Best TaylorMade Iron 2024
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What is the best TaylorMade iron for your game? Here’s your complete guide to each iron in the TaylorMade range, who they are aimed at, and how they performed for our test pro.
JUMP TO: Best TaylorMade Irons | The Data | How We Test | Buying Advice & FAQs
TaylorMade can claim to make some of the best golf irons for every type of golfer. From the tour-focused P7TW all the way down to the easy-to-launch, TaylorMade Qi HL, there is an iron that will work for your game. While there isn’t one iron in the family that is the best for everybody, there will be a best-performing model for you and every other individual.
But which model is worthy of going into your bag? To help you decide we’ve tested them all head-to-head, with TG test pro Neil Wain. His launch monitor data will help you better understand the traits of each model and highlight which will best suit you.
Best TaylorMade Iron At A Glance:
Best TaylorMade Muscleback Blade iron: TaylorMade P7TW – View Offer
Best TaylorMade Tour iron: TaylorMade P7CB – View Offer
Best TaylorMade Players’ iron: TaylorMade P770 – View Offer
Best TaylorMade Players’ Distance iron: TaylorMade P790 – View Offer
Best TaylorMade iron for forgiveness: TaylorMade Qi – View Offer
Best TaylorMade iron for slow swings: TaylorMade Qi HL – View Offer
How we tested the best TaylorMade irons
To test golf equipment, we create a controlled indoor environment at Keele Golf Centre and use a premium tour-level golf ball (the Titleist Pro V1x). We collect all the data from every shot hit, using a Foresight GC Quad launch monitor.
See more about how TG tests golf clubs and other equipment.
Why do we use a Titleist Pro V1x golf ball?
It would be easy to use just one test golf ball brand every year, but that inevitably leads to criticism for being too closely aligned to one manufacturer, especially if that brand’s equipment performs particularly well. To ensure fairness we like to switch manufacturers for the Top Gear test ball each year. For 2024 we’ve used the Titleist Pro V1x.
The brand revealed the latest Pro V1x model in 2023, and Titleist’s Senior Director of Golf Ball Research and Engineering, Mike Madson says “Consistency means when a golfer tees up a Pro V1 or Pro V1x, every properly executed shot they make is going to deliver the performance they expect and the performance they trust.”
Thanks to the Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x mopping up mountains of tour wins across all global tours we know the model is trusted by the world’s very best.
Why do we use a pro tester?
Speak to any golf club engineer about product testing and they all talk about needing a repeatable, reliable strike to offer any sort of valuable comparison. So, whilst we accept not all of the equipment included within our tests was designed for our test pro, what our data shows is a great comparison of how clubs in each particular category differ, which is hugely valuable in helping you narrow your choice as a consumer.
In 2024 we’ve tested 83 different 7-irons, during which our test pro missed a target green at 170 to 200 yards no more than a dozen times. He got a hole-in-one, lipped out, and hit the flag several times, he also loves hitting golf balls all day long. In short, Neil Wain is the perfect club tester due to his consistency in delivering accurate and reliable comparative data.
We would of course always recommend attending a proper fitting session, to ensure any purchase is tailored to your game.
Data comparison: How the best TaylorMade irons perform in numbers (Test Pro data)
| 7-Iron Loft | Ball Speed | Launch Angle | Backspin | Peak Height | Descent Angle | Carry Distance | |
| TaylorMade P7MB | 34° | 121.6 MPH | 16.6° | 6806 RPM | 32 YDS | 46.6° | 171 YDS |
| TaylorMade P7CB | 33° | 122.1 MPH | 15.5° | 6420 RPM | 30 YDS | 45° | 173 YDS |
| TaylorMade P770 | 33° | 121.7 MPH | 16.4° | 6561 RPM | 32 YDS | 46.2° | 172 YDS |
| TaylorMade P790 | 30.5° | 125.9 MPH | 15.2° | 5945 RPM | 32 YDS | 45.3° | 182 YDS |
| TaylorMade Qi | 28° | 129 MPH | 14.4° | 5478 RPM | 32 YDS | 44.5° | 189 YDS |
| TaylorMade Qi HL | 30° | 127.2 MPH | 15.3° | 6186 RPM | 33 YDS | 46.1° | 183 YDS |
The Best TaylorMade Golf Irons
It took hundreds of hours of testing and nine different prototype iterations over multiple years before TaylorMade produced an iron Tiger Woods was happy to put in his bag. The P7TW has been available to the public since 2019, and thanks to world #1 Scottie Scheffler and Tommy Fleetwood choosing the model for themselves TaylorMade sees this as the model for golfers who insist muscleback blades are the best option for their game.
