kbs tour v project x

Project X vs KBS Tour: Comparison

Project X is one of the best in the market, True Sports wished so and the players made it come true.

According to a publication by Golfweek USA Today, a large percentage of golfers make use of the True Temper Steel Shafts in their irons on the PGA Tour.

These models are used by Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas, Brooks Koepka and others too, according to Golfweek.

True Temper Sports has an admirable foot in the world of golf today.

For over 70 seventy years, this brand has been in the business of shaft making and has done nothing but soar, the name itself speaks standards.

Being the most trusted brand in golf shafts globally, True Temper strives to keep that trophy in check.

The brand has a warehouse of shaft types to choose from, such as the flagship Dynamic Gold, Project X, AMT, Elevate, Aerotech (for graphite lovers), and Accra shafts made with love for the custom fitters.

Each of these shafts has various types of tweaks from the original model to cater to players with slightly different preferences.

This article discusses the Project X shaft and one of its counterparts, the KBS Tour Shaft.

What to Know About Project X

The project X shafts were designed to provide a stiffer feel and heavy load.

The shaft is ideal for players who don’t like to feel the shaft moving during the swing, as it has minimal deflection. It has a mid-launch low-launch profile with a low spin and fast tempo.

Project X is preferred by strong players who swing strong looking for a stable, penetrating ball.

Project X comes in 5 different flexes: 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0. It also ranks as the second most used shaft after Dynamic Gold.

Compared to the Project X shaft, KBS Tour is soft in the tip but has a thick middle section.

This makes it a lot more different than Project X, which has a stiffer tip and a softer midsection in comparison.

What to Know About KBS Tour

While KBS Tour has a low club head speed, that of Project X is a little bit higher, which also makes a good difference between the two.

KBS Tour might be able to give you a higher launch trajectory as well as a lower spin rate.

The KBS Tour shafts were designed to complement the stoutness of Project X, the shaft has a stiff tip, soft mid-section, and a stiff butt.

It fits better with players who like the Project X profile but find it too stout.

The mid-section allows the shaft to deflect during swing giving it a little bent profile.

The shaft has a mid-launch profile with a medium spin and moderate tempo. KBS Tour is available in four different flex options too.

Project X vs KBS Tour: Which is Better?

Changing golf shafts can make little changes to the stick feel, these little modifications can have an immense effect on golf swings.

The Project X shaft is known and loved for its profile build, but some people really like their shafts being a bit flexible and not too rigid.

Project X LZ became the heeding call to their complaint offering them a shaft that is less stiff and compromising a percentage of the original Project X build.

Project X will be seen flying lower than LZ with less spin and thereby causing lesser dispersion, but this might feel hard to achieve in the hands of a player without much strength and a slow tempo.

The loading zone technology in the LZ was built to compensate for that.

Both products sell for 300+ a set, with little price difference.

Project X is a great product for players seeking pin-point accuracy and if the main and the LZ variant don’t feel just that perfect, Project X has a lot to offer.

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Project X vs. KBS Tour V: Low- vs. High Launch Ironshafts

When fitting very good players, it is often only a matter of small details. With these players, it is often already clear in which direction the club head, shaft weight, shaft length and swing weight should go. Here it is often not sensible to dare larger experiments. Most of the time, it's just a matter of finding a combination of club head and shaft to develop a good swing feel, to hit the balls consistently and without major deviations and to optimise the trajectory.

What definitely makes sense here is to test shafts with very different profiles. In the following case, we did just that and looked at two shafts that are very similar in terms of flex and weight, but differ greatly in the bending profile.

One is the Project X 6.0 and the other is the KBS Tour V. The Project X has been known for years as a shaft that allows a very penetrating and controlled ball flight. It is especially suitable for professionals who have no problems generating spin and sufficiently "compressing" the ball. This means that such a player prefers a low ball flight with less spin that he can control better.

The bending profile of the Project X is explained quite quickly: The middle part of the shaft is relatively soft, while the tip is very stiff. This profile is very similar to the Nippon Modus or the very successful Fujikura Ventus shafts.

The exact opposite is the KBS Tour V. This one has a relatively stiff mid section and is very soft in the tip. Such a shaft profile is not found too often. The Tour V therefore embodies the counterpart to the Project X very well and is therefore ideal for a comparison.

