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)
