Taylormade P790 Vs Callaway Apex 19

When it comes to choosing the perfect set of golf irons, golfers want to find the right balance between performance, feel, and appearance. Taylormade and Callaway, two leading golf manufacturers, have produced two iron sets that have gained significant popularity amongst golfers of all skill levels – the Taylormade P790 and Callaway Apex 19. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive comparison between these two iron sets, discussing their design, technology, performance, and pricing to help you make an informed decision when purchasing your next set of golf irons.

Rangefinder on Discount

Design and Appearance

Taylormade P790:

The P790 irons are designed with a hollow body construction and feature Taylormade’s signature SpeedFoam technology, which fills the clubhead cavity for better sound and feel. The thin, forged 8620 carbon steel face contributes to increased ball speed, while the tungsten weighting provides optimal center of gravity (CG) placement for improved launch conditions. Aesthetically, the P790 irons have a sleek, modern appearance with clean lines, minimal offset, and a thinner top line.

Callaway Apex 19:

The Apex 19 irons boast a forged 1025 mild carbon steel body, providing an exceptionally soft feel. Callaway’s proprietary urethane microspheres are infused into the clubhead to dampen vibrations and enhance sound. A tungsten-infused, multi-material construction helps optimize CG placement for improved launch and control. The Apex 19 irons feature a classic, compact design with a thinner top line and moderate offset, appealing to players who prefer a traditional look.

Technology and Performance

Taylormade P790:

  1. SpeedFoam Technology: Enhances the overall feel and sound while supporting the thin face for increased ball speed.
  2. Thru-Slot Speed Pocket: Maximizes ball speed and provides added forgiveness on low-face strikes.
  3. Progressive Inverted Cone Technology: Improves accuracy and helps maintain optimal ball speed across the face.
  4. Tungsten Weighting: Optimizes CG for higher launch and increased stability.

Callaway Apex 19:

  1. 360 Face Cup Technology: Generates fast ball speeds across the face for consistent distance and increased forgiveness.
  2. Urethane Microspheres: Dampen vibrations for improved feel and sound without compromising ball speed.
  3. Tungsten-Infused Construction: Precisely positions the CG for optimal launch, control, and trajectory.
  4. MIM’d (Metal Injection Molded) Tungsten Weighting: Ensures precise CG placement for each iron.

Performance-wise, both iron sets deliver impressive distance, forgiveness, and playability. The Taylormade P790 irons might offer slightly more distance due to the SpeedFoam technology, while the Callaway Apex 19 irons are known for their soft feel and exceptional sound, thanks to the urethane microspheres.

Pricing

The pricing for both sets of irons may vary depending on factors such as retailer, customization, and current promotions. However, as a general guideline, the Taylormade P790 irons tend to be priced slightly higher than the Callaway Apex 19 irons.

Side by Side Comparison

Key Features

Taylormade P790Callaway Apex 19
Club TypeIronsIrons
Hand OrientationRight and LeftRight and Left
MaterialForged Carbon SteelForged 1025 Carbon Steel
Shaft MaterialSteel or GraphiteSteel or Graphite
Loft Options2°-50°3°-50°

Price Comparison

Taylormade P790Callaway Apex 19
Price (MSRP)$1,399 (steel)$1,399 (steel)
$1,599 (graphite)$1,599 (graphite)

Performance Comparison

Taylormade P790Callaway Apex 19
ForgivenessHighHigh
Ball SpeedFastFast
SpinMidMid
Launch AngleMid-HighMid-High
Distance ControlGoodGood

Design Comparison

Taylormade P790Callaway Apex 19
Clubhead SizeCompactCompact
OffsetMinimalMinimal
AppearanceSleekClassic
Sound and FeelSoftSoft
Finish OptionsMatteChrome, Smoke

Customization Options

Taylormade P790Callaway Apex 19
Custom FittingAvailableAvailable
Adjustable LengthNoNo
Adjustable LoftYesYes
Adjustable LieYesYes
Grip OptionsMultipleMultiple

