KBS TD Wood Shaft
KBS wanted their new graphite TD (Tour Design) wood shaft to have the “original KBS feel, efficiency, and optimization of spin and launch that the KBS product line is known for.” That sounds like somewhat of a high-level target that’s hard to substantiate, but it might just be dead on. The KBS TD wood shaft is designed to have a mid launch with lower spin for optimal launch and premium control. I hit three balls with it and said, “yep, this feels just like a KBS shaft.”
The Looks
The general look of the KBS TD wood shaft is similar to the well-established Tour Proto hybrid shaft with its black base and red label. Of course, the red label and graphics of the TD wood shaft are slightly different. The red label stretches to the grip and I’d say the graphics overall are a bit more flashy than KBS’s traditional red labels. Should you go with A, R, or S flex, the finish is glossy black. BUT you can also get the A or R flex shafts in glossy white! X and Tour X flexes both come in matte black – no white option.
How Does it Feel?
Each flex of the KBS TD is noted by “Category.” The flexes are measured 1 through 5 from lightest to stiffest. So A flex is called Category 1 and Tour X flex is Category 5. Pretty straightforward.
As mentioned in the intro, the TD immediately felt like a KBS golf shaft to me. The flex profile was gradual and smooth, but felt tight and compact with good release. Feedback was precise and firm, but very smooth. If you’re super familiar with the entire KBS iron shaft lineup, it sort of reminded me of a cross between the Tour and C-Taper. Maybe closer to the $-Taper. Except the shaft is graphite and the release is a little smoother than you’d get with steel.
On-Course Performance
| Club Speed | Ball Speed | Launch Angle | Spin | Carry (Yds) | Total (Yds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 113.6 | 170.5 | 12.2º | 2605 | 279.4 | 301.9 |
I’d say KBS’s performance goals for the TD wood shaft were fairly accurate. On the launch monitor and course, I consistently found myself with a nice medium launch. Now, 2605 rpms is more of a mid-spin number for me, but my high end on the data wasn’t that much over. I regularly had shots in the 2200 range as well. Overall, the spin was plenty controllable and my rollout was perfectly fine.
What I found most beneficial with the TD wood shaft was its consistency. I could essentially count on it to do the same exact thing every time. The shaft’s profile mixed with the feel made it reliable and easy to control – a very common performance characteristic across the KBS shaft family.
I would be remiss to not mention how the TD plays in a fairway wood. I thought the TD was perfectly fine in the driver, but I was really impressed with it in a 3 wood. The launch characteristics played similarly mid range like the driver, and the smooth profile made for easy control and solid strikes. I felt like I was able to put a smooth, easy swing on the ball that would result in a nice straight flight with great carry.
Final Thoughts – KBS TD Wood Shaft
KBS did an excellent job taking their signature feel and putting it into a graphite wood shaft that performs. The TD is a solid and consistent performing shaft that I think the big KBS players will absolutely love. Naturally, it’s important to test and make sure you get the flight and spin you’re looking for. Overall, the TD is a strong first entry into the “wood shaft market” for KBS that clearly demonstrates Kim Braly’s and KBS’s experience in shaft design and performance.
Thanks Bill. Nice review. Is there any chance that you guys can start adding the average yards offline data point to your data in your reviews? Dispersion is an incredibly important data point, and that really the best way for us to get a feel for dispersion in a shaft, and it is much more helpful than the respective subjective reports of you guys as to the dispersion. If so, thanks!
-JJ
::Accepting donations of higher tech launch monitors now::
I hear what you’re saying, but my philosophy, and everyone can feel free to disagree with it (I won’t be offended), is that my dispersion numbers aren’t that helpful to other people. 1) people don’t know my game – maybe I just don’t have the tightest dispersion, or maybe I can keep a tight grouping with a log at the end of a measuring stick? Maybe I was just having a bad day? 2) the equipment could have a totally different effect on dispersion depending on how your swing interacts with it.
We use the data to give you a general insight into our performance with the equipment. How all of the numbers relate to each other, how they generally stack up from review to review, etc… If we think dispersion or control are relevant to the gear we test, we point it out in the body.
So in short, I think dispersion is very pertinent for the individual hitting the equipment and comparing it in a fitting or with swing changes.
And back to the original point – we don’t have premium enough radar gear and software to put that all out.
Of course, thanks for the comment and stopping by!
Just reading your review contemplating getting it for a deal so wanted see some reviews.
I totally agree with you not putting dispersion. Its really irrelevant especially with the limited shots hit that an off day or a great day can deceive a reader’s judgment on the product. The numbers and feedback provided is sufficient.
Thank you for the review. I play the tour v shaft and absolutely love it. My Driver numbers are very similar to yours. I’m thinking I would fit best into category 4. What category and weight did you do this review in? Was it the right flex for you? I like light weight and I’m thinking 70 gram in 3 wood and 60 gram in driver. Any thoughts?
Thank you
Take a look at the pictures – 60 Category 4.
Flex and weight were fine for me. I can’t really advise on what’s best for you based on the information you’ve provided. As much as I’d like to help, golf wings are like snowflakes in that they’re unique to the individual and people will respond to equipment much differently. For instance, I don’t do well with 70 gram shafts in a 3 wood, but that doesn’t mean you wouldn’t, you know?
Sorry I can’t be more help in suggesting a shaft. Good luck.