50 Words or Less
The KBS $-Taper shaft is a mid-launching, low spin shaft reminiscent of the C-Taper performance, but with the feel of the KBS Tour.
Introduction
KBS has long been regarded for having some of the best feeling steel shafts in the game. The KBS $-Taper (pronounced “Money Taper”) is designed to give players that Tour feel with a “straighter and stronger ball flight” and low spin. My real world experience actually reminded me of a combination of two classic KBS shafts – the Tour and the C-Taper. If you’re a fan of either of those two shafts, or just curious, I suggest reading the rest of this review.
Looks
Like most steel shafts, the KBS $-Taper isn’t all that exciting. It’s a chrome stepped shaft with a signature small KBS label. There are two minor details that are slightly different than previous KBS shafts. First, the label features more white on it. Second, the step pattern is a bit longer than the KBS Tour which is more for performance purposes. If you’re feeling crazy, the $-Taper is also available in a black PVD finish.
Feel
The KBS $-Taper reminds me a lot of the Tour and the C-Taper. The best way I can explain the feel of this shaft is that it’s stable and strong like the C-Taper but without the C-Taper “telephone pole” feel.
It has a “sweeter” feel like the Tour, but has a bit more response and life to it. To simplify it, the feel fell somewhere in the middle of the C-Taper and Tour in my hands.
Performance
Continuing with the theme of falling between the KBS Tour and the C-Taper, the $-Taper’s performance was no different. This is where I’m obliged to point out that every swing is different and people will experience different results with a shaft.
For me, the KBS Tour has a high and soft flight. The C-Taper is a low piercing laser with tons of control. The $-Taper falls right in the middle of that. I was able to control trajectory with a strong flight.
My “standard” shot was a nice medium flight that elevated to its peak and dropped relatively straight down. I think there is a wide range of players out there that would find the performance of the C-Taper or Tour too extreme in either direction, and the $-Taper is the compromise they’d be looking for.
Conclusion
KBS‘s shaft lineup has not been short of options, but the $-Taper is a valuable addition. That precise feel, mid-trajectory piercing flight, and stability make for a great combination. As popular as the C-Taper and Tour shafts already are, I believe the $-Taper will quickly join the ranks. It’s a total package that I believe will be more preferred by pros and amateurs alike.
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Bill Bush
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I’ve been considering sticking a steel shaft in my Hybrid and this seems to be exactly what I’m looking for. Any obvious reason I’ve missed as to why I should reconsider?
I wouldn’t say obvious reason, but I’ve never been nuts about the steel shaft/hybrid thing. Never played it in my own clubs.
I’d suggest the KBS Tour Hybrid shaft personally. You can read our review here.
The KBS graphite hybrid shaft is designed based on their Tour iron shaft. I would definitely suggest that for your hybrid.
I’m looking at getting a set of Cobra MB/CB irons. The stock shaft is the $ Taper (Black), which would look pretty snappy with the black iron head. However, I have hit a couple of irons with the Modus 120, which you were just gushy about. How would you compare the two? Do you still prefer the Modus?
Brian,
Bill does not write for PIG anymore, and I have not tested the $-Taper, so I can’t offer an answer on this.
Best,
Matt
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The $-Taper is actually called “S” Taper, at least by KB himself.
how about compare to KBS Tour V flexS?
Bob,
We have a review of the Tour V here: https://pluggedingolf.com/kbs-tour-v-iron-shaft-review/
-Matt
How does the black PVD on the $-Taper hold up? Does it scratch/chip easily? How long should the finish last (30+ rounds per year)?
Lorry,
I don’t have any long term testing data on the finish. What I can offer is that we hear from thousands of golfers every year, and I have yet to hear a complaint about this finish.
Best,
Matt
I’ve been playing mine for a season and there is no scratches or wear at all.
I’ve played the KBS $-taper 120 PVD finish for 3+ years and not a scratch or chip is visible on the shafts. I play close to 70 rounds a year on average, so I’m probably over 220 rounds without any issues. I also play in the Midwest so weather extremes also factor in too.