Choosing the right irons can be a game-changer on the golf course, and two popular options often at the forefront of golfers’ minds are the Stealth Irons and the TaylorMade P790s. Both promise enhanced performance, but they cater to slightly different player needs and preferences.
If you’re looking to upgrade your long game and seeking a blend of forgiveness and distance, understanding the nuances between these two sets is crucial. We’ll dive deep into what makes each of these iron sets stand out, helping you make an informed decision for your next set of clubs.
Get ready to discover which set will help you hit straighter, longer, and more consistent shots. Whether you prioritize feel, forgiveness, or raw distance, this comparison aims to guide you to the perfect fit.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Stealth Irons | P790 |
|---|---|---|
| Club Type | Game Improvement | Player’s Distance |
| Forging | Cast | Forged |
| Head Material | Multi-material | Multi-material |
| Face Insert | Yes (Speed Foaming) | Yes (Injected) |
| Sole Width | Wider | Moderate |
| Topline Thickness | Thicker | Thinner |
| Offset | More | Less |
| Center of Gravity (CG) | Lower & Back | Lower & Forward |
| Feel | Softer, Muffled | Crisper, More Forged Feel |
| Spin | Higher | Moderate |
| Workability | Less | More |
| Distance | High | High |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Forgiveness
- Stealth Irons: Designed with a wider sole and advanced weighting, offering more stability on off-center hits. This makes them more forgiving for a wider range of golfers, especially those with moderate swing speeds.
- P790: Features a hollow-body construction with SpeedFoam Air, which helps to distribute weight for a better feel and improved forgiveness. While more forgiving than traditional blades, they are still geared towards players seeking a blend of performance and some assistance.
- Winner: stealth irons
Feel
- Stealth Irons: Utilize a multi-material construction with an internal tungsten weighting system to dampen vibrations. This results in a softer, more muted feel at impact, prioritizing comfort and a consistent sensation.
- P790: Incorporates SpeedFoam Air, a proprietary material injected into the clubhead to enhance feel and sound. This provides a crisp, responsive feel that many players enjoy, especially those accustomed to forged irons.
- Winner: p790
Distance
- Stealth Irons: Engineered with a variable face thickness and a low center of gravity to promote higher ball speeds and launch. Their design aims to maximize distance without sacrificing control, making them a strong contender for distance-oriented players.
- P790: Known for its exceptional distance capabilities, thanks to its forged hollow-body construction and a thinner clubface. This combination generates impressive ball speeds, often resulting in longer shots than many competitors.
- Winner: p790
Workability
- Stealth Irons: While designed for forgiveness, they still offer a good degree of shot shaping for skilled players. The wider sole can make high, controlled draws and fades achievable with practice.
- P790: Offers a good balance of distance and workability, allowing players to manipulate ball flight when needed. The slightly more compact head and thinner topline contribute to this ability for advanced golfers.
- Winner: p790
Launch Conditions
- Stealth Irons: Feature a strategically placed tungsten weight to promote a mid-to-high ball flight. This helps golfers achieve optimal launch angles for carry distance and a softer landing.
- P790: Generally produces a mid-to-high launch angle due to its internal weighting and hollow-body design. This helps golfers maximize carry distance, especially when paired with faster ball speeds.
- Winner: Equal
Spin
- Stealth Irons: The design aims to produce consistent spin rates across the face, contributing to predictable control. While not primarily a spin-focused iron, they offer enough spin for adequate stopping power on greens.
- P790: The SpeedFoam Air and overall construction contribute to consistent spin, allowing for good control and stopping power. Players can expect reliable spin for approach shots.
- Winner: Equal
Aesthetics
- Stealth Irons: Boasts a modern, clean look with a slightly wider sole and a generally larger profile compared to players’ irons. The matte finish is often appreciated for its glare reduction.
- P790: Presents a more compact, refined look with a thinner topline, appealing to players who prefer a more traditional players’ iron aesthetic. The polished finish is sleek and visually appealing.
- Winner: p790
Target Golfer
- Stealth Irons: Ideal for mid-handicap golfers and those seeking a blend of distance, forgiveness, and a more forgiving profile. They are also suitable for higher handicappers looking to improve their game.
- P790: Primarily targeted at low-to-mid handicap golfers who desire distance and performance with a touch of forgiveness. They are a popular choice for players who want a blend of speed and a more compact look.
- Winner: stealth irons
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Maximum Distance | Stealth Irons |
| Forgiveness | Stealth Irons |
| Feel (Preference Dependent) | P790 (for traditionalists) |
| Workability/Control | P790 |
| Player’s Distance Appeal | P790 |
| Game Improvement Appeal | Stealth Irons |
What They Have in Common
- Distance Enhancement: Both the Stealth Irons and P790 irons are designed with distance as a primary objective. They utilize advanced internal weighting and face technologies to promote higher ball speeds and maximize carry distance.
- Forgiveness: While appealing to different player types, both iron sets offer a degree of forgiveness. They aim to help golfers who might not consistently strike the ball perfectly achieve better results on off-center hits.
