KBS Tour FST Shaft Review – Specs, Flex Weight
Everyone wants to be able to game the same shafts they see the pros use.
That’s why a lot of players tend to gravitate towards KBS shafts. KBS is one of the leading shaft manufacturers in the world because their shafts are tour-proven.
They are known for affording the player maximum control and accuracy.
But let’s face it. Not all of us swing our irons like the pros. You have to really be aware of the type of player you are if you want to lower your score.
To that end, KBS does make shafts for us mortals. Case in point: the KBS Tour FST shaft.
Today we will be taking a look at the KBS Tour FST and letting you know who should be gaming it.
KBS Tour FST Shaft Overview
The whole point of the KBS Tour FST shaft is to help slower swingers transfer maximum energy from their swing to the ball.
The KBS Tour FST shaft comes in both relatively light and heavyweight versions so any kind of player should be able to find the right fit.
We really liked the looks of the KBS Tour FST shaft. It distinguishes itself with a black nickel finish which to us, looks more like gunmetal.
It still bears the classic “KBS” lettering in red and black in a block in the middle of the shaft.
So right away, you can tell that this is a KBS shaft; but you can also tell that there is something different about it.
The KBS Tour FST is also a low torque shaft. Despite weight savings in the steps, the KBS Tour FST resists twisting and warping very well.
So you still get that smooth, stable KBS feel from a more accessible steel iron shaft. When we tested the KBS Tour FST, we noticed very little activity.
However, the reaction that was present revealed itself in the mid/low section of the shaft.
If you are not a fan of whippy shafts and need more stability as you load up on the shaft, the KBS Tour FST is certainly worth a look.
Why is the KBS Tour FST So Popular?
We can think of a few reasons why this shaft is a hit among amateur players but for us, the KBS Tour FST was a hit because it offers classic KBS feel.
While it can be said that the KBS Tour FST is a stout shaft, it never feels boardy. Even in the stiffest flex, you get a smooth transition that you feel you can work with.
How Does the KBS Tour FST Shaft Perform?
It’s odd, but we would say that the KBS Tour FST shaft feels active without actually being active.
What we mean is that when we tested it, we noticed that it felt light in the hands and while it doesn’t bend much, you feel like all of your swing energy is getting through to the ball.
This shaft just sort of begs to be swung.
The KBS Tour FST naturally produces a mid launch window and it’s very easy to get a beautiful baby draw out of it.
It was producing spin rates just under the 7,000 RPM threshold with our 7-iron so the spin is relatively low.
We’re not going to lie, you still need a moderate swing speed in order to get optimal distance from this shaft. We’re talking at least 85 MPH with your 7-iron.
But if you can manage that, the KBS Tour FST will reward you with improved accuracy, smooth feel and a considerable distance boost.
For instance, our testers were averaging a distance of 156.1 yards (7-iron) after three swings with the KBS Tour FST.
The KBS Tour FST also helped us thread the needle beautifully on narrow fairways and allowed us to work the ball masterfully around the pin.
KBS Tour FST Shaft Specs
Specs | KBS Tour FST |
Available flexes | Regular, stiff, extra stiff |
Weight | 110g, 120g, 130g |
Tip | .355” |
Butt | .600” |
Length | 37.5” – 41.5” |
What Flexes Are Available? What Swing Speeds Do They Suit?
For moderate swing speed players (85 – 90 MPH) the regular or stiff flex would likely work well.
For faster swingers (90+ MPH) we would recommend the extra stiff flex.
What Weights Are Available? What Swing Speeds Do They Suit?
If you have a moderate tempo, the 110g version may work.
The 120g and 130g versions should be reserved for fast swingers with aggressive tempos.
Why is it So Good?
The KBS Tour FST is a good shaft because it allows players of varying tempos to really load up without losing any accuracy or stability.
Above all, this is a shaft that will improve your iron precision.