Pro Tip: Bestselling TaylorMade Irons by Year

It has been fun to see the evolution of TaylorMade irons by year since they were first released in 1980. While we’re not going to go that far back, we at GlobalGolf want to share the latest and greatest with you - at the best prices - so you can add TaylorMade golf clubs to your bag.

There have been plenty of standout lines of TaylorMade irons in the last decade. We’re going to highlight some of the groundbreaking technologies that have made TaylorMade Golf into the powerhouse it is today. Plus, we’ll categorize each line and its models by handicap range so you know which iron sets fit your game best.

While it is certainly a bonus to have the newest TaylorMade irons in your bag each year, don’t forget there are plenty of other ways to upgrade your bag without sacrificing your wallet: buying used golf clubs and trading in your current set to earn credit towards your next purchase are two easy ways to save money.

If you’re not sure which irons best fit your game, don’t forget to use our TaylorMade iron selector tool - USelect®. Our staff of PGA Professionals instantaneously generate personal recommendations for you based on your game.

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2022-2023: TaylorMade Stealth, Stealth HD Irons

Released in 2022 and 2023, respectively, the TaylorMade Stealth and Stealth HD irons made quite the splash. The TaylorMade Stealth irons became the ultimate game improvement clubs of 2022.

The TaylorMade Stealth HD irons took the line a step further in forgiveness and higher launch, giving those with higher handicaps more distance and accuracy, especially with the draw bias.

Main technological advancement: Cap Back™ with Lower CG

The Cap Back™ technology paired with the lower CG (center of gravity) of the Stealth HD irons has provided extra forgiveness and distance through optimized launch angles.

Handicap range: mid to high

The TaylorMade Stealth irons are for mid to high handicaps (10-25) and the TaylorMade Stealth HD irons are for higher handicaps (15-30).

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2021: TaylorMade SIM2 MAX Irons

There were two models in the TaylorMade SIM2 line released in 2021: SIM2 MAX and SIM2 MAX OS irons.

The TaylorMade SIM2 MAX irons built upon the SIM MAX irons and still pack tons of technology despite being slightly shorter than the Stealth irons. These two TaylorMade iron sets are still part of the game improvement category, with expanded sweet spots and a solid feel.

The TaylorMade SIM2 MAX OS irons have the same technologies as the SIM2 MAX irons but have a higher launch and larger face profile for increased confidence at address.

Main technological advancement: Cap Back™

The Cap Back™ technology came out in 2019, but the TaylorMade SIM2 MAX irons have an evolved version that has provided extra forgiveness and better feel.

Handicap range: mid to high

The TaylorMade SIM2 MAX irons are for mid to high handicaps (10-25) and the TaylorMade SIM2 MAX OS irons are for higher handicaps (15-30).

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2021: TaylorMade P790 Irons

The 2021 TaylorMade P790 irons have had three previous iterations (see 2017-2019). This version of the P790 irons has technology that increases swing and ball speed without sacrificing feel and sound. The TaylorMade P790 irons from 2021 also have a lower CG and an enlarged sweet spot for added forgiveness.

Main technological advancement: SpeedFoam™ Air

SpeedFoam™ Air technology builds on the previous SpeedFoam™ club face insert and creates a lighter, thinner club face that, in turn, produces faster ball speeds and more distance. This technology balances a thin construction with a still pure feel.

Handicap range: low to mid

The 2021 TaylorMade p790 irons are in the lower handicap range (3-12).

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2021: TaylorMade M4 Irons

The evolved TaylorMade M4 irons from 2021 are the latest in the M family of irons. Gain more distance through ball speed and more forgiveness through increased MOI (moment of inertia) with this TaylorMade iron set.

When comparing the 2021 TaylorMade M4 irons vs. TaylorMade Stealth irons, you’ll notice a thicker sole for better play out of the rough and potentially more forgiveness with the M4 irons. If you’re a beginner golfer, the TaylorMade M4 irons are a great starting point.

Main technological advancement: Thin Leading Edge

While the extreme balance between low CG and high MOI increases the overall performance and accuracy of these irons, the standout innovation in the 2021 TaylorMade M4 irons is the ultra-thin leading edge. This sleek design allows you to still gain maximum distance off lower-face shots.