Our player swings a 6 iron at around 89-91mph and what you can see straight away is that he was able to accelerate the Tour V a little easier. The club head speed is slightly higher. This is not exactly surprising. Even though the overall stiffness of the shaft is the same, the soft tip is noticeable here, which makes for a slightly better acceleration at impact. On the other hand, the strike pattern with the KBS Tour V was slightly worse with 1.30 vs. 1.32 efficiency.

The actual difference is noticeable in the dynamic loft, because here the two shafts are 2° apart. That is quite a lot in this range. The result of this 2° more dynamic loft with the KBS Tour V is 150rpm more spin and 1.3° higher launch. The peak height is also significantly higher. The Project X, however, achieves practically the same length with a flatter trajectory and slightly less spin despite lower club head speed.

You could say that the result is very similar, but that is not the point of this test. This test mainly shows how different a ball flight can look just based on the shaft profile. After all, we are dealing with the same degree of stiffness and shaft weight. Only the shaft can influence the ball flight and optimise it accordingly.

It was also noticeable that the player was always struggling with the change of shaft. He needed a few swings to adjust to the new shaft. This also speaks for the fact that the shaft is very individual and a change in profile can certainly provide a completely different swing feeling.

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KBS Tour Iron Shaft Review

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50 Words or Less

The smoothest shaft in the heavy weight iron shaft category.  Promotes a higher ball flight than its closest competitors.

Introduction

Most people would look at the stranglehold that Dynamic Gold and Project X have on the heavy weight iron shaft market and choose another battle to fight.  Kim Braly isn’t most people.  He jumped into the fight with the KBS Tour, and has converted thousands of golfers, including major champions, to his brand.  In this review, we examine why.

Where most heavy weight iron shafts are focused on stability, the trademark of the KBS Tour is its smooth feel.  There’s a distinct feeling of the shaft loading and kicking during the swing.  This is not to say that the shaft isn’t stable.  Most of the action is in the middle of the shaft, so you don’t sacrifice a stable tip to get this smooth feel.

Performance

Though it’s not a night and day difference, the KBS Tour does tend to promote a higher ball flight than its competitors Dynamic Gold and Project X.  This makes it an excellent choice for golfers who tend to be low ball hitters or those who simply prefer to see the ball in a higher trajectory window.

If you prefer a heavy weight iron shaft, but want a smoother feel, KBS Tour is for you.  It’s also a great choice for players who are seeking a slightly higher ball flight from their iron play.

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57 Comments

What does the KBS Tour 120 shafts compare to vs S300 shaft? Driver swing speed of 95-98 mph 3/4 handicap

“Though it’s not a night and day difference, the KBS Tour does tend to promote a higher ball flight than its competitors Dynamic Gold and Project X.”

Can i use this shaft for my wedges? Or this shaft is for iron only (3-9,P)?

KBS makes a wedge version.

I just purchased Titleist AP2 Irons with KBS regular shafts, they are very balanced irons and mid-high ball flight. With this iron shaft there is no whipping and very smooth, I am 62 Years old but still can swing a club and I am very impressed with the combo, spending a little extra money for your irons is well worth it.

My elbows struggle with vibration of steel shafts. I am 65 years old and still play competitive Senior Amateur Golf events. I like your c tapered 110 feel. Will adding an after market dampening rod help the vibration issues of your shafts. Any suggestions appreciated.

I’ve used vibration dampening products, and they do change the feel, but I don’t know if they will help with your pain.

71 Young man, if you still have pain. Your left hand grip for righty is way to weak . Go stronger and don’t pull so much . Happy Birthday .

What is an alternative choice for the KBS Tour S shaft? Best Nippon or True Temper Product Models as an alternative choice??? Please respond to my email address submitted, already get your newsletter.

Stock advice: work with a fitter to find a good solution. Blind guess: I would take a look at the Nippon Modus for smooth feel.

I am currently playing Mizuno Pro 900 irons with the KBS tour x shaft. I am going to get a set of Mizuno mp-18 blade irons. If I go to the Nippon modus 120 x shaft am I going to have a similar feel but lighter. Mizuno does offer a KBS shaft in lighter shaft X flex. Thank you, J.Baker

I think you will find the Modus 120 to be a bit different than the KBS Tour. I would suggest working with a fitter to find something that fits your swing.

I am purchasing Titleist 716 AP1 irons and are considering the Dynamic Gold or KBS shaft. I play of 10 but are wayward with my irons. Which shaft is better for a straighter ball flight and more consistency? Thanks Ben

That depends on which one fits you better. I would suggest working with a fitter before you lay down your money.

