It’s not too often that a golf shaft immediately catches my eye with its performance in an iron, but the KBS C-Taper Lite definitely holds that distinction. Featuring a build that prompts mid-to-high launch and incredible spin control, the KBS C-Taper Lite might be my new favorite steel irons shafts on the market.

Features and Technology

The KBS C-Taper Lite shafts have been around for awhile, debuting in the 2010s in its original iteration. These steel irons shafts look more like graphite due to their rolled, smooth outer appearance that lacks the ridges or “bumps” you’d expect in a steel shaft.

The C-Taper Lite shaft incorporates proven KBS performance benefits in a lighter weight design compared to the original C-Taper. A firm tip and soft butt produce a mid-high trajectory and controlled spin. A constant taper design and proportionate increase in wall thickness optimizes energy transfer for maximum distance. In short, these iron shafts were built to help you get the ball into the air longer with more distance and control.

Feel and Performance

One of the qualities I like most about the KBS C-Taper Lite is how they feel at impact on well-struck shots. An iron, in my opinion, should feel soft yet powerful as it cuts through the turf. The result should feel like a percussive quality as you compress the ball and the shot responds in turn.

This is exactly the sensation you feel with the C-Taper Lite. When combined with a cavity back iron, for example, the shafts felt very powerful without being too heavy or rigid. As the “Lite” in their name implies, these shafts are a bit lighter than others without feeling too flimsy or whippy.

Shots launched a bit higher with irons equipped with the C-Taper Lite in comparison to my usual choice. I prefer this ball flight as I have a tendency to hit the ball too low, especially with mid-irons. Higher lofted clubs also launched higher, but not to an excessive degree. The C-Taper Lite still produces even penetrating ball flight to be dangerous, even in windy conditions.

The quality I appreciated most overall, however, was the shaft’s consistency in accuracy. Shot dispersion was repeatable and accurate at my target, both in terms of right/left and short/long. For example, my 7-iron carry distance is usually 160 yards. The C-Taper Lite produced slightly longer carry distances (167 yards) consistently and repeatedly. This is exactly what you want in an iron.

Overall Impression

As mentioned, the KBS C-Taper Lite iron shafts are easily one of the best on the market for my game. They feature a look and feel of graphite with the stability and predictability of steel. A lighter overall weight produces more clubhead speed throughout the swing, while the shaft’s build characteristics produce a mid-to-high launch with repeatable distance.

To learn more, visit the KBS product page here.