KBS launch ‘Mickelson-inspired’ shaft
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The KBS prototype shaft Phil Mickelson has been using in his 5-PW is finally coming to retail. In development and testing since 2012, KBS’s new Tour-V shaft is lighter and lower-spinning than the company’s popular Tour shaft but still offers a mid trajectory.
The current Tour shaft ranges in weights from 110g to 130g; the new Tour-V shaft will be available in three different weights — R-100g, S-110g, and X-120g.
“We are very excited to introduce the Tour-V shaft,” said Kim Braly, KBS’s director of R&D and tour operations. “It has been tested and perfected over the past year and a half, and truly delivers on offering a tight dispersion shaft in a light weight package. Dispersion with the Tour-V is some of the tightest we have ever seen and it maintains our signature smooth feel at impact. Lighter weight has become more popular and this allows golfers to swing a little easier.”
Aside from the lighter weight, KBS also made the outside diameter larger — which in turn made the tip section stiffer — and increased the wall thickness of the shaft. This gives the Tour-V a piercing ball flight, lower spin rate and tighter dispersion.
Mickelson started using a Tour-only 125g version in 2012 at the Shell Houston Open and won three times this season, including the Open Championship.