12 replies to this topic

[pabsquid]

I've been playing a set of Mizuno MP-29's since roughly 2001. During that time, I've taken a 5 year hiatus from golf so my sticks are in pretty good shape, but am still interested purchasing a second set of irons. The current setup is 2-iron & 4 thru 9 irons with KBS Tour X-Stiff Shafts complimented with a Yamaha V201 Tourmodel Driver and a Yamaha 3-wood, and four Fourteen Golf Wedges - 47, 52, 56 and 60 degrees.

My preferences are for very neutral clubs and I like the feedback and workability of a blade. If I have any complaints at all about the MP-29's it would be that I would prefer a more compact head - especially mentally on awkward lies. I'd say for modern blades, the width of the average MP-29 head is on the wide side.

The easiest (and cheapest) choice for me would be work a connection to get a set of Mizuno MP-68's out of the tour van, but am very tempted by a bunch of the options available at TSG.

Here are my criteria:

1) Roughly as forgiving as the MP-29's - I haven't hit all that many blades but am used to these clubs and would like that in general, distance to remain similar on solid and off center hits.
2) More compact than the MP-29's
3) Thin Top Line - I like clean linear features making things easy to align at setup
4) Feel that's as pure as the MP-29's or more so

5*) The rarity/beauty factor is always nice, but not at the cost of performance

Given this criteria I've assembled this list of clubs and would like some input from the TSG staff as well as members that have seen these clubs:

2009 Epon AF Tour Blades
Miuraism SB-01 Compact Blades
Gold's Factory Flat Back Irons 3-PW
2009 Royal Collection Limited RC Forged
Pro Preference Model Limited Edition Black


My final setup for a 5 iron would be a lie of 60 degrees, loft of 26 degrees and length of 37.75". Please, if possible compare the feel of the setup and steel to MP-68's since they're a widely accessible benchmark.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[TourSpecGolfer]

pabsquid, on Dec 14 2009, 02:30 AM, said:

I've been playing a set of Mizuno MP-29's since roughly 2001. During that time, I've taken a 5 year hiatus from golf so my sticks are in pretty good shape, but am still interested purchasing a second set of irons. The current setup is 2-iron & 4 thru 9 irons with KBS Tour X-Stiff Shafts complimented with a Yamaha V201 Tourmodel Driver and a Yamaha 3-wood, and four Fourteen Golf Wedges - 47, 52, 56 and 60 degrees.

My preferences are for very neutral clubs and I like the feedback and workability of a blade. If I have any complaints at all about the MP-29's it would be that I would prefer a more compact head - especially mentally on awkward lies. I'd say for modern blades, the width of the average MP-29 head is on the wide side.

The easiest (and cheapest) choice for me would be work a connection to get a set of Mizuno MP-68's out of the tour van, but am very tempted by a bunch of the options available at TSG.

Here are my criteria:

1) Roughly as forgiving as the MP-29's - I haven't hit all that many blades but am used to these clubs and would like that in general, distance to remain similar on solid and off center hits.
2) More compact than the MP-29's
3) Thin Top Line - I like clean linear features making things easy to align at setup
4) Feel that's as pure as the MP-29's or more so

5*) The rarity/beauty factor is always nice, but not at the cost of performance

Given this criteria I've assembled this list of clubs and would like some input from the TSG staff as well as members that have seen these clubs:

2009 Epon AF Tour Blades
Miuraism SB-01 Compact Blades
Gold's Factory Flat Back Irons 3-PW
2009 Royal Collection Limited RC Forged
Pro Preference Model Limited Edition Black


My final setup for a 5 iron would be a lie of 60 degrees, loft of 26 degrees and length of 37.75". Please, if possible compare the feel of the setup and steel to MP-68's since they're a widely accessible benchmark.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Here are my top picks:

AF-Tour by Epon
Gold's Factory 2010 Prototype Blades ( contact me to get an early release set )
Pro Performance Blades ( Only 1 set in Satin with KB 6.0 available anywhere )
Miura MB-5003

Also for those looking at blades we can have Miura custom make the MB5003 with only the MG stamping and no other stamping on it in any finish. Only thing is we need to purchase at least 10 sets at a time.

[pabsquid]

Are there one or two in that list that truly standout as a thing of beauty or amazing craftsmanship and feel? Can you differentiate the raw materials and the design concepts at all. Would really like to hear about the gold's factory '10 blades a bit more if at possible as well.

