KBS C-Taper Lite Shaft
KBS made some significant waves in the steel shaft market when they first introduced the original C-Taper. The C-Taper was noted for its low spin and trajectory as well as its stout feel. Together, those characteristics made it an unbelievably accurate shaft, but it was a LOT of shaft! Hearing the pleas for similar characteristics in a more user-friendly shaft, KBS introduced the C-Taper Lite. The KBS C-Taper Lite has original C-Taper characteristics but with a softer butt section and a lighter overall weight. This design allowed KBS to make it easier to get the ball in the air while still controlling spin for pinpoint accuracy. Let’s see how well they did…
The Looks
Like the C-Taper, the KBS C-Taper Lite has the same matte/brushed chrome finish that has more of an industrial vibe. Another small difference is that the shaft label is white and red on the C-Taper Lite as opposed to the black and red of the C-Taper.
How Does it Feel?
A lot of the same feel characteristics from the original C-Taper such as a firm, controlled feel with a stiff tip section are still present in the C-Taper Lite. The biggest difference is you can feel the gradual flex profile and energy transfer at impact a lot more. Through the lighter weight and softer butt section, KBS certainly made the C-Taper Lite much easier on the hands. The shot feedback is just as great in the C-Taper Lite as well.
If you were a player where the C-Taper felt like it was a bit too much shaft to tame but it had something going for it, the C-Taper Lite is your answer. If you’re a player that is looking to get into a little firmer shaft without swinging a telephone pole, the C-Taper Lite could be good for you too.
On-Course Performance
So KBS bills the C-Taper Lite shaft as “mid-high launch with controlled spin.” I think this is a fairly open description, but I can clear it up a bit with what I saw in testing. Like its standard counterpart, the C-Taper Lite is more of a lower-spinning shaft. Where I found the C-Taper Lite to differ was that I could easily add or reduce spin depending on the shot I was trying to hit. In the case of the standard C-Taper, I found that more difficult to accomplish. So KBS calling the spin “controlled” is a fair assessment I think. You will be able to manage your spin as necessary.
Calling the C-Taper Lite “mid-high launch” is also a pretty fair assessment. I found a rising (NOT ballooning) mid-trajectory shot to be the standard while elevation adjustments were easy to execute as necessary. In regards to trajectory, the easier launch (relative to the standard C-Taper) was especially noticeable in the longer irons. I was able to hit 4 thru 6 with a nice rising flight and a higher apex for a soft landing into greens.
Final Thoughts
Like the original C-Taper, the KBS C-Taper Lite is great for selecting a shot and attacking your target. KBS gave the C-Taper Lite more player-friendly characteristics that allow for easier launch and more control for players that found the C-Taper to be a bit much to handle. If your swing is a good fit for this shaft, you’ll find the C-Taper Lite to be very versatile and a lot of fun to hit!
Hi Bill,
I tried Callaway Apex irons with PXI 6.0 shaft and I liked them very much. The KBS C-Taper Lite is like a project x pxi shaft ?
Thank you very much,
Michele
I would say the C-Taper Lite is nothing like a PXi. I don’t think there’s anything the Project X family like C-Taper or C-Taper Lite.
I am a 6 hcp on the senior amateur. I do not have spin numbers but the ball flight is very hi, wedge through the 7 iron. Opposite of what I need.. in my opinion. Suggestions?
Just to clarify, you CURRENTLY hit the C-Taper Lite or are considering it?
Bill,
Was just fit for the C Taper Lite 105 R. I have good speed (92 mph with 6 Iron) and play to a scratch hc but interestingly got fit for the 105g shaft. This is likely due to me switching from the XP 95. I would love to know your thoughts/concerns on this as I was skeptical at first. Very anxious to try out this setup.
How’d you hit the C-Taper Lite 105?
Hi Bill,
What would you say the difference is between the PXI 6.0’s and the C Taper Lite Stiff? Most sites have them as very similar. Thank you in advance.
Hmm, I don’t know if I’d say they’re similar, but that might be subjective. I’d say the PXi feels a little more fluid whereas the C-Taper Lite feels a little more firm. I, personally, also found the C-Taper Lite to launch and spin a bit lower than the PXi.
Considering the C-Taper Lite S @ 110g, coming from the KBS Tour R+ hs1x. My 7-iron Swing Speed is 73mph, but have a strong move to the ball, not quick though. I hit the C-Taper Lite S in a Mizuno JPX 921 Forged head. It felt firm, but the launch/height was good, and Dispersion Great. especially compared to the KBS Tour R+ in my gamers, Srixon Z765. Thinking about Soft-Stepping 1x?? Or maybe the TT Elevate Tour R @ 112g straight In. What are Your thoughts ??
Shafts you’re comparing are apples to oranges. But based on your thought process you already shared, the only real answer is to work with a fitter or just try the experiment. Couldn’t tell you what to expect from any combination you listed as your body and swing will respond in a way that’s unique to you. So basically, the only way you’ll really know is by actually hitting them.
Awesome. Thank you Bill. I have an index of 9 and have a driver speed of 102-105. How’s this compare to you? The reason I ask is because I don’t need anymore height on my shots so if you and I are similar I would lean towards the CT lite. Thanks again.
I don’t think comparing our driver speed and index gives you the answer you’re looking for here. (I’m ~115/7.3 right now if you think that’s helpful for you.)
It depends much more on your specific swing and how you swing the club. Or how your body physically responds to the equipment. In theory you could give a low launch player the highest launching shafts and they still might not hit it high.
Hi Bill-
I’m curious about how you would compare the C Taper Lites to the KBS Tour Vs in regards to launch/spin. I’m currently playing the Tour Vs and am thinking about switching to the C Taper Lites. I think that I could use a little higher launch, but don’t want to go overboard. Your thoughts and input would be greatly appreciated
The difference between the two is going to vary from player to player, but in theory, I’d imagine the C-Taper Lite to launch higher than the Tour V.
Are you able to share a comparison between Dynamic Gold 105 and the C-Taper Lite? I was fitted for the DG105 (with Srixon ZX5 irons) but now the DG105 are out of stock; fitter suggested C-Taper Lite as a suitable replacement. Looking for additional perspectives.
Sorry, I don’t. My experience with the DG is minimal and the C-Taper Lite only a little more. My swing isn’t a great fit for either so I can really only comment from the review perspective on the C-Taper Lite, but nothing on the DG 105. Good luck!
thank you
The difference between the KBS tourV and the KBS C taper light is the tour V will launch a lot lower with less spin and roll out more. The C taper lite is mid to high launch and stops better on the greens for me. I played the tourV for the last 5 yrs and just got fitted for the C taper lite on my new Srixon irons and love them. Both are good shafts but the Srixon fitter liked my flight with the C taper lites as he said I needed more height and the fitting numbers were good.
I am 70 yrs old and took a chance on being able to hit these C taper in regular. I have always hit the ball very high. These shafts brought the flight down just enough but still plenty high. Don’t be afraid of these shafts. They ARE super accurate and no loss in distance. They have really great feel. Six iron is around 170 yds.
The taper shafts are the same in set? Exemple: 4i shaft is same like 9i but only longer butt section? (No tip trim, no diferent weight in raw size, or enything else?)
You don’t need to tip trim, no. With taper tip, each iron tends to have its own specific length that you’ll butt trim to size. You wouldn’t buy seven of the same shaft and just butt trim them to length.