50 Words or Less
The Mitsubishi Tensei Blue shaft is a technological step forward with a feel that’s very familiar. Fans of the Blueboard and B Series Diamana shafts will want to give this a try.
Check out the new Mitsubishi TENSEI 1K Blue HERE
Introduction
When PGA Tour star like Louis Oosthuizen and Ryan Moore are testing a new shaft, the gear heads start buzzing. When that new shaft is the first in a whole new line from Mitsubishi, that buzz can get very loud.
The Mitsubishi Tensei shaft is the first new line from Mitsubishi since the introduction of the Kuro Kage, and it truly is something different. Where most shafts use 3 or 4 different materials, Tensei uses 11. Can Tensei transform your driving? We put it to the test to find out.
Feel
The bend profile of the Tensei Blue is based on Mitsubishi’s classic “Blue” profile, meaning it has similarities to the Diamana Blueboard or B Series Diamana shafts, and that feel will be instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with those shafts. The difference is that the Tensei feels tighter throughout the shaft. There’s a solid mid-kick in this shaft, but every section feels very stable.
Looks
Overall, the Mitsubishi Tensei has a subdued look, but closer inspection does reveal some sharp details. Near the grip, you can see the weaved material forming a stair-step pattern that leads down to a band of blue. The Tensei branding is futuristic looking on top of a plain grey background. Before the shaft transitions to black at the tip, there’s a thin band of wraparound weaving visible.
Performance
The on-course performance I saw with the Mitsubishi Tensei Blue shaft was excellent. This isn’t a surprise because I’ve been fit many times into shafts similar to the Diamana B Series which has a similar bend profile to the Tensei.
The Tensei is different from the B Series in one important way: the tip is slightly more stable. If you want the technical explanation, this is the result of MRC using a low resin content prepreg in the lower third of the shaft. The result is more consistent performance and tighter dispersion. While I didn’t see a huge spin reduction because I create very little to begin with, I did feel the difference between the Tensei and the B Series.
You can find the Tensei CK Series Blue in three weights – 50, 60, and 70 grams – and in regular, stiff, and extra stiff flex.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your driver or fairway woods, the Mitsubishi Tensei Blue shaft is one that you should check out. Mitsubishi’s “Blue” profile fits a wide range of golfers, and the technology in Tensei’s construction is the real deal.
Mitsubishi Tensei_0081
Mitsubishi Tensei_0085
Mitsubishi Tensei_0087
Mitsubishi Tensei_0094
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Tensei LM Data
Matt Saternus
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The Tensei may be the successor to the S+ since that’s what they compare it to on Misubishi’s website.
http://www.mrc-golf.com/products/ck-blue-0
Nice review, and particularly useful as we have very similar swing speeds and spin rates. It’s refreshing to see a review from a ‘mortal’ in that sense!
Really looking forward to trying this shaft. I love the ‘blue’ series and think this could fit me nicely. Does it still retain the smooth feel of other Diamana shafts ?
It’s not as smooth as the Diamana product, but it’s not far off.
-Matt
I have a 80 mph swing speed and got the senior flex blue Tensei and cut 1 inch off the tip and glued that sucker in a Cleveland deep face XL and I love the Tensei.
My fitter just recommend this shaft for me. Current club speed of 111 average, 15.6 degree launch angle, and 2100 spin. I would like have more accuracy with my 430 SDLR. I am not looking for distance, just more control with my distance.
Thank you for your time.
Sorry, that was a question. I would like to get some opinion on whether this shaft is good for my swing.
Daniel,
I would never contradict someone who has fit you in person. I think the Tensei is a quality product, and if your fitter recommended it, I would stick with that.
Best,
Matt
If this actually gives you a problem with control with all the data you’ve given. It’s more of grooving the driver swing for control, accuracy and consistency. Do remember that the club will only move on the same plane if you swing consistently in plane that will bring 14/18 fairways be achievable.
Tom,
Are you trying to say that a properly fit shaft isn’t an important factor in driver performance?
Also, what courses are you playing that have 18 fairways?
-Matt
The 99 club head speed, 244 carry etc. Are they you’re readings? If so what weighted shaft did you use? 50, 60 or 70?
Matt,
Yes, they are. I used the 70 gram version, as you can see in the pictures.
-Matt
Hello Matt, I am intending to buy a Taylormade M1 driver but in a regular shaft I see Tensei 60 gram or a Fujikura pro 60 gram options are they pretty much the same?
