KBS $ Taper Lite Vs. C Taper Lite: Which Shaft to Choose?

The KBS $-Taper Lite and the KBS C-Taper Lite are notable among KBS’s lineup of golf iron shafts. They are made to meet the individual golfer’s needs while offering tour-caliber performance. 

While both shafts are very similar in many ways, there are also differences. The C-Taper Lite shafts are stiffer and a little heavier. On the other hand, the $-Taper Lite gives you more spin, while you get more height and distance with the C-Taper Lite. However, both have similar shot performances.

Continue reading to learn more about these two iron shafts and the characteristics that differentiate one from the other. After comparing, we will have recommendations on which one is better.

Overview Of KBS $-Taper Lite

When the KBS $-Taper was introduced, it was meant to be a shaft that gives you the feel of a Tour iron shaft but with the accuracy and dispersion of the C-Taper. So it falls right in the middle between these two shafts. 

The KBS $-Taper Lite is simply a lightweight version of the standard $-Taper shaft. Besides a higher launch angle, both shafts are virtually the same in other aspects. 

Read Also: Modus 105 Vs 120: Which Is The Better Golf Shaft?

Overview Of KBS C-Taper Lite

If you like the look and feel of the original KBS C-Taper iron shaft, but with different launch conditions and lighter weight, then the KBS C-Taper Lite is just the right one for you. 

You get the same stepless, brushed appearance and strong, stable feel as the standard C-Taper, but unlike a low trajectory with low spin, you get a high trajectory with mid or high spin. 

KBS $-Taper Lite vs KBS C-Taper Lite: Comparison Chart

The chart below compares the KBS $-Taper Lite versus the KBS C-Taper Lite. We will find the most notable differences between these two iron shafts. 

Factors	KBS $-Taper Lite	KBS C-Taper Lite
Feel	Smooth feel on the shaft	Relatively stiffer feel
Launch performance	Mid-launch, mid-spin	High launch and mid-spin
Flight performance	Maximizing improved distance through reduced ball control and spin	Maximizing energy transfer to improve distance and ball control
Look	Conventional Stepless finish	Stepless with a matte or silver finish
Flex & Weight	Slightly lighter	Slightly heavier

Read Also: KBS tour 90 vs 105: Which Golf Shaft Will Improve Your Game?

What Distinguishes KBS $-Taper Lite From KBS C-Taper Lite?

What makes the comparison between the KBS $-Taper Lite and the KBS C-Taper very interesting is what makes them different, so below we go through an in-depth discussion on that. 

Flex

Different players have different swing speeds, which affect the flex. Hence all golf shafts, including the KBS $-Taper Lite and the KBS C-Taper Lite, offer multiple flex options for different users. 

Flex	Weight (grams)
R	95
S	100
X	`105

Table 2: KBS $-Taper Lite Flex Options

Flex	Weight (grams)
R	105
S	110
X	115

Table 3: KBS C-Taper Lite flex options

As we can see from the above tables, both shafts offer 3 different flex options, although the options offered by C-Taper Lite are stiffer in comparison.

This means C-Taper Lite’s shafts are more suitable for more experienced or professional golfers, while the $-Taper Lite is a better fit for recreational golfers with greater handicaps.

Read Also: C-Taper Lite Vs Modus 105: Which Golf Shaft Will Improve The Game?

Appearance

Unlike the standard $-Taper, the $-Taper Lite is stepless. It comes in two different finishes- Chrome and Black PVD.

The C-Taper Lite is also stepless but with the red and white (instead of red and black) KBS label covering a larger surface area on the shaft. 

While the $-Taper Lite does not look much different from most steel iron shafts other than its’ signature KBS label, the C-Taper Lite comes with a matte or silver-colored finish that gives it a very powerful look. 

Feel

The standard $-Taper gives a feel that balances the feel of the KBS Tour and the KBS C-Taper. It has a stable feel like the C-Taper but is not as stiff.

With the $-Taper, you get the same feel but with more response and kick to it on the downswing. 

In the standard C-Taper, you have one of the stiffest shafts in the market that is also very responsive, unlike most shafts of this build. You get a lot of control and response with this shaft. 

You get much of the same benefits with the C-Taper Lite as with the standard C-Taper but with a little more kick added in.

You feel that you can hit an accurate shot down a narrow tunnel. In short, the C-Taper Lite is stiffer than the $-Taper Lite.

Read Also: Elevate Tour vs Elevate 95: Which Golf Shaft Should You Choose? 

Performance

Like the standard $-Taper, the $-Taper Lite has a high but strong, piercing flight. You can get a high trajectory with the $-Taper Lite, and the wind won’t sway it. So it gives you more control. 

On the other hand, the C-Taper Lite differs from the standard C-Taper in that you get a high trajectory combined with a high spin instead of the low spin with a low trajectory that you get with the standard one while retaining the accuracy. 

Factors	KBS $-Taper Lite	KBS C-Taper Lite
Launch angle	16.6 degrees	16.7-degrees
Backspin	6025 rpm	6254 rpm
Height	32 yards	33 yards
Carry distance	173 yards	175 yards

Table 4: Performance chart comparison 

Generally speaking, a higher launch angle corresponds with more backspin, greater height and less carry distance, and vice versa.

As we can see in the table above, the C-Taper Lite has a higher launch angle and height, although the gap is very little. What’s notable is the difference in backspin, which is 229 rpm greater. 

But what is most surprising is that the carry distance of the C-Taper Lite is also a little more than the $-Taper Lite, even though a higher launch angle and trajectory should result in less distance. 

KBS $-Taper Lite Or KBS C-Taper Lite: Which Golf Shaft To Choose?

It is a very tough question to answer since both shafts offer very good value. The $-Taper Lite offers lighter flex options with a relatively smooth feel, which makes it more suitable for beginners or casual golfers.

But more experienced players with a stronger swing would prefer a stiffer shaft, so the C-Taper suits them better. 

In our view, though, performance is all that matters. In that case, the KBS C-Taper Lite is the clear winner. 

Whether you want a strong, piercing shot that covers a longer distance or a strong shot with greater flight and accuracy, the winner in both cases is the C-Taper Lite. Hence our vote goes to the C-Taper Lite with all factors considered.

Read Also: KBS $-Taper vs Project X LZ | Which One To Choose?

FAQs.

Naturally, interested golfers will have questions regarding these two similar yet different golf shafts. Some of the most common questions asked by users are discussed below.