Equipment

2 GolfWRXers put 4 Miura iron models to TrackMan test

Published

5 years ago

Dec 19, 2018

Equipment expert Brian Knudson and WRXer Jackson Elliott had a chance to put four Miura iron models to the test.

See their thoughts on the Miura club testing below, as well as their TrackMan data. For all heads, Knudson used the Project X 6.0, and Jackson used the Ping AWT 2.0. Knudson is an 8.8 handicap, and Jackson is a 16. All clubs were 6-irons.

MC-501

BN: I love the look of blades, but know they don’t fit my skill level. These looked great with a small footprint, topline, and squared off toe. The back “muscle” has a great look that grabs your attention. The feel of the 501 is Miura soft and very solid. Responsiveness is phenomenal, you can really tell where on the face you made contact. For some reason this was the iron I had the tightest dispersion with, we couldn’t figure out what made that happen!

JE: I thought the 501s looked pretty good, they seemed a little boxier than I’m used to, but the top-down view was by no means a turn-off. The ball exploded off the head when I managed to find center face, but I hit more bad shots than good. Definitely a far cry in terms of forgiveness compared to my game improvement irons, but the extra distance I gained almost makes me think the decreased accuracy is worth it.

IC-601

BN: This is the iron that I was not sure of its identity. It is overall a small profile but has a good amount off offset. Ball speed was great and it might have been the longest of the bunch. I was surprised that the feel was so soft as most hollow designs have a bit of clickiness to them. These were the longest for me by a slight margin and were one of the higher launching heads.

JE: The top ridge of the head looked a little too thick and boxy to me. It was a little distracting at first, but I got used to it after a few swings. I thought the club performed very well. The carry was longer than I was expecting, and I was able to put it near the middle fairway more times than not. In terms of performance, I think this would be the most likely to find its way into my bag.

CB 1008

BN: I have hit these irons previously and they are a great feeling iron. I was very impressed with how soft these irons are, maybe even softer than the MC-501. These irons are great looking as well with the sharper toe and slightly larger footprint than the MC-501. These didn’t blow me away with wild distance or ballspeed numbers, but that isn’t what they were intended for. They are just a really good players iron. The only negative thing I could say would be that they mute a little too much and you have a harder time deciphering where you made contact on the face.

JE: I thought both the 1008 and 2008 looked great, and I’d willingly put either set in my bag right now. I had a very hard time feeling any major differences between the two, but both clubs felt good in my hands. The 2008s seemed to be a bit more forgiving when it came to mishits, and the trackman numbers tended to corroborate that. My carry numbers for both clubs were nearly identical, but a few yards longer than I expected them to be.

CB 2008

BN: These are the big brother to the CB-1008 and they have a slightly more rounded shape. I actually like a slightly more rounded toe, so these fit my eye well. Upon the first impact you can tell these have way more power than the 1008, ball feels like it flies off the face. Forgiveness is far better allowing much better numbers on off center hits. Feel is a slight bit lacking, but for a club of its design really good.

JE: (See previous response)

Dispersion plots, trajectories

Knudson’s dispersion

Knudson’s trajectory

Elliot’s dispersion

Eliot’s trajectory

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40 Comments

Chris Hansen

Jan 4, 2019 at 11:16 am

I always found that my Miuras tour blades had way too much spin.. They are beautiful clubs, with a sweet feel. I played their tour blades for two seasons.

Reply Report comment
Sean

Dec 21, 2018 at 9:47 am

Think it would be helpful to look at each players Dynamic loft. This will explain smash factor difference, launch difference, and spin difference.

Furthermore, can anyone confirm the loft of the MC-501 that was tested? Standard is 30*

Reply Report comment
gticlay

Dec 21, 2018 at 3:29 am

I’m still gaming a set of i3 blades, which I hit long and high, or low, or whatever. I really like them. But I lust after a set of Miura irons. The more simple Miura are all so nice looking I have a tough time knowing which ones I would want. I think I would want a set of the CB-1008 but to me it’s really disappointing they don’t have the cool Miura logo like the MC-501’s do so I’d want to order my set with that on them instead of the MG logo (yuck!). Also, do you have any idea what the bounce is? I would expect a master iron head builder would have a couple of different forgings with different bounce so they can build a set with more loft but still the right bounce – any idea how that works? It also looks like the clubs might be a little upright for both testers – what do you think Bryan and Jackson – were the “lefts” a product of that and were you hitting off mats or a grass range? Honestly, I don’t think there is a chance at all I’ll ever get a set, but it’s fun to dream about them!

