kbs tour vs kbs tour fst

Which KBS iron shaft is best for you?

Published: 22 September 2022 Last updated: 17 January 2024

KBS iron shafts are for everyone from the world’s best golfers to slow-swinging amateurs, but which of their 14 models best suits you? Let us explain…

Golfers rarely give a second thought to which shafts are in a new set of irons . Yet, KBS believe 14 different models (all of which come in numerous weights and flexes) are needed to cover all types of players.

Technology has taught the brains behind KBS – Kim Braly, if he’s to fit hard-hitting tour pros alongside moderate speed, high handicap amateurs the brand needs a vast array of options. The thinking has led to the creation of 14 different steel and graphite KBS iron models.

EXPLAINED: How we test golf equipment

We don’t want to fit you for your perfect iron shaft. That should only ever be done with the help of a decent club fitter in the real world. But, to highlight how shaft technology helps you hit better iron shots more often we’ve taken a look at the full KBS line-up.

When buying your next set remember KBS shafts can change how a shaft feels, launches and spins, so you have the opportunity to choose your perfect ball flight and set-up. Here’s what you need to know about KBS iron shafts.

Players’ models  

Kbs c-taper iron shaft.

There are three-pillar players’ shafts within the KBS line-up and each differs by balance point. The Tour is stiffest in the grip section (for good feel) and it gives mid-launch and mid-spin. The C-Taper is stiffest in the tip section (close to the head) to give a stout and strong feel and deliver low launch with low spin. The S-Taper fits neatly between the pair.

C stands for Constant Taper, so the shaft has no steps, which allows the C-Taper to have a strong and stout feel. Typically the model suits stronger golfers, and players can expect a 5% lower ball flight than True Temper’s Dynamic Gold . Major winners Gary Woodland and Justin Rose have played the C-Taper as has Rickie Fowler .

KBS $-Taper iron shaft

All three KBS pillar players’ iron shafts come in the same five weights, so golfers get to choose based on the launch, spin, and ball flight desired for their own game.

Half flexes (R+ and S+) are brilliant for golfers that sit on the fence between two flexes. They alleviate decisions around whether to go regular flex for more distance or stiff for increased accuracy. The S-Taper (Subtle Taper) is midway between the C-Taper (lowest spin and launch) and Tour shaft (mid-spin and launch).

KBS Tour iron shaft

The Tour is Kim Braly’s signature shaft, it was the first KBS model and it’s the mothership of KBS. Thanks to not being overly strong the Tour can suit a wide audience of golfers. Its consistent step pattern is a good fit for smoother, less aggressive transition players.

Thanks to being a high balance point model (so weight is positioned closer to the grip), golfers get a slightly softer feel and good feedback at the top of the swing. A further Tour FLT (Flighted) shaft model launches long irons higher and short irons lower for a more optimised set.

RELATED: Which Taylo rMade iron suits me ?

How KBS players’ steel shafts differ in launch and spin

KBS Tour V iron shaft

KBS see the Tour V as an outlier shaft because the model is 10g lighter than the C-Taper, $-Taper, and Tour.

KBS Tour Rep Paul Steels says “the Tour V shaft is often a good fit for players who like the shot shape and flight of the C-Taper but want extra feel, as the C-Taper is just so boardy”.

KBS C-Taper Lite, $-Taper Lite, and Tour Lite iron shafts

There’s lots of misunderstanding around lighter iron shafts. But KBS say golfers should see their Lite models (which are 15g lighter than the standard models) as giving a little more launch and being easier to get airborne (than the 3 pillar models).

For players who don’t go at iron shots full tilt Lite models can be a really good option as club speeds increase and shots launch higher. Lite models and aging typically go hand-in-hand. If you happen to overload the shaft you’ll know because shots will start turning over left of the target (for a right-handed golfer).

Also, think about launch windows. A strong but very low launch player could see benefits by going Lite but in a strong flex to up launch and ball flight.  

RELATED: Should you play the KBS TD driver shaft?

KBS iron shaft swing speed recommendations

Average speed KBS iron shaft models

Kbs max and max ct80 iron shafts.

To ensure KBS have shafts to suit every golfer’s speed they produce ultralight Max and Max CT80 shafts as well. Both Max shafts are high-launch, high-spin models which help optimise ball flight for maximum carry distance at moderate speeds.

Remember it’s possible to be a fast but inconsistent high handicapper (in which case you’d be better suited to one of the KBS players’ shaft models), so think about shafts suiting speeds rather than ability. Thanks to their low kick point and high launch properties the Max shafts regularly make an appearance in stronger lofted irons (think TaylorMade Stealth and Callaway Big Bertha B21 ).

Typically high-speed players, irrespective of ability will not touch this product.

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There are junior options too   

To ensure golfers can go through their whole golfing career with a familiar KBS feel, the brand also produce two junior steel shafts (the 560 and 580). Both are designed to suit the speed of 8 – 11-year-old players.

Both shafts are lightened steel, so the weights are similar to lightweight graphite iron ranges. But, crucially golfers don’t get a heavy head feel which can cause issues when switching from graphite to steel once a child is a stronger teenager.   

When should you go graphite?

Graphite irons shafts are massively misunderstood in the modern game. Many people think they’re for older golfers and slower speed players, which just isn’t the case. Graphite irons shafts are easier on the body. They remove vibration, and can suit everyone from tour players to very moderate speed club golfers.

In typical KBS fashion, the brand make three graphite models (all are available in numerous weights and flexes), here’s what you need to know about them.

How KBS graphite iron shafts differ in launch and spin

KBS TGI – Tour Graphite Iron shaft

KBS specifically target a steel-like feel from their graphite shafts. They’ve done such a good job fulfilling their brief several tour players swear it’s not actually graphite. Thinking instead it’s a steel shaft painted black.

The TGI can be matched to golfers’ speeds (there are eight weights, so the model can suit from 57mph to 100mph speed players) in exactly the same way as the brand’s steel shafts. The TGI is the company’s lowest launching and spinning graphite iron shaft, it’s pretty strong and stout, so decent players often like it.

KBS PGI – Players Graphite Iron shaft

In developing their shafts KBS have undertaken masses of research, and they say when the flex isn’t disclosed golfers often prefer the feel of graphite over steel. Their advice is to play the flex you need. Don’t be tempted to go stiffer than necessary. And if you swing a 6-iron at 70mph play a shaft that performs at that speed.

The PGI was developed to bring a steel-like feel to graphite and it’s a step up from the lower launching and spinning TGI. The PGI is widely played on the LPGA Tour, it’s the brand’s mid-launch/mid-spin graphite iron shaft. Six weights mean the model can suit from 57mph to 94mph players.

KBS Max graphite iron shaft   

The Max graphite is the highest launching and spinning graphite iron shaft in the KBS line-up. It’s a model for golfers who really need help launching shots high into the air to maximise carry distance. Five weights mean the model can suit swing speeds from 51 to 82mph.

KBS graphite iron shaft swing speed recommendations

Get it right the first time

KBS reckon so long as golfers get fitted correctly the first time they can progress through KBS models throughout their playing career. It means, if like Gary Woodland you’re a C-Taper player or Cameron Smith a Tour shaft player you stay within that family but progress to lighter models as you age.