I read your review on the Taylormade M2 TOUR irons and disagreed, then read the KBS review which is what I have on my M2 TOURS and I love them. Comment? Thanks, Jeff

Comment on what?

Hi, I cannot find the perfect balance and feel I had on my old Pings i15 with the first version of the kbs tour S. What was the weight of those shafts?

I’m not aware of any substantial changes to the KBS Tour since it was released. KBS would have more information on that.

Is the KBS TOUR stiff to heavy a shaft for a 13 handicapper swinging 90’s? I usually hit R300 really high but feedback and distance is hortible.

If you’re currently playing Dynamic Gold, the weight difference is negligible.

What is the difference between the kbs tour 130x and the tour v with tour spec 130x ?

We have a review of the Tour V here: https://pluggedingolf.com/kbs-tour-v-iron-shaft-review/

Hi – is the True Temper XP 115 S300 (fitted, 88swing speed, mid launch and 6200 spin with 6i) a comparable shaft to the Tour Stiff?

The KBS Tour is heavier but otherwise there are some similarities.

hi I currently play off 6 and play titleist ap1 with xp 95 shafts , I am considering changing to tailormade tp mb with kbs reg flex can give some advice ? I fear the kbs maybe to heavy ??? kind regards Graeme

Adding nearly 30 grams will be a significant change. Have you talked with a fitter about it? Tried some irons with similar weight shafts?

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Hi Matt, I currently play TaylorMade R9 irons with a Taylormade 90 by FST Stiff shaft. I’m upgrading to Tailor-made M4 irons with a Max 85 Shaft. Any thought on which would be more comparable to my existing shafts? The Stiff or a Regular Max 85? I think there both lighter than my existing shaft. Thanks.

I would suggest trying both with the help of a fitter to find the better fit.

May I know how much weights for the S shaft ?

The stiff weighs 120 grams.

What’s the weight? I have these in my a12 pros and I can’t seem to find any specs on them. Thanks

I purchased some Mizuno irons with KBS shafts. On the label they say KBS under that is Tour by FST, by the KBS it has a small R inside a circle. I am trying to find out if these are regular or stiff, nothing on the shafts say either regular or stiff.

That sounds like a regular flex, but without seeing a picture I can’t say for certain.

No, small r inside circle is the registered trademark, not regular.

What shafts are used for the king cobra f9, beside fujikura atoms 6 one length or KBS 0.37 Tip

HI Matt, I’ve been gaming the original KBS since 2009 w/ my Mizuno MP 58’s MMC. I’m eyeing a set of MP 18 SC in the KBS tour. Would you say the shaft profile and characteristics is the same as the original KBS that I’m playing now?

To my knowledge, KBS has not changed the original KBS Tour since it was released.

I am currently playing Mizuno Hot metal withveylix Alpina 673 shaft. I am 72 and these irons are terrible for me. Handicap on way up

Been fitted for X100s and KBS X shafts in new srixon zx7s. Numbers on the trackman are neck and neck. Averaging 98mph club head speed with 7-iron. A lot of comments I read say they prefer the X100s and that they flight lower than KBS x.

Thoughts on the two shafts? How much lower would the x100s flight and would it be worth taking into account?

Did you see a lower flight from the X100 in your fitting? My experience is that DG flies a bit lower than KBS Tour, but your results may vary.

Hi , I am 47 and my handicap is 13, I ordered for Miura MC-501 iron sets but little confused whether i am gonna fit KBS Tour R 110 g or Stiff 120 g !!! Could you please suggest which one will be perfect for me ? Thanks in advance

The only way to know which shaft is best is to get fit. Online, all anyone can do is guess, unfortunately.

There’s the occasional discussion on the internet from time to time about KBS Tour being ‘counterbalanced’ and ‘building to lower swingweights’ (I presume in comparison to DG). Is this true for this shaft?

That’s a good question. I’ve never noticed the KBS Tour to feel strongly counterbalanced, so I’ve never taken the time to measure. So, short answer: I’m not sure.

Just picked up a set of KBS Tour By FST shafts but they don’t have a weight or flex sticker on them. How can I tell what flex they are?

You could have a club builder check their CPM to get an idea of that.

Does it get old telling people to work with a fitter to find the best shaft for them? lol

No, I never get tired of giving people the advice that will actually help them play better golf.

Old thread I know. Is there any whippy feeling with these in the tour flt 110 regular flex? My ball speed with 7 iron with true temper Amt red hovers around 115. Not sure swing speed. I know go get fitted, but how similar to the amt red would these fall? Of course not the descending weight, but as for whippy- I don’t want that lol.