Reply Report comment
- Real
  
  Dec 24, 2018 at 4:48 pm
  
  The M logo Miura is actually geared for the foreign market for easy one-word brand identification, and the MG logo Miura Giken are the real Japanese ones that you should properly lust after
  
  Reply Report comment
- Miuralovechild
  
  Feb 18, 2019 at 1:35 am
  
  I had the MG logo removed by Jim Kronus on my 1008’s. Then I laser etched the other logo on them.
  
  Reply Report comment
Martin Looth Or King

Dec 21, 2018 at 1:56 am

Looks like a 1996 ‘Zuno T-Zoid.

Reply Report comment
- Prut
  
  Dec 26, 2018 at 4:47 pm
  
  My thought exactly
  
  Reply Report comment
rex235

Dec 20, 2018 at 3:17 am

Are all of these Miura iron models RH Only?

Just checking.

Reply Report comment
Jack

Dec 19, 2018 at 10:05 pm

Jackson hits stingers all day it seems. Very low launch for a 6 iron, and also really good distance too.

Reply Report comment
JB

Dec 19, 2018 at 8:19 pm

Miura feel is second to none! They don’t always look good in trackman numbers, but they certainly look good, feel unbelievable and perform on the golf course.

Reply Report comment
- smz
  
  Dec 19, 2018 at 8:56 pm
  
  yes yees yeeees… i could fall in love with the mc-501’s… they are sooo beautiful i would be proud to bag them in my WITB of performance clubs on the golf course….
  
  Reply Report comment
Barrett Holman

Dec 19, 2018 at 4:27 pm

I like the honesty here – would have been easy to fanboy the feel here. I’ve never hit a set, but nice to hear that they might not be the second coming. Good anecdotes. Would like to know which set would go in either persons bag in the end.

Reply Report comment
Kyle

Dec 19, 2018 at 2:40 pm

Is the TM setup/aligned correctly or are both testers playing a decent hook?

Reply Report comment
Tom

Dec 19, 2018 at 2:20 pm

WOW!! These clubs are so much better that anything else ever made!! Uncle Rico says he will bet he can hit the 5 iron over them there mountains!!!

Hahaha all irons are the same, even “open models” you can get from the foundries….there is nothing new!! same ole same ole repackaged so Sellers can Sell em!

Reply Report comment
- Crazy About Golf
  
  Dec 19, 2018 at 3:30 pm
  
  If only Uncle Rico had those clubs back in ’82……he’d have gone pro, made millions of dollars.
  
  Reply Report comment
- steve
  
  Dec 19, 2018 at 3:44 pm
  
  I am guessing that you have never hit these…
  
  Reply Report comment
- EC3
  
  Dec 20, 2018 at 8:16 am
  
  Hmmm…the MC-501’s look a LOT like my Taylormade TP MB’s from way back when. Still playing them and still loving them. Miura may be on to something here.
  
  I guess it’s true that the more things change, the more they stay the same.
  
  Reply Report comment
Graham

Dec 19, 2018 at 12:59 pm

What are the lofts of each 6-iron?

Reply Report comment
- steve
  
  Dec 19, 2018 at 3:43 pm
  
  IC-601 = 28*
  CB-2008 = 28*
  CB-1008 = 27*
  MC-501 = 27*
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Johnny
    
    Jan 11, 2019 at 8:57 am
    
    Not correct! The lofts for a 6-iron are:
    
    30 -> MC 501
    28 -> IC 601
    30 -> CB 1008
    28 -> CB 2008
    
    Source: https://miuragolf.com/products/
    
    Reply Report comment
CoopScoop12

Dec 19, 2018 at 12:52 pm

Just a small editing comment. Knudson would be BK not BN. Sorry for being picky but I would want to be aware.

Reply Report comment
ogo

Dec 19, 2018 at 12:30 pm

The difference in these irons is the location of the CofG… and the rest is cosmetic differences. Identical zinc die-cast models would have done just as well… except for the ego conflict.

Reply Report comment
- MP-4
  
  Dec 19, 2018 at 1:09 pm
  
  Baloney.
  They are all hand made and designed by a master.
  More like the ogo conflict.
  
  Miura – The Quest for the Perfect Golf Club | Adventures in Golf Season 3
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rGIqMToeFg
  
  Reply Report comment
  - smz
    
    Dec 19, 2018 at 9:00 pm
    
    … and you deserve the perfect clubs for your WITB arsenal of potent weapons… and scare the begeezus out of your playing buddies…. hand made clubs that reek of the masters artistry and admiration…
    
    Reply Report comment
    - MP-4
      
      Dec 20, 2018 at 5:35 pm
      
      Have some respect.
      It’s about supporting an artist and craftsman who has dedicated his life to building quality irons.
      He has differentiated his products with the spin welded hosel, forging process, beautiful designs, etc.
      What is the benefit of disparaging him by equating what Miura produces with any old cheap crap off of the shelf? A TV dinner is not the same thing as a home cooked meal even though you could argue they have the same calories, fat, carbs, etc. Golf is about fun and appreciation, not ego trips and criticism.
      We need more Mr. Miuras.
      