And to demonstrate how important finding the right family is KBS say to look at Adam Scott and Gary Woodland . Scott has been a Tour shaft player for years (think of his smooth, under-control swing) whereas Woodland is a big strong hitter of the ball, so he’s a C-Taper guy all day long. But, switch their clubs over and both would struggle to play, as they wouldn’t get the ball flight or shot window they’d be expecting.    

Don’t forget your wedges

Today KBS are a through-the-bag shaft company. They make shafts for drivers, fairways, hybrids, irons, wedges, and putters, so if you’re taking the time to get fitted don’t neglect how the company produce five different wedges shafts too.

KBS say the Hi-Rev wedge shaft has been designed from the Tour shaft profile. There’s a lengthened tip section to give a softer feel and generate extra spin. If you play the Tour shaft you’ll likely enjoy this wedge model too. The brand’s 610 wedge shaft was designed to complement the Tour V shaft.

Where C-Taper and S-Taper fans often run shafts from their irons through into the wedges, albeit at a slightly lighter weight as wedge shots are rarely hit full out.

Want more information about KBS iron shafts? Visit their website here   

How do KBS iron shafts compare in data?

Verdict: KBS iron shafts

Lots of people will look at our test pro’s data and think the shafts are performing very much alike. But the data says nothing about how different the shafts felt.

Comparing the C-Taper and S-Taper the data shows the pair as being pretty evenly matched but the difference in feel was phenomenal. So different in fact our test pro felt he just wouldn’t be able to use the C-Taper effectively on the golf course (as it’s so strong). Where the $-Taper felt brilliant and could well be his perfect match within the KBS family.

The Lite shafts produced a faster ball speed, just as KBS promised and the C-Taper Lite in particular launched and flighted shots higher with a steeper descent angle, so there’s a huge amount of tuning in ball flight and feel available from shafts.

Just as KBS promised the TGI graphite shaft produced some very good optimal numbers too, they’d be a very sensible choice for golfers looking to avoid the shock and vibration of using steel shafts. Equally the Max graphite climbed to its peak height very early in its flight, which at lower speeds will be a real benefit in maximising carry distance.   

At the end of the day, KBS are all about the consumer. You get what you want, whether that be higher or lower launching, more or less spin, or a different feel, everything is on offer within the KBS iron family. Our test pro liked the $-Taper for his own game as it didn’t feel too strong, yet it felt stable and produced a good feel through the hands, and he had control over his ball flight.

KBS Founder Kim Braly on a life spend designing golf shafts

Many golfers won’t know the name Kim Braly, but the guy is a shaft legend. He has dedicated his life to creating the highest performance shafts you can buy, and we sat down with him. 

How have shafts evolved over the last 150 years?

A hundred of those years were dominated by hickory shafts. Steel shafts didn’t come about until the 1930s. My father patented “Frequency Matching” (in the 1980s) which has been the biggest breakthrough during my lifetime. Until then there were no standards; the method gave a baseline to compare and match shafts. Everything I’ve achieved since is down to the Frequency Matching method he invented.

How did the Frequency Matching idea come about?

We made titanium irons with tungsten weights and wanted to see how different set-ups affected performance. We organised a golf robot, and tried two identical set ups, yet the results were entirely different. We started questioning if shafts might not be matched. My dad developed Frequency Matching as a way to compare and match (for flex, weight, profile through CPM, cycles per minute) shafts to one another. The process hasn’t changed for 30 years.

You developed the Rifle and Project X shafts which are still popular; what was different about them?

No set of shafts had been designed individually for each club until then. They were a breakthrough. We’d follow the PGA Tour (at a time when there were no tour vans) and explain to players about matching their irons. We could match a whole set to the club they felt most comfortable and confident with. We were custom fitting without really knowing it.

I’m also proud of what we’ve achieved at KBS over the last 10-12 years. If we aren’t the leaders in shaft technology I really don’t know who is.

What was the players’ reaction?

They were super interested. We had lines of people wanting to understand how shafts affected performance. We learned all sorts. In relation to frequency the lightest shaft in the bag (the driver) will be the stiffest. The weakest shaft should be in the lob wedge, as there’s lots of shots hit less than full out, and a fraction weaker shaft allows you to know where the head is.

Today, the correct fit for players is often a flex and a half stiffer than we recommended 15 years ago. At the start we were a couple of guys just trying to understand. It wasn’t about marketing; we had our mathematical theory and we wanted to understand if it worked in practice.

How have launch monitors affected modern shaft fittings?

They’re one of the best things to have happened to golf. Launch monitors have helped people understand ball flight, spin, height and launch. Every shaft I’ve ever designed has been designed with a type of player in mind.

Each KBS shaft fits into a matrix, we’ve worked on them one at a time, and the line-up is nearly 100% complete.

Where do you start designing new shafts? Is it an idea from you, or a request from a player?

We have ideas, but they have to work in practice. In golf “feel” is a huge thing. If the feel is wrong products go nowhere. I’ve enjoyed dialling in the KBS Tour Lite (steel) and KBS PGI (Players’ Graphite Iron shaft) to be “everyman” golf shafts over the last two years.

They work at specific swing speed ranges, and thanks to our options we can optimise launch and spin for golfers swinging 6-iron in the region of 80mph.

You’ve worked on a bunch of top performing shafts, but which are you most proud of?

The Precision Rifle put me on the map, set up my career and I learned loads from it. The first KBS Tour shaft was a really big deal, too. It’s the foundation stone of every other KBS shaft, where all our other current shafts start. I’m awfully proud of it. 

Have you hit hickory shafts? How different are they to today’s models?

The last two tournaments I’ve played have been hickory challenges. Hickory weighs a ton (they’re 180g in a 6-iron), they’re really stiff but the torque is unreal. You can literally twist the head in your hand. Wood is strong in one direction – the one it’s grown in – which is up and down the shaft.

Will graphite shafts ever be the norm through the bag?

I’ve heard so many times how graphite represents the future. In terms of iron shafts steel is still a great material. The reason graphite became popular is its strength to weight ratio. It’s possible to make a 45in driver shaft at a “normal” swingweight.

You just can’t do that with steel, but you don’t need that as much in irons. Steel isn’t going away.    

KBS make 16 different iron shafts; why so many?   

Each of our profiles do different things. You may have the tendency to hit the ball low, so we have shafts designed to spin more and have a higher trajectory, and vice-versa.

For every 2.5mph of club speed change golfers need a different shaft flex, and that’s why we make half flexes. There’s also feel to consider. In our KBS Tour franchise we go from 130g to 90g in 5g increments (nine different weights), so golfers get what they need.

Whereas in a traditional three flex line-up (R, S, X) golfers get pushed into the best option available. KBS have a reputation for making good feeling shafts because golfers get shafts with the correct load at impact, which naturally feels good. Everything really does come back to fitting.

READ NEXT: Best 2022 Iron Test

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Anglo Carson, a Certified Golf Instructor, embarked on a remarkable journey, driven by his unwavering love for golf. He founded The Golf Mine with a singular mission - to create a golfing haven where passion knows no boundaries. His lifelong love affair with golf, combined with his expertise as a Certified Golf Instructor, turned into a vision to share his extensive knowledge, inspire, and promote the game he holds dear.