Many thanks
Graham,
No, I wouldn’t say that they’re the same. I would suggest finding a fitter who will let you try both and fit you for the best option.
-Matt
Tensei 50grams regular cured my slice, got fitted today for a Taylormade M2 with the Tensei , and wow what a difference in accuracy compared to my old driver ( Biocell) and as a bounus i increased the drives with about 25 yards/20 + meters.
I am thinking of buying a new shaft at the moment I am using a regular speeder shaftcouldvi use a senior one instead my swing speed is 80
James,
My best advice is to get a good fitting.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt, how would you compare this to the GD AD DI. Seems like they would be compatible with the Tensei maybe being a little more stable. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks
Casey,
Similar to the Orange/AD TP comparison, the Tensei has a smoother action instead of being “load and kick.”
Best,
Matt
I put an aftermarket 70 Blue in my 3 wood and an 80HY Blues in my G400s after falling in love with the Pro White in my driver.
My only word of caution to people is to be really careful when buying these used: I made the mistake of buying a Blue 65 off the Bay. It was a familiar weight. The seller did a great job tipping and gripping it, but I had no idea the OEM pull was nothing like the real deal other than graphics. It may be a great fit for a lot of people, but it was not for me.
I’ve only seen pulls with odd weights like 55 and 65, and so far only Blue and Red, but I’m sure White and Orange are out there somewhere. Lesson learned.
Dan,
That’s a very important lesson: stock shafts are rarely, if ever, the same as the true aftermarket versions. Just one more reason to always work with a trusted club fitter & builder.
Best,
Matt
Hi I have a 6- grams in x stiff tour tensei. Wow just wow . I can regularly hit 280-300 yard drives . I also play a little shorter at 44 inch’s . Defiantly recommend this shaft but as always try on the course and have a fitting
Hi Matt,
I just got fitted for the TENSEI CK Blue 70 for my driver. My spin is very low (1200 RPM, see picture linked https://imageshack.us/i/pnXC5erXp). I just need to keep the ball in the air some more. As you can see distance is not a problem.
I believe the PRO is way more expensive than the regular one and that is has lower spin, detrimental to my specs. Can you please share your thoughts on this?
Thanks in advance and great work!
Alvaro,
I don’t know what the price difference is, but the PRO model of the Blue is purported to be lower spin. I haven’t tested the standard against the Pro, so I don’t have much to add. Sorry.
Best,
Matt
Hello-
I play the Aldila 75 S in the M2, and in my previous Drivers- I’m thinking about upgrading to the M3 which has the Tensei Blue- In your opinion which is the better shaft. I really love the Green Monster, but if I must change, I will- Lol
Ty,
There’s no universal “better,” just a question of what fits you. If you like the green Aldila shafts, the Tensei Blue may be a little too active for you, but it’s worth trying to find out.
Best,
Matt
I have purchased the Taylormade M4 hybrids that come standard with the atmos red stiff shaft 83 Grams, 3.3 torque. I was considering switching to the mitsubishi Tensei Blue stiff 79 grams 2.7 torque which is standard shaft on the M3 hybrids.
How will the tensei react compared to the atmos??? I hit the atmos really straight with good trajectory around 14.1 degrees launch, 120 ball speed, 86.1 club head speed, 74 L side spin, 2799 back spin, 2811 total spin, 22 peak height, 34 decent angle, 186 carry, 209 total distance, -5 offline.
I tried the tensei with an M# and the club seemed to fade on me everytime. was it the shaft or the M3 head? what are your thoughts.
Tom,
The Tensei is stiffer overall, particularly in the tip, and it has less torque than the ATMOS. I think the fades were largely the result of the shaft.
Best,
Matt
Geeetings Matt,
Appreciate the review. I have one question regarding the Tensei CK ( standard non-pro model). Would you say the non pro Tensei as a made for oem shaft and the pro being the real aftermarket shaft? Or would you categorized the non pro standard Tensei as an aftermarket and the Pro version as the tour spec aftermarket of the brand?
And what is the difference between the standard non pro Tensei and the Tense shafts that comes stock with the new TM M3? Are they of different materials and quality or are they just different color schemes?
Appreciate your view on this.
Afiq,
Let me answer the easier one first: the shafts that come stock are NOT the same as the aftermarket versions. Full stop.