      Reply Report comment
      - Dave
        
        Dec 21, 2018 at 9:44 am
        
        What a great comment. Could not say it better.
        
        Reply Report comment
      - Benny
        
        Dec 21, 2018 at 10:12 am
        
        I am with MP-4. Buy and play what you like.. i am not a fan of Miura but to each their own. Enough of the crying and yammering about yourselves. You all act like you discovered gold with your facts and useless information. Tis was a nice article and good comments on what these players thought. Thank you Wrx
        
        Reply Report comment
- Funkaholic
  
  Dec 19, 2018 at 2:19 pm
  
  Why are idiots always defending their cast clubs with this nonsense? If you like your clubs just say that, you sound insecure.
  
  Reply Report comment
Dan

Dec 19, 2018 at 12:04 pm

Most noticeable part of article: Jackson’s spin numbers are completely unplayable! Averaging nearly 60 feet of roll with a six iron?

Reply Report comment
- Crazy About Golf
  
  Dec 19, 2018 at 3:28 pm
  
  Was just thinking that. Another thing that jumps out is that JE has lower swing speed than BN, yet BN’s ball speed is higher and launch is much lower. One could attribute that to better smash factor (>1.4 as shown on the chart); however, I find it hard to believe that a 16 handicap is striking the ball that much better than an 8.8…..moreover, guys on the PGA Tour don’t even achieve a smash factor that high on a 6-iron. Something is off…..that or BN was hitting something longer than a 6 iron.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Crazy About Golf
    
    Dec 19, 2018 at 3:34 pm
    
    Sorry…..just realized I mangled that whole thing. Should have been:
    
    JE has lower swing speed than BN, yet JE’s ball speed is higher and launch is much lower. One could attribute that to better smash factor (>1.4 as shown on the chart) which would produce longer distance; however, I find it hard to believe that a 16 handicap is striking the ball that much better than an 8.8…..moreover, guys on the PGA Tour don’t even achieve a smash factor that high on a 6-iron. Something is off…..that or JE was hitting something longer than a 6 iron.
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Skip
      
      Dec 19, 2018 at 4:32 pm
      
      It’s possible that the 8 hdcp is in a less ideal impact position, possibly a little scoopy, hence the higher launch and lower smash. Maybe the 16 compresses it a little better just isn’t as good a player.
      
      Reply Report comment
    - Kyle
      
      Dec 19, 2018 at 4:51 pm
      
      I don’t think hes striking it better, I think he’s hitting a consistent low hooded hook, hence the lower peak height, lower spin, higher smash, and sometimes ending up 30yrds+ left
      
      Reply Report comment
      - Brandon
        
        Dec 19, 2018 at 10:29 pm
        
        I’d tend to agree with Kyle. That looks like the flight of a 6 iron I try to hit into the wind.
        
        Reply Report comment
      - Thomas A
        
        Dec 20, 2018 at 10:57 am
        
        Just further proves that a lesson will do him better than expensive clubs.
        
        Reply Report comment
A. Commoner

Dec 19, 2018 at 11:06 am

Nicely written article. Well stated observations in meaningful language. With that said, I wish I had all models cited!

Reply Report comment
Bogeypro

Dec 19, 2018 at 10:31 am

Dispersion was surprisingly tight between all of them. It’s the Indian not the arrow.

Those cb look like mp18 sc.

Reply Report comment
- Skip
  
  Dec 19, 2018 at 4:30 pm
  
  Except the CB1008’s came out way before MP18.
  
  Reply Report comment
Kyle

Dec 19, 2018 at 9:27 am

Would be nice to know which actual club they hit for the trackman numbers (looks like maybe 7i for Kudson and 5i for Jackson?) and compare it to what they’re currently gaming. That said, I’m pretty sure Miura is the reason that didn’t happen.

Reply Report comment
- Ben Alberstadt
  
  Dec 19, 2018 at 10:44 am
  
  6-iron, both. Meant to include that in the article. It’s been adjusted. Thanks, Kyle.
  
  Reply Report comment

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Equipment

A shocking Backstryke putter appearance + 7 interesting gear photos from the Zurich Classic

Published

2 hours ago

Apr 25, 2024

Andrew Tursky

Welcome to New Orleans, where TPC Louisiana plays host to the 2024 Zurich Classic. In between breakfast beignets and nightly Creole feasts, PGA Tour players are also competing in the unique two-man format at the Zurich this week.

Although the vibes in Nawlins are a bit lighter-fare than the recent back-to-back competitions the Masters and the RBC Heritage signature event), the gear news was no less serious this week.

