kbs tour 120 vs modus 105

Modus 105 vs. 120: Which Is Better?

Nippon is a brand that has been making golf steel shafts for many years. The company is the leading steel shaft manufacturer in Asia and is starting to gain popularity in the United States too.

Most professional golfers have a piece of Nippon steel shaft in their golf bag, as these shafts offer good performance and durability.

If you’re seeking a steel shaft, you must have come around the Nippon Modus 3 Line.

For most people, these shafts are a perfect choice but choosing the best among them is the problem, especially Modus 105 and 120 since they are similar.

If you’re in this predicament, this article is for you. In this guide, we’ll compare and contrast both shafts: Modus 105 and 120, to establish the better choice.

Ride along.

The Nippon Modus 3 Line was released several years ago. The shafts are tested and trusted to have the capacity to handle the high speed of the golfer’s swing while sustaining the desired spin and ball flight.

It has four models, including Modus 3 Tour 105, Tour 120, Tour 125, and Tour 130. The numbers indicate the corresponding gram weights of each Model.

These shafts are built to provide mid-ball flight, and each offer different patterns on how the mid-flight will be achieved. They have different personalities based on the feel the golfer desires.

The Tour 120 has more shaft feel at impact and is produced for golfers with a medium tempo and a mid-release.

Let’s compare and contrast both shafts to understand their differences.

Modus 105 vs. 120: Differences

There are distinctive attributes between the two shafts that make them unique. We’ll differentiate them using some factors as follows:

The significant differences between the Modus 105 and Modus 120 lie in their flex options and can be a deciding factor. These shafts have regular, stiff, and extra-stiff flex options.

However, the Modus 120 has an extra flex option of extra stiff plus, which is not available in the Modus 105 model.

This extra flex option could be a great deal. It’s ideal for golfers with significantly high swing speeds. Hence, if you have a high swing speed, the Modus 120 shaft model might be a better choice.

However, if your swing speeds are below average, you can choose any of these shafts because both will be acceptable options.

Another significant difference between the Nippon Modus 105 and the Modus 120 shaft option is their weights.

Of course, the number corresponds to their weights, which means the Modus 105 is lighter than the Modus 120. The difference in weight options can also be a significant deciding factor for you.

The Modus 105 lighter shafts will allow you to generate more swing speed and thus provide improved distance.

In the case of the Modus 120, which is a heavier shaft, you’ll have more control over your shots, leading to enhanced and accurate shots.

Both shafts offer different outcomes concerning their weight options, and you should only choose the one that offers what you’re looking for.

The length option is another option to consider before choosing between the shafts. In this regard, there’s no difference between them. They offer similar length options, which range between 37 inches – 41 inches.

This length option is the typical option for golf shafts which directly aligns with a wide selection of players. Generally, the USGA has stringent rules regarding the length options for golf shafts.

The length limit should not exceed 46 inches. If a shaft has a length option beyond 46 inches, it will be deemed illegal.

So, both Modus 105 and Modus 120 are legal as they are within the length limit. Irrespective of the one you choose, you’ll be able to select a length option that works perfectly for you.

The launch is another significant difference between the two shafts. Generally, the Modus 105 shaft has a low launch, while the Modus 120 has a low, mid-launch.

This launch feature signifies that you’ll enjoy a slightly lower ball flight on the impact with the Modus 105 compared to the Modus 120, meaning the Modus 120 will provide more height.

The USGA has strict rules that determine the legality of a shaft. If the equipment doesn’t conform to the rules, it’s considered illegal.

Before you purchase a shaft, it’s crucial to understand its legality status to be confident you’re using a legal shaft.

According to the USGA, Modus 105 and 120 are both legal as they conform to all these rules. So, they can be used for casual, professional, or high-level amateur games.

As discussed above, both shafts are excellent and provide outstanding performance. They share some similarities and differences that might influence your choice between them.

The best one for you will depend on your preference and skill level. Ensure you scrutinize the strength and weaknesses of each shaft and only pick the one that aligns with what you want.

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Nippon Modus 105 vs KBS Tour

The golf shaft is the part of the club that attaches to the club head, and choosing the right one can greatly impact your consistency as a golfer. The Nippon Modus 105 and the KBS Tour are two popular shafts, but which one is better?  

Nippon Modus 105 and KBS Tour iron shafts differ in significant ways. Nippon Modus 105 shafts are lighter and shorter, whereas the KBS Tour shafts are heavier and longer. The Nippon Modus 105 shafts are typically better for beginners. 

In this article, I’ll outline all the important differences between these shafts and introduce important considerations so you can decide which one is best for you. Let’s get started! 

Are the Nippon Modus 105 and the KBS Tour the Same? 

The Nippon Modus 105 and KBS Tour shafts are quite similar in weight, length, and balance point , but the small differences in their design can make a big difference in your performance out on the course. 

The following table outlines some specifications you may want to keep in mind when making your purchase.

The Nippon Modus is a lightweight shaft that is meant to increase your club head speed , which increases the distance and trajectory of your shot. The KBS Tour is slightly heavier, which may mean you get less speed as you swing your club. 

Additionally, you’ll notice from the chart above that the available lengths vary slightly between the two shaft models. The Nippon Modus 105 shafts are shorter, which are generally easier to swing and get a solid shot. 

Nippon Modus 105 and KBS Tour: Which Is Better? 

Most golfers can swing a lighter shaft more quickly than a heavier shaft, and a shorter shaft length is also easier to swing. Therefore, most golfers prefer a Nippon Modus 105 shaft over a KBS Tour because they are lighter and shorter. 

However, this isn’t always true. Some golfers need the weight of a heavier shaft to encourage them to activate all the necessary muscles to swing well. A shaft that is too light, subconsciously or consciously, may lead them to believe they can slack off a bit and won’t get as powerful of a hit. 

Ultimately, the r ight shaft depends on a golfer’s style and experience . Generally, I would recommend the Nippon Modus 105 shaft over the KBS Tour for beginners , but more experienced golfers would benefit from trying both to see which one feels better. 

Conclusion 

The right golf shaft can help golfers achieve greater accuracy with their swings, which can be a game-changer for their overall play. Nippon Modus 105 and KBS Tour shafts are high-quality and popular options, but the Nippon Modus 105 shafts are lighter and shorter. Generally, more golfers will experience faster and more powerful swings with the Nippon Modus shafts. However, there are always exceptions, and I recommend trying both before deciding.

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Nippon Modus 105 Vs. 120: Which Golf Shaft is Better?

Iron shafts come in many different models and specs, and Nippon is a top brand for making iron shafts. Two of their most popular models include Modus 105 and Modus 120. So, finding the right shaft can be confusing, and you may wonder what is the difference between Modus 120 Vs. 120?

Although they have several variances, the fundamental distinction between Modus 120 and 105 is that the former is around 10g bulkier while being barely stiffer than the latter. Players who like a bit of extra weight without extra stiffness are the target audience for this shaft.

Hence, if you are wondering which iron shaft to buy between these two, we are here to guide you. Today in this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about them.

Overview Of modus 105 golf shaft

The Nippon Modus 3 Tour 105 shaft adds to the Modus range and is exceptionally lightweight to accommodate golfers who want thinner shafts.

Additionally, it feels smoother and swings much more quickly. It is a fantastic new lightweight choice that will also provide a lower launch. 

Read Also: Dynamic Gold s300 vs x100: What’s The Difference?

Overview Of modus 120 golf shaft

Another excellent shaft in the Modus 3 series from Nippon is the Modus 120. This iron shaft feels comparatively soft because of a rapid lack of stiffness around the butt and a lengthy, stiff tip.

They come with a slightly larger weight and a shape that provides optimal control and produces a lower spin and low launch angle, making them perfect for players who prefer heavyweight shafts.

Modus 105 vs 120 Golf shaft: Quick Comparison Table

Our comparison table below will talk about all the quick differences between Modus 105 and 120. Both of these are fantastic iron shafts from the same Nippon series, but yet they come with a lot of differences.

Read Also:   C-Taper Lite Vs Modus 105: Which Golf Shaft Will Improve The Game?

What Are The Differences Between Modus 105 vs. 120 Golf shafts?

So far, you have seen the summary of the differences between these two shafts, but before you decide which one to choose, you will need to learn about these differences in full detail.

The first difference we will discuss between Modus 105 and Modus 120 is the flex offered by these shafts. Flex refers to a shaft’s capacity to bend when subjected to force.

Since every player has a distinct preference for shaft flex, having additional flex choices for your favorite shaft is always advantageous.