While the previous P7MB are still available nobody can deny there’s a potent sell to having the world #1 and Tiger Woods (who many believe to be the greatest golfer of all time) playing the P7TW, a set the public can buy. In my opinion, it makes perfect sense for TaylorMade to focus on this set as the best blades they have.
If you find yourself attracted to the sleek and slender P7TW remember you will be playing a set designed for the world’s best. At address, the topline is super thin (the sole widths are also really narrow) and thanks to Tiger Woods liking inverted sets, where the long irons have shorter blade lengths than the short irons, anything above a 7-iron in this set is incredibly intimidating at address.
That said I completely understand why some golfers just want to play a set the greatest ever shot-maker chooses for his own game.
For the privilege of playing such an elite set, you will of course need to have zero concerns over distance. With the weakest lofts in the TaylorMade iron family, our test data highlights how compared to a best-game improver iron like the Qi the P7TW will potentially have you giving up 18 yards in carry distance.
Once you factor in the greater loss of carry distance and consistency when shots don’t hit center face hopefully you’ve had plenty of warning to think carefully before opting for this beautiful elite players model.
Read more about the TaylorMade P7TW iron.
Pros
- Classic looks
- Great feel
- Played by the world's best
Cons
- Unforgiving
- Short distances
| Category: | Muscleback Blade |
| Handicap range: | Four and below |
| Construction: | Forged from a single piece of 1025 carbon steel with tungsten weights |
| 7-Iron loft: | 35° |
The CB is brand new for 2024, the model has been developed as while the previous P7MC (Muscle Cavity) hit the spot for an elite group of tour athletes it was ultimately too demanding for lots of TaylorMade brand ambassadors at the club pro level.
By employing a new Metal Matrix Composite (it's seven times lighter than steel) and dense tungsten construction TaylorMade up launch in the long irons and boost perimeter weighting in the short irons.
Thanks to the technology TaylorMade says the P7CB is a constant CG set, which is very rare in the forged iron market. The set-up boosts feel, consistency, and predictability as the CG is in the same position throughout the entire set.
I like that the P7CB has the appearance of a traditional forged cavity back players’ iron, and from what I’ve seen very few golfers are not going to like the extra degree of forgiveness over and above the previous P7MC. The head size is compact and the shape is perfectly proportioned, plus a straight leading edge and topline make them very desirable in the play position.
Our test pros data shows how the CB and P770 (thanks to having the same loft) are pretty evenly matched in terms of distance, but you will see more launch, spin, height, and a steeper landing angle from the P770 which could make the hollow body 770s a fantastic long iron option.
To play this model successfully you will need to be a consistent and reliable ball striker. Rory McIlroy won with the 4-iron in his bag in 2024 while other TaylorMade athletes like Collin Morikawa and Nelly Korda have been testing the model, so do not think this is in any way a forgiving cavity back for regular club golfers.
Read more about the TaylorMade P7CB iron.
Pros
- Fantastic looks and feel
- Works nicely in a combo set
- Very consistent performance
Cons
- Need to be a very good player to get the most from them
- Blade-like distances
| Category: | Players’ Iron |
| Handicap Range: | Four and below |
| Construction: | Forged from a single piece of 1025 carbon steel |
| 7-Iron loft: | 33° |
In the space of just a couple of generations, the P770 has established itself as THE modern-day players’ iron. Where just a few years ago dissenters would have point blank refused to entertain the best players’ irons could have thin fast faces, and hollow bodies but when Tiger Woods puts the model in play (he loved the 2023 3-iron) you know the market has changed.