Feel is subjective, so unfortunately I can’t tell you whether or not these will feel “whippy” to you.

Matt: I love my new Mizuno JPX923 irons with KBS Tour Reg. Shafts. I have 4 Ben Hogan Wedges I really like but they have APEX 4 shafts which are too stiff for me now that I am 70 years old. In your opinion will the KBS Tour Reg. Shafts be good for my Hogan Wedges? Thanks

I can’t speak to your swing but I like having matching shafts from my irons through my wedges.

Are these like the c taper where most people play the stiff + if they are typically x flex?

The C Taper and KBS Tour are very, very different shafts.

I purchased p770s and didn’t do enough research and got kbs tour black shafts 120g.

My driver swing speed is about 97mph – are these shafts too heavy for me?

I hit the ball okay but notice my carry distances are much shorter than my old callaway rogue st max irons

I would never tell a player that a given weight is universally too heavy or too light for a given speed. What matters is A) fit and B) goals. If you want to get more distance, 120 gram shafts probably isn’t the way unless going lighter causes your ball striking to suffer.

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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.

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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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KBS Tour or Project X?

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• May 30, 2017

I'm currently gaming KBS Tour S 120g steel shafts on my Taylormade Tour Preferred MC irons. I feel that on my longer irons, I have a higher trajectory than I would like. Everything I've read so far on the Project X's has said that they are lower trajectory with a more piercing ball flight. I wanted to see if anyone had any experience playing the Project X 6.0's and see what they thought. I usually hit about 170yards with my 7iron currently and I would like to keep that if I were to upgrade/switch to the PX's.  

Team THP for Life

Feel is VERY different between those two. I'd find a fitting cart somewhere and try both before jumping in. When you say the flight is higher than you'd like, what problems are you running into?  

Original Ass-Cap : G15' & G18'

I have the PX6.0's in my irons and the feel was real rough until i put sensicore inserts in them. They were the perfect fit for me numbers wise but didnt come close to the feel i was wanting in an iron shaft. Its worlds better now with the inserts in them. In terms of trajectory, the PX 6.0's IMO have a pretty high trajectory. At least for me. Higher than the KBS Tour shafts i had in my previous irons. I didnt lose distance at all though  

I have many leather-bound books

PhillyV said: I have the PX6.0's in my irons and the feel was real rough until i put sensicore inserts in them. They were the perfect fit for me numbers wise but didnt come close to the feel i was wanting in an iron shaft. Its worlds better now with the inserts in them. In terms of trajectory, the PX 6.0's IMO have a pretty high trajectory. At least for me. Higher than the KBS Tour shafts i had in my previous irons. I didnt lose distance at all though Click to expand...

ddec said: when I had PX I needed those inserts too because they destroyed my wrist, forearm, and elbow. It certainly helped in that respect. For me though, KBS Tour is what feels better and performs perfectly fine. If I had to go back to steel, that would be my direction. Click to expand...

Active member

I'm not a fan of the PX iron shafts personally as they feel too stiff for me. As other said go for a proper fitting. I did that for a similar reason as I felt my irons were ballooning on me and I was losing some distance. The fitting took me from the KBS Tour X 130 shafts to the KBS C-Taper 130 shafts and I'm loving them. For me they launch a little lower but still get up high and I'm getting about a half club longer in distance. Without a proper fitting though I wouldn't know.  

PhillyV said: Ya after some sim rounds with the PX before the inserts it was tough for me to even lift a pen with my left hand. But since i put the inserts in they have felt fantastic and ive had zero elbow pain Click to expand...

Former Big Deal

If you want to lower the ball flight but still would prefer better feel then I would look into KBS C-Taper or Tour-V versus regular KBS Tour. PX shafts are pretty harsh, they do what they are designed for but the feel leaves you wanting.  

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KBS $-Taper vs. True Temper Project X LZ | Iron Shaft Head-to-Head Comparison

Since iron shafts control the accuracy of a golf swing, it dramatically affects the performance. So, choosing the right one is important. KBS $-Taper and Project X LZ are two of the most popular iron shafts. They have similarities and differences as well.

The key difference between KBS $-Taper and Project X LZ is that the former has a relatively flatter slope, and the latter has a steeper slope. Additionally, X LZ is a bit stiffer and heavier than $-Taper.

And the heaviness of the $-Taper dramatically affects its performance, trajectory, and spin rate. On the other hand, the steep slope of the X LZ impacts the swing. So, stay tuned to make your decision about which one to choose! 