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KBS Tour 90 Review – Setting A New Standard In Steel Shafts

The story of KBS Tour shafts is the joining of two paths into a committed partnership aiming to establish a new vision of golf shaft performance and design.

FEMCO Steel Technology (FST), the golf branch of the Far East Machinery Co. Ltd, aims to provide high-quality and cost-effective steel products including golf shafts through constant innovation and technological advancements. FST continues to provide high-quality shafts at affordable prices.

Kim Braly designed innovative golf shafts throughout his career. He has validated his designs with golfers playing on the various professional golf tours. Furthermore, Kim used feedback from these golfers in the development of new products.

In 2008 FST America Corporation decided to partner with the most sought-after golf shaft designers to incorporate pioneering designs with its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. This led to the partnership between FST and Kim Braly.

Since its launch, KBS has set a new standard in steel shafts with its unparalleled growth and acclaim.

KBS shafts have grown a significant share of the market and are now used in the irons of most major golfing brands as standard or for custom fitment. It is swiftly turning into the fastest growing steel shaft brand in the industry.

Adopted by over 150 professionals, the KBS Tour shafts have recorded multiple wins including several majors.

KBS Tour 90 Review

1. project x lz, 2. n.s. modus 3 shaft, final thoughts, related articles.

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• Stable tip section
• Higher CG location
• Firm shaft design
• Light-weight construction
• Good trajectory
• 2-flex system
• Not suitable for fast tempo golf swings

Design and Technology

As the lightest shaft in the KBS Tour range, the KBS Tour 90 shaft is designed to offer golfers with a slow tempo more spin, a higher trajectory, and distance.  It is 20% lighter than a standard steel shaft thus aiding increasing swing, ball speeds, and distance.

The firm shaft design on the Tour 90 offers a softer tip with a higher center of gravity to create a higher ball trajectory.

Combined with the 2-Flex system on the KBS Tour 90 offer a more flexible than the normal shaft.

Specifications

Tapered tip technical specifications.

Regular shaft flex:

• Tip diameter .355 inches
• Butt diameter .600 inches
• Length 36.5 inches to 40.5inches
• Available for 2-iron through 9-iron, and PW

Stiff shaft flex:

• Weight 102g
• Available for 2-iron through 9-iron

Parallel tip technical specifications

• Weight 101g
• Tip diameter .370 inches
• Length 41.25 inches

.370 Parallel shaft is a single length shaft that will be tip and butt trimmed to your required length which can change how the shaft will play.

For the best feel, you must have a smooth tempo. You can still achieve a high swing speed even if you have a smooth tempo.

With the right tempo, you will receive precise feedback on the impact point of the ball on the clubface. No tingle to your fingers even on the coldest days.

Its kick is remarkably smooth with the right tempo swing but if your tempo is too fast, you are sure to encounter difficulties.

Performance

KBS TOUR 90 is the lightest shaft in the KBS Tour range designed for golfers requiring a higher trajectory, additional spin, and maximum distance.

Performance on the short irons is most noticeable with the wedges and 9-iron generating a high trajectory and more spin. This gives you great green-side control.

Golfers with a moderate-to-slow swing speed and slow tempo will achieve the best performance from the KBS Tour 90.

Independent testing reveals that the KBS Tour 90 to be in the region of 9% longer and generate 5% more spin than its foremost rivals.

Alternatives

Project X shafts are used on all professional tours and a follow up on the Project X Standard version making it accessible to golfers that have swing speed that is lower than that of professional golfers.

Variable wall thickness creates an extra kick at compact for a mid-launch trajectory without sacrificing stability.

Although this is the closest you will come to a universal shaft, it is highly recommended that you conduct proper testing to ensure that the shaft is suited to your swing.

All shafts measure between 36.5 and 40 inches in length, with a tip diameter of 0.355 inches and a butt diameter of 0.600 inches, and produce a mid-flight launch trajectory.

Weight varies between 110g and 125g with 5g intervals.

Flex is available in R, S, and XS.

Nippon’s comprehensive golf shaft use weight and bend to suit every golf swing and tempo offering improved control over trajectory, distance, and direction.

Nippon excels in three key areas

• Desired trajectory
• Accurate distance
• Tight dispersion

The high tip rigidity design steadies the tip through impact thereby reducing unwanted spin, low mid-section rigidity control shaft flex for enhanced control, and the low butt rigidity improve tempo for a smoother feeling on impact.

Shafts are available in 105g, 120g, 125g, and 130g and R, S, X, TX flex options

The shaft lengths vary between 37 and 41 inches, with a tip diameter of 0.355 inches and a butt diameter of 0.600 inches.

Amalgamating the paths of Kim Braly and FST America Corporation In 2008 was a turning point in the golf shaft industry.

The KBS Tour 90 is 20% lighter than comparable steel shafts and ideally suited for golfers with a moderate swing tempo that requires a higher ball trajectory.

Happy golfing with your higher trajectory.

• Graphite vs Steel Shafts; Which Is Better & Why?
• Golf Shafts: The Ultimate Guide
• Stiff vs Regular Flex: Which Golf Shaft Should You Choose?

Nick is the founder of GolfSpan and an avid golfer. He's not quite a pro but has over 15 years of experience playing and coaching golfers worldwide. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience when it comes to choosing the right golf gear and finding the right setup for your game.

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Review: KBS Tour FLT Shafts

Pros:  FLT shafts use a flighted design, which helps golfers launch their long irons higher and with more spin. The FLT short-iron shafts provide a more penetrating trajectory for more control.

Cons: FLT shaft flexes correspond with weight, so golfers may not be able to match their desired shaft weight with their desired flex.

Who They’re For: Golfers who need more spin or more launch from their long irons to optimize their trajectory. Everyone from beginners to PGA Tour players can use the shafts effectively, but they’ll be most popular with golfers with moderate-to-slow swing speeds, or any golfer who generates low-spin launch conditions.

Selecting the proper iron shafts is one of the most important equipment decisions golfers make. It’s an issue of quantity. Most golfers carry about 7-8 irons in their bag, so if they choose the wrong iron shaft, they’ve made the game harder than it needs to be with half or more of their clubs.

The good news is that there’s a wider selection of quality iron shafts than there has ever been, with recent growth in models that are designed to help golfers hit their iron shots higher and farther, while still maintaining PGA Tour-quality consistency and feel.

KBS is one of the leading steel shaft manufacturers, and already offered a wide variety of models prior to its newest shaft launch. Company representatives felt KBS was lacking a product for a particular segment of golfers, however, so it developed its new FLT shafts.

FLT shafts ($31.95 each) have a flighted design, which helps certain golfers optimize the performance of each iron their bag. The long irons shafts have progressively softer tip sections, which helps golfers increase their launch angle and spin rates with those clubs. For the right golfer, the design will help them hit their iron shots farther, and stop shots on the green more quickly. In the short irons, where height and spin are easier for golfers to generate, the FLT shafts are stiffer, which creates the flatter trajectory most golfers prefer with their scoring clubs. The crossover point between the higher-launching long irons and lower-launching short irons is the 7 iron.

Like all KBS shafts, FLT models have a constant weight, which means that long iron shafts and short iron shafts will be roughly the same weight through the set. Shaft weight is dependent on flex, however, as softer-flex models are lighter than stiffer-flex models. So if you’re looking for a really heavy, regular-flex shaft or a really light, extra-stiff-flex shaft, these aren’t for you.

