KBS Tour Shaft
The shaft that started it all – the KBS Tour shaft. Kim Braly’s signature shaft, the KBS Tour, is designed for players that want to be able to play a wide range of shots with more of a mid trajectory. What most players seem to love the most though is the smooth feel and shot feedback.
How Does it Feel?
I would put the KBS Tour as the most “neutral” feeling shaft of the KBS lineup. The Tour does in fact feel incredibly smooth and easy on the hands. I would almost argue that the Tour is even forgiving on your hands on a mishit. Whereas a typical steel shaft may sting a bit, the Tour seems to absorb the blow more. Don’t get me wrong, if you hit your MP-18 MB wrong, you’re still going to pay for it in the hands. It just won’t sting as bad as normal…so I’ve found. I even commented to our own Jon, “this shaft makes an MB feel much less harsh.” Jon concurred and promptly tried to steal my clubs.
There is a definite energy transfer at impact, but it has a much more gradual feel as opposed to a precise kickpoint. I will say that you can tell it’s happening in the middle of the shaft, but it doesn’t feel like a precise snap. The feeling is much more of a smooth release. This may sound crazy, but think of it almost like a smooth toss of a baseball that firmly, but not too hard, hits your dad right in the glove while you’re having a catch in the back yard. That, to me, is the feel of the KBS Tour’s release.
On-Course Performance
My experience with the KBS Tour shaft is a true testament to “every swing is a snowflake.” The Tour is supposed to be a mid-launch shaft with medium spin. Admittedly, I’m not a high-spin iron player as is, but I hit the Tour just about the same average as my lowest spinning shaft of the KBS lineup. My averages for launch were the lowest of the KBS group to date as well. That said, I think there’s a decent reason for this. When reviewing my data, it was apparent that there is a lot of versatility in the KBS Tour. I was able to easily adjust trajectory while adding or taking spin off of shots. Being able to easily hit such a variety of shots is a big win for this shaft.
I’ve hit multiple clubs with the Tour in them over the years, albeit never my own set, and the natural shot shape is always the same. A neutral swing always results in a smooth draw for me. Let me tell you, my natural shot is not an easy draw. This draw from the KBS Tour is automatic and seemingly built into the shaft for me. It’s been consistent enough for me over the years that, along with my testing, it’s hard for me to ignore. Will this be the case for everyone? Can’t say, but there’s something there that has my attention and I don’t hate that shot shape. Just tying ribbons over here (that’s a shot tracer on TV reference)…
Final Thoughts
My opinion is that the KBS Tour is a solid all-around iron shaft. I think other shafts in the KBS lineup have a little more of a “wow factor” to them, but the Tour is solid for a wide range of players that want a premium shaft with versatility. A smooth profile and easy shotmaking should make the KBS Tour appealing to golfers of all skill levels. Including the best in the world.
Hi Bill. I am a young 38 with a lot of golf life left in him. I took the pandemic as an opportunity to know and own my swing. Despite my gains in accuracy and a new found draw and occasionally hook, I am looking for my next iron shaft. I have been told my swing is a bit aggressive, and my irons have always gone high – no problem getting the ball in the air. Would you say the Tour is a good shaft for a golfer with this description? I was also considering the new KBS Tour Lites. Did you see much difference between the Tour and the Tour lite in the numbers. Thanks!
Tour Lite will likely go even higher. If you have an aggressive swing, the Tour might be a bit soft and high too. I would think you need to go with something more stout/firm. Maybe Tour V?
Would you recommend this golf shaft to someone that isn’t a beginner at golf but doesn’t get out as much to play? I have steel shafts now and I want something lighter but not as light as a graphite shaft. Thanks!
Yeah, I wouldn’t say it’s a measure of “skill set” but more how your swing will interact with the equipment.
Hey Bill – I’m a 34 y/o single-digit handicapper that’s always been a strong, aggressive ball striker. I recently made the switch from an old set of Titleist ZM forged musclebacks (classic Dynamic Gold stiff 120g shafts) to T100s with Project X 6.5 shafts. I know this is contrary to almost everyone, but I absolutely hate my T100s (and I’m a Titleist lover). I rarely find the sweet spot; have lost 10-ish yards per club; and chunk more shots than ever. I do hit them very straight though, but my shots are low and short. I’m going to switch back to a muscleback iron set, because I just love them! I’ve actually been recommended the direct-to-consumer Takomo 301 MBs by several people, which you might have heard of. I’m wondering if you have any suggestions on a KBS shaft. I’m thinking about going with either the KBS Tour or C Taper in stiff 120g. Maybe the move from the Dynamic Gold stiff 120g to Project X 6.5 125g could have made that much of a difference in my distance, trajectory, etc? From what I’ve seen, the lofts are very similar. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
Don’t know anything about those irons, sorry. But I can tell you that the KBS Tour has pretty much nothing in common with the other three shaft options you listed. The C-Taper is a stout low launch/spin option and the PX is closer to that. The dynamic gold is somewhere in between those two and the KBS Tour. I think you need to do some testing/fitting to really get the answer you’re looking for in your game. With the game it sounds like you’re talking about, anything else would just be a blind guess with a hole and a prayer.
Thank you so much, sir! I’ve set up a fitting with a Golf Digest top 100 fitter next Saturday. I’ve always been cheap on golf (other than my CC membership) and have never had a lesson. That, coupled with me being left-handed, has always prevented me from seeking a professional club fitting. But, I’m going to finally treat myself a do so! God bless!!!