When it comes to flex, Modus 120 has the upper hand: it offers four different options, which is one extra compared to three offered by Modus 105. The additional option is the extra stiff flex.

For individuals with really high swing speeds, the extra stiff plus version is fantastic. This choice is preferable if your swing speeds are much higher than the norm. 

Launch Angle

The next difference we will discuss is the launch; Modus 120 has a mid to low launch, which, according to our studies, had an average launch angle of approximately 21.5. Whereas the launch angle of Modus 105 is on the lower side with 20 degrees.

The dynamical loft of the clubhead increases in proportion to how much the shaft bends forward. The launch angle rises when the dynamical loft of the head is raised. 

Consequently, while using the Modus 120 to strike the ball, you may anticipate a higher ball flight, whereas the Modus 105 will result in a somewhat lower ball flight.

Read Also:   KBS tour 90 vs 105: Which Golf Shaft Will Improve Your Game?

The weight is also different from these Nippon Modus shafts. Whether you need a heavy shaft or a low-weight shaft depends on your preferences.

Nippon 105 is offered in three different weight options, whereas 120 is offered in 4 different choices, which is 10 grams higher on average than 105.

Heavier shafts are the best option if you want to increase your swing speed since they may stimulate more muscle groups, which increases the pace of a golfer’s swing.

However, lightweight shafts might help you improve your control and swing speed if you are a novice or have a small build.

Spin is always crucial when finding the perfect shaft for your shaft, and Modus 105 has the upper hand when we are talking about spin; it has a mid-spin.

On the other hand, the Modus 120 has a low to mid spin so that the overall spin will be less than 105.

Your ball will rise to great heights and fall at a sharp angle if the spinning rate is high. The ball will often drop out of the sky with little elevation and a steeper landing angle if its spin rate is low.

Read Also: Project X IO vs LZ: Which One To Pick? 

Golf shafts have a torque attribute that defines how easily the shaft will flex during a stroke. A shaft with higher torque will bend more than one with less torque. In other words, certain shafts are more resistant to twisting than others.

The Average torque of Modus 105 is higher than the Modus 120, which means with 105, if you have a tendency to slice the ball, you will have a benefit.

Whereas a lower torque shaft, like the Modus 120, will be more advantageous for players who have a tendency to hook the ball.

Modus 105 vs 120: Which Golf shaft To choose?

Nippon is known for its highly engineered shafts, and both Modus 105 and Modus 120 are from the same Pro Modus 3 series.

Even though they are from the same group, they have huge differences. So, which shaft you need to choose depends on your playing style.

If you are looking for a lightweight shaft with a low launch and you tend to slice the ball more, then you should use the Modus 105 shaft. It will also provide you with better control, especially if you are a beginner.

On the other hand, if you are looking for more swing speed with a higher launch angle and height, then you need to go for Modus 120. It will also play an advantage if you like to hook the ball.

Read Also:   Graphite Vs Steel Iron Shaft: Which Is Better For Your Clubs?

After reading this guide so far, there can be some questions wandering around your head. Thus, down below we will answer the FAQs which should clear all your confusions more easily.

Is Modus 105 and Modus 120 the easiest golf shaft to hit straight?

Both Modus 105 and Modus 120 are from the Nippon Modus 3 series, and you can control both of these golf shafts easily. However, when comparing the overall performance and feel of these shafts, the Modus 105 feels smoother and swings much more efficiently, enabling you to hit better straight shots.

Which is more softer: Modus 105 or Modus 120?

In comparison to the Modus 105, the Modus 120 feels softer. Because the Modus 120’s center part is so soft, it has a soft general rigidity for a 110–120g shaft. The Modus 120 is the only other iron shaft that is nearly as soft in the center.

Which is heavier between the Modus 105 and Modus 120 shafts?

Modus 105 and 120 come in different weight options. The 105 model offers three different weight options, and the 120 model offers four different weight options. On average, the Modus 120 has a higher weight of 10g more than the Modus 105 golf shaft.

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KBS vs Nippon Modus

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• Nov 24, 2021

GraniteRoost

Flying rocks.

That's maybe tough to say, shafts are kind of personal. And I think some are more sensitive to changes than others. I've never tested those specifically against each other. I had Tour 120's in z745's that I thought were fine, then went to Modus 120 in Z Forged and ZX7. Both worked well enough paired up that I was satisfied. $300 off is a good deal, you can always sell them if it doesn't work out, and probably be close to even money.  

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Moved to shaft section  

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Oops, did not realize section for shafts...Sorry and thanks for moving  

4hourrule said: This a question for all you shaft specialists ( ok, that did not come out right...(neither did that ) ). I was fitted for Modus 105 stiff for ZX5s but there is a set for sale at a VERY good price with KBS Tour 105 stiff shafts in like new condition. Is there a differance feel wise that if I pick these up I will always say " I should have just paid the extra $300 for the Nippons? Thanks in advance. P.S Yes I'm frugal... Click to expand...

Thank you. I am sensitive to different swing weights and feels even though I haven't played in a while. I still remember the good old days when I could work the ball however I wanted but if I tried someone else's Club it just did not feel correct to me  

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Iron Shaft Comparison: How to find the right shaft for your game

This article is about how to find the right iron shaft and which iron shafts are actually suitable for you. The problem is usually that players do not approach the matter objectively. They prefer shafts from their favourite players, brands they have known for a long time, think Stiff is basically too stiff and do not evaluate shafts objectively. This can be seen again and again in a fitting when an (unknown) shaft is tried that for some reason does not suit the player at first. He hits it excellently and still tries to talk it down. We can make a long story short: we are only human, we have our own merits and we are not always rational.

But in our big comparison of iron shafts, we would like to be. After all, numbers do not lie. Therefore we will sort our shafts into different CPM categories. The CPM value itself need not be of interest to you - it depends on how you measure it exactly. To be really meaningful, you have to measure shafts independently and under identical conditions and not rely on the manufacturer's data, for example. The same applies to torque, which is measured slightly differently by each manufacturer.

Therefore only a classification like the one we have made will tell you how stiff or soft a shaft is compared to other shafts.

When you start to deal with this topic, you have to realize that the stiffness grades like Regular, Stiff, or X-Stiff have nothing to say at all. They just say that a shaft like the Nippon Modus 120 S will be softer than the Nippon Modus 120 X. However, the Modus 120 X will not automatically be stiffer than the KBS C-Taper 120 S. And the Modus 120 X is also significantly softer than the Modus 130 S. You should therefore immediately abandon the idea that the so-called flex makes the degree of stiffness comparable or objective in some way. That's why it doesn't make any sense to always use Regular Flex because you have always played Regular Flex. A different shaft in Stiff can still be softer and the right one.

Category 80-90mph clubhead speed with 6 iron

This category includes above average amateurs who hit their 6 iron between 155 and 170m and have a club head speed between 80 and 90mph. Please note that these are only approximate values.

The following shafts are suitable for such a player:

Here you can see, among other things, that graphite shafts or composite shafts are also included. The KBS TGI 80 is a relatively stiff graphite shaft and the Steelfiber shafts are also included in this category. The Steelfiber i95 Regular, for example, is stiffer than the Nippon Modus 120 Stiff - so much for graphite being automatically softer and Stiff stiffer than Regular...

What you should also take into account is that there are also light shafts like the Nippon NS Pro 950 S, which is the stiffest shaft in this category - well ahead of Modus 3 120 S. The NS Pro is definitely not a soft shaft, even if this is often believed.

The Shimada VWS 90 in Stiff is also one of the stiffest shafts in this category. You wouldn't think so, because many people assume that 90 also means 90g. However, this is not the case and the VWS 90 weighs 110g. You should not make the mistake of thinking it is a soft shaft. The Honma Vizard TR20 shafts are also in this category. The 85 S is comparable to a Modus 120 R, a Steelfiber 80 R and a Nippon NS Pro Neo 950 in R. The TR20 65 in S, on the other hand, is comparable to a NS Pro 850 R or Fujikura Pro 65 in R2. The regular version of the TR20 65 is correspondingly softer and is closer to 270 CPM. What is also noticeable at this point is that the Nippon Neo 950 is not significantly softer than the "normal" NS Pro variant. It is only slightly softer than the 1050 with the same flex. Again, don't make the mistake of thinking the 950 Neo is a much softer shaft. The profile is different. The Mitsubishi OTI shafts are carbon shafts with a wide range of stiffness. While the 105 X variant even falls into the category with over 310 CPM, the 95 S is more in line with the Vizard TR20 85 S or the Modus 105 in R. With the Modus 105, one must not make the mistake of thinking it is softer than the Modus 120. It merely plays in a different weight class, but the Modus 120 is and remains relatively soft for its weight. The Modus 105 in Regular is basically just as stiff as the Modus 120 in Stiff.