Thank you!

[pabsquid]

Based on the photos the new Gold's factory blades are just about perfect. Can you email me with any remaining suggestions and how the process goes for ordering these up?

Thanks again!

[dalillama47]

TourSpecGolfer, on Dec 14 2009, 09:40 PM, said:

Here are my top picks:

AF-Tour by Epon
Gold's Factory 2010 Prototype Blades ( contact me to get an early release set )
Pro Performance Blades ( Only 1 set in Satin with KB 6.0 available anywhere )
Miura MB-5003

Also for those looking at blades we can have Miura custom make the MB5003 with only the MG stamping and no other stamping on it in any finish. Only thing is we need to purchase at least 10 sets at a time.

Not trying to thread jack, but Chris is there a major difference between the MB 5003 and the older 5002

[froggy10]

TourSpecGolfer, on Dec 14 2009, 01:40 PM, said:

Also for those looking at blades we can have Miura custom make the MB5003 with only the MG stamping and no other stamping on it in any finish. Only thing is we need to purchase at least 10 sets at a time.

Oh this most definitely has caught my attention! This is THE main reason I've held off. Too busy with the graphics.

Do you have any pics to show how this would look like?

Thanks.

Edited by froggy10, 29 December 2009 - 11:26 AM.

[TourSpecGolfer]

Quote

Do you have any pics to show how this would look like?

Sorry we would have to order them to take pics and demand is not very high for Miura at this moment.

Quote

Chris is there a major difference between the MB 5003 and the older 5002

Yes its the same raw head but a very different grind, To be honest I never got into the 5002, hit it but it wasnt stand out. The 5003 on the other hand I fell in love with for many months. Played them with Roddio I-10 graphite.

Quote

Are there one or two in that list that truly standout as a thing of beauty or amazing craftsmanship and feel? Can you differentiate the raw materials and the design concepts at all. Would really like to hear about the gold's factory '10 blades a bit more if at possible as well.

Epon is using the S20C the other brands are all using S25C.

In regards to design go with what your eye is comfortable and confident with, I understand you cant swing or see these in person and that is the main reason why we take many pictures of them I dont give an edge to any of them when it comes to design because they all do what they are supposed to and designed well to do it.

The new Gold's 2010 blades are S25C, the set in the proto images is 1 of 2 and yes its available for just under 1k heads only brand new. In about 30-40 days we will have another variation of the prototype not in any way better just different. Expect many variations of new Prototype Gold's Factory MB's & CB's in 2010.

[jacksonlui]

the new Gold's Factory blades look like a winner.
The PPM blades keep popping up. What makes these a standout and listed next to these other kings of blades?

[jamnguy1]

jacksonlui, on Dec 29 2009, 04:07 PM, said:

the new Gold's Factory blades look like a winner.
The PPM blades keep popping up. What makes these a standout and listed next to these other kings of blades?

I do love the looks of the GF blades. I wish I could try it.
I have played the PPM blades. It is soft. Only problem I had with them was that it had noticeable offset and a slightly thicker top line than my 5003. Also with the KBS shafts, I would draw the ball unintentionally and every shot was a draw. Maybe the increased offset had something to do with it. The only thing that I did not like about the 5003 is the strong lofts +2 degrees from 5/6 iron on compared to classic blades. Virtually every modern blades have strong lofts nowadays. I think the epon still has traditional lofts but have not had the opportunity to try them.

[vertigo88]

TourSpecGolfer, on Dec 29 2009, 03:20 PM, said:

Epon is using the S20C the other brands are all using S25C.

So what is the difference between the two metals?

[gocchin]

The lower the number the softer the metal.

[coops1967]

I'd give the Epon AF-tours a good demo at least.... very, very nice, restrained graphics (and you could order them with less paintfill if you want).... and you could also request either a satin finish or even more unusual and pretty go for the copper chrome. The wedges are offered as standard in this finish as an option, so you can check the look at the epon website... there was a few pics of AF-tours in copper chrome somewhere on the web.... can't find them now.


to see how they look, both new and after wear/use.... you'd have to request the copper look ferrules if you want them, as i believe the blades come with plain black ferrules as standard.

Did you look at the Adams blades in black with the swingweight plugs, also?


Coops

Edited by TourSpecGolfer, 09 March 2010 - 11:50 AM.