TaylorMade P790 vs Callaway Apex:
Which Is Better in 2026?
Updated February 2026 · 8 min read
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.
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.
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 |
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 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.
Our Verdict
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
Are the P790 irons too hot for low handicappers?
Not necessarily. While the P790 generates more distance than traditional forged irons, many tour players and scratch golfers use them. The key is adjusting your gapping — you may need to go up in loft or choose different wedge setups to maintain proper distance gaps.
Which iron looks better at address, the P790 or Apex?
Both feature thin toplines and minimal offset that appeal to better players. The P790 has a slightly thinner topline and less offset, giving it a marginally more 'blade-like' look. The Apex is clean but has a touch more forgiveness built into its visual profile. Both will satisfy golfers who care about aesthetics.
Can I get the P790 in a combo set with P770s?
Yes. TaylorMade offers combo set configurations where you can play P790s in the long irons (3-6) for extra distance and forgiveness, transitioning to P770s in the scoring irons (7-PW) for more control and feel. This is an increasingly popular setup on the PGA Tour.
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