Alright, Daily Duffer faithful, Tyler Reed here, and today we’re diving into a fascinating corner of the equipment world—the custom refinish, specifically a set of Miura CB 201s making waves in the GolfWRX BST forum. Now, if you know me, you know I’m all about data and real-world performance. You also know I appreciate a beautifully crafted club. This listing, while not for a brand-new release, offers a prime opportunity to talk about heritage, customization, and what truly impacts your game versus what’s just eye candy.
First off, let’s get into the bones of this offering. We’re talking about Miura CB 201 irons. When these originally dropped, they were lauded for their buttery feel and classic looks. Miura, for those unfamiliar, built their reputation on precision forging and meticulously crafted heads. These aren’t clubs designed for maximum forgiveness or towering launch; they’re built for the discerning ball-striker who values feel, workability, and consistent turf interaction. From a technical standpoint, older Miura CBs typically feature a relatively compact head, minimal offset, and a higher center of gravity (CG) compared to many modern player’s distance irons. This CG placement, along with their precise grind, contributes to the penetrating ball flight and shot-shaping ability many low-handicappers crave. They’re not going to boast an astronomically high MOI like a Game Improvement iron, but that’s by design – they prioritize feedback and control.
The specific set in question is a 3-PW, having been given a 20th-anniversary makeover. The seller, @It-To-Green, describes the custom work:
“Originally released in 2006, I refinished this set to commemorate their 20th anniversary, bringing art deco vibes that match the retro script logo. This is a 3i – PW set. The heads have been stripped and given a brushed raw finish by Oughton’s and custom paint filled.”
Now, this is where my equipment editor hat really comes on. A raw finish? For a Miura blade? That’s a move that speaks to a certain type of golfer. Raw finishes are fantastic for reducing glare, and over time, they will develop a unique patina as they rust. This isn’t just about aesthetics; a raw finish typically means there’s no plating (chrome, satin, etc.) between the clubface and the ball. While the actual impact on ball speed or spin rate is negligible—we’re talking about changes far too small for even a TrackMan to consistently pick up—some players swear by the “softer” feel perceived from a raw head. I’ve hit countless raw wedges and irons, and I can say the feel *can* be different, but often it’s more mental than anything quantifiable in terms of launch and spin metrics. Your ball speed isn’t going to magically jump a few MPH just because a club is raw.
What *does* matter significantly is the work done by Oughton’s. A quality refinish from a reputable shop, particularly one involving stripping and brushing, can restore the club’s original crispness and even enhance its visual appeal. However, players need to be aware that messing with the sole grind or bounce angles during a refinishing process can subtly alter turf interaction. Given the description, it seems primarily cosmetic, which is usually a safe bet.
The build also includes BB&Fco ferrules and new Winn DriTac wrap grips on the original DG S300 shafts, swing weighted to D2 with tungsten powder and corked. This is where the technical details really come into play. Dynamic Gold S300 shafts are a classic choice for stronger players. They’re heavy, stable, and promote a lower, more penetrating ball flight with reduced spin compared to lighter, higher-launching shafts. In my fitting bay, I see S300s excel for golfers with aggressive transition and higher swing speeds, typically 90+ mph with a 6-iron, who are looking to keep their spin under control. For such players, this shaft will provide excellent feedback and consistency. However, for a golfer with a moderate swing speed, say 80 mph with a 6-iron, an S300 can feel quite boardy and may lead to a loss of carry distance due to insufficient launch and spin.
The D2 swing weight is a very common and comfortable target for many golfers. The mention of “tungsten powder and corked” for swing weighting is a precise detail that speaks to a custom build. It ensures the feel across the set is consistent, which is crucial for rapport with the clubs. I’ve tested sets where swing weighting was inconsistent, and it messes with feel, tempo, and ultimately, your ability to reproduce a consistent swing.
The seller states:
“Have not been hit since being refinished.”
This is important for a raw finish, as it means the new owner gets to start the patina process themselves. But it also means no immediate post-refinish testing data is available. You’re buying into the quality of the original Miura design and the custom work, which appears to be top-notch.
Who is this set for?
Let’s be clear: this isn’t for the average weekend warrior chasing maximum forgiveness. This Miura CB 201 set, especially with DG S300 shafts, is squarely aimed at the accomplished ball-striker. We’re talking about golfers with a single-digit handicap, perhaps even scratch to a 5 handicap. They need to have a consistent center-face strike and a swing speed capable of getting these heavy heads and stiff shafts airborne effectively. The lower MOI means off-center strikes will be penalized more significantly in terms of ball speed and directional control compared to a cavity back or player’s distance iron. In my fitting experience, when a golfer with, say, a 15 handicap tries a set like this, their dispersion widens dramatically, and they often lose significant carry distance due to poor smash factor and insufficient launch.
The value proposition here is interesting. For $800 + shipping, you’re getting a meticulously refinished set of legendary forged irons. Original Miura CBs, even used, hold their value well. Add in a professional custom raw finish and re-shafting with premium components, and the price starts to make sense for a niche market. Is it “worth” it? If you’re the kind of golfer who appreciates the craftsmanship, desires a raw finish, and already knows they perform well with Miura blades and Dynamic Gold S300s, then absolutely. It’s a bespoke set without the wait time of a full custom order.
In essence, this set represents a blend of classic performance and modern customization. The underlying technology of the Miura CB 201s is sound for their intended audience – precision, feel, and workability. The custom raw finish is a cosmetic enhancement with a perceived feel benefit, while the shaft choice is a critical performance component that must match the golfer’s swing profile. If you have the game and the appreciation for such a unique offering, this could be a truly special set in your bag.
