KBS MAX HL Hybrid Shaft
The KBS MAX HL hybrid shaft is designed for golfers with slower swing speeds seeking to maximize launch angle, distance, and forgiveness with their hybrids. Part of the KBS MAX family, this shaft promises a high-launch, high-spin profile to elevate your hybrid performance. Additionally, the KBS MAX HL shafts can be fit using swing speed rather than targeting a specific flex.
The Looks
KBS offers the MAX HL hybrid shaft in three finishes: black gloss, white gloss, and KBS red gloss. Should you want to keep things simple, the black finish pictured here is clean and timeless. If you feel like making a bit more of a brighter and bolder statement, you can’t go wrong with the vivid red or white options. The shaft itself features a clean, classic design with familiar KBS branding on two sides of the shaft.
How Does it Feel?
Feel is a subjective experience, but the KBS MAX HL hybrid shaft generally felt responsive and active. As a higher launching and spinning shaft, it’s naturally going to feel a little “whippier” than a lower launch/spin shaft with a more stout profile. Again, this shaft is geared toward lower swing speeds so that’s totally appropriate. This characteristic can be particularly beneficial for golfers with slower swing speeds who may struggle with a more robust shaft. There’s still plenty of feedback at impact and the profile has enough stability for the appropriate swing speed and tempo.
On-Course Performance
As advertised, the KBS MAX HL hybrid shaft excels in promoting a high launch angle. This is particularly beneficial for golfers who struggle to get the ball airborne with their hybrids. The shaft’s design and weight profile encourage the club head to deliver the ball on a steeper angle, resulting in longer carry distances and softer landings. The high launch angle is complemented by a higher spin rate. Increased spin will help the ball hold the green more effectively. More spin will also help hold the ball in the air for more carry yardage which is especially beneficial at lower swing speeds. I did find it a little difficult to hit a penetrating shot into the wind, but I believe the other performance benefits outweigh that for the MAX HL’s target audience.
If the idea of adding more spin to your shot sounds a little scary, don’t be alarmed. Though a “whippier” shaft, players with more moderate swing speeds will still find the MAX HL to be controllable and consistent. With a more moderate tempo, my dispersion was tight and my “stock” shot was predictable.
Final Thoughts – KBS MAX HL Hybrid Shaft
The KBS MAX HL hybrid shaft is a solid shaft for golfers seeking easier launch and distance in their hybrids. Especially when you consider the extremely affordable price point of $75! Multiple weight and flex options are sure to fit a wide range of golfers as well. However, golfers with harder and faster swings might want to consider alternative shafts. (Perhaps the Tour Graphite Prototype if you’re a big KBS fan?) Ultimately, whether the KBS MAX HL hybrid shaft is the right choice for you depends on your individual swing characteristics and performance goals. If you fall into the category of golfers with slower speeds seeking easier launch and distance from your hybrids, the KBS MAX HL hybrid is definitely worth a try.
