The KBS Tour 130 X $-Taper, aka “money taper,” is a popular tour-weighted shaft. The same can be said for the Dynamic Gold Golf Shaft S300, a bestseller for True Temper, for a while now. So what are the differences between the KBS Tour 130 X $-Taper and Dynamic Gold S300?
The KBS Tour 130 X $-Taper has an extra-stiff flex, whereas the Dynamic Gold S300 is a stiff golf shaft. While both deliver low spin for identical strikes and swing speeds, the 130 X from KBS offers a medium trajectory compared to lower launches of True Temper’s S300.
While both these shafts weigh the same, several important differences may affect or assist your performance. Also, the KBS Tour 130 X $-Taper isn’t a substitute for the S300 and vice versa. Keep reading for a comprehensive assessment of KBS Tour 130 X vs. S300.
Comparison of KBS Tour 130 X and Dynamic Gold S300
The table below compares the specifications of the KBS Tour 130 X ($-Taper) and True Temper Dynamic Gold S300:
| Specifications | KBS Tour 130 X ($-Taper) | Dynamic Gold S300 |
| Butt Outside Diameter | 0.6 inches (15.24 mm) | 0.6 inches (15.24 mm) |
| Clubs (Tapered Tip) | 2i through 9i, PW1, and SW1 | 1i through 9i and PW |
| Cost | Slightly Costlier | Slightly Cheaper |
| Flex | Extra-Stiff or X-Stiff | Stiff |
| Parallel Tip Diameter | N/A | 0.37 inches (9.4 mm) |
| Parallel Tip Length | N/A | 41 inches (104 cm) |
| Parallel Tip Weight | N/A | 130 grams (4.6 oz) |
| Tapered Tip Diameter | 0.355 inches (9 mm) | 0.355 inches (9 mm) |
| Tapered Tip Length | 37.5” to 41” (95.25 cm to 104 cm) | 37” to 41” (94 cm to 104 cm) |
| Tapered Tip Weight | 130 grams (4.6 oz) | 130 grams (4.6 oz) |
| Trajectory and Spin | Medium and Low | Low and Low |
| Variants | Black PVD and Classic Chrome | Parallel and Tapered Tips |
1The KBS Tour 130 X Black PVD variant isn’t available for PW and SW.
Choosing the Right Shaft
The most significant difference between these equally reliable golf shafts is their launch or trajectory. The extra-stiff KBS golf shaft suits golfers with breakneck swing speeds. The stiff S300 golf shaft might suit players with reasonably fast swings.
Also, the KBS Tour 130 X $-Taper may be more effective if you are looking for a medium-high flight or launch. On the flip side, if your launches are already too high, the S300 will likely keep the trajectory in check.
Both golf shafts deliver low spin, which is likely more evident with the Dynamic Gold S300 since it launches a lower trajectory than the KBS Tour 130 X $-Taper. The other distinct feature of the Dynamic Gold S300 is its availability in a parallel tip variant if you need it.
The incompatibility of the KBS Tour 130 X for 1i and the S300 not being suitable for a sand wedge (SW) may not be very relevant for many players. Likewise, the extra 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) of trimming range of the S300 may or may not be significant for some golfers.
Conclusion
KBS and True Temper are leading brands among golf shaft manufacturers, so there is no issue regarding the quality of the Tour 130 X $-Taper and Dynamic Gold S300. But the features aren’t identical, so your choice will depend on the specs.
Ultimately, the most significant difference between these options is how the shaft’s flex affects your trajectory. Additionally, the KBS shaft is a tad costlier than True Temper’s.