To your first question: both the standard and Pro Tensei are high quality, aftermarket shafts. It’s just a matter of finding the profile that fits your swing best. I hope that answers your question.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
Wanted ask how this shaft compares to Project x Hazdus, yellow 6.0, 63 grams?
Thanks,
Mike
Mike,
They’re very different. HZRDUS Yellow review: https://pluggedingolf.com/project-x-hzrdus-yellow-shaft-review/
-Matt
Hi Matt
Looking for comparison between Tensei 65g blue s flex fairway shaft to my old Prolaunch blue 75g s flex shaft,
Would the 75g Prolaunch be stiffer
Regards
Ciaran
Ciaran,
I don’t have much experience with the ProLaunch, so I could not give you a quality comparison.
Best,
Matt
That is a great tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere.
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I have a Titleist 917 D3 9.5 and have been hitting until it broke recently an Aldila Rouge silver 70g X. I have a swing speed of about 113 but I tend to spin it a little high (2800) how do the shafts compare
Jacob,
I have a full review of the Rogue Silver here: https://pluggedingolf.com/aldila-rogue-silver-rogue-black-shaft-review/
Best,
Matt
Put the regular 50 shaft in my Ping400. I hit stiff shaft in my driver and regulars in my Mizuno irons and Ping fairway woods. At 64 years old and the swing speed slowing down it was time to change as the driver was starting to get more off center hits and was down to 210 carry and about 20 yards of roll. The change was dramatic ! 230 yards carry and 25 yards roll! I once again found the sweet spot where it was for years, center cut! The load on the shaft is amazing. Slowed the backswing down a little and let her rip! I can’t wait to get to the course this weekend to see how it performs in game conditions!
Hey Matt.
I hit a Nike Vapor Fly Driver head at 9.5 with a V2 Proforce 65g stiff shaft. Seems to consistently produce a spin rate of well over 3500, launch average well over 18 and a carry averaging 220.
I recently tested a Kuro Kage Black 50g stiff. My spin rate dropped 800- 1000, carry increased to 245-250 and launch closer to 15. Swing speed is between 103-109.
I believe that I can get my spin down even more, along with my launch. Would you recommend any other shafts that rival or have similar specs as the Kuro Kage Black 50g Stiff?
Thanks,
Shane
Shane,
It sounds like a modern tip-stiff shaft is in order. With a little more spin reduction, you could see carry distances around 265. I would suggest working with a fitter to find the best shaft for your swing.
Best,
Matt
I broke my shaft to my new Callaway Epic . It comes with a standard graphite shaft . ( mine is senior flex being 68 yrs old )
I am having it fitted with a Mitsubishi blue Tensei
I was debating over senior flex or regular.
Using a Seven iron on 160!yd hole and constantly hitting my drives 250 with my senior flex . But l do when swinging full tend to hit high fades ( l am a lefty ) . So l decided on regular. It is coming Wednesday, so looking forward to it .
I enjoy your professional responses . Thanks
How does this compare to the project x LZ?
Adam,
I have a full review of the Project X LZ here: https://pluggedingolf.com/project-x-lz-shaft-review/
Best,
Matt
i ordered a Rogue 3 wood (15degree) with this shaft (stiff) and it is without a doubt the best performing 3 wood I’ve ever had. I can flight the ball easily as well as turn it left to right or right to left on demand. I love it
How do you thinknits compares to the old voodoo shaft? Ive kept the in that came in my 909 driver and have used it in every titleist drive since. Can’t find aoecs to comper .
Eddie,
To me, the feel of the Aldila VooDoo is in stark contrast to the Tensei Blue. It’s been a while since I’ve hit it, but my recollection is that the VooDoo was not that smooth.
Best,
Matt
I play a Whiteboard 72 in my 917 D3, just love the shaft. . Would the CK Pro White 70 be an upgrade in your opinion?
Eric,
There’s no reason the Tensei would be better unless it’s a better fit.
Best,
Matt
Eric,
There’s no inherent reason the Tensei would be an upgrade. It might be a better fit for you, but the Whiteboard is a great shaft.
Best,
Matt
Hey Matt
I’m looking at buying an M3 3 wood and the 65 is the stock shaft, but on the article it says that there is only a 60 and 70 offered. Why is that?
Ok so Im sitting here reading all about stiff shafts and 200-300 yard drives and to say the least
Im envious, so what about us guys and gals that don’t hit that far, any comments for us ?
also you said this club only comes in a regular, stiff and extra stiff, maybe you wrote this before
they came out with the A flex which is what I have.
