kbs tour v 120 review

KBS Tour-V Iron Shaft Review

Kbs tour-v iron shaft.

KBS shafts are long known for their exceptional feel and quality performance, but like most shaft companies, the world of modern club fitting and technology has caused them to offer a wider range of options to fit different swing types. With the original KBS Tour iron shaft as their starting point, KBS set out to make a lighter-weight shaft with less spin and a firm feel . The end result is the KBS Tour-V iron shaft.

How Does it Feel?

If you expect the KBS Tour-V to feel much like the classic KBS Tour shaft, you should reset your expectations. To firm up the tip section for lower spin, KBS made the “outer diameter” of the shaft bigger which gives a more firm feel. KBS also raised the center of gravity to a higher position to raise the Tour-V’s balance point. The end result is a firm, crisp shaft with that signature KBS smoothness and response you know from the standard Tour. I will warn you though. If you don’t have the swing for the Tour-V, the shaft may feel too firm and you may struggle to make a good contact. If you’re a good match, the Tour-V is super crisp and easy to control.

On-Course Performance

Like I mentioned before, the KBS Tour-V is designed to be a lightweight, firm feeling, low spin shaft. Typically that’s a formula for lower launch as well. On the KBS shaft chart (you can find that here ), the Tour-V is listed just shy of mid launch and super low spin. This is perfect proof of why fitting is so important. After reviewing my data, I definitely experienced mid-launch results. Where my experience was different was that I didn’t really hit super low-spin shots. Yes, I did have some notably lower spinning shots, but my swing didn’t necessarily translate into lower spin. That said, it was easy to tell that the right swing would very likely have the lower spin they’re looking for. (My numbers were more in the mid-spin range.)

Another characteristic KBS touts for the Tour-V is “tight shot dispersion.” Tight dispersion is a perfect description of the Tour-V. In fact, I would say the tight dispersion of the Tour-V is the most impressive performance trait. The KBS Tour-V is very easy to control and set on your target. Again, if you have the swing for it, the Tour-V is going to be a great pin seeker.

Final Thoughts – KBS Tour V Shafts

Powerful players that need a firm shaft in their irons will benefit from the KBS Tour-V shaft. While the Tour-V is not as firm or stout as the C-Taper , similar players will fit into the profile. The biggest difference between the two is that the Tour-V will launch a little higher than the C-Taper. If you’re the kind of iron player that can load a shaft and likes to “shoot darts,” then I would definitely put the Tour-V on your radar.

I’m a 69 year old male I have been playing since I was 10. Iam looking at a new set of irons old set is 20 years old I have dynamic gold s300 in my clubs now would the kbs tour v90 shafts r flex be to light of a shaft. I’m looking for something I can play for awhile. I use to hit my 7iron 150 yards now maybe closer to 135 yds. Should I try the kbs tour v90 shafts or go with something a little heavier

Lighter shafts will in theory make it easier to launch the ball and just swing the club. It is not uncommon for a “seasoned veteran” players to switch to lighter shafts in later years.

Tour V is pretty stout, even at its lighter weight.

Aside from the notes I mentioned here, it really comes down to what feels good in your hands, how you physically swing the new club, and what the results are. Only you will be able to answer that.

KBS Tour Iron Shaft Review

on September 21, 2013

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.

61 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.

Matt, I play off a 7 and have a very smooth swing tempo. I use to game AP2 712 irons with KBS Tour S from 2012-2023. I switched to T150 irons and was fitted with the S300 AMT Red shafts. I started playing with the new setup since the start of the year but I have to admit that I lost confidence in my irons.

I love the look and feel of the T150s and don’t think it’s necessarily the irons itself but I seem to have developed a strong draw with the irons. This is especially prevalent if I’m trying to hit a specific number to clear water or bunkers or for any specific placement reasons.

Could the difference in shaft contribute to the problem?

Yes, the shaft can have an enormous impact on your results. Given that the two heads you’re comparing are quite similar, I would be much more likely to attribute the change to the shaft than the head.

Follow on question – I’m 6ft 4” playing with XL glove size and CP2 Jumbo grips. Would switching to the BDC style Jumbo grips (Medium) help to neutralise the draw?

It’s possible, but not a guarantee by any means: https://pluggedingolf.com/does-grip-size-matter-golf-myths-unplugged/

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IMAGES

KBS Tour 120 Shaft Review
KBS Tour 120 Shaft Review
KBS TOUR-V 120 X .355 TAPER
KBS Tour 120 Shaft Review
KBS Tour V Shaft Review
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