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.
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:
- SpeedFoam Technology: Enhances the overall feel and sound while supporting the thin face for increased ball speed.
- Thru-Slot Speed Pocket: Maximizes ball speed and provides added forgiveness on low-face strikes.
- Progressive Inverted Cone Technology: Improves accuracy and helps maintain optimal ball speed across the face.
- Tungsten Weighting: Optimizes CG for higher launch and increased stability.
Callaway Apex 19:
- 360 Face Cup Technology: Generates fast ball speeds across the face for consistent distance and increased forgiveness.
- Urethane Microspheres: Dampen vibrations for improved feel and sound without compromising ball speed.
- Tungsten-Infused Construction: Precisely positions the CG for optimal launch, control, and trajectory.
- 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 P790 | Callaway Apex 19 |
|---|
| Club Type | Irons | Irons |
| Hand Orientation | Right and Left | Right and Left |
| Material | Forged Carbon Steel | Forged 1025 Carbon Steel |
| Shaft Material | Steel or Graphite | Steel or Graphite |
| Loft Options | 2°-50° | 3°-50° |
Price Comparison
| Taylormade P790 | Callaway Apex 19 |
|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $1,399 (steel) | $1,399 (steel) |
| $1,599 (graphite) | $1,599 (graphite) |
Performance Comparison
| Taylormade P790 | Callaway Apex 19 |
|---|
| Forgiveness | High | High |
| Ball Speed | Fast | Fast |
| Spin | Mid | Mid |
| Launch Angle | Mid-High | Mid-High |
| Distance Control | Good | Good |
Design Comparison
| Taylormade P790 | Callaway Apex 19 |
|---|
| Clubhead Size | Compact | Compact |
| Offset | Minimal | Minimal |
| Appearance | Sleek | Classic |
| Sound and Feel | Soft | Soft |
| Finish Options | Matte | Chrome, Smoke |
Customization Options
| Taylormade P790 | Callaway Apex 19 |
|---|
| Custom Fitting | Available | Available |
| Adjustable Length | No | No |
| Adjustable Loft | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Lie | Yes | Yes |
| Grip Options | Multiple | Multiple |
Shaft Options
| Taylormade P790 | Callaway Apex 19 |
|---|
| Stock Steel Shaft | True Temper Dynamic Gold 105 | True Temper Elevate 95 |
| Stock Graphite Shaft | UST Mamiya Recoil 760/780 ES SMACWRAP | True Temper Project X Catalyst 80 |
| Other Available Steel Shafts | Nippon N.S. Pro Modus 3 105, KBS Tour, KBS C-Taper | Nippon N.S. Pro 950 GH, KBS Tour, KBS C-Taper |
| Other Available Graphite Shafts | Mitsubishi Tensei Pro Red AMC, Mitsubishi MMT | Mitsubishi Tensei Pro AM2, Aldila Rogue Pro, UST Mamiya Recoil 760/780 ES |
Average Distance Comparison
| Taylormade P790 | Callaway Apex 19 |
|---|
| 4 Iron | 200 yards | 198 yards |
| 5 Iron | 185 yards | 183 yards |
| 6 Iron | 170 yards | 170 yards |
| 7 Iron | 155 yards | 157 yards |
| 8 Iron | 140 yards | 142 yards |
Performance Comparison (Testing Results)
| Taylormade P790 | Callaway Apex 19 |
|---|
| Ball Speed (mph) | 124.5 | 123.8 |
| Launch Angle (degrees) | 17.9 | 18.1 |
| Spin Rate (rpm) | 6,000 | 6,200 |
| Carry Distance (yards) | 183.6 | 182.2 |
| Total Distance (yards) | 196.7 | 195.3 |
Pros and Cons Comparison
| Taylormade P790 | Callaway Apex 19 |
|---|
| Pros | High forgiveness, good distance, customizable loft | Classic look, good distance, great sound and feel |
| Cons | Limited feel, low ball flight | Less forgiving, not as customizable as P790 |
Comparison of Awards and Honors
| Taylormade P790 | Callaway Apex 19 |
|---|
| Golf Digest 2019 Hot List | Gold Medal | Gold Medal |
| Golf Digest 2020 Hot List | Gold Medal | Gold Medal |
| Golf.com 2019 Players’ Irons | Best in Class | Best in Class |
| MyGolfSpy 2020 Most Wanted | Players Distance Winner | Most Wanted Players Iron |
| Golf Monthly 2020 Editor’s Choice | Best Iron | Best Iron |
Comparison of Iron Set Configurations
| Taylormade P790 | Callaway Apex 19 |
|---|
| Iron Set Configuration | 3-PW, AW (8 clubs) | 3-PW (7 clubs) |
| Available Individual Irons | 3-PW, AW, SW, LW | 3-PW, AW |
| Combo Set Availability | Yes | Yes |
| Combo Set Configurations | P790/P7MB, P790/P7MC, P790/P7CB | Apex 19/Apex Pro, Apex 19/Apex MB |
Comparison of Center of Gravity Location
| Taylormade P790 | Callaway Apex 19 |
|---|
| Center of Gravity Location | Low and back | Progressive |
| Description | Optimizes launch and speed on long irons, forgiveness on short irons | Promotes better control and precision on long irons, higher launch on short irons |
Comparison of Clubhead Construction
| Taylormade P790 | Callaway Apex 19 |
|---|
| Clubhead Construction | Forged Hollow Body | Forged Cavity Back |
| Description | Allows for faster ball speeds and better distance, with the feel of a forged iron | Delivers consistent performance and improved feel and sound |
Comparison of Technology and Innovation
| Taylormade P790 | Callaway Apex 19 |
|---|
| Technology and Innovation | SpeedFoam Technology, Progressive Inverted Cone Technology, Thru Slot Speed Pocket | 360 Face Cup Technology, Tungsten-Infused, Variable Face Thickness |
Comparison of Average Ball Flight
| Taylormade P790 | Callaway Apex 19 |
|---|
| Trajectory | Mid | Mid-High |
| Descent Angle | Steep | Moderate |
| Spin Rate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Shot Shape Bias | Neutral | Neutral |
| Shot Height (from ground) | 29 yards | 32 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.
