KBS Tour Lite Stiff Vs KBS Tour Stiff: Choose The Right Shaft Based On Launch Monitor & On-Course Data

While the original KBS Tour shaft fits both avid players and amateurs, its mid-launch and strong profile isn’t for everyone. To serve slow swingers who want a more workable shaft, KBS launched the lightweight KBS Tour Lite line.

If you prefer a stiffer shaft, here are the differences you should consider while choosing the right shaft:

Overall, both shafts deliver great performances but appeal to different groups of golfers.

KBS Tour Stiff Shaft Specifications

• Weight: 130g
• Suitable Swing Speed: 85 to 90 mph
• Length: 36 to 43.5 inches
• Butt Section: .600 inch
• Tip Section: .370 inch
• Trajectory and Spin: Mid-High
• Kick Point: Mid

KBS Tour Lite Stiff Shaft Specifications

• Weight: 100g
• Suitable Swing Speed: 77 to 92 mph
• Length: 37 to 40.5 inches
• Tip Section: .355 inch
• Butt Section: .600 inch
• Trajectory and Spin: High
• Kick Point: Mid

Testing the KBS Tour Lite Stiff and KBS Tour Stiff Shafts

For my performance review, I’ve hit 20 shots with each shaft. I used the Mizuno JPX921 irons and Titleist Pro V1 balls during my testing.

As a mid-handicapper with an 82 mph swing speed, I found both shafts suitable for my swing speed and style. While the KBS Tour was more flexible and stable, the KBS Tour Lite was easier to swing and generated more speed.

To provide you with an all-around review, I’ve collected both launch monitor and on-course data. Both shafts offer a tight dispersion, flat trajectory, and smooth feel.

What Are the Big Differences Between the KBS Tour Lite Stiff and KBS Tour Stiff Shafts?

The reason why the two shafts have different feel and performance is their weight differences. KBS Tour Lite features a slimmer profile and 20℅ lower weight when compared to the Tour version. Here’s my ultimate comparison and rating for the two shafts:

Weight and Playability

As the Lite shaft is 30g lighter than the Tour version, it’s easier to swing with less effort. If you find it difficult to swing at your preferred speed and angle, the Lite will help you improve your game.

Moreover, golfers who struggle to get the ball in the air will also find it extremely handy. While the Tour shaft is firm, it takes some expertise to swing it at the right launch angle. Hence, it’s better suited for the pros.

Winner: KBS Tour Lite

Feel and Stability

Thanks to its firm construction and weighted core, the KBS Tour offers a better grip and feels more stable in hand compared to the Lite version. It has a crisper and more traditional feel.

The added weight provides a more solid connection between the clubhead and your hands at impact. On the other hand, the Lite shaft has a softer feel and it bends more at impact.

If you have an aggressive tempo and high swing speed, the increased rotation of the club head will reduce your control over the shots.

Winner: KBS Tour

Trajectory and Ball Spin

KBS designed the Lite shaft to promote a higher launch angle. Therefore, the club head delivers more loft to the ball at impact.

As the higher launch angle allows the ball to spend more time in the air, it gives the backspin more time to take effect. The KBS Tour follows a lower and more penetrating trajectory.

It has the stiffest grip section, allowing the club head to bend and deliver less loft to the ball. With its mid-launch profile, the KBS Tour reduces the amount of backspin imparted.

Winner: KBS Tour Lite (Personal Preference)

Ball Speed and Distance

When it comes to ball speed and distance, the lightweight KBS Tour Lite Stiff has a clear edge over the KBS Tour Stiff. The lighter shaft whips back straighter and faster at impact to transfer more energy to the ball and increase speed.

According to KBS, you get an average of 9% more distance with Tour Lite. During my testing, the Lite delivered 3 yards of extra carry distance on average.

With the KBS Tour, you generate a slightly slower swing speed, resulting in lower ball speed and less distance. However, the difference in speed was no more than 3 mph on the course.

Winner: KBS Tour Lite

Control and Accuracy

The KBS Tour stiff shaft minimizes excessive clubhead face rotation at impact. As a result, it offers more consistent ball flight and straighter shots.

Most of my shots were straight and I could launch the ball at my preferred angles. It will help you take care of unwanted deviations like hooks and slices.

While not as accurate, the Tour Lite also offers a great balance of feel and control. For slow swingers, it works great for shot shaping.

Winner: KBS Tour

READ: Kbs Tour Lite Vs Dynamic Gold 105 Shafts Face-Off [2024!]

KBS Tour Lite Stiff Shaft At a Glance

Pros

• Lightweight, faster swing speed and ball speed for most players
• High launch and ball spin
• Soft feel and increased carry distance
• Great balance of playability and control

Cons

• Less stable for aggressive tempos

KBS Tour Stiff Shaft At a Glance

Pros

• Better control and accuracy
• Solid feel; doesn’t rotate at impact
• Decreases ballooning and excessive ball movement on the green
• Mid to high launch and mid-spin profile

Cons

• Slightly less distance and speed

Our Verdict on KBS Tour Lite Stiff Vs KBS Tour Stiff

Depending on my swing speed (82 mph) and preferred ball flights, I liked the KBS Tour Lite stiff shaft more. This fast and smooth shaft makes it easier to launch the ball high and control your shots.

However, if you have higher swing speed (over 90 mph), the Lite version will create draws and hooks. Therefore, for more aggressive players who want more control and less spin, I recommend the KBS Tour stiff shaft instead.

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