50 Words or Less
The Miura MB-101 irons are beautiful but some might find them intimidating at address. Definitely not made for anyone but elite ball strikers.
Introduction
The online golf world is a funny place. If a new putter company offers an Anser-style putter, they’re greeted with eye rolls and told to be original. However, when Miura or Mizuno releases a new blade, it’s all praise and fire emojis. So while the Miura MB-101 certainly got Instagram excited, is there anything new that performance-minded golfers should check out? I tested them to find out.
Looks
If you value a clean, traditional looking iron, it doesn’t get much better than the Miura MB-101. Their address look is everything the traditionalist wants: zero offset, a thin top line, and a compact blade length. Additionally, the leading edge is dead straight, and the transition from the top line to the square toe is very sharp.
Interestingly, the MB-101 has the same blade length as the MC-501 (review HERE) and TC-201 (review HERE), but the grooved area of the face is much smaller. The amount of “blank” space in the toe will be disconcerting to those without supreme confidence in their ball striking.
While the look at address is razor sharp, the MB-101 is very soft and rounded in the bag. Every sharp edge of the blade has been smoothed out. Miura also raises the bar on minimalism with only their name and logo on the toe in black. “MB-101” is stamped near the heel, but the white paint fill makes it nearly invisible.
Sound & Feel
If a great look is the #1 reason to play blades, great feel is #1A. Feel is also the biggest factor in players choosing to go with Miura over other OEMs.
When you do catch a ball perfectly on the center of the MB-101, the feeling is wonderful. It’s very soft with a quiet impact sound. Any small miss, however, won’t feel very good at all. Miura states that the MB-101 has been “optimized allowing for heightened feel and feedback” which is marketing speak for “your hands are going to feel it when you miss the center.”
Performance
Miura bills the MB-101 as having “subtle refinements.” You can read that as, “We didn’t change much.” Which is fine given that they’re Miura and this is a blade and people playing a Miura blade want a Miura blade.
Players at this level know (or should know) that they’re going to get good – but not elite – ball speed from centered strikes. When you miss the sweet spot, you can expect your shots to fall at least a club short.
The MB-101 also offers above average workability thanks to its relatively high spin. Players that want to hit “all the shots” will be in their glory.
One important note is that the sole of the Miura MB-101 is a little wider than expected. It’s not wide compared to most irons, of course, but Miura has opted for a design with more resistance to digging. Whether or not this is a good thing for you will depend on your swing and the conditions you play in.
Conclusion
If you’re a blade player who is happy with their current set, there’s nothing about the new Miura MB-101 that demands you run out and make the switch. However, if you’re drawn in by the allure of playing Miura, the MB-101 is unlikely to disappoint. The feel and look live up to the hype.
Miura MB-101 Irons Price & Specs
Matt Saternus
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That’s what I thought too. I’m sticking with my tournament blades.
Do you prefer these or the MB001? Or the baby blades?
How do they compare in terms of mishits? Your review of the MB001s seems to suggest they are not so punisihing on mishits.
Thanks
SC,
The Baby Blades are a little much for me, but between the MB001 and MB-101 it’s splitting hairs. I think really high end players might find differences that are meaningful to them, but for me it’s a push.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt ! How do the MB-101s compare to Mizuno’s MP-67s or MP-33s ??? Blade to blade, distance, workability ? Forge quality and workmanship ? Which touring pros play with Miuro ? Thank you, John !
John,
Without head to head comparisons, I wouldn’t want to answer any of those questions definitively. As far as Tour play, the only pro I know using Miura is Abraham Ancer.
-Matt
Rumor had it that Tigers Nike Blades were Miura’s. KJ Choi also plays them.
They look beautiful, but not ready to switch, yet. MP 18 & CB 501’s (based on your review) are in my stable.
I believe there is only one sweet spot in any club, if you can find that 75% of the time, play blades. It’s worth it.
I’m really happy with my Wilson Staff blades, this year’s model.
They are extremely nice looking clubs . I now I’ll never will go back to any forgiving clicking noise clubs again.
Can you compare directly to the Wilson Staff blades since you reviewed those recently? I’m guessing since you praised the Wilsons for their playability they will offer more help on minor miss strikes? How about feel? Much in it? I also agree with the above, you did also praise the MB001 for their *relative* forgiveness (in the blade category) – it seems that sentiment isn’t shared with this set?
CJ,
The Wilsons are much more playable, in my opinion. Feel is subjective. For me, I’d be equally happy with either set on that count.
Best,
Matt
How would you compare this to the mc501 that was dubbed as their “forgiving blade?”
Do you see any noticeable difference between the two except for the grooved face as you noted above?
I have games the mc501 for a long time now and love it- but I prefer the clean simple lines and looks of the mb101.
Many thanks for all your work!
Fergus,
I think there’s a measurable and potentially noticeable difference in forgiveness.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
I am getting fit (club champion) this week for new irons. Currently have the MP-4s (3-PW) and very happy with them, but looking to upgrade. I have hit the MP-20s and felt they had more feel and a touch more forgiveness than my current set and have been leaning towards them. Curious how you would rank the MB-101s to the MP-20s purely on performance (take cost difference out of the equation). You also seem to be quite high on the MC-501s, so would also look at a split set (MB-101/MC-501 or even MP-20/MC-501). I am a 3 hdcp with plenty of ball speed. As with most, could always improve the consistency of contact!
Cheers,
Michael
Michael,
Of those three, I prefer the 501. It has a little forgiveness and doesn’t really sacrifice anything for it. Between the 101 and MP-20, it’s just a matter of preference and fit, I don’t think there’s an objective reason to prefer one to the other.
Best,
Matt