Maybe Im (hate to admit it) to old to swing that hard anymore, seriously what I really could use is
a lesson an a club fitting.
Which is the best shaft for a senior golfer:
Mitsubishi Tensei AV blue, 70G
Mitsubishi Tensei AV Blue, 60G
Project X HZRDUS Smoke, 70G
Project X HZRDUS Smoke, 60G
or, the Project X Even Flow Green, 60G??
That depends on which one fits the given senior golfer. If you want to pick up distance, the fastest way to do it is with a quality club fitting.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt, do you really see that much difference in regards to the shaft? I watched a Mark Crossfield vid where a +1 marker spent 350 pounds on a shaft! They got him to hit balls with a variety of shafts put in same head including his and numbers varied very little in fact to his surprise his best numbers were with a regular stock shaft, and he was hitting around 300 yds carry with all. So I am feeling that shaft is not the be all and end all.. More Head design and loft appear the major factors. Not to forget swing quality :)
This is kind of a question as I want a new driver and fitting is more than 500ks from where I live in OZ so prob buy without fitting. Looking at TS3 8.5 with tensei blue x, my good drives carry 250m. I am a high hitter so hoping this will help there.
Any thoughts appreciated, Jo
Jo,
The shaft makes a huge difference. I don’t know much about Crossfield, so I won’t comment on that, but I’ve seen a shaft change make a huge difference for myself and dozens of other golfers, let alone all the stories I’ve picked up from fitters.
-Matt
Matt,
i hit a higher ball, looking at the Callaway Flash…what shaft? Does the Tensi blue 60 ok? Mid Kick I assume..
Thx
Joe p
Joe,
If you’re going to spend over $500 on a driver, why not get a fitting to make sure you have the right shaft and loft?
Best,
Matt
Matt,
I got casually fitted by a pro for the Callaway
Epic Flash driver. It is a demo in great shape, 9 degree Tensei AV Blue stiff flex. SS 98-10, quick transition, 63 years old, 12 handicap player. Although, it is the longest on mishits I’ve ever hit I struggle with its low launch angle (10) and lack of carry. Even set at +2.
Recently acquired a used 10.5 degree with an Project X Evenflow 55 6.0. I have not got it outside yet but should I expect a higher launch angle and more carry with it? Look forward to your insights.
Mike
Mike,
You’re adding 1.5 degrees of loft, so that would lead me to expect higher launch, but you’re changing shafts which throws an unknown into the mix. The good part is that you can swap the shafts and heads because Callaway hasn’t changed adapters.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
I have a nike vapor fly driver with a tensei blue 50 shaft that comes stock. Other blogs mentioned this shaft is the aftermarket non pro version, could u please confirm? When i bought it at golfsmith at that time, the associate mentioned this was a real aftermarket.
Thanks.
Javi,
I can’t confirm that with certainty. Generally I am skeptical of such claims.
Best,
Matt
Thanks for your response Matt. Do you hiw may i find out if this is the real aftermarket non pro version?
Javi,
You could call Mitsubishi, but I’m not sure what kind of answer you would get.
Best,
Matt
Is it worth the extra $100 for a tensei blue shaft 50 with the new reduced pxg drivers ? 71 year old 220-230 carry . 80-85 speed right now they are only $219 with good reviews. Thanks
Scott,
It depends if the Tensei Blue is a better fit for your swing. It always pays to get fit before you spend money on new clubs.
Best,
Matt
Hi.. just purchased a cobra king f9 with a tensei blue ck 50 shaft, it says on it flex-A, but also has a sticker that says Flex Lite. Any info on this please? Ps purchased this because I have a shoulder injury and my swing speed has reduced from around 100 to around 75, grateful for any info on the shift. Thanks, Richard
Richard,
A flex is another synonym for Lite or Senior flex.
Best,
Matt
Hi, I’m undecided between GD IZ-6 S and Tensei Blue AV 55 S. 100 Club head speed, Spin rate with GD around 2500, Tensei 3000. Similar distance, GD is upgrade shaft. Any thoughts?
Ray,
If you hit both, which did you prefer? Both are quality products. If they’re equally long I’d take the one that’s more accurate.
