TaylorMade P790 (2017) vs TaylorMade M3
Side-by-side factory specifications. Differing values are highlighted.
Specification comparison
| Club | P790 (2017) loft | M3 loft | P790 (2017) lie | M3 lie | P790 (2017) length | M3 length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 19 | 18 | 60.5 | 60.5 | 38.75 | 38.75 |
| 4 | 21 | 20.5 | 61 | 61 | 38.25 | 38.25 |
| 5 | 23.5 | 23 | 61.5 | 61.5 | 37.75 | 37.75 |
| 6 | 26.5 | 26.5 | 62 | 62 | 37.25 | 37.25 |
| 7 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 62.5 | 62.5 | 36.75 | 36.75 |
| 8 | 35 | 35 | 63 | 63 | 36.25 | 36.25 |
| 9 | 40 | 40 | 63.5 | 63.5 | 35.75 | 35.75 |
| PW | 45 | 45 | 64 | 64 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| AW | 50 | 50 | 64 | 64 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| SW | — | 55 | — | 64.5 | — | 35.25 |
Highlighted cells differ between the two sets. Lofts and lies are factory standard.
Lofts compared
- P790 (2017)
- M3
What the differences mean
At the 7-iron, the P790 (2017) is 30.5° and the M3 is 30.5°, identical at the club most golfers compare on, although other clubs in the sets differ. Across the 9 clubs both sets share, the differences roughly cancel out, with the largest gap at the 3-iron (19° vs 18°).
The sets are built differently: the P790 (2017) runs 3-iron to AW (9 clubs), the M3 3-iron to SW (10 clubs).
Both are players distance irons, built for roughly 5 to 15 handicaps who want extra distance from a compact head. Forged or multi-material heads that keep a compact look while adding face technology and stronger lofts for distance. Because they target the same golfer, the decision comes down to the specific loft, feel and shaping differences rather than who the sets are made for.
The P790 (2017) is listed as forged hollow body and the M3 as investment cast multi-material with RIBCOR and a Speed Pocket. The P790 (2017)'s hollow body lets the face flex more and moves mass low and outward, usually giving higher launch and more ball speed on off-centre strikes than the M3, at some cost in feel. The M3 adds tungsten weighting, which lowers the centre of gravity and raises stability on mis-hits, helping the long irons launch.
The M3 came out 1 year after the P790 (2017), but it is a different line rather than a direct replacement, so the two were designed for different golfers as well as different seasons.
Which should you choose?
The M3 is the stronger-lofted set — up to 1° stronger than the P790 (2017) on matching clubs. Expect longer carry per numbered iron but a flatter descent angle; gapping at the wedge end is where that shows up.
Both charts are reproduced in full on their own pages: TaylorMade P790 (2017) specs and TaylorMade M3 specs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the TaylorMade P790 (2017) stronger lofted than the M3?
Not at the 7-iron, where both are 30.5°. Other clubs in the sets differ, so compare the full table above.
What is the loft difference between the TaylorMade P790 (2017) and M3?
At the 7-iron the difference is 0° (30.5° vs 30.5°). The largest gap on a shared club is 1° at the 3-iron, and 3 of the 9 shared clubs differ.
Are the TaylorMade P790 (2017) and M3 aimed at the same golfer?
Yes. Both are players distance irons, built for roughly 5 to 15 handicaps who want extra distance from a compact head. Choose on feel, looks and gapping, ideally after hitting both.
Do the TaylorMade P790 (2017) and M3 have the same lie and length?
At the 7-iron, yes: both are 62.5° lie and 36.75 inches long.
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