One thing that is striking about the Fujikura Pro shaft, for example, is that the stiffness is very constant across the weight classes. That is why, for example, the Pro 75 is just as stiff as the Pro 85 in Stiff.

Category 90mph+ club head speed with 6 iron

This category is for professionals and very good amateurs with high club head speed of well over 90mph - sometimes up to 100mph. The stiffest shafts in this category are actually among the stiffest available on the market. Longdrive Champions will also take these characteristics into consideration. But also players who hit their 6 iron 170m and further belong to this category and in this area there are a lot of high quality shafts:

The stiffest shafts are Nippon Modus 3 130 X and Dynamic Gold X100 X7.

You should know that Nippon Modus 120 is significantly softer than the 130 version - and by the way, it has a different shaft profile. Modus 120 X is not really stiff for an X-shaft and is, for example, softer than the KBS C-Taper Lite 110 S or Project X 6.0.

It is also softer than the Steelfiber i95 S - which should certainly surprise many. After all, the Steelfiber is a light shaft made of graphite and steel. It is extremely stiff for its category and you should never make the mistake of classifying it as soft because of its material and weight.

It is also interesting that the Project X LZ is much stiff than its big brother, Project X. The Project X LZ 6.5 is lighter but much stiffer than the Project X 7.0.

In the category around a CPM of 330 there are a lot of shafts that come into question like the stiffer Project X, KBS C-Taper, $-Taper and Dynamic Gold X100 Tour Issue.

KBS fans should know that the $-Taper and FLT versions are generally stiffer than the C-Taper.

More Categories to come in the future after more testing.

So how do you find the right shaft?

There are several factors that play a role. We already looked at one of them, the stiffness of the shaft. In addition, there is the bending profile, material and weight of the shaft:

• Shaft profile : The profile of a shaft indicates the areas of the shaft that are stiff or soft. The stiffness indicates the stiffness of the entire shaft, but not whether the shaft is stiff in the tip, middle or butt section. This question can only be answered by so-called EI profiles. This involves analysing how stiff a shaft is at each individual point. You can see, for example, that Modus 120 is stiffer in the area of the toe than a Steelfiber 95. Or where the kickpoint of the shaft is located - rather further up or down.
• Shaft material : Beside the "eternal fight" between graphite and steel, there is now another component, namely composites of steel and graphite like Steelfiber. It can be assumed that many more such shafts will be released in the future. Theoretically, they can combine the best of both worlds. A graphite shaft is basically lighter and able to dampen vibrations better.
• Shaft weight : The weight of a shaft influences both the total weight and the swing weight of the club. These aspects are especially important for special clubs, e.g. with thick grips, longer shafts, etc. Basically a professional fitter will be able to give you at least a guideline for the shaft weight.

Shaft profile: What distinguishes each shaft?

A fitting becomes really interesting when it comes to different shaft profiles. This aspect is very individual. While it can be said that xy mph club head speed requires a certain degree of stiffness, the shaft profile is mainly dependent on the swing. Especially at the transition from back and forward swing and also at the release, the profile plays a big role. But also for spin and launch.

Basically every shaft has a different profile. High-quality shafts are characterised by the fact that the profiles are also consistent. Imagine you have a shaft that has a different profile with a 5 iron than with a 9 iron. This is often the case with inferior shafts, but certainly not with the shafts that you find on ExactGolf and that appear in our overview.

With a fitting you take shafts with different profiles and see which one the player can handle best. It is all about how easy it is for him to "load" the club and whether it is "released" at the right moment.

Basically there are three tendencies here. Firstly, the shaft can be soft in the area of the tip - this makes the launch easier and feels correspondingly soft on the ball. The rest of the shaft, on the other hand, is stiff and gives stability, especially in the grip area.

Then there are shafts with a stiff tip and a soft grip area. Basically the tip is the softest point of the shaft. These shafts are nevertheless stiffer at this point than, for example, in the middle of the shaft. Players who want a low trajectory and maximum control are more likely to choose such a profile.

The compromise would then be a shaft that is relatively soft in the middle, but stiffer in the tip and grip area. Modus 120 is a typical example of this and is the reason why this shaft is so successful on the Tour and in amateur use.

It is difficult to give basic recommendations and the perfect shaft profile can only be found in a fitting and usually over longer playing periods. It can take years for a player to find the perfect profile. Therefore a player usually stays with it and remains consistent throughout the set.

Iron Shaft Weight Comparison

Iron shafts vary from about 35g to over 130g and that is of course an extremely wide range. While the really light shafts are only intended for ladies and senior players, the 130g shafts are only suitable for tour professionals. The principle of the shaft weight is one thing above all: it is about being able to accelerate the club optimally but also to control it. The shaft weight plays a big role here together with the swing weight. The wide range of weights allows clubmakers and fitters to be very flexible here. This means that it is quite possible to choose a light shaft with a stiff flex or a relatively heavy shaft with a soft flex.

Basically, carbon shafts tend to be lighter than steel, but can be built just as stiff - sometimes even stiffer. A carbon shaft therefore does not mean being flexible at the same time.

You can find the respective shaft weight in the charts above. It is important to know that a number like 80 always represents a "lower limit" and the actual weight is always slightly above this number, e.g. 83g. Furthermore, the Shimada VWS is a special case that is called 90 but has 110g.

In the following we would like to introduce a few special shafts that are interesting for certain areas of application:

- Steelfiber 95 : This shaft is relatively light with 95g, but very stiff. The stiff version can keep up with a 120g steel shaft. The good thing about such a shaft is that you can also build longer clubs with it without making the total and swing weight too heavy. Longer shafts are always softer than shorter shafts. So anyone who needs longer shafts and a certain stiffness without making the club too heavy is well served with such a shaft.

- Modus 120 : This shaft was originally designed for the seniors tour, but now it has found many successful players on all other tours of the world. It is relatively soft for its weight class. The Modus 120 X is hardly stiffer than the Modus 105 S and yet a good 10g heavier. This shaft is designed for players who prefer a little more weight without additional stiffness.

An important point about shaft weight is the following: The shaft weight has relatively little influence on the swing weight. 10g difference in the shaft makes - depending on the shaft profile - only little difference. Often the shaft weight is mainly about the total weight, which has to be right. E.g. with shorter clubs that must not become too light, or with longer clubs that must not become too heavy.

Modus 105 vs 120 vs 130

The Nippon Modus shafts are also very often used by us at ExactGolf and are becoming more and more popular in fittings. Many people think that Modus shafts are the same and only the weight differs. However, this could not be further from the truth!

Modus 105 - This shaft is more like the Nippon 950 in terms of shaft profile. It is quite stiff below the grip area, becomes just a tad softer in the middle area and a bit stiffer again at the tip. The profile is therefore relatively "classic" and, because the middle area is not too stiff, also quite stiff overall.

Modus 120 - This shaft is similar in principle, but much more extreme. This means that the middle section is extremely soft, which is why the overall stiffness is soft for a 110-120g shaft. There is hardly any other iron shaft that is as soft in the middle as the Modus 120. At the tip, the Modus 120 is much stiffer than the Modus 105.

Modus 130 - The Modus 130 is practically the complete opposite of the Modus 120, because it has an almost inverted profile. There is actually no shaft with a stiffer mid section than the Modus 130, which is why this shaft is also one of the stiffest overall - and although the tip area again becomes very soft - significantly stiffer than the Modus 105 or Modus 120.

In short, the Modus shafts are very different. The Modus 130 profile is absolutely unique and only intended for a very special type of player: players who have an extremely late release and need support for an earlier release and with launch. The Modus 120 profile, on the other hand, is now more widespread and can also be found, for example, in the popular Ventus Blue . The Modus 105 profile, on the other hand, is more classic - but you should also know that the shaft is quite stiff for this weight.

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KBS Tour 105 Shaft Review

Kbs tour 105 shaft.

Not all golf swings are created equal.  That’s a fancy way of saying, “we all swing the club differently.”  As such, a golf shaft will often feel and perform totally different between two different people.  Take, for instance, the KBS Tour iron shaft.  It’s one of the most popular aftermarket steel shafts in the game largely due to its feel.  The thing is, some players want that feel, but need a little less weight with more launch and spin.  KBS created a slightly lighter-weight version of the Tour shaft to promote a higher ball flight and higher spin rates .  That shaft is the KBS Tour 105.