Keep in mind that KBS shafts do not have reinforced tip sections like many other iron shafts, which gives them a slightly higher balance point and can decrease swing weight by 1-2 points. I personally like the feel of KBS shafts and their slightly higher balance point, but some golfers won’t.

For this review, I tested the new FLT shafts head to head against KBS Tour shafts of the same flex and weight (130X) in 4 irons, 6 irons and pitching wedges. Each of the shafts were installed in Callaway’s Apex Pro ’16 irons , and were built to my specifications (standard grips, standard length, 1-degree strong lofts, 1-degree flat lie angles).

I performed my testing at the Launch Pad at Carl’s Golfland in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., where I hit the 4 irons, 6 irons and pitching wedges on Trackman IV with premium golf balls. I hit 3-6 solid shots with each iron, and then removed the outliers from the final data in an attempt to compare only the most similar strikes. Results were normalized.

As you can see from the data, there was a significant difference in the flight of the 4 irons with the two different shafts, but less of a difference with the 6 irons and pitching wedges.

As expected, the FLT shafts caused 4 iron shots to launch higher (0.8 degrees) and with more spin (729 rpm) than the KBS Tour shafts. I’m not a low-spin player, which is one of the target audiences for this shaft, so the added launch and spin of the FLT shafts caused my 4 iron shots to fly shorter. Golfers who launch their irons too low or with too little spin, however, will likely see a distance increase when using the FLT shafts.

As I moved closer to the short end of the set, the two shafts started to perform more similarly. Theoretically, the 6 iron shots with the FLT shafts should have launched slightly higher and spun more than 6 iron shots with the KBS Tour shafts, but I actually saw a slightly lower launch angle (0.5 degrees) with the FLT. The spin was higher, though, by 211 rpm. With the pitching wedges, the results were again quite similar. The FLT launched 0.9 degrees higher, but actually spun 271 rpm less than the KBS Tour shafts.

Stepping back from the numbers, I was impressed with how similar the feel was between the KBS Tour and FLT shafts. Yes, I could feel that the FLT shafts were more active in the tip with the 4 irons, but they felt nearly the same in the 6 irons. By the time I got to the pitching wedges, the two shafts were indistinguishable. The KBS Tour is considered one of the better-feeling iron shafts currently available, so KBS’ ability to replicate that feel in the FLT will be a plus for the majority of interested golfers.

Looking more broadly, trends in shaft design tends to go hand-in-hand with trends in club head design, and the FLT shafts are no exception. Equipment manufacturers continue to strengthen the lofts of their distance irons; they have to in order balance the launch equation, as their faster ball speeds create a higher launch angle and more spin.

While the improvements to iron design have allowed golfers to hit their mid and short irons farther, many golfers continue to struggle to hit their long irons high enough or consistently enough for them to be effective. And based on my testing results, it’s clear that the FLT shafts can make long irons more playable for certain golfers, and maybe even keep long irons in a golfer’s bag that might otherwise be kicked out for higher-flying hybrids or fairway woods.

As always, I recommend that golfers get properly fit for iron shafts, which means visiting a reputable club fitter in your area. So if you’re in the market for new irons or iron shafts, you can get started by going through KBS’ Online Fit System , which upon completion lists KBS-certified dealers in your area.

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300 Yard Pro

Jun 27, 2016 at 4:36 pm

KBS are yesterdays news.

Canadian Smizzle

Jun 26, 2016 at 10:11 am

I use a set of flighted shafts (project x). And i love them. Definetely helps my 4i get up more. I always hit a low ball so i like the extra launch and spin.

Jun 26, 2016 at 7:52 am

So basically the same what a joke.

Scotty Johnson

Jun 26, 2016 at 9:02 am

How is it a joke? Seems logical….updated version of the old rifle flighted…..instead of decending weight it’s constant weight. With KBS signature feel a stability and step pattern…And I’m sure the bent tip jokes will be coming at some point. But I’ve enjoyed the set I have especially with my PXG irons.

Jun 27, 2016 at 7:12 am

Look at the real life numbers for the 6 iron and pw.6 iron was meant to go higher and pw lower but both didnt. Thats why its a joke.

Jun 27, 2016 at 11:31 am

From the description it’s designed for people who have issues launching the ball with longer irons and lower with the shorter irons. Obviously the writer isn’t the target audience and stated that. So your ignorance is the joke and why it’s important to get fit. Instead of being a know it all like yourself.

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Accessory Reviews

Insider photos from tiger woods’ launch event for his new “sun day red” apparel line.

On Monday evening, inside the swanky, second-story “Coach House” event center in the Palisades Village, just minutes down the road from the 2024 Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, Tiger Woods and TaylorMade officially announced their new apparel/footwear/accessory line, called “Sun Day Red.”

The Sun Day Red website officially launched on Monday night during the event, and the products are set to go on sale starting May 1.

The “Sun Day Red,” or “SDR” name will be self-explanatory for most golf fans, since he’s been wearing a victory-red shirt on Sunday’s for his entire professional career, but Woods explained the meaning of Sun Day Red at the launch event:

“It started with mom. Mom thought – being a Capricorn – that my power color was red, so I wore red as a junior golfer and I won some tournaments. Lo and behold, I go to a university that is red; Stanford is red. We wore red on the final day of every single tournament, and then every single tournament I’ve played as a professional I’ve worn red. It’s just become synonymous with me.”

The Sunday Red outfit has worked to perfection for his 82 PGA Tour victories, including 15 majors, so why not make an entire apparel line based on the career-long superstition?

As I learned at Monday’s launch event, the new Sun Day Red line includes much more than just clothing. To go along with a slew of different golf shirt designs and colorways, there were also windbreakers, hoodies, shoes, hats, headcovers, ball markers and gloves on display.

The upscale event was hosted by sports media personality Erin Andrews, with special guests David Abeles (CEO of TaylorMade) and Tiger Woods himself.

As explained by Abeles, the Sun Day Red brand is an independently-run business under the TaylorMade umbrella, and is based in San Clemente, California (rather than Carlsbad, where TaylorMade headquarters is located), and it’s run by a newly-formed, independent group. Brad Blackinship, formerly of Quiksilver and RVCA, is the appointed president of the new brand.

As for the logo itself, obviously, it’s made to look like a Tiger (the animal), and is comprised of 15 tiger stripes, which correspond with Woods’ 15 major championships. While the logo may need a 16th stripe if Woods adds a major trophy to his collection, it makes perfect sense for the time being.

The golf/lifestyle line is meant to combine premium precision and athletic comfort, while still having plenty of wearability and style off the course. Like Woods said on stage at the event, he wants to be able to go right from the course to dinner wearing Sun Day Red, and that was exactly the aesthetic on display at the event on Monday.

Following the official announcement from Woods and Abeles, they revealed multiple pieces of clothing, accessories and footwear for the event-goers to ogle (and photograph). Check out a selection of product/event photos below, or head over to our @GolfWRX Instagram page for video coverage…OR, head into our GolfWRX Forums for even more photos and member discussion.

Enjoy this exclusive look at Tiger Woods’ new Sun Day Red apparel lineup below.

