FAQs
Q1. Why is shaft selection such an important process for irons?
A1. Shaft selection, for any club, is an important decision for every golfer looking to advance his or her game. Shafts selection is particularly important for your irons because they are critical for approach and placement shots. Having the right shaft fitting ensures a golfer’s swing is loaded correctly at impact. Oftentimes, proper shaft selection will greatly enhance shot consistency, distance, ball flight, and player ‘feel’.
Q2. What does KBS stand for?
A2. KBS is the premium shaft brand of parent company, FEMCO Steel Technology (FST). When designing the line, we thought it appropriate to use the initials of FST’s veteran designer, Kim Braly. Mr. Braly has been involved in the golf industry for over 30 years and is recognized for many of the popular designs used by top players in the world. His designs have won nearly every PGA Tournament.
Q3. What type of golfer is the KBS series designed for?
A3. The KBS series is designed for skilled golfers that demand performance as well as exceptional ‘feel’ from their irons. More recently, KBS has expanded its product line to include various flex, weight, and club options making the shafts available to any golfer passionate about his or her equipment.
Q4. What qualities of the KBS series make the shafts unique?
A4. The KBS series introduces fresh design qualities into the steel golf shaft industry. As part of the design process, Kim incorporated moment of inertia analysis to develop the innovative step profile and shaft consistency. As a result, KBS shafts deliver a smooth transfer of energy between the player’s hands and club head. This distribution of energy is key to our reference among top players as a ‘feel’ shaft.
Q5. What about “Frequency-Matching?"
A5. Frequency matching, as a measurement of shaft stiffness, was invented by Kim Braly’s father in the mid 1970’s. The technology has developed to become a common practice used by club manufacturers and builders to match clubs more precisely within a set. Manufacturing for the KBS series follows very tight tolerances and testing, such as “oil-quenching,” to ensure that sets are consistently matched and perform harmoniously.
Q6. Are shafts in the KBS series “counter-balanced?”
A6. This is a common misconception about the KBS series. The KBS design maintains a consistent amount of steel at any point along the length of the shaft. This is incorporated into the proportional diameter and wall thickness design. Common practice in the industry is to place additional material in the tip section reinforcing the tip. KBS does not do this nor put extra material in the butt section. Comparatively, the KBS series has a higher center of gravity allowing more mass to be placed in the head of a KBS shafted club. This is a desirable feature for more stability and shot accuracy.
Q7. Where can I find KBS?
A7. KBS shafts can be found in over 17 countries worldwide among a network of professional club builders. These club builders are knowledgeable of the KBS brand and its design features. KBS shafts are also offered by several online dealers in addition to our manufacturing partners’ custom departments. If you are interested in finding a retailer, we suggest that you visit our ‘Find a Retailer’ link to view the various options.
Q8. How do I become an authorized KBS dealer?
A8. We are always interested in talking with potential partners. If you are interested in becoming an authorized KBS dealer, please email erichubbell@fstshafts.com.
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