KBS $-Taper Lite
The whole point of the KBS $-Taper Lite shaft was to take the workability of the original $-Taper design and make it lightweight with a higher ball flight. In theory, this makes the $-Taper design playable for moderate swing speeds that are looking for similar performance in a better fitting shaft.
How Does it Feel?
Considering the KBS $-Taper Lite is supposed to essentially be a lightweight version of the standard model, KBS was pretty dead on. The $-Taper Lite feels a lot like its big, heavier brother. The difference is the lighter weight in definitely noticeable. For instance, the stiff flex $-Taper Lite is a whole 20 grams lighter than the standard model in stiff flex. Both shafts have a lot of stability along with a higher CG which, in my mind, results in the best overall feeling shafts of the KBS lineup. Obviously that’s a very subjective claim, but that’s for you to determine. NOTE: the $-Taper Lite does not claim to have the same bend profile as the KBS Tour like the standard model does. Just keep that in mind if that’s something you think you’re looking for.
The lighter weight of the $-Taper Lite also makes the shaft feel a little more crisp and responsive. I found the feedback in my hands to be more pronounced, and even a little harsh on mishits, with the $-Taper Lite. To be fair, a player with a “more appropriate swing speed” (I swear, I’m not humble bragging) may have a slightly different experience and find the feedback to be a touch softer and smoother. (Let us know in the comments if you can!)
On-Course Performance
Let me remind you one more time that everyone’s swing will respond to equipment differently. On paper, I should have hit the KBS $-Taper Lite higher and with more spin than the standard $-Taper. The reality was that I hit them pretty damn similar in terms of trajectory and distance. Spin was actually a little lower with the $-Taper Lite but the difference was almost indiscernible. True to its claims, the $-Taper Lite is a very workable iron shaft and its firmer profile makes it easy to control.
So if I’m reading this review so far, I’d ask “well based on what you’re saying, why would I get the $-Taper Lite instead of the standard $-Taper? It sounds like they perform awfully similar, so what’s the difference?” Fair questions. The way I see it is that a player that may like the the $-Taper’s stock shot but struggles to be consistent because it’s way too much shaft. This player will really like the $-Taper Lite and likely fit into it better. The $-Taper Lite should make it easier to get the ball airborne and maintain your swing speed (or even increase it a little bit).
Final Thoughts
Following a pretty thorough test period, I firmly believe that KBS delivered exactly what they set out to do with the $-Taper Lite. The $-Taper Lite is a spitting image of the standard $-Taper, but a good amount lighter in weight. So often shafts in this lightweight category feel like mush and a good ball striker wants something firmer for better shot making. I think that’s exactly what the $-Taper Lite brings to the table. A combination of being lightweight but still firm in its profile for better dispersion. For me, the choice between the two $-Taper version came down to overall feel as that was the only major difference between the two shafts with my testing. Both are great and a good fitting will help you figure out which one is perfect for you.
Im looking for new shafts (s300 now) in he 100g (+-10g) and little higher launch and spin, 85mph SS.
Would these ones be an option? I was fitted to modus105S and im looking for something similar.
What is your swing speed to test these ones?
Thanks a lot.
I would say yes, these are in the family of shafts worth testing.
It’s not about swing speed, it’s more about tempo of your swing. Only way you’ll know how they work with your specific swing is testing.
Im moderate tempo but agressive transition and negative attack angle. Guess these could work right?
Are there other similar shafts that deserve a look?
Thanks a lot.
I’d say anything from the manufacturers in that weight range if that’s what you’re targeting, and might be worth considering graphite too. There are a lot of shafts that are supposed to fit that profile.
Would you be surprised that a 66 year old with a SS of 69 on a six iron would be fit into these shafts?
Why do you think I’d be surprised? How’d you hit them in your fitting? I think too many people get hung up on swing speed as the means to fit someone in a shaft, but there are so many factors in the swing that play a role. One thing I’ve 100% learned over the years is that every player will swing a club uniquely and physically respond to equipment differently. So it’s entirely possible that the combination of angle of attack, club path, speed, transition, etc could land you in the $-Taper Lite. Additionally, the Lite version of the shaft is designed to be easier to get around and launching – something that is often desirable at lower swing speeds for a variety of reasons.
It’s a good shaft and very player friendly. I have a set of regular $-Tapers in some Mizuno MP-18 MBs and I absolutely love them.
You are correct. I guess I went into the fitting EXPECTING to be fitted with graphite because of my age and swing speed and surprised with the steel shafts. I have read so much about graphite being so much friendlier to our old joints.
Friendly to joints is different from fitting keep in mind.
I would say the biggest difference in joint friendliness comes from weight and “firmness”. Smoother, softer, and lighter shafts in general tend to be friendlier on the joints for me regardless of material.
Hi…I am looking at a new set of irons but they don’t offer them in the shafts that I have been using…TT XP 95.They do have them in KBS Tour 90 and the KBS $ Taper Lite…I have played the KBS Tour 90 in another set of clubs and although they are similar to the TT XP 95 I found them a bit shorter and lower launch…Would the KBS $ Taper Lite be a better fit and higher launch and closer fit to the TT XP 95 shafts??? and what is the difference between the KBS Tour 90 and the KBS $ Lite….. Thanks…
It’s been so long since I’ve hit either KBS shaft, and I’m not sure I’ve ever spent real time with the XP 95, that it would be hard for me to say. While all three shafts are designed to be lighter weight, and easier to launch, I feel like the $-Taper is designed to be the lowest launching and spinning out of the group.
I have used TT XP 95 Shafts in my last set of irons and now use KBS $ Taper lite 105 shafts and boy what an upgrade for me. Feel greatly improved, super smooth and consistent. My dispersion is the tightest I have ever had it with good distance and mid- ball flight and I can work a a decent fad, my normal shot is a draw ( bad shot draw pull) Average #’s with 7 iron = SS 82mph / Carry 167y / ball speed 109 mph. Spin 4995.
HI, Im was using NSpro 95 R and i like the weight and feel of it. I changed it to KBS C-taper 95 S and totally can handle it due to the weight and stiffness. Is Kbs tour (90 S or R) or S-taper lite R have the same weight and feel as NSpro 95R? which one is more forgiving and whats yr recomendation among the two? Thanks
I can’t really answer this all that well for you, but if we go up a few levels or so, I will say that I can see where the jump from an R flex NS Pro to a C-Taper is difficult to handle. $-Taper will be a good bit friendlier in the hands than C-Taper. I’d say Tour 90 will play the softest of the group. From that point, it’s likely taking a look at the base specs on paper and then trying different options to see what responds best to your game. Without fitting/testing, it’s going to be sort of a crap shoot.
Hope that helps!
im looking for something similar to project x 6.0 in black is possible?
I’m sure there’s something out there, but I wouldn’t say the $-Taper Lite is anywhere near a Project X shaft. As far as KBS’s lineup, the C-Taper is probably the closest thing, but I’m not sure if they offer a customer black option.
Hi great review.
How does the $ taper lite shaft compare to the modus 105 in feel
It’s honestly been so long since I’ve hit the Modus 105, I wouldn’t be able to give you a fair response. Sorry.
How does this shaft compare to the TT elevate 95? Thank you.
The True Temper is lighter in weight by quite a bit, and likely to be higher launching. I can’t say I’ve ever hit the Elevate 95, just the Elevate Tour – which we have a review of on the site.