50 Words or Less
The Mitsubishi TENSEI 1K Pro Orange is a counterbalanced, low launch, low spin shaft. Smooth, premium feel. Counter balancing can help some players gain speed or alter their ball flight.
Introduction
Since its launch in 2015, the TENSEI Orange profile has been a favorite on Tour with numerous pros seeing improved club head speed. The TENSEI 1K Pro White, launched last year, brought a new material and more buzz to Mitsubishi’s tried and true line. These two forces now collide in the Mitsubishi TENSEI 1K Pro Orange, a shaft that seems destined to be a sensation.
Looks
The Mitsubishi TENSEI 1K Pro Orange, like the 1K Pro White, is obviously a TENSEI and obviously a little different. What first grabbed my attention is the iridescent finish on the TENSEI branding. This finish is carried to the other side of the shaft in the “Multi Material” logo.
On the more subtle side, the base color shifts from black at the tip to grey in the middle. There’s also an additional logo – “1K Carbon” – near the grip.
Overall, this is another great looking shaft by Mitsubishi. It’s more workhorse than show pony, but that doesn’t stop it from having some visual flair.
Feel
The Mitsubishi TENSEI 1K Pro Orange has a very similar profile to the low launch, low spin TENSEI 1K White [review HERE]. It’s very stable in the tip but smooth through the butt section. This provides the exact feel that I want in a shaft – a little “action” or kick with great stability at impact.
What’s unique about the Orange is that it’s counterbalanced. The difference between the Orange and White is typically about two swing weight points. For me, that difference is noticeable in how the driver feels during the swing.
Check out the new Mitsubishi TENSEI 1K Pro Blue HERE
Performance
For those that need it, this is your reminder that you can’t compare numbers from different reviews apples to apples. Onward.
Regular readers know that the TENSEI 1K Pro White has been in my bag since the review. The profile fits me perfectly, and I love the consistency it delivers off the tee. With that in mind, I had high expectations for the TENSEI 1K Pro Orange, and it certainly met them.
The first thing I noticed when testing the 1K Pro Orange is that swinging it felt effortless. I was hitting it side by side with the 1K Pro White, and the Orange felt faster. The speed numbers on the Foresight GCQuad didn’t show any major gains with the Orange, but I felt like I was hitting those numbers more easily. My top speed is down a bit after an illness, so I’m going to continue my testing to see if I can nudge a couple extra MPH from the Orange.
Another thing that I’ve learned over time is that counter weighted shafts tend to increase my angle of attack. You may find the opposite, this is just what they do for me. As a result of this higher AoA, I did see the Orange launch a little higher and spin a bit less than the White. The differences weren’t huge because I tried to minimize the change in AoA – I hit “up” on the ball plenty all by myself.
The primary reason that the TENSEI 1K Pro White has stayed in my bag is the accuracy. It’s fun to hit driver when you know where the ball is going to go. I found that same level of consistency and predictability in the TENSEI 1K Pro Orange, but with a twist. Where the White tends to fade or push, the Orange promoted a small draw. Again, this isn’t a universal rule, but for me the counter balancing pushed my path a bit more right while helping close the face.
The Mitsubishi TENSEI 1K Pro Orange shaft is being offered in four weight classes. At 50 and 60 grams, there are four available flexes: regular, stiff, X, and TX. In the 70 and 80 grams, MCA offers stiff, X, and TX.
Conclusion
It’s not entirely surprising that one of the biggest threats to my gamer comes from the same family. Just like its brother, the Mitsubishi TENSEI 1K Pro Orange is extremely fun to hit and consistent. The counterbalancing makes it feel fast, and some players will see speed gains from the weight shift. Visit your Mitsubishi fitter to try one for yourself.
Visit MCA Golf HERE
Matt Saternus
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Hi Matt, Which Gram shaft did you test?
Anthony,
The 60 gram model.
-Matt
60x?
Yes.
What are the differences from the CK Pro Orange? I’ve used that shaft for several years. Thanks,
Mark,
The new version uses different materials to make it stronger and more consistent.
-Matt
I have an m5 with the stock m orange 60g regular and pured. I’m doubting that it would be worthwhile to upgrade to this spec shaft , but do u reckon when I upgrade next year that t made would offer this as an option? I generally fight a hook and found the orange helped me .
Graham,
I don’t have any insider knowledge on the plans of TM or MCA, but I doubt that the 1K line will ever be a stock shaft as it’s meant to be a more premium offering.
Best,
Matt
Titleist has the Black 1K as a stock (Non-premium) option, I do not find a review of that shaft (S 65) comments, please?
CK Orange Pro (S 60) has been my shaft for years, I picked the black 1K (Basically a free shaft) with my new 9* TSR3 – the Orange still is a wee bit faster
We will have a review of the 1K Black in the near future.
-Matt
love your reviews! I just put this in the bag today (after using the ck pro the last 4 years) feels great. For me, i easily added abut 7-8 yards… tiny draw bias for me.. as advertised a great shaft, my new gamer
What shaft spec did you purchase? What’s your driver swing speed?
It’s a 60 gram X flex. Swing speed is in the LM data graphic.
-Matt
Hi Matt. I’m curious about your swing weight, using the White 1k with a ping. That head usually runs almost 10 grams heavier than a TM or CW. I play the Orange in 400 lst. I do like it. I have a standard white too but find using it in a Ping, feels heavy. The orange makes me feel like it’s much easier to hit. What was the change in SW between the two for you?
Bryan,
The Orange knocked the swing weight down about two points.
Best,
Matt
I’m assuming this shaft is very comparable to the HZRDUS Smoke Blue RDX based off of your past review? If so, which do you prefer, the 1K Orange or Smoke Blue?
Tommy,
I prefer the TENSEI Orange.
-Matt
Hi Matt,
If possible and the still in your mind, how would you compare feel, launch and spin of the TPO 1K vs the LAGP DJ series?
Thanks
Dan,
I have a full review of the DJ Signature Series shaft here: https://pluggedingolf.com/la-golf-dj-signature-series-shaft-review/
-Matt
Hi Matt. I currently play the 1k White 50g and love it. Because the orange is CB would you recommend the 50g or 60g? Thanks!
John,
Interesting question. Trading White 50g for Orange 50g would result in a lower swing weight. I’m not 100% sure what would happen if you traded the Orange 60g, but my guess is that the swing weight might remain pretty similar to the White 50g.
-Matt
I have been hitting a 55g Stiff flex AV raw blue on my TS4. I want more of a linear ball flight. I like a straight ball but I rather miss with a draw than a fade. I’m assuming the orange would be what I’m looking for but should I get the 50 or 60 gram?
Samuel,
My advice is always to get a fitting. The counter weighted, tip stiff Orange may help some players produce a draw compared to the Blue, but others will have the opposite experience.
Best,
Matt