Shaft Options

Taylormade P790Callaway Apex 19
Stock Steel ShaftTrue Temper Dynamic Gold 105True Temper Elevate 95
Stock Graphite ShaftUST Mamiya Recoil 760/780 ES SMACWRAPTrue Temper Project X Catalyst 80
Other Available Steel ShaftsNippon N.S. Pro Modus 3 105, KBS Tour, KBS C-TaperNippon N.S. Pro 950 GH, KBS Tour, KBS C-Taper
Other Available Graphite ShaftsMitsubishi Tensei Pro Red AMC, Mitsubishi MMTMitsubishi Tensei Pro AM2, Aldila Rogue Pro, UST Mamiya Recoil 760/780 ES

Average Distance Comparison

Taylormade P790Callaway Apex 19
4 Iron200 yards198 yards
5 Iron185 yards183 yards
6 Iron170 yards170 yards
7 Iron155 yards157 yards
8 Iron140 yards142 yards

Performance Comparison (Testing Results)

Taylormade P790Callaway Apex 19
Ball Speed (mph)124.5123.8
Launch Angle (degrees)17.918.1
Spin Rate (rpm)6,0006,200
Carry Distance (yards)183.6182.2
Total Distance (yards)196.7195.3

Pros and Cons Comparison

Taylormade P790Callaway Apex 19
ProsHigh forgiveness, good distance, customizable loftClassic look, good distance, great sound and feel
ConsLimited feel, low ball flightLess forgiving, not as customizable as P790

Comparison of Awards and Honors

Taylormade P790Callaway Apex 19
Golf Digest 2019 Hot ListGold MedalGold Medal
Golf Digest 2020 Hot ListGold MedalGold Medal
Golf.com 2019 Players’ IronsBest in ClassBest in Class
MyGolfSpy 2020 Most WantedPlayers Distance WinnerMost Wanted Players Iron
Golf Monthly 2020 Editor’s ChoiceBest IronBest Iron

Comparison of Iron Set Configurations

Taylormade P790Callaway Apex 19
Iron Set Configuration3-PW, AW (8 clubs)3-PW (7 clubs)
Available Individual Irons3-PW, AW, SW, LW3-PW, AW
Combo Set AvailabilityYesYes
Combo Set ConfigurationsP790/P7MB, P790/P7MC, P790/P7CBApex 19/Apex Pro, Apex 19/Apex MB

Comparison of Center of Gravity Location

Taylormade P790Callaway Apex 19
Center of Gravity LocationLow and backProgressive
DescriptionOptimizes launch and speed on long irons, forgiveness on short ironsPromotes better control and precision on long irons, higher launch on short irons

Comparison of Clubhead Construction

Taylormade P790Callaway Apex 19
Clubhead ConstructionForged Hollow BodyForged Cavity Back
DescriptionAllows for faster ball speeds and better distance, with the feel of a forged ironDelivers consistent performance and improved feel and sound

Comparison of Technology and Innovation

Taylormade P790Callaway Apex 19
Technology and InnovationSpeedFoam Technology, Progressive Inverted Cone Technology, Thru Slot Speed Pocket360 Face Cup Technology, Tungsten-Infused, Variable Face Thickness

 Comparison of Average Ball Flight

Taylormade P790Callaway Apex 19
TrajectoryMidMid-High
Descent AngleSteepModerate
Spin RateModerateModerate
Shot Shape BiasNeutralNeutral
Shot Height (from ground)29 yards32 yards

Conclusion

Choosing between the Taylormade P790 and Callaway Apex 19 golf irons will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and priorities. If you are seeking maximum distance and a modern, sleek appearance, the Taylormade P790 irons might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer feel, traditional design, and exceptional sound, the Callaway Apex 19 irons should be on yours.

Author

    by
  • Ray Barnes

    Ray Barnes, our Senior Staff Writer and a Golf Analyst with a PhD in Sports Analytics, is a beacon of insight in the golfing world. With a deep understanding of the sport's nuances, statistical analysis, and a talent for demystifying complexities, he provides in-depth analysis and captivating narratives that engage golf enthusiasts worldwide.

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