The TaylorMade P790 and Titleist 718 AP3 were two of the most notable players-distance irons of their generation. Both were designed to give golfers a more compact, better-player look without sacrificing the distance and forgiveness found in larger game-improvement irons.
Today, both remain compelling options on the used market — especially for golfers who want premium irons without paying the price of a current-generation set.
So how does the original 2017 TaylorMade P790 compare with the Titleist 718 AP3?
TaylorMade P790: Distance in a Players-Iron Package
The original P790 helped establish the modern players-distance category that has become such a major part of the iron market.
TaylorMade combined a relatively compact, clean-looking forged hollow-body design with its SpeedFoam technology to produce an iron capable of generating impressive ball speed while maintaining the appearance of a more traditional players iron.
The P790 is a strong option for golfers who want:
- Plenty of distance from a compact iron
- Forgiveness without a bulky game-improvement look
- A higher, powerful ball flight
- A clean and relatively simple appearance at address
- An iron that blends performance and playability
Distance is one of the P790's biggest strengths. Golfers moving from a more traditional iron may find themselves gaining noticeable yardage, although loft and club construction both contribute to that difference.
Titleist 718 AP3: The Middle Ground
The 718 AP3 was designed to sit between Titleist's more forgiving AP1 and more traditional AP2.
That made it an interesting option for golfers who liked the appearance and performance associated with Titleist players irons but wanted additional distance and forgiveness.
The AP3 features a compact profile while incorporating technology designed to increase ball speed and make the iron more forgiving on off-centre strikes.
The 718 AP3 may appeal to golfers who want:
- A compact, traditional-looking iron
- More forgiveness than a true players iron
- Added distance compared with traditional forged irons
- A slightly more controlled players-iron feel
- A balance between the AP1 and AP2 styles of performance
Which Iron Is Longer?
For most golfers, the P790 is likely to have the edge when outright distance is the priority.
The original P790 was heavily focused on generating speed from a compact hollow-body construction, and distance quickly became one of the characteristics the P790 family was known for.
The AP3 is certainly not short. Titleist also designed it to produce additional speed and distance compared with a traditional players iron.
However, golfers choosing between these two sets shouldn't focus entirely on which one produces the biggest number on a launch monitor.
Consistent distance and proper gapping throughout the set are ultimately more important than making a 7-iron travel as far as possible.
Which Is More Forgiving?
Both irons offer considerably more help than their relatively compact appearances might suggest.
The hollow construction of the P790 gives golfers a useful combination of ball speed and forgiveness, particularly for players who want something easier to hit than a traditional forged cavity-back or muscle-back iron.
The AP3 was also specifically designed to add forgiveness while maintaining a more refined shape.
For golfers whose primary concern is maximum forgiveness, there are larger game-improvement irons that will outperform both. But for someone looking for a combination of looks, distance and forgiveness, either can be a strong choice.
Looks and Feel
This may ultimately be what separates the two for many golfers.
The P790 has a very clean appearance that helped make the model extremely popular. Its simple design disguises how much technology is packed inside the head.
The 718 AP3 has a distinctly Titleist appearance and may appeal more to golfers who prefer the look of traditional players irons.
Neither provides exactly the same experience as a one-piece forged blade or traditional forged cavity back. Both prioritize additional speed and forgiveness, so there is inevitably a trade-off between technology and the pure feel associated with simpler forged designs.
Who Should Play the P790?
The 2017 P790 is a great fit for golfers who want a players-style iron but don't want to sacrifice distance or forgiveness.
It makes particular sense for golfers moving down from a larger game-improvement iron who still want plenty of help on imperfect strikes.
Choose the P790 if you prioritize:
- Distance
- Ball speed
- Forgiveness in a compact package
- Clean, modern styling
- An easy transition into the players-distance category
Who Should Play the 718 AP3?
The 718 AP3 makes sense for golfers looking for something between a traditional players iron and a game-improvement model.
It offers added speed and forgiveness while retaining much of the compact appearance golfers expect from Titleist.
Choose the AP3 if you prioritize:
- A more traditional appearance
- A blend of distance and control
- Added forgiveness over a traditional players iron
- A compact profile
- Classic Titleist styling
P790 vs. 718 AP3: Which Is Better?
There isn't a universal winner.
If distance, ball speed and forgiveness are at the top of your list, we'd lean toward the 2017 TaylorMade P790.
If you prefer a more traditional appearance and a balance of distance, forgiveness and control, the Titleist 718 AP3 may suit you better.
More importantly, both remain excellent examples of why buying used irons can offer so much value. These were premium sets when they were released, and their underlying technology is still more than capable for today's golfer.
At Back Nine Bargains, we carry a constantly changing selection of pre-owned TaylorMade, Titleist and other premium iron sets.
Shop our latest used iron sets and find the right fit for your game.