KBS Max Steel 85 Stiff Vs Regular Comparison Overview

The KBS Max Steel 85 is a combination shaft which means that it can be trimmed to different flexes while maintaining a weight of 85g.

The advantage of this design is that if you’re used to an 85g iron shaft, you can adjust the flex to something that suits your evolving swing without having to get used to a heavier or lighter shaft.

But flex does make a difference. I tested the KBS Max Steel 85 in both regular and stiff flex and in the following comparison overview, I will be telling you about the subtle differences and who each flex is for.

KBS Max Steel 85 Regular Shaft Overview

“The KBS Max Steel 85 is generally a very lightweight iron shaft.”

In regular flex it almost feels a bit whippy but I never got the sense that it was out of control.

Instead, it flexes high in the midsection and recovers very quickly. I felt the club head accelerate through the ball which produced really good ball speed.

But that ball speed didn’t have as much of a positive impact on distance as I was expecting. My average carry with the 7-iron was 151.3 yards.

I think what was keeping the ball speed from doing its thing were the steep launch angles and the relatively high spin rates.

KBS Max Steel 85 Stiff Shaft Overview

“The KBS Max Steel 85 in stiff flex felt and performed a little better for me.”

I still struggled a bit because this is a much lighter shaft than I use on my gamer irons; but the launch angles came down a bit and I had a better sense of control over the shaft.

The acceleration through the ball was still high; but I was better able to control the club head path and achieve the correct face angle.

As a result, my dispersion was tighter and I gained 4-5 yards of carry over the KBS Max Steel 85 in regular flex.

The difference in feel between regular and stiff is considerable and I think most players would perefer stiff flex.

“Even if you don’t usually game stiff flex iron shafts, I would still recommend trying the KBS Max Steel 85 in stiff flex.

It’s still a lightweight, fast shaft that can help increase your swing speed. Plus it offers better stability and accuracy than the regular flex version without being any heavier.”