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.