When it comes to choosing the perfect set of irons, golfers are often faced with a multitude of options. Two of the most popular and technologically advanced iron sets on the market today are the TaylorMade P790 Iron and the Mizuno JPX 919 Forged Iron. Both of these irons boast impressive design features and performance capabilities, but how do they stack up against each other? In this article, we’ll delve into the similarities and differences between these two iron sets to help you make an informed decision on which one best suits your game.
Design and Construction
TaylorMade P790 Iron: The P790 Iron is crafted with a hollow body design and filled with TaylorMade’s proprietary SpeedFoam technology. This innovative foam material not only enhances the feel of the club but also provides additional support to the ultra-thin forged face. The face itself is designed with a progressive inverted cone, which helps to minimize side spin and promote straighter shots. The P790’s tungsten weighting further improves the club’s center of gravity for optimized launch conditions and forgiveness.
Mizuno JPX 919 Forged Iron: The JPX 919 Forged Iron features a one-piece Grain Flow Forged construction made from 1025 Boron steel, which is known for its strength and durability. This process results in a soft, solid feel on contact while still providing impressive distance. Mizuno’s proprietary stability frame is engineered to provide a stable clubface at impact and enhance launch conditions. The club’s CNC milled face and grooves also contribute to a more consistent ball flight and enhanced spin control.
Performance
Distance: Both the P790 and JPX 919 Forged Irons are designed for golfers seeking a combination of distance, forgiveness, and control. The P790’s hollow body design, SpeedFoam technology, and tungsten weighting work in tandem to provide explosive distance, while the JPX 919’s Grain Flow Forged construction and stability frame offer increased ball speed and consistent distances across the face.
Forgiveness: In terms of forgiveness, both irons have features that help improve off-center hits. The TaylorMade P790’s ultra-thin face and progressive inverted cone design promote more consistent ball speeds across the face, while the Mizuno JPX 919’s stability frame and CNC milled face ensure consistent performance even on mishits.
Feel and Sound: The TaylorMade P790’s SpeedFoam technology helps provide a soft, dampened feel and a muted sound at impact, while the Mizuno JPX 919 Forged Iron’s one-piece construction ensures a solid, soft feel on contact. Golfers who prefer a more traditional, softer feel may lean towards the Mizuno JPX 919 Forged, while those who enjoy a more contemporary, dampened feel might opt for the TaylorMade P790.
Workability: Both irons offer ample workability, allowing skilled golfers to shape shots as needed. The P790’s progressive inverted cone design and tungsten weighting help promote a more piercing ball flight, while the JPX 919’s stability frame and milled face offer increased control over shot shape and trajectory.
Specs Comparison
| Factor | JPX 919 Forged | P790 |
|---|
| Clubhead size | Mid-sized | Compact |
| Clubhead material | Forged Steel | Forged 4140/450 SS |
| Shaft material | Steel | Steel |
| Loft range | 19-48 degrees | 19-43.5 degrees |
| Lie angle range | 59-64 degrees | 60-63.5 degrees |
Forgiveness Comparison
| Factor | JPX 919 Forged | P790 |
|---|
| MOI | High | Low |
| Forgiveness area | Large | Small |
| Launch | Mid-high | Mid-low |
| Off-center hits | More forgiving | Less forgiving |
| Distance loss | Minimal | Significant |
Performance Comparison
| Factor | JPX 919 Forged | P790 |
|---|
| Ball speed | Fast | Very fast |
| Spin rate | High | Low-mid |
| Launch angle | Mid-high | Mid-low |
| Distance | Long | Very long |
| Shot shaping | Workable | Workable |
| Sound/feel | Soft | Solid/crisp |
Price Comparison
| Factor | JPX 919 Forged | P790 |
|---|
| Price (per club) | $175-$200 | $175-$200 |
| Availability | Widely available | Widely available |
| Discounts/promotions | Some | Some |
| Resale value | Good | Good |
| Brand reputation | Strong | Strong |
User Reviews Comparison
| Factor | JPX 919 Forged | P790 |
|---|
| Overall rating | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Playability | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Forgiveness | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Distance | 4.8/5 | 4.9/5 |
| Sound/feel | 4.9/5 | 4.7/5 |
Player Profile Comparison
| Factor | JPX 919 Forged | P790 |
|---|
| Handicap range | Mid to low | Low |
| Swing type | Smooth | Aggressive |
| Shot shape | Neutral | Slight draw/fade |
| Swing speed | Moderate | Fast |
| Ball flight | Mid-high | Mid-low |
Appearance Comparison
| Factor | JPX 919 Forged | P790 |
|---|
| Clubhead shape | Traditional | Compact blade-like |
| Topline | Thin | Thin |
| Offset | Minimal | Minimal |
| Finish | Brushed satin | Matte chrome |
Customization Options Comparison
| Factor | JPX 919 Forged | P790 |
|---|
| Shaft options | Wide range | Wide range |
| Length options | Standard | Standard |
| Grip options | Wide range | Wide range |
| Adjustability options | Minimal | Minimal |
| Custom fitting | Available | Available |
Launch Monitor Comparison
| Factor | JPX 919 Forged | P790 |
|---|
| Spin rate | 6,000-7,500 rpm | 4,000-6,000 rpm |
| Launch angle | 17-24 degrees | 15-21 degrees |
| Ball speed | 120-140 mph | 125-145 mph |
| Distance | 170-200 yards | 175-210 yards |
| Descent angle | 45-50 degrees | 40-45 degrees |
Technology Comparison
| Factor | JPX 919 Forged | P790 |
|---|
| Face material | Forged 1025E mild carbon steel | Forged 4140/450 SS |
| SpeedFoam | No | Yes |
| Face slot | No | Yes |
| Tungsten weighting | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-material construction | Yes | Yes |
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the TaylorMade P790 Iron and the Mizuno JPX 919 Forged Iron are high-performing, technologically advanced iron sets that cater to golfers seeking a combination of distance, forgiveness, and workability. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preferences in terms of feel, sound, and brand loyalty. Regardless of the choice, both iron sets are sure to enhance any golfer’s game and deliver exceptional performance on the course.