Handicap range: mid to high

The 2021 TaylorMade M4 irons are in the mid to high handicap range (10-25).

2020: TaylorMade SIM MAX Irons

The TaylorMade SIM MAX irons are focused on distance that felt great at impact thanks to several innovations. The SIM MAX OS irons come with the same technologies but have a lower CG and oversized club face for added forgiveness. Stability and feel are the themes for this line.

Compared to the SIM2 MAX irons’ Cap Back™ technology, the TaylorMade SIM MAX irons had the Speed Bridge™ technology that took them beyond the M family. You may find better feel in the SIM2 MAX line, but these irons aren’t a bad investment either.

Main technological advancement: Speed Bridge™

The improved-upon Speed Bridge™ technology ensures your club face is still hot and powers through your shot efficiently without sacrificing the topline of the iron’s structure. Essentially, you’re getting distance, forgiveness and feel in one package.

Handicap range: mid to high

The TaylorMade SIM MAX irons are for mid to high handicaps (10-25) while the TaylorMade SIM MAX OS irons are for slightly higher handicaps (15-30).

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2019: TaylorMade P790 Irons

The 2019 TaylorMade P790 irons are still a fantastic set of players irons if that’s what you’re in the market for. With a forged hollow body, a light construction and plenty of other technology to keep your shots feeling pure and controlled, these are a more affordable option than the 2021 P790 irons.

The main difference between the TaylorMade P790 irons in 2019 vs. 2021 is that the 2021 version has a higher ball flight and may be a bit more forgiving while lower handicaps will enjoy the extra distance from the 2019 P790 irons.

Main technological advancement: Forged Hollow Body

The forged hollow body of the TaylorMade P790 2019 irons allows for more distance and forgiveness, while making the energy transfer more efficient for more ball speed.

Handicap range: low to mid

The 2019 TaylorMade P790 irons have a lower handicap range (3-12).

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2019: TaylorMade M2, M5, M6 Irons

The TaylorMade M family of irons held quite the reputation before the SIM and Stealth lines arrived - and they still do.

The 2019 TaylorMade M2 irons were groundbreaking for their extreme balance of low CG and Max-COR, meaning you could get ultimate distance consistently. The TaylorMade M5 irons are the most workable in the M line, giving you increased distance and pure feel. The TaylorMade M6 irons, however, are game improvement irons with tons of forgiveness thanks to the large sweet spot.

Main technological advancement: Sound and Feel

Each of these TaylorMade M irons have unique characteristics, but one trait they all share is increased sound and feel. The TaylorMade M5 irons and TaylorMade M6 irons were the first to have Speed Bridge™ technology for extra distance, and the TaylorMade M2 irons had the extra consistency thanks to the Max-COR technology.

Handicap range: low to high

The 2019 TaylorMade M2 irons have a mid handicap range (10-25). The TaylorMade M5 irons are for low to mid handicaps and tour players (0-12), while the TaylorMade M6 irons are at the other end of the spectrum for higher handicaps (15-30).

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2019: TaylorMade P790 Black Irons

This year brought about the “dark side” of the TaylorMade P790 irons - P790 Black. The black finish is designed to give lower handicaps even more confidence at address, and the extra distance through optimized trajectories doesn’t hurt either.

Main technological advancement: Black Finish

Don’t underestimate the influence of a different clubhead aesthetic: having a darker finish can embolden you to take more confident swings. In addition to the finish, you’ll also find the Max-COR club face for more distance, a forged feel and forgiveness strategically built into the design.

Handicap range: low to mid

The TaylorMade P790 Black irons have a lower handicap range (3-12).

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2018: TaylorMade M3, M4 Irons

The TaylorMade M3 and M4 irons both add options to the M Family (the M5 and M6 irons weren’t out yet). The TaylorMade M3 irons were a turning point for the earlier M2 irons, and their sleek design led to increased ball speeds for more distance. The TaylorMade M4 irons are more forgiving, and they significantly build upon the technology of the earlier M2 irons.

