50 Words or Less
The MCA Golf Tensei Orange delivers stability and low spin with the addition of counter weighting.
Introduction
MCA Golf (formerly MRC or Mitsubishi Rayon) is one of the most predictable brands in the shaft industry, in a good way. While other brands create confusion annually with new colors, codes, and profiles, MCA has stuck to their red (high launch), blue (mid launch), and white (low launch) scheme for as long as I can remember. That line up got a new addition this year with the release of the low launching, counter-balanced Tensei Orange.
Looks
The Tensei Orange features the same low-key graphics package of the other Tensei shafts with the exception of the orange band. Near the butt end of the shaft, you’ll see through to the weave of the shaft. The orange band and branding cover the middle of the shaft, and everything near the club head is black to eliminate distractions.
Feel
The MCA Golf Tensei Orange is counter balanced, but not in the extreme. The balance point is about 3% higher, and MCA told me that switching to Tensei Orange typically lowers the swing weight 2-3 points. This is consistent with what I saw when I installed the Tensei Orange in my PING G LS Tec driver and how I felt swinging it. There was a noticeable difference, but it wasn’t jarring like it is with some other counter weighted shafts.
During the swing, the feel of the Tensei Orange is somewhere between the Tensei White and the Tensei Blue. The tip is quite stiff, but the counter balancing makes the mid section feel more active than the Tensei White. Overall, it’s one of the smoother low launching, tip stiff shafts in recent memory.
Performance
Before I dive into how the Tensei Orange performed for me, it’s important to point out that there are two different versions of this shaft. The Pro model is the one that was tested here, and it features an “extreme tip-stiff design.” The standard Tensei Orange is designed to be higher launching and higher spinning due to a softer tip. As always, work with a qualified fitter to find the best model for you.
For me, the Tensei Orange Pro model was a great fit. I tend to gravitate toward stiff-tipped shafts because I hate seeing the ball hook, but I prefer a smoother, more active feel. The Orange’s counter balancing gave me the smoother feel I prefer with the control I need. With this combination, I was able to swing anywhere from under control to out-of-my-shoes without feeling like I “lost” the shaft.
There were many positive things that showed up on the launch monitor in my testing – low spin, good accuracy – but what stood out most was the strike consistency. The driver has been a problem for me lately, but the change to Tensei Orange tightened up my strike pattern significantly. This speaks to how well I fit both the profile of the shaft and the counter balanced feel. The latter part surprised me, but it illustrates the importance of being open minded when testing new gear.
Conclusion
After testing the MCA Golf Tensei Orange, I can see why PGA Tour players like Rickie Fowler have put it into play (and it’s not just the color). This shaft delivers the stiff, stable tip that many aggressive swingers need without the boardy feel. Also, the counterbalancing makes the club head feel slightly lighter without changing the balance too dramatically. Kudos to MCA Golf for breaking their tried and true pattern to deliver something innovative and impressive.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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Could you compare the Tensei Orange to Speeder Evo 3?
Ryan,
I didn’t test them head to head, so, assuming you’ve read both reviews, I don’t think there’s much I could add.
Best,
Matt
I noticed that Ping has the Tensei shaft as a stock offering. They show the regular flex as high launching. Is this a different shaft from the one in your review?
Rob,
Without getting into the whole “stock v aftermarket” piece, I will say that the shaft in my G410 feels similar to the one I tested for this review but not identical.
Best,
Matt
Ping’s is not the “Pro” model, I don’t think.
Great review Matt! Always enjoy them. I’m really curious as to what you think about the Pro Orange (assume this is the acclaimed V3?) vs the Pro White.
CK,
I get along with the Orange a little better than the White. I *think* that the counter balancing makes it feel a little smoother, but the tip is still stable enough. It’s currently in my G400 driver.
Best,
Matt
Read your Mitsubishi Grand Bassara review, before reading your article I purchased the
GB 39 chemical stiff shaft put on a 917 D3 Titliest head. For the past 58 years I have always used a stiff shaft and up to this day every instructor I had ever seen agrees that stiff is
right for me. but the shaft feels more like an extra stiff, have you noticed that? maybe I
should have went regular flex what is your take? Dan
Dan,
My take is always that it is best to work with a fitter to find the right equipment. Labels like “Regular” and “Stiff” are very broad and mean different things to different companies. Also, different models can feel entirely different despite both being “Stiff”.
Best,
Matt
Matt what flex is the Tensei Orange you are swinging ? Also, what is the loft in the Ping G400 ? My swing speed is the exact at 107 and I’ve been looking at the orange. Thanks and love the site!
Ryan,
X-flex.
Best,
Matt
Disappointed that Ping chose a different thread size in the G410 adapter. I was hoping to swap my Tesei Orange as a trial. Comments?
Bill,
PING changed the adapter because the new one is lighter and offers more adjustability.
-Matt
Love all your reviews and would love to hear how you compare this shaft to the GD AD TP. Seems you were very impressed with both based on your reviews. Would really appreciate hearing your thoughts.
Thanks
Casey,
Thank you.
I think the two shafts you mention are very similar – tip stiff with slightly more flex in the mid and butt. I’m gaming the Tensei Orange right now and could very happily game the AD TP. If I were splitting hairs, I would say that the Tensei feels a little smoother whereas the AD TP is more of a “load and kick” feel.
Best,
Matt
This was the standard CK Orange correct and not the CK Pro?
It’s the CK Pro.
I am looking at buying a ping 400 driver with 10.5 loft which of the mitsubishi shafts would fit me best.I am 75 work out regularly,
have a 72plus club head speed prefer to hit high for max distance(carry 200 yds.)Would like low spin rate.I am using Ozik MFS
series A
Aubrey
Aubrey,
There’s no way for me to make a good recommendation without seeing you in person. I would strongly suggest working with a quality club fitter like Club Champion or True Spec.
