When I first came across the Oban CT 115 shaft, I was looking for an iron shaft that offered both control and stability. It’s not easy to find a shaft that can give you the right balance between performance and feel, especially when you’re transitioning between lighter or heavier shafts. After testing it out and reading through various golfer reviews, I can say that the Oban CT 115 is designed to cater to golfers looking for better ball flight control, consistency, and an overall balanced performance in their iron play.
Let’s break down the key details, features, and what people are saying about this shaft.
What is the Oban CT 115?
The Oban CT 115 is a steel iron shaft known for its constant taper design, which provides uniform stiffness and smooth transitions throughout the swing. Weighing around 115 grams, it sits comfortably in the mid-weight category, ideal for golfers who want stability but don’t want to sacrifice too much speed. The CT 115 is part of Oban’s line-up of precision-engineered shafts and is particularly geared toward those who want to maintain control over their trajectory while achieving a consistent ball flight.
Key Features of the Oban CT 115
1. Constant Taper Design
- The constant taper design of the shaft allows for even stiffness throughout its length. This creates a consistent flex profile, giving golfers more control and helping them maintain predictable performance on every swing.
2. Mid-Weight Category (115 grams)
- At 115 grams, this shaft offers a nice balance between lightweight options (ideal for speed) and heavier ones (best for stability). It’s especially suitable for players who want to retain some swing speed without losing the solid feel of a heavier shaft.
3. Mid-Launch Trajectory
- The Oban CT 115 is known for producing a mid-launch ball flight, making it great for golfers who want to control their trajectory. The shaft helps deliver a slightly lower, penetrating flight with good stopping power on greens.
4. Stable and Accurate
- Thanks to its design, the CT 115 excels at providing stability through the swing, reducing the chance of shaft flex and twist that can lead to inconsistencies. This is crucial for golfers looking to improve accuracy, especially with their irons.
5. Responsive Feel
- Players who use the CT 115 often report a high level of feedback and feel. The constant taper and consistent flex give golfers an enhanced sense of connection with the ball, making it easier to feel both well-struck shots and mishits.
Pros and Cons of the Oban CT 115
Pros:
- Consistent Performance: The constant taper design ensures a predictable, smooth flex throughout the swing, improving consistency in ball flight and distance control.
- Mid-Launch Trajectory: Ideal for players who prefer a mid-ball flight for better control and accuracy. Great for shaping shots and controlling distance.
- Stable Yet Responsive: The mid-weight design strikes a good balance between speed and stability, offering enough heft to provide control while still allowing for decent swing speed.
- Enhanced Feel: The shaft’s feedback is a key highlight, giving players better control over their shot and helping them adjust their swing based on what they feel during the strike.
Cons:
- Not Ideal for High Launch Seekers: If you’re a golfer who struggles with getting the ball into the air or need a higher ball flight, this mid-launch shaft might not be the best fit for you.
- Limited Adjustability: Players looking for more adjustability in flex (such as softer tip sections for higher spin) may find the constant taper too uniform in its profile.
- Could Be Heavier or Lighter for Some Players: The 115-gram weight is mid-range, but golfers used to very light or very heavy shafts might not find this weight ideal for their swing dynamics.
Performance Review
1. Control and Accuracy
- High Accuracy: The Oban CT 115 is designed to give golfers more control, particularly in the accuracy of their shots. The even stiffness ensures that the clubhead remains stable through impact, reducing the chances of inconsistent shots or unexpected curves.
2. Ball Flight
- Mid Launch: This shaft is best suited for golfers who prefer a penetrating ball flight that isn’t too high or too low. This is particularly helpful in windy conditions where keeping the ball lower can improve control. Despite this, the shaft still allows for enough height to land softly on the greens, making it a great all-around performer.
3. Feel and Feedback
- Excellent Feel: One of the standout features of the CT 115 is the responsive feel. Many players report feeling more in tune with their swing and strike. This feedback helps golfers correct their swings more easily, improving consistency and accuracy over time.
4. Distance Control
- Controlled Distance: The CT 115 provides a great balance between power and control. While it may not add significant distance to your shots, it ensures that your distance is predictable, which is crucial for approach shots where accuracy matters more than sheer length.
Who Should Consider the Oban CT 115?
The Oban CT 115 is an excellent choice for:
- Mid to Low Handicappers: Players who are looking for improved consistency, accuracy, and feedback in their iron shots. The shaft’s design makes it great for golfers who want better distance control and stable ball flight.
- Golfers Seeking Control Over Distance: If you’re more concerned with shot shaping, accuracy, and keeping your ball flight under control, this shaft will help deliver consistent results.
- Players Who Prefer Mid-Weight Shafts: At 115 grams, this shaft strikes a nice balance between too heavy and too light, making it ideal for those looking to blend stability and swing speed.
Customer Reviews: What Are Golfers Saying?
Positive Feedback:
- “Great Control and Consistency”: Many golfers appreciate the stability the CT 115 brings to their iron game. Several reviews mention an improvement in accuracy and a tighter dispersion with their iron shots.
- “Perfect Feel and Feedback”: One of the most common praises is how the shaft feels during the swing. The constant taper design provides clear feedback on well-struck shots, helping golfers understand and improve their ball striking.
- “Improved Confidence”: Users frequently mention feeling more confident over their irons due to the predictable performance and control the CT 115 offers.
Critical Feedback:
- “Not for Players Looking for Extra Distance”: While the shaft provides excellent control, some players felt it did not offer the additional speed or distance they were hoping for, particularly when compared to lighter shafts.
- “Mid-Launch Might Not Suit Everyone”: A few reviews from players who prefer a higher launch noted that the mid-ball flight trajectory might not be ideal for golfers looking to get the ball higher in the air.
Alternatives to the Oban CT 115
If the Oban CT 115 doesn’t quite match your needs, here are a few alternatives worth considering:
1. Project X LZ
- Offers a loading zone that provides more flex in the middle of the shaft, delivering additional feel and kick during the swing. It’s ideal for players who want more energy transfer without sacrificing control.
2. True Temper Dynamic Gold 120
- Another mid-weight option, the Dynamic Gold 120 provides a lower launch with a slightly heavier feel, which might suit players looking for extra stability.
3. KBS Tour 120
- Known for its smooth feel, the KBS Tour 120 is another great mid-weight option that offers slightly higher launch than the Oban CT 115, making it good for players who need a bit more elevation.
Final Verdict: Is the Oban CT 115 Worth It?
The Oban CT 115 is a fantastic choice for golfers who are seeking a mid-weight shaft that emphasizes control, accuracy, and consistent feel. Its constant taper design delivers excellent feedback and smooth transitions throughout the swing, making it a solid choice for mid to low handicappers who prioritize precision in their iron game.
While it may not be suited for players who need high launch or extra distance, it is a great fit for those who want a stable, predictable ball flight with consistent performance. If control, feel, and accuracy are what you’re after, the Oban CT 115 could be exactly what you need to take your iron play to the next level.