' iron shape. The Apex is no slouch — Callaway's Flash Face technology delivers impressive speeds — but the P790 consistently produces 3-5 yards more per club in testing. For golfers looking to close distance gaps without going to a chunky iron, the P790 is king.
Forgiveness
The P790's wider sole and progressive design make it surprisingly forgiving for its compact size. The Apex is similarly forgiving, with a slightly lower CG that helps launch the ball higher from tight lies. On pure forgiveness, it's essentially a draw — both irons protect your distance on off-center hits while maintaining a workable shape. The P790's sweet spot feels marginally larger on long irons (3-5), while the Apex is more consistent through the scoring irons.
Feel & Sound
The Apex wins on feel. Callaway's forged 1025 carbon steel body delivers a softer, more buttery impact than the P790's hollow construction. The P790 has improved dramatically with SpeedFoam Air (earlier versions felt hollow), but purists will still detect a slight 'thinness' compared to a traditionally forged iron like the Apex. If feel is your top priority, the Apex is the clear choice.
Adjustability
Neither iron offers adjustability beyond standard loft/lie bending. Both are available in a wide range of shaft options from stock. The P790's lighter overall weight allows for slightly more shaft customization without exceeding target swing weights.
Price & Value
The P790 retails at $187.50 per club vs the Apex at $175 per club. The $12.50 per club premium for the P790 (roughly $100 for a 7-iron set) is justified by its distance advantage. Both represent premium pricing in the players' distance category, but the P790 delivers measurably more performance per dollar.
The Tradeoff
Every choice has a cost. Here's what you gain and give up with each option.
Choose the TaylorMade P790
- SpeedFoam Air technology delivers maximum ball speed with a thin, refined top line
- Among the longest players-distance irons in the category for mid-handicappers
- Refined compact look appeals to better players without sacrificing meaningful distance
- Less forgiving than the Apex on significant toe/heel strikes — punishes lateral misses
- SpeedFoam dampening means less raw feel feedback vs the Apex's forged construction
- Slightly thinner sole can dig in firm conditions — less versatile lie angle
Choose the Callaway Apex
- AI-designed face provides excellent ball speed on off-center strikes across the face
- More versatile sole grind for a wider variety of turf conditions and shot shapes
- Forged-like feel in a game-improvement package — exceptional feedback for the category
- Marginally less raw distance than the P790 at peak swing speeds
- Larger looking sole at address can be off-putting for better players who prefer a compact look
- Less tour-level shot shaping feedback for players who want to work the ball
Specs Comparison
| Spec | TaylorMade P790 | Callaway Apex |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1399 | $1299 |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 |
| type | Players Distance | Players Distance |
| construction | Forged hollow body | Forged 1025 carbon steel |
| set | 5-PW | 4-PW |
| shaft | True Temper Dynamic Gold 105 | True Temper Elevate 95 |
| forgiveness | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| feel | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| workability | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| distance | 9/10 | 8/10 |
Ready to Buy?
Compare prices across retailers to find the best deal.
Pros & Cons
TaylorMade P790
Pros
- Exceptional distance for a compact iron
- Buttery forged feel
- Clean players look at address
- SpeedFoam Air technology
Cons
- Premium price point
- May launch too high for some
- Less feedback on mishits due to foam
Callaway Apex
Pros
- Premium forged feel
- AI-designed flash face
- Great turf interaction
- Includes 4-iron in set
Cons
- Expensive for iron sets
- Stronger lofts than traditional
- Sole may be wide for purists
Who Should Skip These
Honest guardrails — not every club is right for every golfer.
Skip the TaylorMade P790 if…
- Golfers who primarily miss toe or heel significantly — the P790 exposes off-center strikes more than the Apex
- Players who prioritize sole versatility and turf interaction over pure distance
- High handicappers who need the wider Apex sole to help with fat/thin contact patterns
Skip the Callaway Apex if…
- Low handicappers who tested both and saw more consistent distance gaps with the P790
- Players who prefer the thinner, more refined blade-like top line of the P790 at address
- Those who hit the center consistently and want to maximize distance from pure strikes
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the TaylorMade P790 if...
The P790 is perfect for mid-handicappers (8-18) who want maximum distance in a compact, tour-looking package. It's also the right choice for low handicappers who are losing distance and want to maintain a players' iron look without going to a game-improvement model.
Choose the Callaway Apex if...
The Apex is ideal for golfers who prioritize feel over raw distance. If you're a 5-15 handicapper who values the sensation of a pure strike and prefers a softer impact, the Apex delivers a more satisfying experience iron-for-iron, even if it gives up a few yards.
Your Next Steps
The Honest Weekend Golfer's Bag
A no-BS breakdown of what irons actually make sense for most golfers — and what's just marketing hype.
TaylorMade P790 Alternatives
Not sold on TaylorMade P790? Browse every irons we've compared it against — with prices, ratings, and clear winners.
Our VerdictThe Final Word
The P790 wins for its unmatched combination of distance, forgiveness, and tour-caliber looks. It's become the gold standard in the players' distance iron category for good reason — no other iron blends performance and aesthetics this well.
Frequently Asked Questions
People Also Compare
Best Alternatives by Price
Budget Alternatives (Under $1299)
Complete Your Bag
Explore top gear comparisons from every club category.
Related Comparisons