We spotted some recent changes from Rory McIlroy, a very rare Odyssey Backstryke putter, dove into the bag of legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and spotted Patrick Cantlay continuing to test new equipment.

Get your beads out and crack your crawfish, because it’s time for an equipment rundown from The Big Easy (meaning New Orleans, of course, not Ernie Els).

See all of our photos from the Zurich Classic here

Rory’s on-and-off lob wedge

Since the end of 2023, Rory McIlroy has had an on-again, off-again relationship with a Titleist Vokey K-Grind lob wedge. In his last start, it was on, and the wedge is back in the bag again this week. We got a great look at the complicated grind that McIlroy uses.

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A full look into McIlroy’s bag above also shows that he switched out of the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper that he used at the RBC Heritage, and he’s back into the Qi10 core 3-wood. As we discussed last week, McIlroy will likely keep the BRNR around as a course-specific club, trading it in and out for the 3-wood.

See Rory McIlroy’s full 2024 WITB from the Zurich here

Turning Back the clock

Unless Tommy Gainey is in the field, it’s unlikely you’ll ever see Odyssey’s Backstryke technology make an appearance on the PGA Tour.

But then, when you least expect it, Russ Cochran shows up.

For more than a decade – since the 2013 Sony Open in Hawai’i – Cochran has been stuck on 599 PGA Tour starts. This week will be his 600th.

Cochran is in the field at the Zurich this week playing alongside Eric Cole, whose regular caddie is Reed Cochran, Russ’s son.

The Backstryke putter was first released back in 2010, and its unique design helps shift the axis point of the putter closer to the CG of the head. And, the putter is getting a nod this week at the Zurich Classic, thanks to Cochran’s 600th career PGA Tour start.

The putter is certainly awesome, but don’t forget to check out Cochran’s full WITB from this week.

Drew Brees with a Super Bowl winning Scotty Cameron putter

Drew Brees, a legendary retired quarterback for the hometown New Orleans Saints, made an appearance at the Zurich’s Wednesday Pro-Am, playing alongside Zach Johnson, Ryan Palmer, and current Saints QB Derek Carr.

Brees’ bag included a TaylorMade Stealth2 Plus driver, a BRNR Mini 13.5-degree, a Stealth 5-wood, a mixed set of P-790 and P-760 irons, Milled Grind Hi-Toe wedges, and a custom Scotty Cameron “New Orleans Saints” putter, which Scotty made for Brees following his Super Bowl MVP-winning performance in 2010.

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It should also be noted that Brees has his Venmo QR code as a bag tag.

If you’re gambling with Brees on the course, just know that not having cash won’t work as an excuse.

Brilliant.

See Drew Brees’ full WITB from the Zurich here

Stricker’s unrecognizable putter

Steve Stricker has made numerous upgrades to his bag recently, including a new TSR3 driver and T100 irons, but his longtime Odyssey White Hot No. 2 putter is still going strong. It’s the most recognizable unrecognizable putter ever.

Here’s a better look at Stricker’s flatstick, which he started using back in 2007.

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Patrick Cantlay has opened the equipment-switching floodgates

Over on the PGA Tour’s Equipment Report this week, we covered Cantlay’s recent switch into Ping Blueprint S irons, and a Titleist TSR2 driver.

Cantlay hadn’t switched irons for about seven years, so the iron switch he made at The 2024 Masters came as a shock to the norm. He simply isn’t one to change gear very often, so anytime Cantlay makes a switch, it’s news.

It seems the floodgates of equipment testing have opened up a bit for Cantlay, who was also spotted testing a custom Scotty Cameron blade putter on Tuesday this week. By Wednesday, Cantlay was back practicing with his familiar Scotty Cameron T5 Proto mallet, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward.

Daniel Berger’s custom Jailbird site lines

Berger, who’s currently using Odyssey’s Ai-One Mini Jailbird mallet putter, has a unique 3-dot, 2-line alignment on the crown of his navy-white-navy-white mallet putter. Looking down at the putter, it’s easy to see why this alignment system would help; it just seems impossible to set up to the ball off-center, or misaligned to the target.

Also, for anyone worried, you can rest easy. Yes, he’s still playing the 2013 TaylorMade TP MC irons, which we highlighted in our recent “Modern Classics: Old vs. New” video testing series.

FitzMagic teams back up

Brothers Matthew and Alex Fitzpatrick are teaming up once again at the Zurich this year, and Bettinardi Golf hooked them up with some festive “FitzMagic” headcovers to match this week.

See what else is in Alex Fitzpatrick’s WITB here

And, with that, we say goodbye to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Don’t forget to check out all of our photos from this week, including 30 unique photo galleries full of equipment photos.

We’ll see you next week in Texas for the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson!

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