Overview of KBS $-Taper Golf Shafts

$-Taper is a chrome stepped golf iron shaft manufactured by KBS. It was launched in 2017. The KBS Tour $-Taper gives an excellent feel while retaining shot durability and precise dispersion. 

For golfers looking for the finest tour shaft with medium velocity and reduced spin performance, $-Taper is a good choice. This line of golf shafts is better for straighter shots. It also helps the ball to have a strong flight.

Read Also:   C-Taper Lite Vs Modus 105: Which Golf Shaft Will Improve The Game?

Overview of Project X LZ Golf Shafts

Project X LZ is an iron shaft for golf clubs. It was launched in 2013 by True Temper. This equipment can transfer a great amount of energy while hitting, which results in a great amount of shaft.

The great shaft is a result of its proprietary Loading Zone Technology. This helps to modify the weight and stiffness of the shaft. It also enhances the stability of the butt and tip, which helps the golfer to enjoy a signature smooth feel.

Comparison Table: KBS $-Taper vs Project X LZ

It’s crucial to examine the specifics of each of these golf shafts. We would gain a lot more insight into each of their skills by doing that. So, let’s quickly go through each of their features:

Read Also:   KBS $ taper lite vs c taper lite: Which one should you choose?

What are the Differences Between KBS $-Taper and Project X LZ

The previous table might reflect only some of the story behind the differences between these two iron shafts. So, let’s thoroughly compare KBS $-Taper and Project X LZ below.

Build Quality

Interestingly, Project X LZ is made of graphite iron. And KBS $-Taper is made of chrome steel. It also comes in black Physical Vapor Deposition coating (PVD). Since steel shafts provide better agility, KBS $-Taper has the better build.

Design and Aesthetics 

Project X LZ looks better than the KBS $-Taper. It is shiny, stylish, and has charm. So, the $-Taper is a bit more mundane and ordinary looking than X LZ, despite having better materials in the build quality.

Surface Strength

KBS $-Taper is more firm in its outline. This means the strength of this golf shaft is better than Project  X LZ. The surface of the Taper is far more solid and heavy than the LZ.

Read Also:   Elevate Tour vs Elevate 95: Which Golf Shaft Should You Choose? 

Response and Performance

The response in KBS $-Taper feels more natural than Project X LZ. Thus, your performance might drop while using Project X LZ if you are less skilled than an expert. 

Controllability and Workability 

Project X LZ has a technology that transfers energy more effectively. Consequently, it isn’t easy to control compared to KBS $-Taper. However, project XLZ is much more effective in playing long shots in good hands.

Since Project X LZ is good for long shorts; its swing is bound to be less. It isn’t easy to go for long shorts with many swings. Thus, KBS $-Taper has more swing than Project X LZ.

Butt and Tip

The butt and tip of Project X LZ are more refined than KBS $-Taper. This is why it is a great shaft for maintaining stability for professionals. But for others, it is a bit difficult to do so due to its heavy weight.

KBS $-Taper and Project X LZ: Which Golf shaft to Choose?

Among KBS $-Taper and Project X LZ, it is better to choose KBS $-Taper. $-Taper is more modern and recent compared to Project X LZ. You can have great performances with the Taper, so don’t worry.

However, for those who prefer fewer swings on their golf balls and want a heavy shaft to handle, Project X LZ might be a better choice. It is also better for playing simultaneous straight-long shorts.

In conclusion, despite both being excellent iron shafts, Project X LZ may be better for professionals than KBS $-Taper. And if you’re a keen amateur golfer, you could think about purchasing a KBS $-Taper.

Read Also:   Ventus Red Vs Blue: Everything you need to know

After the final declaration of which one of these two is better for you, you might still be in confusion. But don’t worry. We will answer the questions below, hopefully satisfying your doubts about this topic.

Is Project X LZ 5.5 stiff or regular?

Project X LZ 5.5 is stiff. It is not regular. The 5.5 Project X LZ Steel shafts, which come in normal plus flex and weigh 115g, are stiffer and heavier than most golf shafts.

What are KBS $-Taper used for?

KBS $-Taper is used for medium velocity and reduced spin performance. This line of the iron shaft gives an excellent feel while retaining shot durability and precise dispersion. It is also a modern-day golf shaft which is very suitable to use.

Do any pros use Project X LZ?

It is hard to say if professional golfers other than Nate Lashley use Project X LZ. This line of iron golf shafts is almost a decade old, so it is rare for experts to use this equipment.

