Eventually, Miura's MG collection will consist exclusively of limited edition and otherwise unique product offerings. Until that time (we'll likely hear more in early 2018), MG can be thought of as a transitional collection consisting of three sets of irons (MB 5005, CB 1008, CB 2008) and the Hayate driver and 3-wood.
Earlier this year MGS profiled the MG iron Collection and promised a more detailed and thorough breakdown on this offering.
And so let's do that.
CB-1008
With the CB 1008 ($279/club), the technology is almost exactly what one would expect from Miura. The cavity-back design is forged from a single piece (two if you include the spin-welded hosel) of S25C carbon steel and features a weight bar, which positions weight low/rear to increase launch and forgiveness on thinly struck shots while centering as much mass as possible behind the sweet spot to produce the solid and signature feel of Miura irons. The wider-than-typical sole (19 mm on the CB-1008 7 iron) contributes to increased forgiveness and is a point of distinction when comparing MG cavity-back irons to non-MG models (e.g., CB57, CB-501)
Also, different from non-MG series irons, both the CB-1008 and CB-2008 feature a "W.D.D." stamp denoting an "accurate" forging process with respect to weight, dimension, and density.
I have to think this was a selling point to Japanese consumers, but objectively speaking, it doesn't add much. Miura has a reputation for exceptionally strict weight tolerances and exactly levels of quality control, and if anything, it brings into question whether Miura utilizes a "lesser" process for non-MG collection items which don't share this emblem.
CB-2008
The CB-2008 ($329/club) is, from a technical standpoint, the more complex of the two models. The 5 through 8 irons feature multi-piece construction, with a 4-mm thin face welded to the S25C forged body. The undercut cavity pulls weight away from the face and toward the perimeter, thus boosting forgiveness (and potentially distance). The one-piece forged 9-iron and PW are essentially bigger versions of the CB-1008, and given the set makeup (5-PW), it's reasonable to think the target player for the CB-2008 might not have the requisite swing speed to effectively use long irons of similar construction.
Aesthetics
Small, compact muscle-back blades and players cavity-backs are Miura's calling card and the MG collection both honors this foundation and intentionally departs from it. Both the CB-1008 and CB-2008 emphasize a thin topline, minimal offset, and a compact head shape. The CB-1008 is marginally thinner and smaller as compared to the CB-2008.
The high/pointed toe is quintessential Miura, and the satin finish is distinct, without drawing too much attention. Purposely understated is a fair label. Both models are a little longer heel to toe than other Miura offerings and will likely draw comparisons to several Bridgestone/Tourstage models (J40 series came to mind immediately) The toe is noticeably more rounded, which visually accentuates the heel-toe length.
It's the cavity which I find to be incongruent with the rest of the platform, particularly with the CB-2008.
The CB-1008 is relatively clean but would be improved by deleting (or relocating) the circular W.D.D. stamp. Again, not only does the stamp raise some question around how this process is different (and assembly better) than other forgings by Miura, but it visually clutters what's otherwise an unblemished template.
The CB-2008 doesn't conjure up the typical Miura adjectives (simple, pure, elegant) but then again, it's not targeted at the typical Miura customer. Any external cavity is inherently less appealing, but drawing further attention to it via raised chevron ridges (5-8 irons) or black lines (9-PW) is a reminder why I'm quite selective around shirts with horizontal stripes. Why draw superfluous attention to something you'd prefer wasn't there?
Moreover, the trend with higher-end (or at least premium-priced) irons which incorporate a hollow cavity/multi-material construction is to conceal the cavity inside the clubhead and fill it with a supportive agent (See: PXG 0311, TaylorMade P790) In this regard, the CB-2008 is a step behind with respect to the cosmetics for the category.
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Performance
According to Miura, the CB-1008 offers muscle-back control with the forgiveness that comes from a cavityback design. The CB-2008 is designed to be more forgiving than the CB-1008 but is deliberately positioned in the Miura lineup to avoid any overlap with the PP-9005/Genesis.
What impresses people about Miura irons isn't necessarily the distance - the company rarely plays in that space. With Miura, it's typically about the consistent feel, feedback, and ability to manipulate ball flight. If those are your metrics, the CB-1008 has a lot to offer.
The single-piece forging has the archetypal Miura feel (dense, solid and pleasantly thick) and provides enough feedback to satisfy more demanding players. With more mass positioned directly in line with impact, working the ball on multiple trajectories and crafting desired shot shapes was relatively easy, although I did struggle a bit to keep the long irons down with shots played directly into the wind.
That said, the benefit of launching long irons (3-5) a bit higher outweighs the inconvenience of possibly having to play a different shot in windy conditions.
The CB-2008 is a natively a higher launching iron, but somewhat quizzically doesn't include a 3 or 4-iron in the set. The assumption, which seems reasonable enough, is that players looking at the CB-2008 are better off filling this gap with even higher launching hybrids or SGI (Super-Game Improvement) irons.
Both irons have wide soles (19 mm in the CB-1008 7-iron and 20 mm in the CB-2008 7-iron) and even with the slight leading-edge grind, play every bit of their width. As a result, those with steeper angles of attack will likely be better served by a narrower profile like the CB57. Conversely, sweepers should find the wider sole helps create a more consistent experience at impact.
Walking Away
Given Miura's global reorganization over the last year, the product line remains a bit of a moving target, and the most important questions (What will Miura look like post-transition?) are yet to be answered. Given this landscape, the MG line is entirely representative of the quality and attention to deal Miura faithful associate with the brand and also serves as a bridge to whatever is coming next.
With the CB-1008 and CB-2008 specifically, it brings previously unavailable product to more consumers, and because of the design profile, expands the lineup audience to the player who doesn't quite have the game for the CB57 or MB-001 but wants to see first-hand if the hype is justified.
If you bag 'em, tell us!
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