MIURA ICL–601 FIRST LOOK

The ICL-601 driving iron is Miura’s latest release in the MG (Miura Giken) line. A hollow-body design, it leverages an IC (Inner Cavity) construction similar to that of the IC-2003.

The tech story follows that of comparable driving irons. A hollow cavity, cast SUS304 stainless steel body and thin, 455 carpenter steel face combine to create a product which gives players (specifically those already gaming a set of MG irons) an option for something faster and more forgiving than a traditional long iron.

The 23°4-iron comes with a stock 8-gram weight and although marketing materials make note of a variable weighting system, this feature is reserved for fitters/builders to modify head weight and not as a value-added component for consumers.

Available for right-handed players only, 18° (2-iron) and 20* (3-iron) options will be available later this fall through select fitters, while the 23° (4-iron) is available now.

MSRP is $369 and Miura suggests working with an authorized fitter to determine a proper shaft.

TEST DRIVE

Aesthetics have long been a strength of Miura designs and the ICL is no exception. One challenge in creating a long-iron replacement is to maintain the fundamental elements of a players iron, while providing the added benefits commensurate with a driving iron. In this regard, I think Miura’s done a fine job with the ICL-601. The topline is thicker and the overall footprint is more robust, but the cavity isn’t visible at address, which is a big win.

It’s the current trend in club design to overstamp the cavity with something just short of an inclusive list of ingredients (How many new clubs have Tungsten stamped somewhere in the cavity?) and beyond the visual clutter it creates, I’d like to see Miura focus more intently on the “MG” moniker, if this is to be something of a limited product line. Think more BMW “M” series and less Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LTZ.

Players already sold on Miura’s signature feel won’t find that replicated in the 601. By construction alone, any club which isn’t a solid, one-piece (or in Miura’s case, two-piece) forging is going to lack some “feel” and whether an OEM mitigates this challenge by using injected elastomer, shaving cream or any other engineered goo, it’s just not the same. That said, the ICL-601 felt reasonably solid and while noticeably different than the CB-1008 and CB-2008 I hit at the same time, it didn’t marginalize the overall performance.

Compared to both the CB-1008 and CB-2008 (4 irons), the ICL-601 was clearly more forgiving, launched marginally higher and actually spun a bit more. For me the net gain was about 3 yards of total distance – As always, individual mileage may vary. Unless you’re hell-bent on playing a butter knife, the technology present in this segment of equipment is worth some serious consideration.

BOTTOM LINE

As part of the MG collection, this is a club designed for players sold on Miura’s feel and performance and want a true driving iron in place of a 2, 3 or 4 iron.  At $370 give or take, it’s not the cheapest option, but if you’re looking at Miura, you already knew that.

Is this a winner? Or a hard pass?

For more information, visit MiuraGolf.com.