The P770 is compact, its blade length is 77mm in length whereas the P790 is a couple of millimeters longer. All in that means the model was never designed with mid-handicappers and game improvers in mind, even though some YouTubers will insist it can suit players within these categories.
For decent low to mid-single-figure handicappers, the P770 are absolute beauties. While our data has the P770 and P7CB fairly evenly matched for carry distance there was 10 yards (and 4.2 mph of ball speed) between the P770 and P790 so choose between them carefully.
Expect the P790 with its stronger lofts to flight shots with a little less spin and shallower decent angle so make sure you're happy with the stopping power.
Everything you need to know about the TaylorMade P770 2024 Irons.
Pros
- Lovely looks
- The most consistent P770 yet
- More forgiving than P7CB and P7MB
Cons
- Shorter distances than P790
| Category: | Players’ Iron |
| Handicap Range: | Eight and below |
| Construction: | Hollow 8620 carbon steel body and 4140 forged face |
| 7-Iron loft: | 33° |
The P790 is the gift that keeps on giving to TaylorMade, now into its 4th generation since launching in 2017 the model continues to go from strength to strength and remains the model other brands most want knocked from its pedestal. Every generation of P790 has been a best Players' Distance Iron award winner here at TG and the latest 2023 iteration doesn’t let the side down.
If you’re looking at this model and your ball striking is inconsistent, or your game could do with a speed or distance boost you have to look at how the P790 compares to the new Qi iron. The pair are aimed at different golfers but more and more club golfers are seduced by the looks and overall performance of the P790, which is completely understandable as they are utterly gorgeous.
So long as you have decent levels of speed make sure you go into making any decision between the P790 and Qi with your eyes open. There are decent levels of additional ball speed and carry distance on offer from the cast cap back, and less expensive Qi. Yet nobody can be faulted for being drawn to the P790 as they are such an aspirational set of irons for many club golfers.
If speed isn’t your strength a launch monitor fitting may well highlight the P790's slightly weaker lofts are a better fit for launching, spinning, and stopping approaches. Don’t forget TaylorMade’s brilliant SelectFit hosel system will allow you to try any TaylorMade iron at stronger and weaker lofts so you can find your optimal setup.
Read our full TaylorMade P790 review.
Pros
- Fantastic performance in a good-looking head
- Strong distance and forgiveness
- Can be fit to a wide selection of swing speeds with TaylorMade's SelectFit hosel system
Cons
- A model that is genuinely tough to fault
| Category: | Players’ Distance Iron |
| Handicap Range: | 14 and below |
| Construction: | Hollow body with 8620 carbon steel body and 4140 forged face |
| 7-Iron loft: | 30.5° |
The Qi is very much an iron designed for the vast majority of club golfers, players who generally just want a good-looking iron, that’s powerful and forgiving. Our 2024 test data shows it utterly fulfills that brief.
At 189 yards carry distance the model was our test pros longest TaylorMade iron this year. It produced those figures while launching and spinning less than other models in this test but within our Best Mid Handicap Iron test it launched, peaked out, and descended onto the green at better rates than our test averages. A seriously impressive ball flight that will help you score better on the golf course.
If your swing speed is anywhere close to average the higher lofted Qi HL will give more launch, spin, stopping power, and help flight shots correctly to optimize your scoring potential. All in from everything I’ve seen the Qi a brilliant Mid-Handicap iron for lots of club golfers in 2024.
Read our full TaylorMade Qi iron review.
Pros
- Fantastic distances
- Smart looks
- You can change the lofts to suit your speed
Cons
- A very tough iron to fault for the intended audience
| Category: | Mid Handicap Iron |
| Handicap Range: | 8 and above |
| Construction: | Cast cap back with 450 stainless steel face |
| 7-Iron loft: | 28° |
High Launch irons have become a massive growth area over the last couple of years as brands switch on to slower-speed golfers needing more loft not less to play the game successfully. Callaway, Ping, and Mizuno all now have weaker lofted or lighter High Launch irons sat within their High Handicap/Moderate Speed iron families, and this is TaylorMade’s offering.