Main technological advancement: RIBCOR

TaylorMade’s RIBCOR technology increased energy transition efficiencies on the club face, meaning the club faces on the M3 and M4 irons were hotter than ever before.

Handicap range: low to high

The TaylorMade M3 irons are for low to mid handicaps (3-12). On the other hand, the 2018 TaylorMade M4 irons have mid to high handicap range (10-25).

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2017: TaylorMade P750, P770, P790 Irons

In 2017, TaylorMade released three different iron sets geared toward the lower handicap player - and even professionals. The TaylorMade P750 irons were mainly seen on the PGA Tour with a forged carbon steel, compact yet clean shape and weighting that led to ultimate workability.

The TaylorMade P770 irons were a second popular option on tour because the design consisted of the same technologies as the P750 irons but had a bit more forgiveness. The TaylorMade P790 irons from 2017 continued the trend of adding more forgiveness and becoming a players iron for lower handicaps not on tour.

Main technological advancement: Forged Carbon Steel

While the TaylorMade P770 and P750 irons had a different variation of carbon steel than the TaylorMade P790 (1025 vs. 4140), all iron sets benefited from the new-at-the-time forging process. This resulted in more distance and a softer feel.

Handicap range: low to mid (but mainly low)

The TaylorMade P750 and TaylorMade P770 irons are for low handicaps or professionals (0-5 and 0-10, respectively). The 2017 TaylorMade P790 irons have low to mid handicap range, but mostly on the low side (3-12).

If you want slightly more forgiving longer irons, GlobalGolf offers used TaylorMade P750/P790 combo iron sets and P750/P770 combo iron sets.

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2017: TaylorMade M1, M2 Irons

The 2017 TaylorMade M2 and M1 irons are the true start of the M family. The TaylorMade M2 irons from 2017 were a very different design than their 2016 predecessors, providing more forgiveness and accuracy. The TaylorMade M1 irons were also a more workable iron targeting longer distances.

The TaylorMade M2 irons essentially evolve into the M4 irons if you’re looking for a similar handicap range but newer technology. The TaylorMade M1 irons are a more affordable version of the M5 irons.

Main technological advancement: Face Slot Technology

The TaylorMade M2 irons and TaylorMade M1 irons both have the Face Slot technology first introduced in 2015 in order to give the best chance of success on miss-hits.

Handicap range: low to high

The 2017 TaylorMade M2 irons have a mid to high handicap range (15-30) while the TaylorMade M1 irons have a low to mid handicap range (10-25)

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2016: TaylorMade M2 Irons

The 2016 TaylorMade M2 irons were the origin of the M family. While they were quickly replaced by the 2017 M2 irons, the 2016 version was still revolutionary for TaylorMade Golf.

Main technological advancement: Thick-Thin Fluted Hosel

With the release of the 2016 TaylorMade M2 irons came the introduction of the Thick-Thin Fluted Hosel. This design innovation allowed for a lower CG, which gave players the opportunity to hit it further.

Handicap range: low to high

The 2016 TaylorMade M2 irons have a mid to high handicap range (15-30).

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2015: TaylorMade RSi 1, RSi 2, RSi Tour Preferred Irons

Three TaylorMade RSi iron sets were released in 2015, and their mark on the technology front was the Face Slot technology. The TaylorMade RSi irons are the longest and most forgiving of the three. The TaylorMade RSi 2 irons are aesthetically pleasing with a solid balance of distance and forgiveness for the mid-handicap player.

The TaylorMade RSi Tour Preferred irons - or TaylorMade RSi TP irons - are geared toward lower handicaps looking for workability and distance. TaylorMade Golf was also excited about the look of these golf clubs and felt they helped build more confidence.

Main technological advancement: Face Slot Technology

The first instance of Face Slot technology came with the TaylorMade RSi irons. It essentially took the Speed Pocket technology and put it on the club face for increased ball speeds and consistently solid contact despite a miss-hit.

Handicap range: low to high

When comparing the TaylorMade RSi 1 vs. RSi 2 irons, you’ll notice similar technology but a different handicap range. The TaylorMade RSi 1 irons are geared toward mid to high handicaps (15-30) while the TaylorMade RSi 2 irons are more for mid handicaps (10-25). The TaylorMade RSi TP irons are unsurprisingly for lower handicaps and tour players (3-12).

