Golf manufacturers are constantly innovating clubs and pushing the distance envelope. In reality, good scores come from the short game. As the old Golf adage goes, “Drive for show, putt for dough.” Wedges
also play in an important role in helping lower scores and minimizing the damage from a missed Greens in Regulation. Next to the putter, its probably the most used club in a round of Golf! So when a top quality club maker contacts us and gives us the opportunity to review a wedge, we jump at the chance. After all, who wouldn’t want to have a wedge in their bag that could cut off a few strokes.
With that said, we contacted Miura Golf Inc. and they were generous enough to send us over a Miura Golf Inc. “New Wedge Series” wedge. Miura Golf Inc. offers a line of clubs, designed and manufactured by founder Katsuhiro Miura. Since 1957, with the help of his two sons, Yoshitaka and Shinei, Katsuhiro Miura has crafted one the world’s finest forged clubs today!
We got our hands on a 55 degree wedge, equipped with an Aerotech Steel Fiber i110 shaft and a slightly oversized white Miura grip.
The Aerotech Steel Fiber i110 shaft is designed for players looking to go a little bit lighter than the typical steel shafted irons. They can pick up some yardage while maintaining a low penetrating ball flight and avoid changing the overall feel they are accustomed to from playing steel shafts. It is also designed to have reduced vibrations of a composite shaft resulting in fewer injuries and less fatigue during the round.
Miura offers the following lofts for their New Wedge Series: 51, 53, 55, 57 and 59. Odd numbers, but it separates them from most club makers out there.
Look:
Being that Miura Golf Inc clubs are manufactured in a factory where Samurai swords were once made, their clubs look flawless and designed with attractive smooth lines. Simply put, the “New Wedge Series” wedge is just beautiful. If it were a sword, a Samurai Warrior would be proud! Wondering what the Kanji means on the back of the club? Translated as “striving” or “noble effort”.
Looks Score: Very High
Feel:
Immediately upon gripping the club, it felt solid and the weight was perfect. I was a bit apprehensive about the slightly larger than standard grip, but it helped alleviate the tension in my grip. Tension
kills a golf swing, even more so on the short game. You might think with the Aerotech Steel Fiber shaft that the light weight might cause an issue for someone used to using exclusively steel shafted wedges, but you can barely feel the difference, if any at all.
Feel Score: High
Performance:
Ball impact felt great and was solid, which translates to the quality of craftsmanship Katsuhiro put into the forging process of the clubhead. The bounce on this wedge was 9 degrees and it provided a crisp and consistent divot. Equipped with the i110 Steel Fiber Shaft by Aero Tech, ball striking felt solid as a steel shaft, but much lighter. Using the shafts on a wedge, you won’t see too much yardage distance but I was able to tell by the ease I was able to swing with to get my normal distance.
Performance Score: High
Final Thoughts:
Miura Golf Inc “New Wedge Series” are high quality and finely crafted clubs and their looks and performance prove just that. If you’re looking to take your short game to the next level, these wedges should be in your Golf bag!
You can find more of Miura Golf on their website – www.miuragolf.com also on twitter @miruagolfusa
