Miura CB-501 Irons
Miura is long regarded as one of the best, if not THEE best forged iron makers in the game. Located in Himeji, Japan, Miura finds itself smack dab in the middle of a historic and prestigious metal forging town. Just to add to the cool factor, Himeji is long known for its history in samurai sword production. My first dabble into Miura irons came courtesy of the Miura CB-501 – an established classic in the Miura barn. The Miura CB-501 irons are a real deal player’s iron that are all business and just as pretty. Though the CB-501 is a serious club, it’s a touch more accommodating than other blades. Player beware: the CB-501 is better off for the better ball striker.
First Impressions
Listen, no one opens a Miura box and doesn’t get that “rush.” I don’t even need to explain it, because I know you know exactly what that “rush” feels like. I’ve always dreamed of owning a set of Miura irons and that unboxing didn’t disappoint. Each iron looks so elegant and perfect. The offset is minimal and precisely tuned to each club, the topline is player thin, and the head shape is as classic as they come. If you’re a blade player and don’t like the look of these irons, then I can’t help you. They’re as perfect as it gets.
How Does it Feel?
I don’t even know where to start here, I could literally go on forever about the feel. I had always heard about how great Miura irons felt and I believed it, but always thought, “how much better can they really feel?” Then I hit the Miura CB-501. I was once told, “you’ll never know how good a Miura feels until you hit one yourself.” That’s 100% true. The super tight grain from Miura’s forging process makes them feel very solid and responsive, but the CB-501 is so finely tuned that they still feel soft and pure. I’ve hit a lot of great irons (sorry, bad humble brag), but but I’ve never hit an iron that felt more crisp than the CB-501.
Miura made the sole grinds to appeal to Tour players, but they also felt they would be desirable for the low-handicap amateur. A good swing on the CB-501 with these soles will make for some of the tightest turf interaction you’ve felt from any iron.
How Does it Sound?
When you catch the Miura CB-501 perfect in the sweet spot, the sound is a muted and to-the-point “crack.” It’s an all business, pure tone that is synonymous with perfect ball striking. If you miss the sweet spot, it gets a little rocky and sounds like it feels. There will be no surprise when your hands have a little sting in them. The turf interaction also produces a great sound. A nice dollar-sized divot is rewarded with the sound of the sole ripping through the turf. Hit a bunch of good shots, and you’ll be hard pressed to find a better sounding iron.
On-Course Performance
If you’re a shotmaker, well above average with your irons, and put a premium on feel, you’re a good fit for the Miura CB-501. Though technically a cavity back, there isn’t a ton of forgiveness built into the CB-501. Players with the game for the CB-501 will find this to be true.
Miura’s intention is to use a steel with a tight, void-free grain which results in better performance. My experience was that when I hit the Miura CB-501 well, I found about ten more yards of distance. The argument is that the tighter grain creates a better interaction with the ball and transfers more energy back into it as it leaves the club. Being I’m not a scientist, I’ll take Miura’s word for it, but I do think there’s something to this theory.
Final Thoughts
I know I come off as the typical fanboy in this review, but I stand by every word of it. There’s a certain “specialness” to the Miura CB-501 that’s tough to explain until you’ve experienced it for yourself. This model is one of Miura’s longest running classics for a reason. The CB-501 is a perfect design with impeccable feel. Better players looking to invest in a classic cavity back blade will have a tough time beating the Miura CB-501 irons.
Stock Miura CB-501 Irons Specs
| Club # | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | PW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loft º | 21º | 24º | 27º | 30º | 34º | 38º | 42º | 47º |
| Lie º | 59º | 59.5º | 60º | 60.5º | 61º | 61.5º | 62º | 62.5º |
| Offset (mm) | 3.2 | 3.2 | 3.2 | 2.7 | 2.7 | 2.7 | 2.2 | 1.2 |
| Bounce º | 2º | 4º | 5º | 6º | 7º | 8º | 8º | 10º |
| Weight (g) | 244 | 250 | 257 | 264 | 271 | 278 | 285 | 295 |
Great job on a Miura classic. Including all the specs was a nice touch!
Thanks a lot, Chip! Really appreciate that!
I too had dreamed of owning a set of Miura ironI. After saving for a few years i bought the CB 501s about 3 or 4 years ago. The irons are simply amazing when you pure it the feeling is like no other club i have ever hit.
Found a barely used set 6-PW for $350….I’m a mid handicapper shoot around 85 and that’s with putting like crap. Would I be better getting the traditional companies or is this a viable club I could play with? I would need to get the clubs extended +1.5 inches & 1 degree upright as well
The only way you’ll know if it’s “viable” is if you actually hit it. It’s a great club and will perform just as well, if not better, than similar designs from the major OEMs.
I’ve been hacking for a long time, but I decided to take my game seriously this season. Fast forward through what felt like 1,000 years on the range and a lifetime of lessons I packed into 4 months of winter to my first ever club fitting at Club Champion. The fitter made it clear that I should rest up, stretch, and hydrate in our pre-fitting phone call. He was not kidding!
We tried so many club heads and shafts that I thought my arms would fall off. I hit almost everything he had. Callaway Apex 19, Taylormade P790’s, Ping i700, but it all stopped when he put ! Miura CB-301 7-iron in my hands. Never heard of Miura before that day, but good Lord the feels. He had more clubs for me to hit, but I stopped him. I ordered my 4-PW with C-Taper shafts right then and there.
I went back a couple months later for a wedge fitting, and (shocker) I had the best results with the Miura K-Grind. I’ll never go away from Miuras now, they’ve ruined any other club for me. (Apologies for the long first post)
Great article! I just got a set of CB-501 and want to reshaft them. Do you know what type of shaft (370 or 355) I should get? Thanks!
.355 Taper
Which would you choose, Miura CB 501 or CB57?
They’re very different clubs. I prefer the CB57, but someone else may much prefer the 501.
Hi Bill, I’m a PGA guy I teach the game of golf. I’m 60 years old and play ping iblades… I’m not ready to go to game improvement don’t think I could ever stand the look of some of those clubs… but I do need some forgiveness as I get older. Let me ask how do this CB 501’s feel compared to I blades which I feel are forgiving
Haven’t hit iBlades, but will guarantee they feel better. I love them.
THAT SAID, I’d recommend the link below for what you’re looking for. They’re possibly the best irons Miura ever made and fit what you’re looking for.
Miura CB57
Great review! I got my Miura CB 501 about 4 years ago and I can testify that your review is right on the spot. Amazing feel and beautiful to play with… I’ve shafted my set with Steelfiber i80 and they make a perfect couple for me. You have confirmed me that I am playing with a jewel. Thanks!
Hi Bill,
Love the review. I currently have a set of CB501 but looking to upgrade to another Miura. In terms of feel which I love most about, are any of the current offerings match the CB501/CB57 (Comparing to CB301, TC201, MC501), or the older models is as good as it gets?
From the construction of the CB501 feels like it is in between the CB301 and TC201, I am looking for a bit more forgivness but not wanting to lose the feel.
I only really know anything about the MC 501 and I don’t think that fits the profile you’re looking for. Just googling and looking at pictures real quick, it looks like the CB 301 might be the most comparable to the old 501, but I’m not 100% sure. It doesn’t look all that similar to it.
In my opinion, Miura has made good clubs in recent years, sure, but nothing compares to some of those older models. They were pretty unique.
I want to buy Miura CB 501 iron set. How will I proceed???
Your best bet is ebay. I don’t believe anyone is selling them new anymore.