KBS Tour Lite Shaft
By far, one of the most popular steel iron shafts over the past decade (longer really) is the KBS Tour. Everybody who pays attention to golf gear knows it and has likely given the Tour a good whirl for themselves at some point. However, not all players are a perfect fit for the standard Tour model and need something that’s a little different. For players seeking higher launch, more spin, and greater distance, the KBS Tour Lite may be the answer.
How Does it Feel?
True to its label, the KBS Tour Lite shaft feels exactly as advertised. If you have any experience with the standard Tour model, the Tour Lite feels quite similar. Generally speaking, the feel is smooth with just enough “dampening” reducing harshness on all mishits to feel sweet in your hands. The only downside there is that you might think you hit a shot better than you really did. Overall, I noticed a gradual kickpoint right around the “3/4 mark” with precise response and a pleasantly clean feel. Players that like the standard Tour model, but find it a bit too robust may find the 20% lighter Tour Lite to be exactly the feel they’re looking for.
On-Course Performance
Again, the KBS Tour Lite performs exactly as advertised. The design is to give you precise control and feel in a lightweight package that makes it easier to achieve stronger distances and effortless launch. I found that I was able to gain about a club longer in carry distance compared to the standard KBS Tour option. With that, I also launched the ball a bit higher and spun it a little extra as to typically be expected from a lighter weight golf shaft. This gave me more carry and a steeper angle of descent for better stopping on the greens.
I always remind people that it’s very important to get properly fit with lighter shafts. While there is opportunity to gain distance through faster swing speeds and higher launch, it’s important to make sure it’s a good equipment combination for your particular swing. Make sure you get fit and properly test if you aren’t sure! Especially if you have a fast swing with an aggressive tempo.
Final Thoughts – KBS Tour Lite Shaft
The KBS Tour is arguably one of the top 3 most popular steel shafts in golf. KBS successfully delivered the same signature Tour feel in a lightweight package via the new Tour Lite. Many players will achieve increased distance from added carry yardage and faster swing speeds. So if you’re the player that loves the KBS Tour feel, but could use a little help increasing launch and getting the club around, check out the Tour Lite.
*I used Sub 70 639 CB/MB combo irons to test these shafts for this review. You can read my review of the 639 CB here and the 639 MB here.
Do you know what weights are for the different flexes? Was wondering what the X flex weighed in at.
According to KBS’s website, the X-flex weighs in at 105g.
Admittedly not knowing anything about your swing, Bill…Would you consider your swing being ‘aggressive’? If so, were you fearful at all that the light weight of the shaft would be an issue?
I do have a more aggressive swing and it’s often not a great combination for a lighter weight shaft. I was able to adjust my tempo a good bit to be comfortable with this shaft, but I wouldn’t say it’s an ideal component for players with big swings. Put it this way, you aren’t going to see Rory and Phil going down this route and that type of swing isn’t who it’s intended for. But if you have an aggressive tempo with a more moderate swing speed, it may work. Have to test it to really know.
Thank you for the informative reply.
How would you compare to True Temper Elevate 95? Do the KBS has VSS or other shock dampers?
I can’t really compare as I’ve never hit the lighter weight Elevates. KBS does not have a “built-in dampening” system and wouldn’t say it really needs one.
How do they compare to the old KBS Tour 90 ?
I would say this is more of anecdotal reply, but in my hands, the Tour Lite feels like more familiar to the standard Tour, but with the intended benefits of the 90. If that makes any sense.
I was thinking if I’m playing a Project X 6.0 today and wanted a little higher flight and a bit more spin, not knowing my swing speed/style, do you think that using the Tour Lite X might flight and spin the ball somewhere between the KBS Tour Stiff and Tour Lite Stiff?
I’ve thought about this a lot since it came in hoping I could at least provide some guidance, but there really isn’t much I can blindly contribute. The reality is, your hands and swing will be unique and respond to equipment in their own way. The only to determine anywhere near what you’re trying to is testing the equipment. Your criteria is much too subjective to determine on paper.
I’m a senior golfer who is considering buying a set of Takomo 101 irons. Is the KBS Tour Lite shaft a good senior for senior golfer?
While every player will differ, at a high level, yes, it’s in theory a good senior steel option.
I swing a 7-iron at 77 mph. Would the KBS Tour Lite in Stiff flex be okay for me? I wouldn’t describe my tempo as being somewhat aggressive rather than smooth.
In previous message, I meant “I would describe my tempo as being somewhat aggressive rather than smooth”
Tough to say. Swing speed and flex have more to do with releasing the shaft rather than “tempo control”. Don’t get wrong, flex definitely plays a role in that, but the profile of the shaft and the weight is going to influence more.
So I guess the bigger question is, what are you looking for out of the golf shaft? I’m worried you could find a weird balloony, right ball with that combination of profile and flex with that swing speed but an aggressive tempo. That said, testing with your individual swing could always produce its own unique outcome so that will always be the best way forward. You’ll never really know until you actually try out the combination.
Thanks for the great review Bill! I took a stab and ordered a set of Mizuno 923 with these and it has been very positive so far. I wholeheartedly agree with all your statements having played the KBS Tour previously, even if that was some time ago. I most recently had the Modus 105 and never thought I’d steer away, but these have a sweeter overall feel with zero loss of control. I’m loving them.
