TaylorMade P790 or Ping i500

[st_pedro]

I have tested both clubs with same shaft, length, ball except a slight difference in loft.

 

Both performed very well if you are fitted properly, then comes your swing mechanic and preferences.

 

i500 has less offset, thinner top line and sole. Some would prefer a bigger foot print of the P790 with the offset forgiveness and thicker sole.

 

Beware while testing, whether it’s indoor or outdoor range where wind could be a factor, ball used whether a lower compression range ball or proper balls on indoor simulator.

 

I’m a firm believer of launch monitors, both trackman and GCQuad.

However when it comes to these modern “hollow” or “filled” irons, the numbers could be slightly deceiving. I had some discussions with some clubfitters and based on their point of views, there are general guidelines on launch, spin and angle of decent as they correlate to determine a “benchmark” on what’s considered to be most ideal. But when it comes to these modern irons, they tend to have a relatively low spin numbers on the data but when they were being tested on course, the results were quite different.

 

On solid shots, both irons have a very unique and distinct feel at impact.

Then again feel is very subjective

 

Try both indoors and outdoors if possible based on the specs (length, lie, grip size, ball used, etc) that suit you best

 

And best of luck

[QuigleyDU]

both go too far. but if i had to pick i would pick the ping I500s on looks alone.

[bogey777]

Perception is a really weird thing i keep hearing how far these go ....I played yesterday i have i500's project x 6.0 LZ an dam if i don't hit them any further than my CF16'S no fliers all of my iron shots were around or on the green NOT one that went to far maybe it's me ....Yes i know that they have stronger lofts so where i normally hit my 7 iron i hit the 8 i know it's weird but yes i know what loft goes what distance

[Radeon962]

Perception is a really weird thing i keep hearing how far these go ....I played yesterday i have i500's project x 6.0 LZ an dam if i don't hit them any further than my CF16'S no fliers all of my iron shots were around or on the green NOT one that went to far maybe it's me ....Yes i know that they have stronger lofts so where i normally hit my 7 iron i hit the 8 i know it's weird but yes i know what loft goes what distance

 

I only play 5-AW in my irons so I did not look at the 3 & 4 irons.

 

In any case, you probably did not hit them any farther as they are very close spec wise.

 

The lofts of the CF16's are essentially the same as the P790 and i500? 5, 6, 7 in P790 are 0.5* stronger than CF16 and i500 lofts are identical.

 

CF16 length is 0.25" longer than P790 from 5-PW and i500 varies as the 5 iron is 0.50" longer than P790 and 0.25" longer than CF16 and the 6 iron is nearly the same at 37 5/8" for i500 and CF16 37.5 and P790 at 37.25", 7-AW are same length in i500 and CF16 while P790 is 0.25" shorter.

 

I would not expect much variability between these sets assuming same shaft.

 

 

[MCR]

I have now played two rounds with the Ping i500. Before buying them I was a little oncerned about distance control and flyers but that has not been the case. I was playing the i25 previously and now I am 1 club longer with the i500 and for whatever reason my dispersion is way better. I am playing the same KBS Tour shaft that is in my i25's. To me they are so easy to hit. In the two rounds I have played with them I have hit more really nice shots close to the pin than I have in the past 5-6 rounds combined with the i25's. I don't have a good enough swing to play a blade but these look like a blade and have that nice clean look with no offset. They are not soft like a blade and will not give you the feedback like a blade will give you on miss hits. I was surprised at how miss hits are not punished much with the i500. A few shots I thought I hit poorly still had a pretty good result. I have the 5-pw and I am going to order the 3 iron to use as a driving iron. So far I could not be happier.

 

I'm still on my i25s but having a bad itch to upgrade lately. Distance gains from the i25 intrigue me but i don't want anything harder to hit. Sounds like you feel the i500 is just as easy if not easier to hit than the i25?

[MCR]

Yes, for me they are easier to hit. I notice it most in the longer irons. My set only goes down to 5 iron but have played 3 rounds now with them and I have hit some of the best 5 and 6 irons I have hit in a long time. Maybe because they launch higher. I just feel way more confident with my iron play now. Your experience may differ. I think it would be best to hit your current iron on an outdoor range and compare to I500.

[GoGoErky]

Neither. I’ve had multiple sets of both , and t-MB’s. These hollow head or filled irons just don’t have the distance control of solid clubs imo. The distances these fly are phenomenal but being able to repeat those distances is tricky. Ymmv but that’s my experience.

 

I’ve had p790 in my bag for a couple months and spent 3 different sessions on the range hitting i500 and I don’t see this issue at all and I have had no issues flighting then down.

 

 

[alkal11]

Both great clubs. It really depends what you consider most important in an iron. Like many said above the i500 is a bit thinner looking with less offset, if that matters. Some say the i500 feels good, others say P790. Some complain about the sound of the i500's, others don't mind it.

 

I thought the sound and feel of the P790's was better then the i500's so I was able to handle the larger footprint of P790. I found both to be very forgiving, coming from Apex Pro's.

[LaymanM]

I500 look better imo and will hold their value far better than P790.

[golfjam]

i500, they look and feel better. P790 was just as long and forgiving but felt mushy for me.

[Butch336699]

I hit them both and were very comparable. TM has a 15 % off for military and my shaft was not an upcharge. No brainer I went with TM

[Kamen]

I got fit recently and even though I preferred the feel and sound of the P790 I went with the i500 as the overall looks, thinner topline, but most importantly dispersion with the fitted shaft (PX LZ 5.5) was much better for myself. I don't mind the explosive sound and feel of the i500 I just found the P790 to be a bit more mature in that regard. No regrets though' loving the i500 as I came from Epon 503s.

[Chef Otto]

You just need to go hit them.....This is the only way to decide. I love WRX and you will not find more knowledgable golfers anywhere but do not let them make your mind up when the choice is so subjective. I have a set of i500 and have been really happy with them. I have not hit the p790 but the black ones look sexy. I do have a p790 udi 2 iron that I love but it has a graphite shaft and so it is hard to compare with the PINGS.