See more photos from the Sun Day Red launch event here

Titleist launches new Vokey WedgeWorks 60 “A” grind wedge

The menu of grind options just got more expansive for Titleist Vokey WedgeWorks consumers, with the addition of a “60A” wedge to the lineup.

Previously, Vokey offered seven main grind options for players with various needs :

• T Grind: The narrowest sole option, which is widely used by PGA Tour players, and has low bounce
• L Grind: The lowest bounce option, with heel, toe and trailing edge relief for maximum versatility
• F Grind: An all-purpose grind that’s best for full wedge shots played with a square face
• S Grind: A neutral grind, best for full shots played with a square face
• M Grind: A versatile grind that’s for players who want to open and close the face for various shots
• D Grind: A higher-bounce wedge that’s for players with a steep swing angle, but want to play shots from various club orientations
• K Grind: The highest-bounce wedge option, with heel, toe and trailing edge relief for versatility

Titleist has now added the “A” grind, which has actually already been played on the PGA Tour by golfers such as Tom Kim, who used an A-grind to win three times on the PGA Tour, Wyndham Clark, who won the U.S. Open using an A-grind, and Max Homa, who used an A-grind at the 2023 Open Championship.

According to Titleist, the Vokey WedgeWorks 60A wedge is a low-bounce option that’s for golfers with a shallow angle of attack, and who play in firmer conditions. It has a “smoothed-out” sole for a faster feel through the turf, helping some golfers slide under the ball easier at impact.

“The most important club for me, probably in my bag, is this A grind,” Clark said, according to a Titleist press release. “I use the SM9 60-degree A grind, which is a low bounce 60 that is very versatile. I’m able to – on tight lies, rough, wet lies, firm lies, whatever it is – hit the shot I want, and with the amount of spin I want, trajectory and everything.”  

Apparently, Geoff Ogilvy played a large part in the A-grind coming to life.

“I spoke with Geoff (Ogilvy), and we got on the topic of Australian golf courses and how they compared to courses in America, and around the world,” said Vokey Tour Rep Aaron Dill, in a press release. “I asked him some specific questions, which resulted in an idea to design another lob wedge grind option that complemented the firm links-style conditions that players face – not just in Australia and Europe – but globally. Geoff has always been a low bounce player in his 60-degree, so I took his 60.04L wedge and removed the ribbon, resulting in a grind that moves through the turf quickly with very little resistance.” 

The new Vokey A-grind will be available on Nov. 7, selling for $225 each. Custom options include up to six toe engravings, 10-15 character stamping options, the Flight Line alignment feature option, and custom shafts/grips/ferrules are available.

Click here to read more about why the bounce/grind of your wedge actually matters

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GolfWRXers put the Full Swing KIT’s accuracy to the test

Last month, four GolfWRX forum members traveled to The Grand Golf Club at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego, California, to test the Full Swing KIT launch monitor and to see how it stacks up against other launch monitors. If you’re not familiar with the Full Swing KIT , development began when Tiger Woods requested a launch monitor he could trust on the range as much as he trusted his Full Swing simulator in his own home. Later, the KIT earned Tiger’s seal of approval and has been seen with him at every tournament he’s played in since its release.

GolfWRX members on the KIT’s accuracy

zap311: “The Full Swing team seems obsessed with accuracy when it comes to the KIT – The team talked about how this product officially shipped about 18 months ago and they are already on firmware release #20. They said they are regularly releasing updates (overnight via WiFi) to continuously improve accuracy and performance. That is pretty awesome and it’s nice to hear that they are not a company that “ships it” and moves to the next thing. I think they are on the right track since I saw virtually no differences in the data when testing vs. GCQuad and Trackman today.”

double or triple?: “In some cases the difference was less than half a degree on launch and less than 50 rpms on spin.”

hatrick11: “The differences were statistically nonexistent. I think it’s hard to believe for a lot of people when you think about the huge price disparity, but I can’t state enough how close the Full Swing was to trackman every single time, for each of us.”

“Outside, the data is just really really accurate. I know my numbers and know this particular range very well and the KIT was spot on all day. I also had some very variable quality golf balls in the bucket I hit and there was really only one spin rate in the whole session that had me raising my eyebrows at all.”

SwingBlues: “The GolfWRX Full Swing/WRX Experience showed Full Swing KIT produce numbers the same as the GC Quad (GC4) and the Trackman4. Dollar wise, both LMs are easily north of KIT, so this is HUGE to stand up there with the bigger boys on the Podium. For me, it seems more “apples to apples” to compare KIT to GC3. My own testing validates what we saw at the Experience. It shows critical data points like spin, carry, ball speeds are dead on or almost dead on for 40 yards and up on both GC3 and KIT.”

More on the Full Swing KIT

zap311: “The versatility of viewing data is impressive – Depending on usage, everyone has different preferences for viewing data. You have on-device, phone, tablet, monitor, smartwatch, or audio/headphones. I’m pleased to say that Full Swing covers all of these. You can use the app on iOS devices (they said Android is planned for the future). This includes viewing your last shot on the Apple Watch with a few options and turning on audio playback of your preferred metrics following each shot. I’ll post screenshots of this later. You can also choose between 4 data points or 1 data point on the device itself. It was easy to use the app to customize the top 4. For example, I was able to quickly change from launch angle on irons to swing path on driver.

“The KIT was very easy to use – Once you spend a few minutes learning the app and settings, it is very simple to select a club, line up the target line, and fire away. You don’t have to use a level or a laser to line up. KIT uses the built-in camera to tell you where to line up within the app or on-device screen. I was also able to boot up the KIT in less than a minute and drop it down on the tee box for our on-course trial today. Because of this simplicity, I can see it being more practical to bring to the course…

“The Full Swing team really thought through usability for the KIT. You can see up to four data points on the device’s OLED screen. You can see all 16 data points on your iPhone/iPad along with a video replay of the shot, you can view one primary metric from your Apple Watch, and you can enable audio playback for any of the 16 data points. For me, this was a dream as a full iOS user. One other feature I like is that you can star a particular shot to save it. You can also send shot data + the video recording to your coach if you want.”

double or triple?: “I was able to meet the teaching pro at the range I’m using for testing – PGA teacher/member Ryan Kolk. He and his team have 4 units amongst themselves and use them both personally and with their students during lessons. Ryan spent time dialing in his knowledge of the range balls vs proV1x (gamer) to better understand the FSK and he believes the consistency is there with the FSK and within trackman and GC/Foresight models. His preference is to use FSK while testing shafts and new product before using them in his personal playing bag which as a GolfWRX member is 100% appreciated. For his better students, he believes the information like Face to Path and Club Path that FullSwing Kit offers is great to help them understand what their swing is doing and use that information to better themselves.”

hatrick11: “It’s nice to know I can get super useful practice sessions in at my house, and can do in in ~20 min stints; with two little kids at home I can’t just go out for frequent or lengthy range sessions, so this is super valuable and I think will help me keep my game from degrading and allow me to spend my limited free time enjoying the occasional round with friends. In particular with the KIT, as opposed to the cheaper monitors or the other “mid tiers” like GC3, seeing path and face-to-path data is the key item that makes my practice sessions useful…when I am grooving it my path is almost always between 0-2* out to in, with face control being the main thing I need to work on. When my game goes sideways I start coming more in to out, and combined with face consistency being an ongoing issue, that brings the bad left miss into play. Previously I have struggled getting real use out of net practice, because the feels don’t always match reality. This data and video evidence really helps keep me honest, so it was great to see that I was eventually able to get that piece dialed in with KIT.”