How Does it Feel?

This statement is going to be pretty profound, but it’s totally true.  The KBS Tour 105 feels very similar to the standard Tour, but lighter.  There’s a great smooth feel like you’d expect from KBS with a gradual flex profile .  The profile is still somewhat firm with a stiffer tip section to maintain the Tour feel reputation.  It could just be my hands, but the 105 also felt a little more crisp to me as a result of the lighter weight.  The lighter weight also makes the shot feedback a little sharper.  There’s more response from the shaft to your hands, but little impact to the sting factor so your hands are nice and safe.

On-Course Performance

In terms of shot shaping and general control, the KBS Tour 105 performed very similar to the Tour.  I had a similar “built-in” draw and was able to manipulate my shot as necessary.   However, I had a very different launch and spin experience.  A good shot would leave the club face with a nice rising flight to a higher peak.  My launch angles were higher, but they weren’t over the top.   Rather than hitting balloons, the Tour 105 allowed me to play a strong flight but with a good rise and a soft landing.  Need to hood one and drive it low?  The Tour 105 will do it if you know how to hit that shot.

One thing I would feel remiss if I were to not mention it is tempo.  There are definite performance benefits to be had with a lighter weight shaft.  You can pick up swing speed, higher ball flights, maybe a more precise response, etc.  BUT, I generally find a lighter shaft is more dependent on just the right tempo.  With the Tour 105, every single bad shot could be traced to bad tempo in my swing.  Typically too aggressive.  As long as I had a nice smooth and easy tempo, I hit an excellent shot.  My point is you need to be aware of your tempo with these lighter shafts.  I believe a smoother tempo is the optimal player for this shaft.

Final Thoughts

The KBS Tour 105 really delivers exactly as advertised.  If I made a smooth-tempo swing, I had a strong rising ball flight with enough extra spin to keep the ball in the air and give me a soft landing at my target .  While this performance was quite a bit different for me than the KBS Tour, the Tour 105 is clearly closely related to the original Tour shaft.  In my opinion, the KBS Tour 105 is great for the player that likes the feel of the Tour but wants a little more carry and a higher ball flight .

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Would you consider this a high spinning shaft or a mud spinning? Thanks

100% depends on the player’s swing. If you’re a steep swinger with a lot of speed, it will absolutely spin a lot. If you are shallow with a positive angle of attack and lower speeds, you won’t see an over abundance of speed.

I use these shafts (reg) in my irons and I love them – wondering what kind of driver shaft set up I should use to get best match ? Cheers

That’s a tough one. The reality is that fitting your driver shaft to an iron comparison isn’t going to translate all that well so you really do need to test that independently. At least that’s my thought on it.

Hello and thanks for your article Bill I went after years in kbs 120 flt Stiff for 105 Tour lite S, that is a game changer, so easy to play, my GIR et my score became crazy, i have to share this to shaft’s seekers and… i have a question! The fact this shaft is so good for me can give a tendance in what kind of Drivers shaft can suit me? Is theire any logic to apply? Thanks a lot for your advice if you have time

I’m pretty of the mindset that it’s tough to say “if I hit X in my irons, then Y shaft would be good for my driver”. Chances are you move the clubs a good bit different and really should get fit just the same.

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Best Iron Shafts in 2021 Review

Iron Shafts 2021

Selecting the best iron shaft or iron–shaft combination for your game starts with knowing your game. The newest irons and shafts in 2021 are producing greater distance, forgiveness and accuracy for our customers because we properly tune the iron and shaft combination to your handicap and swing dynamics. We’ve put the newest iron shafts from Project X, True Temper, KBS, OBAN, Mitsubishi, Nippon and others through rigorous testing. Choose your handicap range or swing speed to see how each iron shaft stacks up: (Our More Popular Shafts are Highlighted in Red)

• Professionals/ low handicaps (6 iron distance is 200+ yards with swing speeds 90+ mph)

• low to mid-handicaps (6 iron distance 175 – 200 yards with swing speeds between 80-90 mph), • higher handicaps (6 iron distance 150 – 175 yards with swing speed less than 80 mph, • seniors, juniors, ladies (6 iron distance under 140 yards), if you want to find the best iron shafts for your swing, schedule your fitting here, our fitting difference.

We fit a LOT of different golfers every year for iron shafts. Our master insights come from shaft performance testing and player testing during thousands of fittings. Our fitting system recommendations include length of iron, shaft weight, shaft trajectory and spin profile, shaft flex, and swing weight. Our recommendations are also determined by a golfers physical characteristics (height, weight, wrist crease-to-floor), strength (distance), launch characteristics (actual and desired trajectory, spin, dispersion), and swing dynamics (tempo, transition and release point). Unfortunately, many fitters including your local pro shop do not take all these factors into account, nor do they have the selection of shafts, nor do they have the underlying performance data needed to correctly fit you. Learn more in our blog what happens when golf shafts are not properly fit to your swing.

Our 2021 Guide to the Best Iron Shafts

Professional or low handicaps (200+ yards with a 6 iron).

If your swing speed with a 6 iron is 90+ mph, you should be getting close to 200 yards of distance or more from your 6 iron. If you’re not seeing these distances or happy with the trajectory, schedule your Fitting Here  and we’ll get you dialed in with the best iron shaft or iron-shaft combination for your swing.

                                                    Shaft Weight   Trajectory      Spin

True Temper X7                  132gr                    Low             Low

Project X 6.0, 6.5, 7.0     120-130gr          Mid             Mid

Project X LS                           120-130gr        Low             Low

Project X LZ Steel 6.5      125gr                   Low-Mid      Low-Mid

Rifle 6.0 and 7.0             125-130gr               Mid              Mid

OBAN CT-125                     125gr                      Mid              Mid

OBAN CT-115                     115gr                      Mid              Mid

KBS C-Taper X                  120gr                Low-Mid       Low-Mid

KBS Tour V                       115-130gr         Low-Mid       Low-Mid

KBS $ Taper X                  130gr                      Mid               Mid

Nippon Modus 130      121 – 129gr        Low-Mid      Low-Mid

Nippon Modus 125       127 – 129gr        Low-Mid       Low-Mid

ACCRA TiMesh                  125gr                     Mid               Mid

Aerotech i110                     110gr                 Low-Mid       Low-Mid

Aerotech i125                    125gr                Low-Mid      Low-Mid

KBS TGI 100, 110          100-110                   Mid                 Mid

Mitsubishi MMT Taper  125gr                     Mid                 Mid

UST Recoil 110                   110                         Low-Mid   Low-Mid

Low to Mid Handicap Players (175 – 200 yards with a 6 iron)

If your swing speed with a 6 iron is between 83 – 90 mph, you should typically see between 175 – 200 yards of distance or more from your 6 iron.  For mid-handicappers, we often see a lot of variance in distances, especially when standard flex and even standard stiff flex shafts are used. Your shot dispersion can be less than 10 yards right to left and 7-10 yards front to back, ensuring you’re getting more greens in regulation.

                                                            Shaft Weight Trajectory         Spin

True Temper TI X100                128gr      Low-Mid        Low-Mid

True Temper DG 120                 120gr     Low-Mid         Low-Mid

True Temper AMT White  102-130gr Low-Mid          Low-Mid

OBAN CT 115                                 115gr           Mid                  Mid

Project X I/O                            105-115gr    Variable         Variable

Project X LZ Steel 6.0               120gr             Mid                  Mid

True Temper ELEVATE Tour   115-120gr Mid-High    Mid-High

True Temper ELEVATE ETS 115 115gr        Mid                 Mid

Project X Catalyst 100CW       100gr      Low-Mid          Low-Mid

Rifle 5.0 and 6.0                         115-125gr      Mid                  Mid

KBS $ Taper                               115-120gr        Mid                  Mid

KBS $ Taper Lite                      95-105gr     Mid-High       Mid-High

Nippon Modus 120                  111 -126gr       Mid                  Mid

ACCRA iSteel                                 115gr             Mid                  Mid

ACCRA I Series                         95-105gr    Low-Mid      Low-Mid

KBS TGI 90, 95                            90-95            Mid                    Mid

Xcaliber RT 95                                 96                    Mid                    Mid

Mid to High-Handicap Players (150-175 yards with a 6 iron)

If your swing speed with a 6 iron is less than 83 mph, you should expect between 150 – 175 yards of distance from your 6 iron. Shot trajectory can be extremely important here so that you can still get enough loft to stop the ball on the green without sacrificing distances or artificially creating excessive spin that costs you distance.