- Multi-Material Construction: Both models employ a combination of materials to optimize performance. This often involves a steel body with other elements strategically placed to improve feel, sound, and ball flight.
- Face Technology: Each set features innovative face designs. The Stealth Irons use Speed Foaming, while the P790 utilizes an injected urethane, both engineered to increase ball speed and provide a consistent feel across the face.
- Modern Aesthetics: While their specific looks differ, both irons present a modern and appealing visual at address, aiming to inspire confidence in a wide range of golfers.
Stealth Irons Vs P790 Buying Guide
Player Profile Considerations
When choosing between the TaylorMade Stealth irons and the P790 irons, consider your current handicap and swing speed. The Stealth irons are generally more forgiving, making them an excellent choice for mid-to-high handicap players seeking to improve consistency and distance. Their design aims to provide a blend of power and playability, which can be a significant advantage for those looking to gain confidence on the course. (See Also: Maybelline Exhilarator Vs Pioneer )
Forgiveness and Feel
The TaylorMade Stealth irons are engineered with a focus on forgiveness, utilizing advanced materials and construction to help players hit straighter, longer shots even on off-center strikes. This translates to a more enjoyable experience for golfers who may not consistently strike the ball perfectly. The P790, while still offering a degree of forgiveness, leans more towards players who prioritize a more traditional, crisp feel at impact and are willing to sacrifice a touch of forgiveness for that sensation.
Distance and Ball Flight
Both iron sets are designed to promote impressive distance. The Stealth irons often achieve this through a combination of a low center of gravity and an ultra-thin face, maximizing ball speed and launch angle. The P790 also utilizes speed-enhancing technologies, often featuring a forged face insert and a hollow body construction to deliver explosive ball speeds and a penetrating ball flight that can cut through wind.
Aesthetics and Workability
The visual appeal of an iron can significantly impact a golfer’s confidence. The Stealth irons typically present a slightly larger profile with a more modern, sleek appearance. The P790, on the other hand, often boasts a more compact, players-iron look, which many skilled golfers find more aesthetically pleasing and conducive to shot shaping and workability. Consider which visual cues resonate most with your game. (See Also: Omron Bp5450 Vs Bp7450 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Stealth Irons If…
- You prioritize maximum distance and forgiveness above all else.
- You are a mid-to-high handicap golfer seeking to improve your ball striking and gain confidence.
- You prefer a softer, more muted feel at impact.
- You are looking for a club that helps you get the ball airborne easily.
Buy P790 If…
- You are a mid-to-low handicap golfer who wants a blend of distance and shot-shaping ability.
- You prefer a more traditional, forged iron feel with a slightly thinner topline.
- You value workability and the ability to control trajectory and spin.
- You are seeking a player’s distance iron that still offers a good level of forgiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which iron is better for a beginner?
For a beginner, the TaylorMade Stealth irons are generally the recommended choice. Their inherent forgiveness helps to mitigate mishmissed shots, leading to more consistent ball striking and a more positive learning experience. Beginners often benefit from the added confidence that comes with clubs designed to get the ball airborne easily and travel a good distance, even with less-than-perfect contact.
Are the P790 irons difficult to hit?
While the P790s are not classified as beginner clubs, they are remarkably user-friendly for a player’s iron. They offer a good balance of performance and playability, meaning they aren’t overly punishing for the average golfer. However, players who struggle with consistent contact or have very high handicaps might find them less forgiving than game-improvement irons like the Stealth.
Which iron offers more distance?
Both the Stealth irons and the P790 are designed to deliver significant distance. The Stealth often achieves this through advanced face technology and sole design to maximize ball speed and launch. The P790 uses a combination of a forged face and internal weighting to create explosive ball speeds and a strong, penetrating ball flight. The difference in distance can be marginal and often depends on individual swing characteristics. (See Also: Furnace Rental Vs Purchase )
What is the main difference in feel?
The primary difference in feel lies in their construction. The Stealth irons often provide a slightly softer, more muted feel due to their multi-material construction, which absorbs vibration. The P790, with its forged face and hollow body, typically offers a crisper, more traditional forged iron feel at impact, which many experienced golfers prefer for feedback.
Which iron is better for shot shaping?
The P790 generally offers more workability and shot-shaping capabilities for the skilled golfer. Its more compact head shape and traditional design allow players to more easily manipulate the clubface to draw or fade shots. While the Stealth irons are not entirely incapable of shaping shots, they are primarily designed for straight-line distance and forgiveness.
Final Verdict
The TaylorMade Stealth irons excel in forgiveness and ease of use, making them a superb option for mid-to-high handicappers seeking more consistent distance and a forgiving strike. The P790, while offering impressive distance, appeals more to the better player who values a crisp feel and shot-shaping ability, though it remains accessible to a wider range of golfers than many traditional player’s irons. For the majority of golfers looking to improve their game with a blend of distance and forgiveness, the Stealth irons present a compelling package.
Winner: Stealth Irons