KBS $-Taper Iron Shaft
KBS set out to make a shaft packed with stability, low spin, and a mid trajectory all with that signature quality feel that’s become synonymous with the brand. That shaft is the KBS $-Taper iron shaft (pronounced “Money Taper”). Though the $-Taper has an elongated step pattern and a stiffer tip section, it shares the same bend profile as the acclaimed KBS Tour shaft. Does the $-Taper sound good to you? Let me walk you through my experience with this shaft.
The Looks
Normally I’d remove “The Looks” section for a steel shaft but there are a few simple things worth noting in the KBS $-Taper. First, the $-Taper is your basic chrome steel shaft but also comes in a black PVD. Next, the shaft label is different than the rest of the KBS lineup. The size and shape is similar to the standard red and black rectangle but KBS swapped a white border in place of the black. Last is the step pattern. The $-Taper has very subtle steps in it that you can feel with your fingers but can only see ever so slightly.
How Does it Feel?
If you’re coming into this review expecting the KBS $-Taper to feel like a dead ringer for the acclaimed KBS Tour, it’s not. The two shafts definitely have a similar “bend profile,” but the $-Taper is more stout and has a significantly firmer feel. A stiffer tip section in the $-Taper makes it feel a little more responsive at impact and like the ball has a bit more drive to it. If you have the swing for the $-Taper, there’s a good load to it and does have a sense of “active smoothness” to it not dissimilar to the KBS Tour. Those maybe looking to compare the $-Taper to the C-Taper (another low spin, lower launch shaft from KBS), the $-Taper has a much smoother and “friendly feel.”
I tested the 125 gram Stiff+ flex in the $-Taper. With the mid-weight construction and higher CG point, the $-Taper initially felt a little heavy to me. Though heavier, it was far from un-swingable. Once I adjusted to the feel, I found the shaft to be well balanced with a ton of response. Following that adjustment period, I immediately noticed it felt like the ball was jumping off my club. To the point I was wondering if it was placebo effect or something. A later review of my shot data would tell me I wasn’t wrong.
On-Course Performance
As mentioned, KBS made the $-Taper to be a low spinning shaft with mid-launch performance. Unsurprisingly, I came to the conclusion that results will definitely depend on the person hitting the club. With the longer irons, I did experience a spin rate more on the lower end of the spectrum. With my shorter irons, the clubs I want to spin more, I was still able to get plenty of spin. In fact, I could even get a high spin in the shorter irons. I’ll tell you what, that’s a great balance for me! Keep in mind that even though the $-Taper is billed as low spin, your individual swing may have different results throughout the set.
I also found another interesting tidbit upon reviewing my $-Taper data. From 4 iron through 9 iron I was finding 10-15 more yards of carry than I’ve had in my irons. In pitching wedge, the distance gains were really only about 5 yards. During my testing sessions, I had noticed a few longer shots than usual. I figured this to be a slight anomaly, but that ended up not being the case. I have it on good authority that some solid Tour players have even switched to $-Tapers for this very reason. With the mid tracjectory, lower spin rates from “elongated steps,” and the tight dispersion, these players were finding their desired levels of shot control, but with more power and distance.
Final Thoughts
Putting the KBS $-Taper shaft in my irons directly resulted in distance gains with great control and workability. Following a few more sessions with the $-Taper, I was convinced to let them hang around in the bag a bit longer. Add in that signature KBS smooth feel and it’s pretty tough for me to not put these in play. If you’re looking for a mid flight with low spin where you need it, the $-Taper is a great option. As always, make sure you worth with a qualified fitter to make sure the $-Taper is right for you.
How did you feel these compared to the Oban 115? Seem to be fairly similar style shaft with similar goals.
I’ve never hit the Oban.
Great review. Thanks! Was wondering how you would compare this shaft vs. the Nippon Pro Modus3 120 vs. the DG Tour Issue 120?
Thank- you for time and thoughts!
– Chris
Haven’t hit the Dynamic Golf but would guess they aren’t similar. It’s been so long since I hit the Nippon too, so I can’t really compare them, sorry.
I just got done hitting both Dynamic Gold Tour Issue and $ taper in the Mizuno and JPX and can say the difference in carry was about 10 yards and around +15 from Nippon Pro Modus3 120. Couple of variables, the fitter didn’t have the $125, so I am comparing the $130 with the others and still seeing these gains. I fit somewhere in between the two, so I may but the $125 sight unseen.
I had a similar experience. I went from light graphite to the Money Taper in R 110 and gain 12 to 13 yards. The previous shaft was lighter and swinging similar speed with big gains in yardage. Played today and actually went a yard or two over the green twice. Love the boring trajectory.
Great review , I found similar results gained 10 to 15 yards 7 thru 4 irons ! The feel and response the best of any shaft I have hit. I have $ taper in my Apex forged irons make a great combination. Really worth the money
Bill
Thanks for the great review. How do you think these compare to the C-Taper Lites as far as launch and spin?
It’s been awhile since I’ve hit C-Taper Lite, but I’d say it’s pretty apples to oranges. The weight difference alone is going to be a pretty big factor in differing performances.