                                                              Shaft Weight    Trajectory        Spin

True Temper DG                       105-115gr        Low-Mid           Low-Mid

True Temper XP95                   93-95gr          Mid-High           Mid-High

True Temper ELEVATE 95    95-97gr             High                  High

OBAN CT 100                               100                   Mid-High           Mid-High

Project X I/O                             105-115gr          Variable         Variable

Project X LZ Steel 5.5               115gr              Mid                  Mid

Project X LZ Steel 5.0               110gr              Mid                  Mid

KBS C-Taper Lite                      100-110     Mid-High          Mid-High

KBS $-Taper Lite                        95-110      Mid-High          Mid-High

Xcaliber 85                                        86                   Mid                    Mid

Nippon Modus 105                      105                  Mid                      Mid

Project X Catalyst 80CW          85             Low-Mid          Low-Mid

Aerotech SteeFiber i90 FC    90gr         Variable         Variable

OBAN i83 and i93                    83-93gr     Mid-High          Mid-High

KBS TGI 80, 90                          80-90                  Mid                      Mid

ACCRA i80 and i90                 85-95gr              Mid                      Mid

Mitsubishi C6 80                      80-89gr              Mid-High             Mid-High

Nova Tech i800                        80-90 gr              Mid                      Mid

UST Recoil 780ES                 80-85gr             Mid-High          Mid-High

Xcaliber 75                                        76                    Mid                    Mid

Slower Swing Speeds (UNDER 115 yards with a 6 iron)

If your swing speed with a 6 iron is a bit slower, we’ve still got a perfect solution for you. From your swing and personal dynamics, the shaft we recommend and all the other parameters we ask in our fittings helps us optimize the shaft for your swing – no change to the swing and you get the perfect balance of distance, trajectory and spin.

                                                           Shaft Weight    Trajectory        Spin

Fujikura Vista Pro                   50-80gr          Mid-High          Mid-High

Xcaliber 75                                     76                    Mid                    Mid

UST Recoil DART                65-75gr         Mid-High          Mid-High

Aerotech SteelFiber i70FC  70-75gr       Mid-High          Mid-High

KBS TGI 50, 60. 70              50-70gr          Mid-High         Mid-High

KBS MAX Graphite              45-85gr          Mid-High        Mid-High

Mitsubishi  C6                        45-75gr          Mid-High             Mid-High

OBAN i43i-i73i                       43-74gr         Mid-High         Mid-High

Project X Catalyst 40-60  57-68gr         Mid-High        Mid-High

Project X CYPHER 40-60  52-74gr        Mid-High        Mid-High

Nova Tech  i700              70-75gr              Mid-High          Mid-High

Veylix 473, 673                50-65gr             Mid-High           Mid-High

To see our testing and review of the 2021 iron shafts, read more within each of our manufacturer’s blogs: Project X, True Temper, KBS, OBAN, Mitsubishi, Nippon.

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Which KBS iron shaft is best for you?

Published: 22 September 2022 Last updated: 17 January 2024

KBS iron shafts are for everyone from the world’s best golfers to slow-swinging amateurs, but which of their 14 models best suits you? Let us explain…

Golfers rarely give a second thought to which shafts are in a new set of irons . Yet, KBS believe 14 different models (all of which come in numerous weights and flexes) are needed to cover all types of players.

Technology has taught the brains behind KBS – Kim Braly, if he’s to fit hard-hitting tour pros alongside moderate speed, high handicap amateurs the brand needs a vast array of options. The thinking has led to the creation of 14 different steel and graphite KBS iron models.

EXPLAINED: How we test golf equipment

We don’t want to fit you for your perfect iron shaft. That should only ever be done with the help of a decent club fitter in the real world. But, to highlight how shaft technology helps you hit better iron shots more often we’ve taken a look at the full KBS line-up.

When buying your next set remember KBS shafts can change how a shaft feels, launches and spins, so you have the opportunity to choose your perfect ball flight and set-up. Here’s what you need to know about KBS iron shafts.

Players’ models  

Kbs c-taper iron shaft.

There are three-pillar players’ shafts within the KBS line-up and each differs by balance point. The Tour is stiffest in the grip section (for good feel) and it gives mid-launch and mid-spin. The C-Taper is stiffest in the tip section (close to the head) to give a stout and strong feel and deliver low launch with low spin. The S-Taper fits neatly between the pair.

C stands for Constant Taper, so the shaft has no steps, which allows the C-Taper to have a strong and stout feel. Typically the model suits stronger golfers, and players can expect a 5% lower ball flight than True Temper’s Dynamic Gold . Major winners Gary Woodland and Justin Rose have played the C-Taper as has Rickie Fowler .

KBS $-Taper iron shaft

All three KBS pillar players’ iron shafts come in the same five weights, so golfers get to choose based on the launch, spin, and ball flight desired for their own game.

Half flexes (R+ and S+) are brilliant for golfers that sit on the fence between two flexes. They alleviate decisions around whether to go regular flex for more distance or stiff for increased accuracy. The S-Taper (Subtle Taper) is midway between the C-Taper (lowest spin and launch) and Tour shaft (mid-spin and launch).

KBS Tour iron shaft

The Tour is Kim Braly’s signature shaft, it was the first KBS model and it’s the mothership of KBS. Thanks to not being overly strong the Tour can suit a wide audience of golfers. Its consistent step pattern is a good fit for smoother, less aggressive transition players.

Thanks to being a high balance point model (so weight is positioned closer to the grip), golfers get a slightly softer feel and good feedback at the top of the swing. A further Tour FLT (Flighted) shaft model launches long irons higher and short irons lower for a more optimised set.

RELATED: Which Taylo rMade iron suits me ?

How KBS players’ steel shafts differ in launch and spin

KBS Tour V iron shaft

KBS see the Tour V as an outlier shaft because the model is 10g lighter than the C-Taper, $-Taper, and Tour.

KBS Tour Rep Paul Steels says “the Tour V shaft is often a good fit for players who like the shot shape and flight of the C-Taper but want extra feel, as the C-Taper is just so boardy”.

KBS C-Taper Lite, $-Taper Lite, and Tour Lite iron shafts

There’s lots of misunderstanding around lighter iron shafts. But KBS say golfers should see their Lite models (which are 15g lighter than the standard models) as giving a little more launch and being easier to get airborne (than the 3 pillar models).

For players who don’t go at iron shots full tilt Lite models can be a really good option as club speeds increase and shots launch higher. Lite models and aging typically go hand-in-hand. If you happen to overload the shaft you’ll know because shots will start turning over left of the target (for a right-handed golfer).

Also, think about launch windows. A strong but very low launch player could see benefits by going Lite but in a strong flex to up launch and ball flight.  

RELATED: Should you play the KBS TD driver shaft?

KBS iron shaft swing speed recommendations

Average speed KBS iron shaft models

Kbs max and max ct80 iron shafts.

To ensure KBS have shafts to suit every golfer’s speed they produce ultralight Max and Max CT80 shafts as well. Both Max shafts are high-launch, high-spin models which help optimise ball flight for maximum carry distance at moderate speeds.

Remember it’s possible to be a fast but inconsistent high handicapper (in which case you’d be better suited to one of the KBS players’ shaft models), so think about shafts suiting speeds rather than ability. Thanks to their low kick point and high launch properties the Max shafts regularly make an appearance in stronger lofted irons (think TaylorMade Stealth and Callaway Big Bertha B21 ).

Typically high-speed players, irrespective of ability will not touch this product.

RELATED: Which Lamkin grip best suits your game?

There are junior options too   

To ensure golfers can go through their whole golfing career with a familiar KBS feel, the brand also produce two junior steel shafts (the 560 and 580). Both are designed to suit the speed of 8 – 11-year-old players.

Both shafts are lightened steel, so the weights are similar to lightweight graphite iron ranges. But, crucially golfers don’t get a heavy head feel which can cause issues when switching from graphite to steel once a child is a stronger teenager.   

When should you go graphite?

Graphite irons shafts are massively misunderstood in the modern game. Many people think they’re for older golfers and slower speed players, which just isn’t the case. Graphite irons shafts are easier on the body. They remove vibration, and can suit everyone from tour players to very moderate speed club golfers.

