KBS Tour 90 Regular vs Stiff: Are They Different?

Selecting the appropriate shaft flex for your golf clubs is an essential aspect of optimizing your performance on the course.

The KBS Tour 90 shaft, a popular choice among golfers, is available in both regular and stiff flex options. 

In this comparison, I will be looking at how the KBS Tour 90 Stiff compare with the Regular shafts.

You’ll learn how much difference they have in terms of swing speed, ball flight, and performance so you can make an informed decision.

KBS Tour 90 Regular vs Stiff: How They Compare

Swing Speed and Shaft Flex

The most critical factor in determining the ideal shaft flex is your swing speed.

The KBS Tour 90 Regular shaft is designed for golfers with moderate swing speeds, typically ranging from 75 to 90 miles per hour (mph) with a driver.

This flex option accommodates players who require additional assistance in generating optimal launch and spin conditions to maximize their distance potential.

Conversely, the KBS Tour 90 Stiff shaft is tailored to golfers with faster swing speeds, typically between 90 and 105 mph with a driver.

This stiffer flex is better suited for players who generate higher clubhead speeds and require a more stable and consistent shaft to maintain control and accuracy.

Ball Flight and Spin

The KBS Tour 90 Regular shaft, with its softer flex, is engineered to produce a higher ball flight with increased spin.

This trajectory is beneficial for golfers with moderate swing speeds who need additional help in achieving optimal carry distances and soft landings on the greens.

The higher spin rates associated with the regular flex can also provide increased control around the greens and during approach shots.

However, the KBS Tour 90 Stiff shaft yields a more penetrating ball flight with reduced spin.

This lower trajectory is advantageous for golfers with faster swing speeds, as it minimizes the impact of wind and other adverse conditions on ball flight.

The reduced spin rates can also result in more roll-out after landing, potentially increasing overall distance.

Feel and Stability

The KBS Tour 90 Regular shaft offers a more flexible and responsive feel, which can be advantageous if you prefer a smoother, effortless swing.

The regular flex also enables you to load the shaft more effectively during the downswing. This will translate to increased energy transfer at impact and maximized distance potential.

On the other hand, the KBS Tour 90 Stiff shaft provides a firmer, more stable feel. The increased stability enables more advanced players to maintain better control of their shots, ensuring accuracy and consistency.

So, if you fancy a more solid, crisp feel at impact, you may find the stiff flex more appealing.

Performance

The performance characteristics of the KBS Tour 90 Regular and Stiff shafts can vary in different playing conditions.

In windy situations, the higher ball flight and increased spin generated by the regular flex may be less advantageous. This is because the ball may be more susceptible to the wind’s influence.

However, in calm conditions or on softer courses, the higher trajectory and spin rates can be beneficial in producing precise approach shots and stopping the ball quickly on the greens.

The KBS Tour 90 Stiff shaft’s lower ball flight and reduced spin can be advantageous in windy or firm conditions.

The penetrating trajectory minimizes the impact of wind and maximizes roll-out on firmer fairways.

Unfortunately, the lower spin rates may make it more challenging to stop the ball quickly on firm greens or during high-pressure approach shots.

Conclusion

Choosing between the KBS Tour 90 Regular and Stiff shafts hinges on factors such as swing speed, playing style, and performance preferences.

The regular flex is better suited for golfers with slower swing speeds who require assistance in generating optimal launch and spin conditions, and who prefer a more flexible, responsive feel.

The higher ball flight and increased spin rates provided by the regular flex can contribute to enhanced control and precision in various playing conditions, particularly on softer courses or during approach shots.

On the other hand, the stiff flex is ideal for golfers with faster swing speeds who demand increased stability and control in their shafts.

The penetrating ball flight and reduced spin rates offered by the stiff flex can be advantageous in any playing condition, while also catering to players who appreciate a firmer, more solid feel at impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What speed should I use stiff vs regular flex?

Choosing between stiff and regular flex for your golf club largely depends on your swing speed. Here are the general guidelines:

• Regular Flex: Typically, if your driver swing speed is between 85 and 95 miles per hour, or if you carry a driver distance of 200 to 240 yards, a regular flex shaft could be suitable. Regular flex can help moderate swing speed players add distance through additional flex in the shaft at impact.
• Stiff Flex: If your driver swing speed is between 95 and 110 miles per hour, or you carry a driver distance of 240 to 275 yards, a stiff flex might be more appropriate. Players with higher swing speeds generally benefit from stiffer shafts to help control accuracy and trajectory.

Remember, these are just general guidelines, and there can be exceptions.

Are stiff shafts better?

The question of whether stiff shafts are “better” largely depends on your swing characteristics and golfing abilities.

Stiff shafts are typically better for golfers with faster swing speeds (generally, those with driver swing speeds above 95 miles per hour).

This is because a faster swing can cause a more flexible shaft to bend excessively, leading to inconsistent shot direction and potentially reducing control over the shot.

However, for players with slower swing speeds, a stiff shaft could lead to lower ball flights and shorter distances, because the shaft doesn’t flex enough to help create optimal launch conditions.

Can beginners use stiff shafts?

While a beginner golfer can use a stiff shaft, it might not be the optimal choice for most.

The flex of a golf club shaft has a significant impact on the control, accuracy, and distance of shots, and it should match the golfer’s swing speed and style.

Typically, beginner golfers have slower swing speeds as they are still developing their golf swing mechanics. In such cases, a regular or even a senior might be more suitable.

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