I finally finished my oban ct 115 review after gaming these shafts for a full season, and I have some thoughts on whether they're actually worth the premium price. If you've been hanging around golf forums or high-end fitting studios lately, you've probably heard the name Oban popped up more than once. They're famous for their high-end graphite woods, but their steel iron shafts—specifically the CT 115—have built a bit of a cult following among players who want a "boutique" feel without sacrificing the stability of steel.
I'll be honest: I was skeptical at first. Most steel shafts feel roughly the same once you get into the 115g to 125g range, or at least I thought they did. But after hitting these side-by-side with some of the industry standards, it became pretty clear that Oban is doing something a little different here.
What exactly is the Oban CT 115?
Before we get into the weeds of how it performs, let's talk about what this thing actually is. The "CT" stands for Constant Weight. This means that every shaft in the set, from the 3-iron down to the pitching wedge, weighs exactly the same before you trim it. For the 115 model, that weight is—you guessed it—115 grams.
Why does that matter? Well, if you're a gear nerd, you know that many traditional shafts get lighter as they get shorter. By keeping the weight constant, Oban aims to provide a much more consistent feel across the entire bag. When you pull a 5-iron and then switch to an 8-iron, the "heft" of the club feels uniform. It's a subtle thing, but once you get used to it, it's hard to go back to anything else.
These shafts are actually manufactured in Japan by Shimada, a company known for having some of the tightest tolerances in the world. This isn't just marketing fluff; Japanese steel manufacturing in the golf world is generally regarded as the gold standard for a reason.
The "Feel" Factor
If I had to sum up this oban ct 115 review in one word, it would be smooth. Most people who try Oban steel for the first time mention the lack of harshness. You know that "sting" you get when you thin a long iron on a cold morning? The CT 115 doesn't completely eliminate that (it's not magic, after all), but it dampens the vibrations significantly better than a standard Dynamic Gold or Project X.
It's got a very "active" feel without feeling like a noodle. When you load the shaft at the top of your transition, you can feel it kick, but it's a controlled, predictable snap. It doesn't feel like the head is wandering around back there. Some shafts can feel a bit "boardy"—like you're swinging a piece of rebar. The CT 115 is the exact opposite of that. It feels lively and responsive, which gives you a lot of confidence that you can actually feel where the clubhead is throughout the swing.
How it compares to Nippon
A lot of guys ask me how these compare to something like the Nippon Modus 120 or 125. It's a fair question because Nippon is the king of "smooth" steel. In my experience, the Oban CT 115 sits somewhere in the middle. It's smoother than the Modus 125 but feels a bit more stable in the tip than the Modus 120. If you find Nippons a little too "whippy" but find True Temper a little too stiff, the CT 115 is probably your "Goldilocks" shaft.
On-Course Performance: Launch and Spin
Let's talk about the flight. In my testing, the CT 115 produced a very consistent mid-to-high launch. It's definitely not a low-launch "stinger" shaft. If you struggle with keeping the ball down in high winds, you might find these a bit challenging unless you have a really strong move through the ball.
However, for the average "better player" who wants to land the ball soft on firm greens, the trajectory is beautiful. It climbs quickly but doesn't balloon. The spin rates stayed very stable for me, even when I tried to really step on one. That's the hallmark of a high-quality shaft: the ability to handle extra speed without the spin numbers going through the roof.
Dispersion is where I was most impressed. Usually, when a shaft feels this smooth, you give up a little bit of accuracy. You expect the ball to leak a little left or right because the shaft is "moving" so much. I didn't find that to be the case at all. My miss hits stayed remarkably close to the target line. The tip section is stiff enough to keep the face square at impact, which is really all you can ask for.
Who is this shaft for?
This isn't a shaft for everyone. First off, it's expensive. You're looking at a significant upcharge compared to the standard "stock" options you'll find at a big-box retailer.
I'd say the Oban CT 115 is perfect for: * The player who wants the stability of steel but has sensitive joints or just hates the "harsh" feel of traditional shafts. * Golfers with a moderate-to-smooth tempo. If you have a super aggressive, jerky transition, you might prefer something like the Oban CT 125 or a Project X. * Players looking for a mid-high launch to help hold greens with their mid-to-long irons. * The guy who just wants the best of the best and doesn't mind paying for it.
If you're a high-handicapper who just needs to get the ball in the air, there are cheaper ways to do it. But if you're a stickler for feel and consistency, this is a serious contender.
The Aesthetic and Shelf Appeal
It's a minor point, but these shafts look fantastic. The branding is clean, and the "Oban" logo has a certain prestige to it. When you pull an iron out of the bag, it looks like a premium piece of equipment. The finish is durable, too. After a full season of banging around in my bag and being pulled in and out of the trunk, the labels still look fresh and the chrome hasn't started to pit or peel.
Final Verdict
Wrapping up this oban ct 115 review, I think it's important to manage expectations. A shaft won't fix a bad swing, but it can certainly make a good swing feel a lot better. The Oban CT 115 is one of those rare products that actually lives up to the hype surrounding its feel. It's a precision instrument that offers a unique blend of Japanese craftsmanship and modern performance.
Is it worth the extra $30 to $50 per club? That depends on your wallet and how much you value "feel." For me, the reduction in vibration and the consistency of the constant weight design made it worth the investment. It's a shaft that makes you want to go to the range just to feel the ball coming off the face.
If you're planning on getting fit this season, I'd highly recommend asking your fitter to let you try the CT 115. Even if you don't end up buying them, it'll give you a great benchmark for what a premium steel shaft is supposed to feel like. Just don't blame me if you can't go back to your old shafts afterward!