KBS offers an extensive selection of golf shafts, and its Tour line features some of its best products. However, it can be difficult to know whether you should go with the KBS Tour 80 or the KBS Tour 90.
The KBS Tour 90 is the better shaft for beginner golfers and those struggling to achieve distance, trajectory, and spin. However, more experienced golfers may struggle with how lightweight the KBS 90 is and would perform better with the KBS 80.
In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about these KBS shafts so you can decide which one is right for you.
Are the KBS Tour 80 and the KBS Tour 90 the Same?
The KBS Tour 80 and the Tour 90 are nearly identical, though they differ in a few ways. The following table outlines some important specifications to keep in mind:
| Specification | KBS Tour 80 | KBS Tour 90 |
| Weight | 100 grams (3.5 oz) | 95-102 grams (3.4-3.6 oz) |
| Flexes Available | Regular and Stiff | Regular and Stiff |
| Tip Size | .370 inches (0.9 cm) | .355 inches or .370 inches (0.9 cm), depending on flex |
| Spin | Medium-High | Medium-High |
| Trajectory | High | High |
| Finish | Chrome | Chrome |
From the table above, you can see that the primary difference between the KBS Tour 80 and the KBS Tour 90 is the weight and the tip size. Of all the steel shafts KBS has, the Tour 90 shaft is the lightest. It also has a soft tip for players who want to improve their distance, trajectory, and spin.
KBS Tour 80 and KBS Tour 90: Which Is Better?
For most beginner golfers, the KBS Tour 90 is the better shaft. However, more experienced players may struggle with how lightweight the shaft is.
Because of how light the Tour 90 is, this can be quite a shock to the system, especially for golfers who already have powerful swings. In the wrong hands, the swing may get a little out of control because it’s so light, and that may throw off your tempo.
However, for golfers who are just getting started and aren’t accustomed to the feel of a regular shaft yet, this may be the perfect tool for them to gather confidence and power in their swing and achieve the distance and trajectory they need.
Even if you’re not a beginner, if you have a moderate or slow swing speed, the KBS 90 shaft may be a lifesaver. Because it’s so lightweight, it doesn’t take as much effort to get the ball into the air, which means you don’t have to put as much power into each shot. Golfers who use the KBS 90 will have to maintain a controlled tempo as they swing to experience any kind of success, though.
Conclusion
The KBS Tour 90 shaft is better for beginners and golfers with moderate or slow swings because it’s lighter and has a softer tip than the KBS 80. In the hands of more experienced players, the KBS 90 may feel too light, which can make for some out-of-control swinging and off-target shots.