Oban CT 115 Steel Iron Shaft
The Oban CT 115 iron shafts are a part of Oban’s first venture into the steel shaft game. They boast two weight options and advertise as mid-high launch with mid-low spin iron shaft. Oban graphite shafts are regarded as some of the premiere aftermarket options, but do the new Oban CT 115 steel iron shafts live up to the Oban reputation?
The Looks
Let’s be honest here: It’s hard to tell the difference in a stepped shaft without a shaft band. The Oban CT 115 Steel Iron shaft isn’t any different. The CT line has a 100 and 115 option, which differentiate a lighter and heavier model, but there’s no gimmicks or flair here, just a top quality product.
The most unique factor right off of the bat is the range of flexes that Oban offers. The CT steel shaft line comes in seven different flex options, ranging from Regular to X-Stiff, with variations of all the flexes in between. That’s a lot for a blind choice which is why it’s always best to work with a fitter to navigate the range.
How Does it Feel?
The Oban CT 115 steel iron shaft is the best feeling iron shaft I have hit PERIOD. In my most recent iron fitting for the 2018 season, the CT 115 was the first shaft I hit, and I immediately felt a difference. After two swings I told my fitter “wow, these things are smooth.” They felt extremely balanced, and I could feel exactly where the club head was throughout the swing. I’ll be honest, I usually can’t tell HUGE differences between different iron shafts in similar categories/weights, but I could feel a difference instantly with the Oban CT 115.
On-Course Performance
My first round with the Oban CT 115 steel iron shafts was love at first swing. My launch was a nice mid-to-high trajectory. In regards to spin, it seemed to be ideal. Balls were holding greens well without spinning back like crazy. On mishits, though, they also weren’t flaring all over the place due to spin. They were also easy to control. I could hit shots high if I needed, or keep them low under the wind. They just flat out perform.
In terms of distance, I gained about 3 yards of carry. But most importantly, my dispersion was second to none. My groupings were tighter than I’ve ever had with an iron shaft, which led me to hitting more greens. This is something I’ve typically struggled with. Not only was the performance there, but they felt smooth, from my wedges up to my long irons. The most pleasant surprise is how consistent my ball flight is. I look up from a swing and know exactly where my ball is going to be every time (as long as it’s not a mishit of course). Bottom line? I love these shafts.
Final Thoughts
Based on my gushing review, you already know how this is going to go. I am in love with my Oban CT 115steel Iron shafts. They are the smoothest steel shafts I have ever hit, the ball flight is beautiful, and they flat out perform. What more do you need in an iron shaft? With these in the bag, I’m confident I’ll hit more greens and see that handicap fall. The only drawback here is the $75 per shaft cost, but if you can handle the bill, I highly recommend checking them out in your next fitting.
ltcoach@yahoo.com (That is an L sometimes mistaken for an i)
I am 77 my swing speed is slowing. I am looking for an ideal shaft to put in my Mizuno 919 forged irons.
Would you think the 100’s would be a better choice for me than the 115’s?
I believe the 100’s offer an A and an A+ flex. We have no Oban fitters anywhere close to me.
L.T.
Hi Larry,
Unfortunately there’s no way for us to really make a great recommendation based on just that information. Your response to the specific shaft could be totally different than the desired design. For instance, I typically have to play a heavier iron shaft if I want any chance at good ball striking, but flex availability can interfere with that, so getting the right combination can be difficult for my swing – regardless of what the paper says.
If you’re really looking to try that specific shaft and can’t do any testing, I would suggest going with a weight and profile closest to another shaft that you know you’re comfortable with. Unfortunately, no matter what you do with a “blind” purchase, it’s a roll of the dice and you have to throw a little caution to the wind.
Best,
Bill
Hi Larry,
Thanks for reaching out. With so many other factors contributing to how the shaft will perform, it’s hard to say. In theory, a lighter shaft would be a better option for your swing speed, but it may not have the desired affect on ball flight, spin, etc. that you are looking for. There’s too many variables going into it to give a solid recommendation. Completely understand the lack of Oban fitters near you, but for a premium shaft/premium priced shaft, I can’t give you a definite answer that thee 100s are going to give you overall better performance than the 115s.
Thanks!
Tommy
Do you play these shafts in your wedges? I was fit today into this shaft but not sure to put them in my Vokey 54 and 60. Thanks for your review.
I do not currently have them in my wedges. You can see what’s currently in my bag here. That will be a personal preference based on feel and performance for most. I opted to not put them in my wedges.
Thanks!
Tommy
Hi Tommy. I agree the CT115 are really smooth and great shafts. I came across a 4 iron with that shaft and fell in love with it. What flex do you play in your Obans?
Thanks
Hi Antonio,
I play the S+ in my irons. That is what I was fit for.
Thanks for stopping by!
Tommy
How does the Oblon CT-115s compare to the KBS Tour s?
Hi Bob,
Thanks for stopping in.
Bill actually reviewed the KBS Tour shafts here.
From my limited experience with the KBS, I found the Oban to have a smoother feel to them, but that’s subjective. My ball flight and spin was more suitable to my swing with the Oban as well, which launched a little higher. However this will vary by user.
Your best bet is to find somewhere to try both shafts out and see what fits your game better. For me that was the Oban.
Thanks for reading!
Tommy
Excellent Review/Gush! When I first saw the MSRP on these shafts, my first thought was HELL NO!!! However, from everything I’ve read about the Oban CT Steel iron shafts, it seems that price may not be as outlandish as it initially seemed. I don’t know that I can justify that cost, but I do know that this is the most intrigued I’ve been about a piece of golf equipment, ever. I especially like the fact that there’s 2 sub flexes for each flex (i believe). I’m going to demo them next weekend. Part of me hopes I don’t like them, but if however they do live up to the hype, and I see a marked improvement in dispersion, I’ll be forced to sell a kidney on the black market so that I can obtain them.
Hi Joe –
Thanks for the input! I was a big fan of these, and they’re still in my bag today. Let us know how the fitting goes!
Hi Tommy,
Curious what your driver swing speed is? See that you’re playing these in S+, but tend towards x-flex in other clubs so I’m assuming you have a 105+ driver SS, and that the CT-115 perhaps play a little stiffer than their nominal flex. Great review. Thanks!
Jake –
My driver swing speed is about 110-113. However my iron swing is admittedly much smoother, and proportionally slower than my driver speed.
I got fit, hit all of the flex options, and the S+ gave me the best results.
Thanks for stopping in!
Tommy
how much to SST Pure shafts, specifically Oban since apparently they don’t have a spine. Your thoughts?
We are not a club builder. You’d have to talk to your local club fitter or builder to get costs on Pure-ing