How would you compare this to the Nippon 950GH and 950GH Neo?
It’s been so long since I’ve hit that Nippon, I wouldn’t even be able to begin comparing the two. Sorry!
Did these replace the Tour 90? And are they even any different than the Tour 90? The description is virtually the same as the Tour 90, but the 90 is no longer advertised on KBS site.
Hmm, good question. I can’t say I know for sure, but I’d say they tackle a lot of the same purpose. That said, and it may just be my subjective placebo experience, but I feel like the Tour Lite had a little more “presence” to it than the 90…but I could just be imagining that. It’s been a long time since I’ve hit either of them.
I currently play the DG Pro in stiff flex. How would you compare the two. I’m looking for a lighter weight shaft. Hoping to pick up some distance and maintain my accuracy.
I actually haven’t ever hit the DG Pro (somehow) so other than how they compare on paper, I can’t really speak to it. As far as picking up distance and accuracy, regardless of what anyone tells you feedback-wise, you’ll only know if you’ll get those gains once you see how your specific swing responds to the component.
I love this shaft.. I used my Gen 3 pxg 7 iron head with kbs lite stiff shaft. Standard length 37 inch I am 6′ 3″. Ok here comes the controversial move.. This set up came in at a swing weight of D3.. My comfort level swing weight D0. My club builder put 12 grams of weight under my oversized winn 2.0 grip. And magic happen.. Old flight with kbs tour 120 stiff low.. carry 140 lots of roll.. New setup 150 carry high flight. No more left pulls or weak flares to the right. My swing profile slow smooth backswing with an aggressive pull down, down swing.
Great review Bill, I just got fitted with the PXG Gen6 and the KBS Tour Lite R shafts. What a combo for me… I had a smash factor of 1.44 with my 7i. Im 5’9, 140lbs- carry my Gen6 7iron 170. Not sure if it’s the club, shalf or both but boy this has taken my game to the next level. I noticed I have complete control of the golf club at EVERY point in my swing. I know exactly where my face is and I no longer get antsy with the transition. I can finally say, I am DONE tinkering and buying new equipment. Callway Rouge Triple Diamond, Ping 430 3 Wood and Hybrid, PXG Gen 6 P Irons, Callway Jaw Wedges, Bettinardi Blade Putter with TP5 Yellow golf ball.
Hi Bill, great review, I am currently playing the Modus 120 stiff, would like something a touch stiffer (90-92mph 7-iron club head speed), but would also like something a bit lighter. I don’t know if you’ve had much experience with the Modus, but wanted to know if you think that the Tour Lite X might be a good fit (a little extra spin and launch would also not hurt), just not sure how the two shafts truly compare. Thanks!
The KBS won’t have any similarities to the Modus 120. Apples to oranges. If you’re only looking for lighter weight (could help with launch a bit) in a similar profile, Nippon makes lighter profiles as well.
I’m ordering new irons and I’m torn between the S-Taper Lite and Tour Lite. What are the main differences in ball flight and spin? Do they feel almost the same? I’m almost to the point where I feel like I should flip a coin. Have about 80-85 club head speed with 7 iron, typically carry the ball 170, smooth backswing and fairly aggressive down swing, Max Homa tempo is what I try to go after.
I wouldn’t say that’s enough info for me to go off of to give you any recommendations, but at a real high level, I feel like the $-Taper Lite has a little more stability to it. It’s still soft…but not as soft.
Hi Bill. I’m writing you from Argentina. How would you compare this to the Nippon Modus 105. I am 52 years old, play regular shaft and hit 7 iron 150 yards. Thanks !
Close, but the Nippon probably has a little more rigidity to it.
Currently my swing speed with a 7 iron stealth graphite ventus 6r is 67 mph would a kbs tour lite 90 in a taylormade p770 be suitable for me ?
Unfortunately that’s not nearly enough information to make a suggestion on that setup. Your body and specific swing will have its own response to the equipment. You have to consider misses, dispersion, launch, spin, etc. It’s really tough to make any suggestion as it’s not comparing apples to oranges and a much more complex series of information that just swing speed. Good luck!
KBS TOUR LITE SHAFTS are amazing, tighter dispersion, accuracy distance control. It has made a big difference in my confidence to approach shots, and tee shots on par 3 ‘s . Once you hit them you will feel the difference.
Currently playing the tour v x stiff in Calloway apex pro”s
I’m about to order a set of Takomo irons to try just trying to decide if I get them with the tour x stiff or the tour lite x stiff.
What would your thoughts be?
The Tour Lite and Tour couldn’t be more different than the Tour V. With that change in spin and trajectory, it would be pretty difficult to provide any blind insight for a suggestion. I don’t know enough about your personal game or shot data to go off of either.
Hello Bill – how would these KBS Tour Lite Regular compare to True Temper AMT Black Regular? Thanks!
Can really only speak to it “on paper”. In theory, the Tour Lite will be higher launch while the AMT Black is mid-high, and relatively similar for spin, but your personal swing will have heavy influence in that.
Thank you Bill!
Thanks Bill – how would KBS Tour Lite Regular compare to True Temper AMT Red Regular (on paper)…between the Red and Black???
Thank you!
Tough to say, but on paper, it’s probably closer to the KBS Tour Lite than the AMT Black is.