Compared to the standard Qi the HL comes with 2° more 7-iron loft, a 6g lighter head weight, and higher launching shafts. So, if your swing speed hovers anywhere close to 75mph with a 7-iron this will be a great option for you.
You’ll know whether your game is more suited to the HL or standard Qi by the ball flight you create. If your iron shots tend to fly quite low and run a lot rather than stopping when they hit the green the HL launching shots higher with more spin is highly likely to be your best high-handicap iron choice.
If for whatever reason you’re less keen on the size, shape or additional hosel offset of this model don’t forget TaylorMade offers golfers the chance to try (through their SelectFit hosel system) the standard Qi iron at this loft, which might just give the best of both worlds you’re looking for.
Read our full TaylorMade Qi HL iron review.
Pros
- Easy to launch
- Great for slow swings
- Excellent distances
Cons
- Not as long at higher speeds
| Category: | Moderate Speed/High-Handicap Iron |
| Handicap Range: | 36 and below |
| Construction: | Cast cap back with 450 stainless steel face |
| 7-Iron loft: | 30° |
Buying advice & FAQs
What is the most popular TaylorMade iron?
Since first being launched in 2017 the TaylorMade P790 has been hugely popular as it delivers incredible performance and appeals to a wide range of golfers. In terms of units sold though the brand’s Mid-Handicap Qi iron that appeals to a wide audience of golfers will typically sell in greater numbers.
What irons does Rory McIlroy use?
Rory McIlroy uses a TaylorMade P760 4-iron, and a custom set of TaylorMade Rors Proto in 5-iron to pitching wedge. Check out the full Rory McIlroy WITB.
What irons does Tiger Woods use?
Tiger Woods uses a custom set of TaylorMade P7TW irons. Here’s the full Tiger Woods WITB.
Which TaylorMade irons are best for beginners?
The TaylorMade Qi irons which have cast heads and more hosel offset will typically be the best TaylorMade irons for beginners and high handicappers with decent swing speeds, while the TaylorMade Qi HL will be best for those with slower swing speeds.
What handicap is the TaylorMade P790 for?
The TaylorMade P790 irons are best for golfers with handicaps of 14 and below, although we know golfers with handicaps in the mid and high 20s who use them well, as well as very low handicap and even plus-handicap golfers. These though were never the target golfer for the model.
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About the author
Simon Daddow – Today’s Golfer Equipment Editor
Simon Daddow is the Equipment Editor for Today’s Golfer. Having tested and played more than 10,000 clubs in his life, what he doesn’t know about golf clubs isn’t worth knowing.
He joined EMAP Active (now Bauer Media) as Equipment Editor in 2006 and has worked for both Today’s Golfer and Golf World. Working alongside our test pro Neil Wain, Simon has made todays-golfer.com the most reliable source for golf club testing.
Despite his youthful looks, Simon has played golf for more than 40 years and plays to a handicap of 10. A lack of club speed means he’s short off the tee, but very handy from 125 yards and in.
Simon’s job means he plays regularly around the world, and rates Kingsbarns as his favorite course. He uses a PXG 0311 GEN6 XF driver, TaylorMade Stealth 2 HL (15º), Ping G400 (20.5º), PXG 0317 X Gen2 hybrid, PXG 0311 GEN6 P irons (6–PW), Cleveland CBX2 wedges (52°, 58°), Ping 21 Fetch putter and a TaylorMade Tour Response golf ball.
You can contact Simon via email and follow him on Twitter for loads more golf equipment insight.
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The Best TaylorMade Irons 2024
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The TaylorMade iron lineup in 2024.
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The back detailing of the best TaylorMade 2024 Irons.
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The Foresight GC Quad launch monitor and Titleist Pro V1x golf balls used for testing
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TG Test Pro Neil Wain hitting the TaylorMade P7CB irons.
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The back detail and shape of the TaylorMade P770 2024 iron.
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The head shape and back detail of the TaylorMade P770 5, 7 and 9 iron.
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The cavity back detail of the TaylorMade P7CB iron.
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The shape and back detailing of the TaylorMade P7TW iron.
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The TaylorMade P7TW iron from every angle.
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A close up of the presentation box the TaylorMade P7TW irons come in.