Do any pros use KBS $-Taper?

There are no records of professional golfers using the $-Taper. However, some big names on PGA use KBS iron shafts. Such as Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Phil Mickelson, Adam Scott, Gary Woodland, Viktor Hovland, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, Etc.

Read Also:   Tour Flex Vs Stiff Flex: Which Flex To Choose?

Meet Jalal, a passionate golf writer and the driving force behind Golfertroop.com, your go-to destination for all things golfing! Whether you’re a seasoned golfing veteran or a beginner taking your first swing, Jalal is here to assist you in making the most out of your golfing experience.

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KBS Tour V Vs KBS Tour Shaft Comparison Overview

You have to admire Kim Braley for taking on True Temper and actually making it a fight.

The KBS Tour line of shafts is his crowning achievement as a shaft designer. In fact some would argue that you simply can’t go wrong with any KBS shaft.

But you can optimize your performance by choosing a shaft that actually fits you.

So in the following overview, I will be comparing the KBS Tour to the KBS Tour V shaft.

KBS Tour V Shaft Overview

“The KBS Tour V shaft is available in regular, stiff and extra stiff flex. There are 100g, 110g and 120g weights available.”

The KBS Tour V was designed to be a lightweight option compared to the standard KBS Tour.

It lacks a 125g and 130g weight option and instead offers a 100g version which is ten grams lighter than the lightest KBS Tour shaft.

What surprised me about the KBS Tour V was that it was producing very similar spin rate figures as the heavier KBS Tour shaft.

But the KBS Tour V shaft produces slightly steeper launch angles.

KBS Tour Shaft Overview

“The KBS Tour shaft is available in regular, regular+, stiff, stiff+ and extra stiff flex. There are 110g, 115g, 120g, 125g and 130g weight options.”

The standard KBS shaft looks almost identical to the KBS Tour V.

The difference is in performance. I was getting better feedback from the KBS Tour shaft and the lower launch angles suited my fast tempo better.

The KBS Tour shaft delivers really tight dispersion as well; but you may struggle with it if you already have a low-launch swing.

“The KBS Tour V is a good lightweight alternative to the standard KBS Tour shaft.

But the standard KBS Tour is better if you can actually gain distance by keeping the ball low.”

KBS Tour V First Impressions

Our first impression was that the KBS Tour V looked like any other KBS shaft.

But when we swung it, we could feel that it actually had less feedback.

KBS Tour First Impressions

“The KBS Tour shaft gave me the confidence to fire at will.”

Even on my most aggressive swings, I got the feeling that this was essentially a point-and-shoot shaft.

KBS Tour V Pros & Cons

• Very accurate
• Good for moderate and fast tempos
• Feels stable on full swings
• Great distance
• Classic KBS looks
• Limited feedback

KBS Tour Pros & Cons

• Extremely stable
• Very tight dispersion
• Takes strong loads very well
• Stepped design

Other Shaft Options

If you aren’t sold on the KBS C Taper Lite or the KBS Tour, you should check out the KBS Max shafts.

The KBS Max 90 in particular is like the KBS C Taper Lite in that it offers similar stability, accuracy and dispersion as the heavier KBS Tour shaft.

But if you are in the market for a graphite KBS shaft, you should check out the KBS Max 65. As the name suggests, the KBS Max 65 is a 65g shaft and it feels incredibly fast. While the dispersion certainly widens up with this shaft, it would still be worth a try for slow swing speed players.

KBS Tour V Shaft Specs

Kbs tour specs.

Weight : 110g, 115g, 120g, 125g, 130g (taper), 120g, 130g, 133g (parallel)

Flex : Regular, R+, Stiff, Stiff+, extra stiff (taper), regular, stiff, extra stiff (parallel)

Length : 37.5”-41” (taper), 43.5” (parallel)

Tip : .355” (taper), .370” (parallel)

Butt : .600”

Who Should Buy it?

Muted spin? Check! Tight dispersion? Check! Classic KBS feel? Not so much.

The lack of clear feedback was our biggest gripe about this shaft. Some players may also have issues with excessive rollout. Nevertheless, the KBS Tour V is a great distance iron shaft and it is as accurate as promised.

Overall Score: 95/100

Check out more reviews here:.

Who Should Buy the KBS Tour?

“Players who demand ultimate stability on powerful loads.”

This is the shaft that can keep up with your most powerful swings and should fit heavy hitters like a glove.

Overall Score: 98/100

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