KBS C-Taper Shafts
The KBS C-Taper iron shafts are some of the lowest launching and lowest spinning steel shafts in the game. For players looking to hit low piercing shots with incredible shot control, the C-Taper is the textbook iron shaft.
The Looks
Generally, steel shafts aren’t all that exciting. So unexciting to the point that it isn’t even really worth discussing what they look like. In the case of the KBS C-Taper, an exception can be made. Most steel shafts come in standard polished chrome finish. The C-Taper, however, has a cool matte/brushed chrome finish that gives more of an industrial vibe.
How Does it Feel?
The KBS C-Taper has some of the best feel in the game. It’s also one of the most stout and firm shafts you’re going to find in a golf club. My first piece of advice when exploring the C-Taper is to make sure you properly test prior to implementing or you could be in a world of hurt. Given the profile of the shaft, the C-Taper feels every bit of its respective flex and then some.
KBS advertises the C-Taper as having a “crisp” feel. From my experience, this is a spot on assessment of this shaft. When you have the correct flex in your irons, the C-Taper is one of the most responsive and crisp iron shafts I’ve ever hit. Given its stout, low-launch nature, the profile doesn’t feel like it “kicks” as much as some other more active shafts. That’s not to say there isn’t plenty of life to the C-Taper, there just isn’t a super dramatic kick point.
On-Course Performance
Control, control, control…control. That’s the KBS C-Taper in a nutshell. I’ve had very few experiences where shaping my shots and putting them right on the target has been so easy. I will admit that I somewhat struggle to hit towering shots when I need to, but it’s far from impossible to accomplish. The reason the C-Taper isn’t a better fit for me is that I found I needed a bit more spin, especially in the long irons. High-spin players will be fine with the C-Taper, but I needed something that would stay in the air, fall a little more straight down, and hold greens better.
In regards to distance, I think it’s fair to say it’s relative to the player. KBS says the C-Taper had 5% more distance versus its competition, but I don’t know if that’s based on roll from more spin or what. It’s important to understand that if the C-Taper is an optimal fit for you, then you’ll be fine with distance.
Final Thoughts
My personal belief is that the KBS C-Taper is one of the best iron shafts on the market. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to get properly fit for the C-Taper. Though the C-Taper feels incredible and performs as advertised, you have to have a swing that tames the beast. If you’re a good fit for the C-Taper, you’re in for a ride with one of the best iron shafts you’ll find.
Bill,
Great review, just wondering if you know your 6 iron swing speed or have a recommended swing speed for the S+?
Thanks!
Hi Mark,
Thanks for the kind words and the comment.
My 6 iron swing speed depends on the given day at this current point in time. I don’t think answering the question with a swing speed is going to help you a ton. It’s going to depend on your transition, your swing path, and what type of swingweight you do better with. So the short answer is that a proper fitting will answer that much better than a shot in the dark based on swing speed alone.
In the case of the C-Taper, I feel they play pretty stout. To the point it’s almost worth going down a flex. But that’s a blind recommendation and should not be too seriously considered without testing.
Hope that helps!
Bill
My swing speed is about 83mph wit 6 iron. I’m 65 and play off 1.4 index.
I tested the c taper 120-S against: DG AMT white, S & R; NSPro 950 and a few others. I’m a low spin player and was looking to increase it a bit.
I got the highest spin with the C taper. The fitter just told me that everyone is different. But have to admit, the results were puzzling.
Your fitter was absolutely correctly. Your swing may respond and treat the equipment differently causing a different outcome. This is exactly why we get fit. Just because the paper says the shaft fits a certain profile doesn’t mean it will for everyone.
I spin the $-Taper a ton – not a high spin shaft. It’s just what happened.