In typical KBS fashion, the brand make three graphite models (all are available in numerous weights and flexes), here’s what you need to know about them.

How KBS graphite iron shafts differ in launch and spin

KBS TGI – Tour Graphite Iron shaft

KBS specifically target a steel-like feel from their graphite shafts. They’ve done such a good job fulfilling their brief several tour players swear it’s not actually graphite. Thinking instead it’s a steel shaft painted black.

The TGI can be matched to golfers’ speeds (there are eight weights, so the model can suit from 57mph to 100mph speed players) in exactly the same way as the brand’s steel shafts. The TGI is the company’s lowest launching and spinning graphite iron shaft, it’s pretty strong and stout, so decent players often like it.

KBS PGI – Players Graphite Iron shaft

In developing their shafts KBS have undertaken masses of research, and they say when the flex isn’t disclosed golfers often prefer the feel of graphite over steel. Their advice is to play the flex you need. Don’t be tempted to go stiffer than necessary. And if you swing a 6-iron at 70mph play a shaft that performs at that speed.

The PGI was developed to bring a steel-like feel to graphite and it’s a step up from the lower launching and spinning TGI. The PGI is widely played on the LPGA Tour, it’s the brand’s mid-launch/mid-spin graphite iron shaft. Six weights mean the model can suit from 57mph to 94mph players.

KBS Max graphite iron shaft   

The Max graphite is the highest launching and spinning graphite iron shaft in the KBS line-up. It’s a model for golfers who really need help launching shots high into the air to maximise carry distance. Five weights mean the model can suit swing speeds from 51 to 82mph.

KBS graphite iron shaft swing speed recommendations

Get it right the first time

KBS reckon so long as golfers get fitted correctly the first time they can progress through KBS models throughout their playing career. It means, if like Gary Woodland you’re a C-Taper player or Cameron Smith a Tour shaft player you stay within that family but progress to lighter models as you age.

And to demonstrate how important finding the right family is KBS say to look at Adam Scott and Gary Woodland . Scott has been a Tour shaft player for years (think of his smooth, under-control swing) whereas Woodland is a big strong hitter of the ball, so he’s a C-Taper guy all day long. But, switch their clubs over and both would struggle to play, as they wouldn’t get the ball flight or shot window they’d be expecting.    

Don’t forget your wedges

Today KBS are a through-the-bag shaft company. They make shafts for drivers, fairways, hybrids, irons, wedges, and putters, so if you’re taking the time to get fitted don’t neglect how the company produce five different wedges shafts too.

KBS say the Hi-Rev wedge shaft has been designed from the Tour shaft profile. There’s a lengthened tip section to give a softer feel and generate extra spin. If you play the Tour shaft you’ll likely enjoy this wedge model too. The brand’s 610 wedge shaft was designed to complement the Tour V shaft.

Where C-Taper and S-Taper fans often run shafts from their irons through into the wedges, albeit at a slightly lighter weight as wedge shots are rarely hit full out.

Want more information about KBS iron shafts? Visit their website here   

How do KBS iron shafts compare in data?

Verdict: KBS iron shafts

Lots of people will look at our test pro’s data and think the shafts are performing very much alike. But the data says nothing about how different the shafts felt.

Comparing the C-Taper and S-Taper the data shows the pair as being pretty evenly matched but the difference in feel was phenomenal. So different in fact our test pro felt he just wouldn’t be able to use the C-Taper effectively on the golf course (as it’s so strong). Where the $-Taper felt brilliant and could well be his perfect match within the KBS family.

The Lite shafts produced a faster ball speed, just as KBS promised and the C-Taper Lite in particular launched and flighted shots higher with a steeper descent angle, so there’s a huge amount of tuning in ball flight and feel available from shafts.

Just as KBS promised the TGI graphite shaft produced some very good optimal numbers too, they’d be a very sensible choice for golfers looking to avoid the shock and vibration of using steel shafts. Equally the Max graphite climbed to its peak height very early in its flight, which at lower speeds will be a real benefit in maximising carry distance.   

At the end of the day, KBS are all about the consumer. You get what you want, whether that be higher or lower launching, more or less spin, or a different feel, everything is on offer within the KBS iron family. Our test pro liked the $-Taper for his own game as it didn’t feel too strong, yet it felt stable and produced a good feel through the hands, and he had control over his ball flight.

KBS Founder Kim Braly on a life spend designing golf shafts

Many golfers won’t know the name Kim Braly, but the guy is a shaft legend. He has dedicated his life to creating the highest performance shafts you can buy, and we sat down with him. 

How have shafts evolved over the last 150 years?

A hundred of those years were dominated by hickory shafts. Steel shafts didn’t come about until the 1930s. My father patented “Frequency Matching” (in the 1980s) which has been the biggest breakthrough during my lifetime. Until then there were no standards; the method gave a baseline to compare and match shafts. Everything I’ve achieved since is down to the Frequency Matching method he invented.

How did the Frequency Matching idea come about?

We made titanium irons with tungsten weights and wanted to see how different set-ups affected performance. We organised a golf robot, and tried two identical set ups, yet the results were entirely different. We started questioning if shafts might not be matched. My dad developed Frequency Matching as a way to compare and match (for flex, weight, profile through CPM, cycles per minute) shafts to one another. The process hasn’t changed for 30 years.

You developed the Rifle and Project X shafts which are still popular; what was different about them?

No set of shafts had been designed individually for each club until then. They were a breakthrough. We’d follow the PGA Tour (at a time when there were no tour vans) and explain to players about matching their irons. We could match a whole set to the club they felt most comfortable and confident with. We were custom fitting without really knowing it.

I’m also proud of what we’ve achieved at KBS over the last 10-12 years. If we aren’t the leaders in shaft technology I really don’t know who is.

What was the players’ reaction?

They were super interested. We had lines of people wanting to understand how shafts affected performance. We learned all sorts. In relation to frequency the lightest shaft in the bag (the driver) will be the stiffest. The weakest shaft should be in the lob wedge, as there’s lots of shots hit less than full out, and a fraction weaker shaft allows you to know where the head is.

Today, the correct fit for players is often a flex and a half stiffer than we recommended 15 years ago. At the start we were a couple of guys just trying to understand. It wasn’t about marketing; we had our mathematical theory and we wanted to understand if it worked in practice.

How have launch monitors affected modern shaft fittings?

They’re one of the best things to have happened to golf. Launch monitors have helped people understand ball flight, spin, height and launch. Every shaft I’ve ever designed has been designed with a type of player in mind.

Each KBS shaft fits into a matrix, we’ve worked on them one at a time, and the line-up is nearly 100% complete.

Where do you start designing new shafts? Is it an idea from you, or a request from a player?

We have ideas, but they have to work in practice. In golf “feel” is a huge thing. If the feel is wrong products go nowhere. I’ve enjoyed dialling in the KBS Tour Lite (steel) and KBS PGI (Players’ Graphite Iron shaft) to be “everyman” golf shafts over the last two years.

They work at specific swing speed ranges, and thanks to our options we can optimise launch and spin for golfers swinging 6-iron in the region of 80mph.

You’ve worked on a bunch of top performing shafts, but which are you most proud of?

The Precision Rifle put me on the map, set up my career and I learned loads from it. The first KBS Tour shaft was a really big deal, too. It’s the foundation stone of every other KBS shaft, where all our other current shafts start. I’m awfully proud of it. 

Have you hit hickory shafts? How different are they to today’s models?

The last two tournaments I’ve played have been hickory challenges. Hickory weighs a ton (they’re 180g in a 6-iron), they’re really stiff but the torque is unreal. You can literally twist the head in your hand. Wood is strong in one direction – the one it’s grown in – which is up and down the shaft.

Will graphite shafts ever be the norm through the bag?

I’ve heard so many times how graphite represents the future. In terms of iron shafts steel is still a great material. The reason graphite became popular is its strength to weight ratio. It’s possible to make a 45in driver shaft at a “normal” swingweight.

You just can’t do that with steel, but you don’t need that as much in irons. Steel isn’t going away.    

KBS make 16 different iron shafts; why so many?   

Each of our profiles do different things. You may have the tendency to hit the ball low, so we have shafts designed to spin more and have a higher trajectory, and vice-versa.

For every 2.5mph of club speed change golfers need a different shaft flex, and that’s why we make half flexes. There’s also feel to consider. In our KBS Tour franchise we go from 130g to 90g in 5g increments (nine different weights), so golfers get what they need.

