KBS GPS Putter Shaft
The putter shaft market has really taken off over the last few years. Everything from modernized steel shafts, shafts made up of multiple different materials, and graphite shafts. I’ll say this – the race to deliver to this new demand has been interesting. That said, there have been some legitimately really good options. One of those new options is the new graphite KBS GPS putter shaft. Using premium materials, the GPS putter shaft has a low torque design to help improve both control and feel. Oh, and even better, there’s a wide range of matte and gloss color options so you can customize your putter to the max!
The Looks
Like I said in the introduction, the KBS GPS putter shaft is available in a whole bunch of colorways. There are SEVEN different colors that you can get in either a gloss or matte finish. Those colors are black, white, KBS red, “Georgia” green, yellow, hot pink, and the Carolina blue pictured here.) There’s also a chrome finish available if you prefer the look of steel, but want the playing benefits of a composite putter shaft. Personally, I’m a big fan of the matte finishes. No real particular reason other than I just like how it looks installed in a putter. Branding is a bit different from what you’re used to with KBS, but has the familiar and classic KBS badge. The graphics really pop on all the finishes.
How Does it Feel?
In my opinion, feel has been the biggest factor introduced by all of these modern composite/graphite putter shafts. With putter heads becoming notably heavier across the board, there has been a need for a more “stout” option to provide more stability and a better balance. I would say some have done this better than others, but the KBS GPS putter shaft really delivered a good combination that has a good feel.
Admittedly, feel is pretty subjective, but I find that a lot (certainly not all) of these new putter shafts just end up feeling super boardy with lack of response and a smooth “sweetness”. KBS’s GPS putter shaft, however, really has a nice blend of stable rigidity and precise response. I felt perfectly in control of the putter, but I was also able to get really good feedback from the face at impact. Additionally, the nature of the low torque “minimizing deflection bend” made me feel more confident in making a consistent putting stroke from all distances. Especially on those pesky five footers that have been killing me over the past year.
On-Course Performance
In addition to a more stable feel, the whole concept of modern graphite putter shafts is to improve accuracy and control with heavier putter heads. By adding stiffness without increasing weight, KBS essentially increases the putter’s MOI with their GPS shaft. This means that the putter will be less prone to twisting at impact. While this is helpful on any putt, it’s especially helpful on those shots where you strike the face more toward the toe or the heel. By not twisting on a mishit, or even a center strike for that matter, your putt will stay closer to your intended target line. And as I mentioned above, the shaft’s profile makes it easier to be consistent with your stroke so finding the center of the putter face on a consistent basis becomes much easier.
Final Thoughts – KBS GPS Putter Shaft
When it comes to graphite and/or composite putter shafts in the market, I think the KBS GPS putter shaft is actually one of the better ones out there. The GPS has a really smooth and stable feel that’s certainly an upgrade from your typical $13 stock steel shaft. Additionally, the GPS makes the putter better balanced throughout the stroke and easier to keep on line. Let’s not forget the wide range of colors available should you really want to make a statement with your custom putter! You can order the GPS putter shaft straight through KBS or get it from your preferred KBS dealer.
Bill enjoyed reading this as I’ve become more curious on putter shafts. I wish our local store had options to test but unfortunately the closest store to test out some of these graphite putter shafts is well over 150 miles. With that said, I have a Mizuno IV putter, I enjoy it but I don’t feel like it gives me tremendous feedback. It almost feels muted whether it’s struck well or not and I was looking for something that has a little more feedback and softer feeling in the hands at impact. Would you say the updated shaft gave you better balance and feel vs a stock steel?
Honestly, if the putter feels dead with steel in it, graphite probably isn’t going to add much life to it. Generally speaking, graphite more or less enhances the feel and stability. You’d likely see improvement in the feel of the stroke, but probably not in terms of face feedback. That said, a bad shaft could definitely cause a face that provides good feedback to all of the sudden not have great feedback. (That won’t be the case with this KBS, I’m just speaking to graphite putter shafts in general.)
Hope that helps.
Thanks Bill! Appreciate the feedback as I’m leaning towards grabbing one to test out and see how it feels compared to the standard steel.
How would you compare the KBS GPS to the CT-Tour? Is the upcharge in price (around $100) worth the upgrade in performance? Thanks in advance!
I think it is. The shaft has more response and I feel like a better general balance and stability.
How would you compare this to other stability shafts that are currently on the market?
Not as rigid at the likes of the multi-piece BGTs, much better feel than LA Golf’s shaft, can’t really compare it to the Fujikura (Fujikura is just so different than everything else – I really like it).