SwingBlues: “One feature I am really starting to like is how easy to see the video of each shot. My buddy was not hitting it well, we went to the video and we could see the takeway was too far to the outside.”

“Using the app, it will display all 16 data points. Below is an example of one of my iron shots. Pretty impressive data captured by KIT. On KIT itself, the launch monitor display can be configured to show a single data point, or it can show a grid of 4 data points where the golfer choose which ones to display!”

Head over to the thread for more comments, reviews, and future updates as our members continue to test the Full Swing KIT. Don’t forget to become a member today for future opportunities like this, plus product member testing and giveaways!

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KBS Tour Lite Shaft Review – Specs, Flex, Weight

According to KBS, the KBS Tour Lite shaft is the lightest steel shaft in their lineup.

If you have ever tried the KBS Tour shaft but it didn’t fit your swing speed, the KBS Tour Lite is a shaft that should be on your radar.

KBS claims that the KBS Tour Lite is as much as 20% lighter than the wildly popular KBS Tour steel shaft.

But that’s not the whole story with this shaft – we should know, we actually tested it.

Just because a shaft is lightweight doesn’t mean you should automatically order it if you have a slower swing speed or a higher handicap.

There are a lot more considerations to make – especially with this particular shaft.

So if you are in the market for a new shaft for your irons, pay close attention to the following review as we will be telling you everything you need to know about the KBS Tour Lite.

KBS Tour Lite Overview

To quote the company further, KBS makes the claim that the KBS Tour Lite plays 9% longer than competing shafts in this category.

We’re not sure how they got that figure but when we tested the KBS Tour Lite, we pretty much had to concur with it.

Most of our testers found that the KBS Tour Lite played about a club longer for them – at least in terms of carry distance.

What that means is that the KBS Tour Lite will likely give you the distance of a 5-iron even if you’re using a 6-iron.

Another thing we really liked about the performance of the KBS Tour Lite shaft is that it enhances (or in some cases simply maintains) good spin rates.

Our testers were also noticing better roll distance from their long irons with the KBS Tour Lite shaft as a result of this robust spin.

And while the shaft does indeed feel pretty light in the hands, it’s not so light that you can’t load up on it.

One downfall of this shaft though is that it sometimes makes it seem that you hit a ball better than you actually did.

This is a testament to how smooth and pleasant this shaft feels overall. When you mis-hit, you aren’t punished by jarring vibration.

It gives you a good amount of damping capability; but again, this can sometimes work against you.

Why is the KBS Tour Lite So Popular?

One of the reasons the KBS Tour Lite shafts are so popular is that they are accessible to more players.

The KBS Tour Lite shafts come in regular, stiff and extra stiff flexes.

Compare that to other steel shafts in this category like the True Temper Dynamic Gold S400 shaft which is only available in stiff flex and you see that the KBS Tour Lite was designed with a broader range of players in mind.

And of course, the KBS Tour Lite shaft is, well, light.

It has appealed to a number of slower swing speed players because they don’t need the extra stiffness to combat twisting due to a high velocity club head speed.

How Does the KBS Tour Lite Perform?

On the course, the KBS Tour Lite offered all-around performance.

We were especially smitten with the consistency and tight shot dispersion. And as we mentioned, the KBS Tour Lite will likely result in a whole club of distance gain.

Our testers noted steep angles of descent around the green which made it easier to stick fast greens.

Carry distance was great and roll distance was also pretty good thanks to the consistently above average spin rates.

The KBS Tour Lite shafts have a gradual kick point that rests just under the grip. This is part of what makes these shafts launch so naturally.

Overall, the performance of these shafts were marked by effortless launch, excellent distance, surprising spin rates and consistency.

KBS Tour Lite Shaft Specs Table

What flexes are available what swing speeds do they suit.

The KBS Tour Lite comes in regular, stiff and extra stiff flex.

The Regular flex will be better for people with swing speeds under 80 MPH.

The stiff flex would suit players with swing speeds in the 90 MPH range and the extra stiff flex is for 100+ MPH swingers.

What Weights Are Available? What Swing Speeds Do They Suit?

The KBS Tour Lite shafts are available in 95, 100 and 105 gram versions.

You will want a lighter shaft if you have a slow to moderate swing speed and a deliberate swing tempo.

If you load up heavy on the shaft, you would do well with the 100 gram version of the KBS Tour Lite shaft.

Why is it So Good?

In our opinion, the KBS Tour Lite is a good shaft because of the incredible strength to weight ratio.

They feel light in the hands and on the backswing; but they also have a fairly strong feel at impact.

KBS Tour Lite First Impressions

The first thing we noticed about these shafts was that they were incredibly light for steel shafts.

Key Features & Performance

The weight is the key feature here. It allows for improved club head speed without losing any accuracy.

KBS Tour Lite Wedges Review

We weren’t huge fans of the KBS Tour Lite on wedges because they covered up a lot of our mis-hits.

KBS Tour Lite Irons Review

The KBS Tour Lite is perfect for irons. It will tighten up your shot dispersion and help increase club head speed.

KBS Tour Lite Driver Review

There isn’t enough substance for the KBS Tour Lite shafts to be viable for drivers.

KBS Tour Lite Pros & Cons

• Lightweight
• Smooth feel
• Good vibration dampening
• Good for a variety of players
• The smooth feel sometimes covers up his-hits

Overall Score:  95/100

Check out more reviews here:.

Who Should Buy it?

The KBS Tour Lite would be a great shaft if you make fairly consistent contact but need a shaft that will add distance to your shots.

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KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid Shaft Review

More in shafts:.

50 Words or Less

If you have KBS Tour shafts in your irons then you’ll love the KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid shafts in your hybrids.  Just make sure you get properly fit.

Introduction

After creating one of the most popular iron shafts in golf, the KBS Tour, Kim Braly wanted to keep the magic rolling into the hybrids section of the bag.  The KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid shafts are exactly that extension of the Tour series Braly was looking for, and also KBS’s first graphite shaft.  The Tour Graphite Hybrid is designed to have the same coveted feel and stability of the KBS Tour to make that transition from the steel iron shaft easier.

KBS is known for a plain shaft with a simple red label, and the KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid is no different.  The biggest visual differences are that the Tour Graphite Hybrid is black graphite and it has the “Prototype” label.  I’m sure once these shafts are officially on the market, they will have a more familiar KBS shaft label.  For now, I love the cool prototype shaft labels on the black shaft.

Obviously everyone will have their own preferences, but I felt more comfortable attacking the ball with the 95g KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid shaft whereas the 75g felt a little too “loose” because of its lighter weight.  Players using hybrids as fairway wood replacements are more likely to get along better with the lighter 75g KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid shaft.  The heavier weights are going to feel more familiar for standard iron replacements.  Both shafts have that signature KBS smoothness and stability in the flex profile, and I would argue much more feedback than their steel counterparts.