Whereas in a traditional three flex line-up (R, S, X) golfers get pushed into the best option available. KBS have a reputation for making good feeling shafts because golfers get shafts with the correct load at impact, which naturally feels good. Everything really does come back to fitting.

READ NEXT: Best 2022 Iron Test

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KBS Tour 120 Shaft Review – Specs, Flex, Weight

Your driver sets the tone for each hole you play; but it’s your irons that typically get you to the pin.

And if you’re using the wrong shaft on your irons, you’ll be left floundering on the fairway. For stronger swingers that demand both precision and smooth feel, KBS offers the KBS Tour 120.

The KBS Tour 120 sits in the middle-ground between the heaviest and lightest KBS Tour shafts. These are steel iron shafts with a mid kick point that you can actually feel. But who should be gaming the KBS Tour 120 shafts? Are they the shafts you need to  land more GIRs? Let’s talk about it?

KBS Tour 120 Shaft Overview

As far as looks goes, KBS keeps things very simple with all their shafts.

The KBS Tour 120 has modest polished chrome finish with black lettering on a black background in the middle of the shaft. The KBS Tour series is known for offering players a smooth feel without sacrificing stability – and the KBS Tour 120 is no exception.

When you load up on these shafts, you get an active release that you can feel. But you never get the feeling that the club head is out of control. Instead, you get a smooth release even when you really load up on the shaft.

A lot of people tend to compare the KBS Tour series to True Temper’s Dynamic Gold series of shafts. But from our experience, the KBS Tour 120 yields a higher launch and is more congenial for players who have a sweeping swing. So the KBS Tour 120 is better for us mortals.

Why is the KBS Tour 120 So Popular?

Probably because of exposure.

The KBS Tour series of shafts are gamed by some of the highest-profile players in golf. But beyond that, the KBS Tour 120 is a great middle-weight option if you are looking for better stability from your irons.

How Does the KBS Tour 120 Perform?

One thing that we really liked about the KBS Tour 120 was that we were never afraid to unleash a 110% swing.

The KBS Tour 120 is stout enough to let you swing above yourself but it never feels noodly in the hands. The transition is very smooth with a mid kick point.

The launch is mid-high and the spin rates are average as well. The KBS Tour 120 also works with the player very well. We got the sense that the shaft was doing more than its fair share of the work, meaning that the energy transfer felt very efficient. Our testers were getting very good club head speed with these shafts and we believe it’s because of the active release.

Distance increases were notable as well. We were averaging 160.3 yards with our 4-irons equipped with the KBS Tour 120. Part of what makes the KBS Tour 120 still feel so stable is the stiffer tip section. All the action is in the middle and the tip stays stout on the release.

KBS Tour 120 Shaft Specs

What flexes are available what swing speeds do they suit.

We tested the KBS Tour 120 specifically and the 120 gram version only comes in stiff flex.

That being said, the KBS Tour 120 was versatile and played well for almost all of our testers. If you’re swinging your 4-iron above 90 MPH, you should do well with the KBS Tour 120.

What Weights Are Available? What Swing Speeds Do They Suit?

Again, the KBS Tour 120 specifically is only available in a 120 gram version.

If you have an average iron swing speed, you should have no problem with this shaft. Even some of our testers who swing their 4-iron under 90 MPH were still getting good distance and feel from the KBS Tour 120.

Why is it So Good?

The answer to this question is surely subjective but for us, the KBS Tour 120 performs well because it’s stable and consistent.

Whether you’re really leaning into your swing or chipping the ball in from close range, you can expect stable and straight flight with this shaft.

KBS Tour 120 First Impressions

After our first few swings with the KBS Tour 120, we were impressed with the active feel.

The more we swang, the more we realized that this shaft is not likely to ever be erratic. After just a few swings, you learn exactly what to expect from it.

Key Features & Performance

KBS doesn’t offer much insight as to what goes into the manufacturing process for the KBS Tour 120.

But to be honest, we don’t really care. What matters is that the KBS Tour 120 offers a controlled launch, straight ball flight and is excellent for players who tend to hit the ball low.

KBS Tour 120 Irons Review

The KBS Tour 120 is consistent no matter what your lie is like. It won’t make your irons ridiculously heavy; but it will likely add some stability. If you want to swap your graphite iron shafts for steel ones, the KBS Tour 120 is a good choice because the transition will be less jarring for you.

KBS Tour 120 Wedges Review

We were very impressed how the KBS Tour 120 shaft performed from the sand. It feels stable even if you chunk. You’re still able to make good contact and your ball flight will be more stable with these shafts.

KBS Tour 120 Pros & Cons

• Good for a variety of swing speeds
• Not too heavy
• Mid kick point
• Smooth release
• Not great if you need higher launch
• Relatively high spin in the long irons

Overall Score: 95/100

Check out more reviews here:.

Who Should Buy it?

The KBS Tour 120 would be a great choice for mid to high handicappers or anyone looking to make the jump from graphite to steel iron shafts.

They are also great if you tend to hit the ball low.

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Aidan Lehane here, I’m a Mid-low handicap golfer who has made tremendous progress in breaking 90 in just over 1 year of playing golf seriously.

I get out to the course or range as often as possible and review all the equipment I’ve come across on this blog.

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• WRX Club Techs

KBS Tour vs Nippon Modus 3

By tomg1969 February 19, 2012 in WRX Club Techs

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I've been playing KBS Tour for a couple years and really like them. Feel is good, dispersion is good. Spin and launch are right for me and I really have no complaints. I also hit the KBS Tour 90's recently at an outdoor fitting with the cushin insert (adds 10 grams) and was pleasantly surprised.

I just picked up a set of irons that have Nippon Modus 3 shafts in them and was wondering if anyone has experience with both the KBS Tours and the Modus 3 that could compare them.

Obviously my results will probably be different than yours, but I'm interested in hearing some opinions.

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• Created 12 yr
• Last Reply 3 yr

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tomg1969 3 posts

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Crazy 8 1 post

Feb 20 2012

Jul 24 2012

Jul 23 2012

Has anyone compared these two?

GOLFNOLOGIST

I have played both shafts and the modus 3 gives me better feel although it is heavier. At play, it feels the same as KBS tour in weight. Because Modus 3 has softer butt than tip, the feel is great fro me. In fact, I get better distance than KBS tour.

I hit both on a trackman a couple of days ago. The Nippon was higher launching. Comparable spin. The Nippon also felt a bit softer. Hope this helps a little

Swoosh-Thud

Nippon is softer, a much better feel and has a better flight. The KBS spin too much, esp. into the wind. Modus 3 are better wind shafts- penetrate through the wind. KBS don't.

JBeam ZY-11 10* Basileus Alpha S / Crazy 435ii 10.5* Basileus AAA X Tour Issue TM Superfast 2.0 TP 13.5* & 18* UST VTS SIlver 7S Apex Pro Recoil 95 R // Steelhead XR Pro Recoil ES 760 Vega VM06 50 - 54 - 58 Shimada W Slighter Auburn

Thanks for the help guys. Seems like you all pretty much agree that the Modus 3's are pretty damn good. I love a soft feel with my iron shafts and would really like t see better performance into the wind. KBS Tours struggle for me when it gets too gusty. Can't wait till they get here so that I can give them a whirl!

• 2 weeks later...

I just switched from KBS tours in my R9TP irons to Modus3 in the new Ping i20's, both stiff flex. I understood that the Modus 3 was slightly lighter than the KBS tour? Feels softer and lighter to me.

Cobra F9 Speedback (Avalanche) driver 10.5* - Hzrdus Smoke Black 60, Stiff Cobra F9 Speedback (Avalanche) fairway 3/4 - Hzrdus Smoke Black 70, Stiff Mizuno CLK hybrids 16* (2) & 19* (3) degree - Fujikura Speeder Evo 75 HB, Stiff Mizuno MP18 Fli-Hi 4 & 5 iron - KBS Tour C-Taper Lite, Stiff Mizuno MP18 (MB) 6-PW irons - KBS Tour C-Taper Lite, Stiff Mizuno S18 wedge SATIN - 52* 09 - KBS Tour C-Taper Lite, Stiff Mizuno S18 wedge BLACK - 58* 04 - KBS Hi-Rev 2.0, Stiff Golf Pride Multi-Compound MMC PLUS 4 grips on all Seemore Si2 Putter - Superstroke Flatso 2.0 Scotty Cameron Newport 2.6 Black (1 of 500 editions)

[quote name='Crazy 8' timestamp='1330622003' post='4411453'] I just switched from KBS tours in my R9TP irons to Modus3 in the new Ping i20's, both stiff flex. I understood that the Modus 3 was slightly lighter than the KBS tour? Feels softer and lighter to me. [/quote] My swing speed is 89-93 mph with 6 iron, and I knock the snot out of the modus. On trackman, I get better numbers with this shaft than any other (spin around 5600, launch around 16, landing averaging 50, and carry 188-191). Feel takes some getting use to, but, dispersion is solid. Had to increase swingweight in order to get the feel I needed to consistently make great contact, otherwise it would be too light for me.

