Miura Giken TB-ZERO FE99.3% Limited Irons

Here we have the Miura Giken TB-ZERO blade, which is Miura Japan’s latest muscle back. Today, we have a particular version produced in limited numbers using a material process called fe 99.3% pure. Why would Miura Japan create a second version using a different technique? The simple answer is for a softer feel, as Miura’s are known to deliver firm feedback outside of the clubface center. This is what better players often want, yet Miura irons are known to fall short in softness outside of the face center mostly due to the design and the fact they use spin welded hosel’s they acquire from the foundry TADA mfg in Himeji. Spin welded hosels can be a somewhat controversial topic, yes they are inferior to a single-piece forging, but it’s virtually impossible to tell. There are a few other brands that use them; they cost less in design and in-mold production. I know some guys at Endo and Honma who can spot spin welded just looking at it, but 99.99% will never see the difference.

Oh, and before I forget, Miura’s lawyers want me to write that we are no longer an authorized dealer. There are many reasons I’m sure you guys would find surprising, and I won’t get into it. One thing has been clear, Miura Global doesn’t want the rest of the world to see or purchase the best and newest versions offered by Miura Giken Japan. Both are quality products made the same way, but to put it simply, many of the global products are dated, Japanese models. For example, the “new” MB-101 is the 2007 MB-5003 from Japan. The baby blade and 1957 blade, as they are known in the USA, are designs so old they have not been used for almost two decades in Japan. The TOUR wedge in Japan is made of FE99% standard while the global model is not, So one would only guess that the TB-Zero from Japan is Miura globals next blade model in a year or two, hopefully not ten years from now like some of the others. Feel free to cross-reference the release years (here)

Miura Giken Japan also offers a program called MCW, which provides some fantastic options for almost no cost at all. Options like reducing or increasing offset, changing the shape of the face, custom stamping, finishes, head weights, custom lofts, and so on. (click here) Oh, and did I mention with all that they are still cheaper in Japan? I’ve watched the RETAIL price of Miura’s go from 10,000 yen per piece to 12,000yen to 16,000 yen to 18,000 yen to 20,000 yen than in the USA they come in at approx 280usd. I would only buy the newer Japan models with MCW options if in the market for a set.

Miura global’s president Hoyt has been saying for years that Miura Giken branding and models will disappear and there will be “One Miura” good idea. Still, I have asked this to the Miura factory in Japan a couple of times, and they say it’s false and deny this claim. I believe the factory.

I hope this helps you understand some of the differences in the products offered in Japan vs. Global. A big company in the USA owns the IP and rights to the Miura name outside of Japan while the factory produces the product supplies that USA business with heads. Yes, it sucks when a boutique brand goes corporate, but I’m thankful they have kept their soul back at the factory. Last thing… I can’t stand it when Americans market Japanese golf equipment with samurai swords. Please stop doing this Miura; it’s dorky.

At TourSpecGolf, we have a few sets of these available at the time of writing this blog. We are no longer an authorized dealer of Miura, and please don’t contact us to purchase Miura Japan models; we simply buy a bit of the cool stuff to offer to our clients who like the brand.

My personal preference is still for the MB-5003 with very particular MCW options, I have seen the TB-Zero with the same options, and it doesn’t look as good to me. Keep in mind that’s me desiring a square toe, reduced offset, and a different sole grind over standard.

The fit and finish are beautiful, as you can always expect from the Miura. We know first hand, and I have been to the company that finishes Miura’s clubs; it’s a factory called Kyoshin that is 20 steps away from another famous grind family, the Shinagawa’s. I love this part of Himeji; it’s the heart of old school hand made forged iron/wedge head manufacturing.

The TB-Zero FE 99.3 is offered in two finishes; one is their Kyoshin chrome satin, while the other is a black dye, which would make for a slightly different feel. You can’t say raw is softer than chrome satin anymore as in some cases, based on design, material, and who is finishing it, the chrome finish can feel softer to some.

Thanks for reading! I hope we provided some value for you! ( click here ) to purchase the Miura Giken TB-Zero FE99.3 MB!

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