Performance

Interestingly enough, the KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid shaft might be the first time I’ve experienced identical club and ball speeds when comparing two clubs.  As you can see, I had the same speeds, but different flights and results.  I had a consistently higher smash factor with the 75g shaft, but I also hit it higher with more spin.  With the 95g shaft, I had a lower launch angle, less spin, and greater distance.

The important takeaway here is identifying what you are looking for your hybrid to do and getting properly fitted by a fitter like Club Champion for the right shaft to accomplish that.  The range of weights and flexes offered in the graphite Tour Hybrid should provide plenty of options for everyone.

My first thought when I hit the KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid, before I knew anything about the shaft, was “Wow, this has a strangely similar feel to the KBS Tour iron shaft.”  When I read the product description saying that was exactly KBS’s goal, I had to tip my cap to them.  They nailed it.  In all honesty, I’ve never gotten along well with the KBS Tour steel shaft, but I thought the feel and performance of the graphite Tour Hybrid was excellent.   I can see where fans of the Tour steel shafts could love these graphite hybrid shafts .  As mentioned before, I think it’s crucial to be fit for the right shaft in your hybrid, so you make sure you get the proper feel and results you’re looking for.

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I am 72. I have a Taylor Made Hybrid GAPR 4 and 5 with KBS Hybrid by FST 70/R shafts. I need a lighter shaft for both hybrids (Senior). Is there KBS Hybrid shafts to meet my criteria?

Per the KBS website, they have a graphite shaft as light as 65 grams.

Hey Matt, Thinking about either a KBS prototype 85 stiff or a Fujikura Atmos TS blue 85g. How would you compare the stiffness profile and feel?

If you’re referring to the ATMOS hybrid shaft, I haven’t reviewed it, so I can’t offer a comparison.

Hey Matt, How does the KBS 105g prototype X – flex compare to the HZRDUS smoke black 6.5 90grams and the evenflow white 6.5? Or in general, how do these shafts compare? Thanks in advance Cameron

I haven’t reviewed either of those hybrid shafts, so I can’t offer a comparison.

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KBS Tour 105 Shaft Review

Kbs tour 105 shaft.

Not all golf swings are created equal.  That’s a fancy way of saying, “we all swing the club differently.”  As such, a golf shaft will often feel and perform totally different between two different people.  Take, for instance, the KBS Tour iron shaft.  It’s one of the most popular aftermarket steel shafts in the game largely due to its feel.  The thing is, some players want that feel, but need a little less weight with more launch and spin.  KBS created a slightly lighter-weight version of the Tour shaft to promote a higher ball flight and higher spin rates .  That shaft is the KBS Tour 105.

How Does it Feel?

This statement is going to be pretty profound, but it’s totally true.  The KBS Tour 105 feels very similar to the standard Tour, but lighter.  There’s a great smooth feel like you’d expect from KBS with a gradual flex profile .  The profile is still somewhat firm with a stiffer tip section to maintain the Tour feel reputation.  It could just be my hands, but the 105 also felt a little more crisp to me as a result of the lighter weight.  The lighter weight also makes the shot feedback a little sharper.  There’s more response from the shaft to your hands, but little impact to the sting factor so your hands are nice and safe.

On-Course Performance

In terms of shot shaping and general control, the KBS Tour 105 performed very similar to the Tour.  I had a similar “built-in” draw and was able to manipulate my shot as necessary.   However, I had a very different launch and spin experience.  A good shot would leave the club face with a nice rising flight to a higher peak.  My launch angles were higher, but they weren’t over the top.   Rather than hitting balloons, the Tour 105 allowed me to play a strong flight but with a good rise and a soft landing.  Need to hood one and drive it low?  The Tour 105 will do it if you know how to hit that shot.

One thing I would feel remiss if I were to not mention it is tempo.  There are definite performance benefits to be had with a lighter weight shaft.  You can pick up swing speed, higher ball flights, maybe a more precise response, etc.  BUT, I generally find a lighter shaft is more dependent on just the right tempo.  With the Tour 105, every single bad shot could be traced to bad tempo in my swing.  Typically too aggressive.  As long as I had a nice smooth and easy tempo, I hit an excellent shot.  My point is you need to be aware of your tempo with these lighter shafts.  I believe a smoother tempo is the optimal player for this shaft.

Final Thoughts

The KBS Tour 105 really delivers exactly as advertised.  If I made a smooth-tempo swing, I had a strong rising ball flight with enough extra spin to keep the ball in the air and give me a soft landing at my target .  While this performance was quite a bit different for me than the KBS Tour, the Tour 105 is clearly closely related to the original Tour shaft.  In my opinion, the KBS Tour 105 is great for the player that likes the feel of the Tour but wants a little more carry and a higher ball flight .

Related Posts:

Would you consider this a high spinning shaft or a mud spinning? Thanks

100% depends on the player’s swing. If you’re a steep swinger with a lot of speed, it will absolutely spin a lot. If you are shallow with a positive angle of attack and lower speeds, you won’t see an over abundance of speed.

I use these shafts (reg) in my irons and I love them – wondering what kind of driver shaft set up I should use to get best match ? Cheers

That’s a tough one. The reality is that fitting your driver shaft to an iron comparison isn’t going to translate all that well so you really do need to test that independently. At least that’s my thought on it.

Hello and thanks for your article Bill I went after years in kbs 120 flt Stiff for 105 Tour lite S, that is a game changer, so easy to play, my GIR et my score became crazy, i have to share this to shaft’s seekers and… i have a question! The fact this shaft is so good for me can give a tendance in what kind of Drivers shaft can suit me? Is theire any logic to apply? Thanks a lot for your advice if you have time

I’m pretty of the mindset that it’s tough to say “if I hit X in my irons, then Y shaft would be good for my driver”. Chances are you move the clubs a good bit different and really should get fit just the same.

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KBS C Taper Lite vs KBS Tour: What are the Differences?

The golf club is undeniably a crucial piece of equipment in the game of golf.

Yet, many might overlook the fact that the shaft of the club is as pivotal to performance as the clubhead itself.

The shaft plays a significant role in the swing, profoundly influencing the head’s performance. Therefore, investing in the right shaft is paramount.

KBS is a brand that has earned a sterling reputation for its superior shafts, with standout offerings like the KBS C Taper Lite and the KBS Tour.

Both shafts are at the peak of the industry, courtesy of the meticulous precision employed in their creation.

Let’s delve into a detailed comparison of these two exceptional golf club shafts to understand what sets them apart.

KBS C Taper Lite and KBS Tour: Overview

Since its inception, the KBS C Taper Lite steel shaft has undergone significant enhancements.

Forged from premium steel and honed to perfection, this shaft is renowned for its high trajectory and minimal spin.

Despite these attributes, it remains impressively lightweight and facilitates effortless swings. Moreover, it excels in achieving elevated launch angles, yet does not compromise on accuracy.

Conversely, the KBS Tour shaft has carved a niche for itself with its distinctive mid-trajectory and long carry distances.

It further sets itself apart with a smooth, tactile feel and precise shot feedback. As such, it proves ideal for golfers seeking versatility in their shot options, all the while maintaining a medium flight path.

Performance

In terms of performance, both clubs offer great performance. However, your choice will be largely determined by your swing speed and preferences.

The KBS C Taper Lite shaft exhibits stellar performance, particularly in facilitating high-launch scenarios.