Have played KBS Tours before in a set of AP2's and they were quite nice shafts but currently have Modus 3 soft stepped once in a new set of ping i20 irons (built with a swing-weight of D2). I think the Modus 3 have a stiffer tip section but feel smoother due to the softer butt section. I've only hit them at the range as it's still to cold in the north east of scotland to play. However, the other day I hit about 20 shots with the 8 iron and was carrying 160yds - dispersion was within a couple of feet of each other! For me the modus 3 have a tighter dispersion, are a club longer and I prefer the feel.

[quote name='300Drive' timestamp='1331139135' post='4455501'] [quote name='Crazy 8' timestamp='1330622003' post='4411453'] I just switched from KBS tours in my R9TP irons to Modus3 in the new Ping i20's, both stiff flex. I understood that the Modus 3 was slightly lighter than the KBS tour? Feels softer and lighter to me. [/quote] My swing speed is 89-93 mph with 6 iron, and I knock the snot out of the modus. On trackman, I get better numbers with this shaft than any other (spin around 5600, launch around 16, landing averaging 50, and carry 188-191). Feel takes some getting use to, but, dispersion is solid. Had to increase swingweight in order to get the feel I needed to consistently make great contact, otherwise it would be too light for me. [/quote] I am around the same SS with 6-iron. Which flex are you using in the Modus?

919THI 11.5° / 1° open 929hs 20° / dead square 775hs 21° & 24° & 27° Mizuno JPX 800 Pro 6-pw MP-T11 50° & 55° / MPT4 61° Ping Sydney 33"

My irons are being built with the modus 3 right now! Numbers were great during the fitting. Looking forward to getting them back in the next couple of days and getting them dialed in and then out on the course

Modus 3, they're bada$$...

Callaway Rogue Driver with Evenflow Shaft Callaway Rogue 3 Wood TMade P790 2 Driving Iron Callaway Epic Pro Irons 4 - PW with Aerotech Shafts Vokey SM6 -- 56 and 60 Degree Custom Toulon

[quote name='geeza_1' timestamp='1331286096' post='4468221'] [quote name='300Drive' timestamp='1331139135' post='4455501'] [quote name='Crazy 8' timestamp='1330622003' post='4411453'] I just switched from KBS tours in my R9TP irons to Modus3 in the new Ping i20's, both stiff flex. I understood that the Modus 3 was slightly lighter than the KBS tour? Feels softer and lighter to me. [/quote] My swing speed is 89-93 mph with 6 iron, and I knock the snot out of the modus. On trackman, I get better numbers with this shaft than any other (spin around 5600, launch around 16, landing averaging 50, and carry 188-191). Feel takes some getting use to, but, dispersion is solid. Had to increase swingweight in order to get the feel I needed to consistently make great contact, otherwise it would be too light for me. [/quote] I am around the same SS with 6-iron. Which flex are you using in the Modus? [/quote] Stiff flex. If I were you, i'd demo an X if possible. "I believe" the X would fit even better, BUT, its just a supposition (he didnt have an X to demo). The results (dispersion, spin, launch, carry) with the S are wonderful.

• 4 months later...

Modus 3 stiff plays 5.5, x stiff plays 6.5 I just got a 712 cb set with Modus stiff, Club heads play a little too difficult for my game, switching back to my onoff forged.

This shaft is starting to sound like a winner to me, been looking for something with similar launch/fel to the KBS tour but with lower spin.

Driver = Callaway Smoke-Ai Max-D 

3 wood = Callaway Smoke-Ai Max HL

3 Hybrid = Tour Edge Exotics C722 Irons = 4-PW Miura KM 700 Gap Wedge = Miura HB 50*

Sand Wedge = Taylormade MG2 56*

Putter = LAB DF3

Ball = TP5x pix

Is a hardstepped Modus Pro Stiff closer to a KBS Tour Stiff? I read from a previous post that the S is a 5.5 vs. 6.0 in the KBS Tour. I'm thinking that this would be a great shaft in a 712 AP2 3 iron to replace my i10 with an AWT R. Currently choosing between a KBS Tour S, Project X PXi 5.5/6.0 and this.

I know this is alittle off topic, but does anyone have experience comparing the Modus3 with the Super Peening Blue? I am trying to decide for my next set. I am going to test both on the launch monitor, but wanted to see if anyone has experience with both of these?

LEFT HANDED

Titleist TSR3 with Metaflex 5H shaft (currently testing the Proxima 6 stiff shaft) Titleist TSR2 16.5 degree fwy with Ventus Red 7 stiff shaft Ping G430 19 and 22 degree hybrids with Ventus Blue HB 8 stiff shaft Srixon ZX7 mkii 5-PW with Fuji Axiom 105 stiff shafts

Titleist SM9 50F, 54D, 58T wedge with Fuji Axiom 105 stiff shafts L.A.B. MEZZ Max putter with LAGP putter shaft

Mob, I've hit both. The spb were lower launch lower spin for me by a little, but didn't offer the feel that the Modus3 had. I play a Modus3 in an X, and love them.

Thanks. Looking forward to trying both.

How would the Modus3 in X compare in FEEL to DG X100? ... Im after a lighter weight X flex that has the FEEL of an S300 but the PERFORMANCE of an X. = lower launch, lower spin, tighter dispersion. SS 96mph 6 iron.

Titleist 915 D2 8.5* - Aldila Rogue Black 6-TX Titleist 915F 16.5 - Aldila Tour Green 7X Titleist 816 H1 19* - Motore Speeder 8.8X Titleist 716 AP2 4-9 - Project X 6.5 SM6 46.08 F Grind - S300 SM6 50.08 F Grind - S300 SM6 54.10 S Grind - S300 SM6 58.12 K Grind - S200 Nike Method 006 Proto ProV1x 16'

• 5 months later...

Well ive had my modus3 in my mp63 for about 1 month now and WOW! I was previously using Adams A4 with kbs but these shafts are so much nicer. Feel alot more solid and certainly great into the wind. I have gained more than half a club moving to these even though mynlofts are weaker. Flight is lower with the modus and longer. (I demoed a 63 with kbs stiff against my modus with 63) Certainly a fan.

I have KBS tour stiff in my irons other than the 2 iron, which I have modus 3 x flex. For me the kbs launch much higher and are effected by the wind than the modus. The modus does have a softer butt, with an odd (at least for me) feel during the downswing, but I have yet to hit a bad approach into par 5s with the modus. Very nice dispersion. I have been contemplating changing out the rest of my irons to modus or x100. So a comparison between those would be cool.

• 4 years later...

RobotDoctor

Any recent accounts regarding these two shafts? Thanks in advance.

Driver:   TaylorMade 300 Mini 11.5 ° (10.2°), Fujikura Ventus Blue 5S Velocore

3W:     TaylorMade M4 15 °,  Graphite Design Tour AD DI 7S

Hybrid:   TaylorMade Sim2 2 Iron Hybrid 17 °, Mitsubishi Tensai AV Raw Blue 80 stiff

Irons:   Mizuno Pro 223 4-PW , Nippon Modus3 Tour 120 stiff

GW / SW: Mizuno T-22, 52° (bent to 50 ° )/  56° (bent to 54 ° ) , True Temper S400

LW:   Scratch Golf 1018 forged 58° DS , Nippon Modus3 Tour 120 stiff

Putter:   Byron Morgan Epic Day custom, Salty MidPlus cork grip

Grips:  BestGrips Augusta Microperf leather slip on

Feel pretty similar to me...modus does go through wind easier, better or lower whatever tou wanna call it.....modus flight ball bit low ....though havent tried 130 yet in proper flex......

Seems like nothing really alters my ballflight a great great deal....bit here and there.....hit ball low so any height I can get is good......

After going thru just bout every shaft last year trying to find "perfect weight and feel" I am off the lightweight kick.....back to TT DG for me, they feel the best and have some heft....ydg numbers seem to be most consistent on course as well....

Kinda funny to go full circle and end up with plain ol std shafts.....

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