KBS has long been a dominant force in the steel shaft market, but its graphite offerings are increasingly turning heads. Its latest offering, the TG Black driver and fairway wood shaft, has already seen significant tour adoption, most notably finding its way into the hands of former world number one, Jason Day.
For me, as a 115- 120 mph driver speed player, finding a shaft that can handle an aggressive move without feeling excessively harsh or boardy is a constant quest. I was excited to put the TG Black through its paces to see if it could deliver the kind of tight dispersion every golfer dreams of, without sacrificing responsiveness.
How We Test Shafts
All of our shaft testing is conducted using the same TaylorMade Qi35 core head driver set to a precise 9 degrees (measured), with each shaft cut to an exact length of 45.5 inches, fitted with a Golf Pride Tour Velvet 60R grip. Furthermore, all testing shots are struck from a white castle tee to ensure consistent tee height during testing.
The data is collected and recorded using a Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor and TaylorMade TP5x golf balls.
Controlling these potential variables allows me to draw accurate and direct comparisons and form a clear picture of each shaft's performance and feel characteristics.
KBS TG Black Shaft Review: Technology
Looking at the technical specifications, the TG Black distinguishes itself as a product engineered by and for elite players seeking control, stability, and an optimized launch. KBS claims it combines the signature feel of steel with the benefits of premium graphite technology. It utilizes a High Modulus Graphite construction designed for consistent energy transfer and tight dispersion, alongside a firm tip section to promote control and accuracy at high speeds.
What is particularly unusual, and a real testament to KBS catering to faster swingers, is the flex options available. Alongside conventional R, S, and X flexes across weights from 40g up to 80g, the TG Black is also available in not only a TX (Tour X) but also a TXX!
For my testing, I opted for the TX and was eager to see how the low launch, low spin profile would translate into real-world performance.
KBS TG Black Shaft Review: Performance
While the overall design is one geared towards stability and that 'low launch/spin' window (a concept in itself I am less and less convinced by), the actual feel is incredibly smooth. I feel as though this is a shaft that ‘stays with me’ extremely well. There is no excessive loading during the transition, but simultaneously, there is no real feeling that you need to try too hard to get anything out of it.
I often feel like a good shaft is a bit like a referee in a sports game - the less you notice them, the better they tend to be doing their job, and I think that is the highest compliment I can give the TG Black. It is kind of stealthy in terms of its ability to remain almost anonymous throughout the golf swing, but for me, it just seems to have a very nice habit of returning to the ball at just the right millisecond to find a centered strike.
I thoroughly enjoyed the consistency and feel on offer.
Interestingly, personally I found it to be an incredibly effective fairway wood shaft, maybe even more so than in driver in my hands for whatever reason. I was lucky enough to get a couple of the 70 TX shafts for testing, which I put in two different manufacturer adapters and have to say it performed equally superbly in both. It is strong without being a poker, and delivers a lovely sensation through strike. I was so impressed, in fact, that I am more than likely going to be making a switch in this area of the bag based on this testing.
KBS TG Black Shaft Review: Verdict
The KBS TG Black is a standout offering that merges power, feel, and stability beautifully. Another plus point for many will undoubtedly be the price tag. For a tour-validated premium golf shaft, $200 is a comparatively reasonable ask when you consider that the - albeit fantastic - Ventus range from Fujikura will set you back more like $350. If you prioritize stability but refuse to sacrifice a smooth feel, the TG Black should be very high on your testing list.