Its design intricately aids in taming excessive spin, thereby enhancing shot accuracy. It’s a prime choice for golfers seeking considerable control over their spin rates.

The KBS Tour shaft, on the other hand, excels in executing shots that necessitate low to medium trajectories.

Despite this, it still provides a degree of adjustability in the swing’s trajectory, though within specific parameters.

Surprisingly forgiving, this shaft delivers a smooth, soft feel that belies its sturdy steel construction.

The KBS C Taper Lite has a sleek and amazing design for a shaft. It has a matte/brushed chrome finish which helps to give it an industrial look.

Together with its red and white label, this shaft looks very classy. Additionally, the KBS C-Taper is made with a firmer tip section which provides a stiffer feel at impact.

The KBS Tour, on the other hand, has a softer tip for a more responsive feel.

This difference in the tip section affects the overall feel of the club and can impact the player’s ability to control the ball.

The KBS Tour also has a simple but stylish look. It also has a brushed chrome finish, but its label is red and black. This is quite useful when it comes to differentiating these two shafts.

Construction

KBS C-Taper Lite is a lighter weight shaft than the KBS Tour and is designed for golfers who benefit from more clubhead speed and a lower ball flight.

The KBS Tour is a heavier shaft and is geared towards players who prefer a more controlled ball flight and a slower swing speed.

The KBS C-Taper Lite and KBS Tour are both premium shafts, however, the KBS C-Taper Lite is generally more expensive.

You would think the Tour will be more expensive due to its heavier weight and more complex design.

The KBS C-Taper Lite is a lighter-weight option, which makes it more accessible for a wider range of golfers. Unfortunately, the price doesn’t seem to be on the good side of affordability.

The price difference between the two shafts can vary depending on the retailer, but in general, the KBS C-Taper Lite is more expensive, from our research on different retailers.

It’s worth noting that investing in a high-quality shaft like the KBS C-Taper Lite can have a significant impact on a golfer’s performance.

So the extra cost may be worth it for players who are serious about improving their game.

Pros and Cons

KBS C-Taper Lite:

• High launching characteristics, ideal for golfers struggling with getting the ball airborne.
• It might be slightly more forgiving than the Tour
• Lower spin rates can be advantageous for players fighting excessive spin.
• The firm feel may not appeal to golfers seeking a softer, smoother impact sensation.
• Lower spin characteristics might not be beneficial for players seeking more spin for control.
• Smooth, responsive feel that appeals to a wide range of players.
• Provides a medium trajectory, ideal for golfers seeking control and versatility.
• Excellent shot feedback, aiding in better strike quality and overall game improvement.
• Although forgiving, it might not be the best option for beginners who need maximum assistance with mishits.

KBS C Taper Lite vs KBS Tour: Which is Better?

These two shafts all have their similarities and their differences. With their only difference being in trajectory, spinning, and accuracy, it can be said that both shafts are legendary.

In conclusion, the type of golfer you are will help you to determine which shaft is best for you.

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• WRX Club Techs

Kbs tour shaft by fst

By Pinoy25 November 19, 2015 in WRX Club Techs

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I do not know if I am in the right forum. I was looking for flex weight and possible year of this shaft. Is it real or a knock off? The shaft is on a speedblade iron

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Pinoy25 4 posts

golfdad907 1 post

ImBurningStarIV 1 post

Dscvrr St Louis 1 post

Nov 19 2015

Not sure how to tell if genuine, i don't build clubs. KBS Tour spec shafts specs on KBS website.

2015 GBB 10.5 - MRC B Series 60S 44.75" RFX 3 & 5 Woods MRC BB 73 RFX 7 Wood Matrix Black Tie 7M3 XHot Pro Hybrid 23 Accra Shaft Apex Pro 5-W KBS Tour V or Recoil 110 S-flex (Recoil for Winter Season) Odyssey WhiteHot Pro #7 Flatso Ultra grip X Forged C Grind 52* PM Grind 58* KBS 610 Wedge Chrome Soft 2016 Yellow Hdcp - between 3 to 5 over the year

ImBurningStarIV

I saw this chart and that the top one looked just like mine, but it still doesnt say how I know if its tapered or parallel and what flex

Dscvrr St Louis

There should be an R, S, X on the KBS Tour label, depending on the Letter, it will be 110, 120, or 130 gram weight respectively.

Callaway Mavrik SZ 9.0 VA Composites Nemesys 65 04 Callaway Mavrik SZ 15 VA Composites Nemesys 75 04 Callaway Mavrik Pro Hybrid 18* Veylix Rome 888 S Callaway 2019 Apex Pro DOT 4-PW Mits MMT 125 TX/ Vega Mizar Tour Oban CT 115 X Odyssey WHP #3-Stability Tour, Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2.5, Toulon Long Island Garage-Stability Shaft Callaway MD5 Jaws Tour Grey 50/54/58 and  Cobra Tour Versatile 50/54/58 Mitsubishi MMT 125TX Graphite Lamkin Sonar Plus Wrap WITB Link

[quote name='Dscvrr St Louis' timestamp='1447960803' post='12620504'] There should be an R, S, X on the KBS Tour label, depending on the Letter, it will be 110, 120, or 130 gram weight respectively. [/quote] ahhh ok I see it im just blind. There is an R in the top right corner above the KBS logo THANKS!

Exactice808

[quote name='Pinoy25' timestamp='1447960952' post='12620512'] [quote name='Dscvrr St Louis' timestamp='1447960803' post='12620504'] There should be an R, S, X on the KBS Tour label, depending on the Letter, it will be 110, 120, or 130 gram weight respectively. [/quote] ahhh ok I see it im just blind. There is an R in the top right corner above the KBS logo THANKS! [/quote] So it looks like you traded them anyways. Pinoy, Going back to my other post in your originals thread. Weight of shaft dictates tempo. The MC's you played in were S300 So You now have 2 totally different shafts 110 gram Regular Flex Vs 130 Gram Stiff Flex. Hope the KBS works out for you! I hope they are legit as someone raised eyebrows in the other thread.....

TM - Stealth 1.0 - Rouge 70X TM 15* M2v1 - RIP Phenom 60S TM 18* M2v1 - Rogue 60S Sub70- 659CB PW-4 KBS120 S Vokey SM7 - 50*/8*, 56*/10* & 60*/8* S200 Scotty Newport 2 - 33"

[quote name='Exactice808' timestamp='1447966063' post='12620890'] [quote name='Pinoy25' timestamp='1447960952' post='12620512'] [quote name='Dscvrr St Louis' timestamp='1447960803' post='12620504'] There should be an R, S, X on the KBS Tour label, depending on the Letter, it will be 110, 120, or 130 gram weight respectively. [/quote] ahhh ok I see it im just blind. There is an R in the top right corner above the KBS logo THANKS! [/quote] So it looks like you traded them anyways. Pinoy, Going back to my other post in your originals thread. Weight of shaft dictates tempo. The MC's you played in were S300 So You now have 2 totally different shafts 110 gram Regular Flex Vs 130 Gram Stiff Flex. Hope the KBS works out for you! I hope they are legit as someone raised eyebrows in the other thread..... [/quote] Thanks I sent a pm! In short from swing clubs in the back yard and hitting foam/wiffle balls the tempo the KBS give me is much better for me timing.

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