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2014: TaylorMade Tour Preferred Irons

The TaylorMade Tour Preferred irons come in a variety of sets - MB, CB, MC and Combo. The TaylorMade Tour Preferred MB - or muscle back - irons are blades with spin control. The TaylorMade Tour Preferred CB - or cavity back - irons have some extra bounce off the club face and more offset for further, straighter approach shots.

The TaylorMade Tour Preferred MC - or muscle cavity - irons are consistently stable golf clubs with a workable clubhead. The Tour Preferred Combo irons have more blade-like, workable options in the shorter irons and more forgiving longer irons in the set. TaylorMade Golf provided five different iron set options in 2014.

Main technological advancement: Satin Nickel-Chrome Finish

While not necessarily their biggest technological advancement, the satin nickel-chrome finish was a hand-polished look many lower handicap and tour players went for around this time. The finish gave a clean, confidence-inducing setup, especially for the Tour Preferred MB blade irons.

Handicap range: low to mid

The TaylorMade Tour Preferred MC irons have the lowest handicap range (0-5). The TaylorMade Tour Preferred MB and CB irons are still players irons, so their handicap range is on the low to mid side (3-12).

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2014: TaylorMade SLDR Irons

The TaylorMade SLDR irons have a revamped Speed Pocket with ThruSlot technology, allowing you to achieve higher ball speeds and higher ball flights. This TaylorMade iron set fixes an issue with prior models with Speed Pocket technology - inconsistent distance gapping.

Many golfers enjoyed the look of the TaylorMade SLDR irons, as they had a similar design to the Tour Preferred CB irons. A con of these TaylorMade golf clubs was that the longer irons were less easy to control and shape shots.

Main technological advancement: ThruSlot Technology

The ThruSlot technology, paired with an enhanced Speed Pocket, led to more distances and consistent gapping throughout the golf bag.

Handicap range: low to mid

The TaylorMade SLDR irons are for a previously neglected handicap range in a TaylorMade lineup (10-15).

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2013: TaylorMade SpeedBlade, RocketBladez, RocketBallz Irons

This year saw the release of three different TaylorMade iron sets in the name of distance gains: SpeedBlade, RocketBladez and RocketBallz.

The TaylorMade SpeedBlade irons have a lower CG than previous lines for increased launch and distance; the SpeedBlade HL irons have an even higher launch and more forgiveness for higher handicap players. The TaylorMade RocketBallz irons built off their prior iteration in 2012 with increased ball speeds through a thinner club face.

The TaylorMade RocketBladez irons - or TaylorMade R Bladez irons - have three different models: RocketBladez, RocketBladez Tour and RocketBladez Max. All three TaylorMade iron sets have faster ball speeds and higher launches than its previous line, almost a culmination of the two lines above. In fact, according to TaylorMade Golf, the RocketBladez Tour irons is said to be the “first distance-enhancing iron to be played on tour.”

When you compare the TaylorMade RocketBladez vs. SpeedBlade irons, you’ll notice that the RocketBladez irons have the first generation of Speed Pocket technology and Inverted Cone (IC) club face technology while the SpeedBlade irons have the next iteration of Speed Pocket technology and a lower CG for high launch angles.

Main technological advancement: Speed Pocket

Speed Pocket technology made its debut with the TaylorMade RocketBladez and was quickly released again at a higher performance standard with the TaylorMade SpeedBlade and RocketBallz irons. This innovative technology allowed for distance gains through faster ball speeds and higher launches. An added bonus was the improved feel and sound at impact.

Handicap range: low to high

With so many models and SpeedBlade vs. RocketBladez iron comparisons, here’s a list of these handicap ranges:

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With so many great TaylorMade irons from the last decade, you may not know where to start. The newer releases certainly have the most advanced technology, but that doesn’t mean you should discount the prior models; they still have plenty to offer, including lower prices.

Our staff of PGA Professionals are happy to answer any questions you may have about these TaylorMade iron sets.