Best,
Matt
Used to play SLDR w/ Speeder 57 cut down 1″. I hit a lot of fairways but it doesn’t go very far. 180 -220 yds. Just purchased a M5 driver with the Tensei Chemical Blue 50g shaft. Overall, my ball speed is usually only around 114mph and my driver flight is mid to low, but straight. After tinkering with the weights on the range a couple of times and playing two rounds, I don’t love this driver. Set to 10.5 degree with the two weights set forward. Tried adjusting the loft and moving the weights but think this offered my best result. I hit my new to me M3 3Wood with tensei blue 65g shaft great. Good ball flight and distance. with decent accuracy. Do you have a shaft recommendation? Looking at a used M3 driver .with Tensei Red, so wondering the difference and if it would help with what you know of my swing. Thanks
Terry,
I would strongly advise that you get fit for the best head and shaft to optimize the swing speed that you have.
Best,
Matt
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Hi Matt,
2 years ago I got fitted for a rogue driver with a tensei shaft blue, stiff, 50g rogue. I havnt been able to hit it consistently since. Id have a swing speend of 90+. I really think it was the wrong shaft for me. I have got a lend of a 70g hazrds m5 and its alot more consistant.
I was thinking of getting the 60g or 70g blue tensei and keeping with the same rogue clubhead, any advice on if thus is the right thing to do? Which one would you opt for
Dean,
I would strongly recommend getting another fitting. If you don’t want to go that route, I’d get the shaft – or the entire club – that you felt performed more consistently, the M5 w/HZRDUS.
-Matt
I don’t remember seeing what head you tested this shaft with. This is a little later down the line (lol) but I am interested in putting one of these on a Cobra F9, probably regular flex. I know only a proper fitting would determine what’s what but I feel with the stock Fujikora black regular flex I’m getting a slight twist. Wondering if that is common with some weaker flex shafts.
PING G410 Plus
I play the tensei orange x stiff in my g410 driver and really like it. Would the tensei pro blue 80 in stiff be a good option for a 2 hybrid? I’m about 108-110 in my driver swing speed. I haven’t been able to demo this shaft anywhere and debating between that and the Alta BC 70 red in stiff.
Ryan,
The jump between models and flexes makes is too much of a reach for me to recommend blindly (over the internet). To be clear, that combo might be awesome in your hybrid, but I can’t endorse it for you.
hi Matt can you please tell me the main features of the Tension CK 50 FlexA shift that I have in my Driver in regard to Length, Flex ＆ Launch.
Just trying to get my head around what I should be experiencing with this driver shaft.
many thanks,
MarkPlunkett （Australia）
Hello Matt,
Was fitted for TSI 2 Driver 9* with a premium shaft Vylyn composites 65R that can’t afford…would this Tensei blue 65r (stock) be somewhere comparable?
Thank you sir
Joao,
They’re in the same category, broadly speaking, but within that category I don’t think they’re too similar.
For future fittings, remember to be up front with the fitter about your budget. Any good fitter can find a good option in your price range.
-Matt
I see the tensei ck blue 50 with a dark finish, like the AV in my titleist 3 wood, and one with the lower shaft a light grey. What is the difference ?
Jim,
I’m not 100% certain based on your description, but I’ll hazard a guess that one is an aftermarket shaft and one is the stock version.
Best,
Matt
Hey Matt, quick question: I have a Diamana BF 70 S in my 5 wood, and it’s incredible — just a terrific shaft for a fairway for me. I’m looking to pick up something on the cheaper side for my 3 wood to get me through the next few months before a fitting this winter where I’ll take a bigger picture look at this part of my bag. I see some CK Pro Blues here and there at relatively low prices, since it’s a few years old now. As a temporary, budget pick-up for a few months of golf before my fitting, would you say it’s reasonably close to the Diamana BF? Anything else that’s a little older that you’ve tested that might be closer? I don’t want to spend too much on a fairway shaft right now because I suspect I might end up with only one fairway wood in the bag, and that Diamana BF is going in it.
Eric,
The Tensei Blue is similar, in the big picture, but not a perfect analog. One thing to be aware of is that there are a lot of “stock” Tensei Blues out there which are going to be substantially different than the aftermarket Tensei Blue.
Best,
Matt
I recently purchased a new Tensei blue 60 driver stiff golf shaft for a M4 Taylormade driver. I used it for 2 weeks and did not like it.
What is the notch on the butt end of the shaft. Is this a spine alignment indicator? There is a notch and also a red and green line.
Jason,
I don’t believe it’s meant to indicate anything; I think it’s just a remnant from the manufacturing process.
-Matt