Best,
Matt
Nice review Matt real nice. Makes sense why Rory put it in the bag resently and why Tiger put it in the bag for the Masters.
Was wondering if the standard Tensei Orange is considered a stock shaft and the Pro Orange an aftermarket shaft? Or is the standard is also considered as an aftermarket similar to the Fujikura Pro non tour spec in blue?
Appreciate your thoughts on this.
Afiq,
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
So the standard CK series are not watered down version as stated by GolfWRX forum members yea? What about the build material for the standard CK? Are they made from the same High Modulus, premium 40-Ton prepreg throughout the shaft similar like the Pro series?
Afiq,
I don’t have all the material details, so I can’t answer that knowledgeably.
As for “watered down,” I’m not sure what that means. It’s different than the Pro and I’m sure that it’s far too soft for all the +3 handicap, golf industry insiders on the forums (deep sarcasm).
Matt
LOL!!! Well said =P
Matt. That is a great little bit of information that I hadn’t been able to find on the mca-golf.com website or other message boards.
Good to know both the CK and Pro versions are quality shafts and not a lesser “made for” watered down version as the result of the different profile.
Appreciate the detail in your review.
Kevin.
How much stiffer in feel of the Pro Orange compared to the Pro White yea? And is the launch pretty much the same as the Pro White? And is the kick in the mid section similar to the Pro Blue?
Afiq,
To me, the counterweighting in the Orange makes it feel softer than the White, but feel is always personal. I’d be hesitant to say the launch would be the same as the White since the counterweighting can affect people’s swings.
Best,
Matt
So from your personal experience testing both the Pro Orange and White, do you find the Pro Orange for you launch somewhat higher compared to the white?
Afiq,
For me, the Orange goes a bit higher.
Best,
Matt
What was the length of shaft you used in the testing and what was the swing weight yea?
I’m currently gaming the CK Pro Blue in 60 stiff (64g) with a 45.25 length and M3 head….was thinking of getting the CK Pro Orange 70 stiff (72g) and play it slightly shorter then mu current length of 45.25….will this help in lighten the swing weight given it being 8g heavier than my Pro Blue? Or does the 8 grams increase in weight wouldn’t be much to be noticeable? Looking forward to hear from you. Cheers!
Afiq,
I play my driver at 45″. I’m not certain of the SW.
My guess is that the 70 gram shaft would feel heavier but I’m not sure about the SW because you have a lot of variables: shaft weight, length, and the counter weighting of the Orange.
-Matt
Curious how the Tensei Pro Orange compares to the Hzrds Black or yellow and the old graffaloy blue which I still love?
Brett,
I have reviews of the HZRDUS Black here: https://pluggedingolf.com/project-x-hzrdus-black-shaft-review/
and the HZRUDS Yellow here: https://pluggedingolf.com/project-x-hzrdus-yellow-shaft-review/
Best,
Matt
Has anyone had the orange CK 50 stiff shaft in there 3 wood ? If so how did you find it ?
Super review. I’m 67 and am down to 96-97 mph, have been a long-time Mistu shaft guy. The Blue (my first Mitsubishi Rayon Blue 72) when I was younger (Up to 112mph) was perfect for me, the white only really did it for me up through the 3w. It’s not easy for me to get test shafts currently and a full out fitting session is too many balls for me to hit, I loosen up my arthritic back more than I can when I play. With the Orange “between the Blue and white” – is it worth my extra effort to find a demo and try the Tensei Orange? The 60 Blue in S is too soft to my feel and the white too hard, I play 44″ in the driver. Still using a Japanese edition SLDR 430 TP head, not likely to switch to the M3. Thanks for any feedback, I am intrigued by this shaft, it sounds what I’m after, sorry to ramble a bit. #brandloyal
Bill,
I do find that the Orange hits a nice sweet spot between the Blue and White. It does seem a bit hard to track down though.
Best,
Matt
Indeed! I am finding it very hard to source to try.
Matt,
How would you compare the Aldila Rogue Silver 125 MSI (x-stiff) to Tensei CK Pro Orange (V3).
As a bonus, how do they compare to the TPT shafts?
Thanks!
Daniel,
We have a review of TPT here: https://pluggedingolf.com/tpt-golf-shaft-reviews/
and Rogue here: https://pluggedingolf.com/aldila-rogue-silver-rogue-black-shaft-review/
Best,
Matt
How much does it normally cost?
Tom,
I believe the retail is around $400, but I’m not certain.
Best,
Matt
Hey Matt – It appears you tested Version 2 not Version 3, correct? Version 3 has the “W” image at the top of the shaft and “MR70” image at the tip of the shaft.
Thanks,
Curt
Curt,
This is the standard retail Pro version.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
I am currently gaming a HZRDUS T1100 65g 6.5 in G400 Max and have come across a Tensei Pro Orange 60TX at a good price. Would you say that either of these shafts is “more anti- left” than the other?
Evan,
The HZRDUS is stiffer, but that may or may not be more “anti-left” for your swing.
Best,
Matt
Thank you for the information.
Hi Matt, Great view for orange.
My question is that if orange would be a good replacement for ilima 61 S? My club speed is 105 or so.
With 4.4 torq for orange, would I feel club head softener? And Would trajectory be lower the current shaft?
thanks
Charlie,
The Tensei Orange is substantially different. I would suggest working with a fitter to find the best shaft for your swing.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
Great overview, thank you. You try a lot of shafts so what are you currently gaming in your driver and 3 wood?
Best,
Jim
Jim,
All my gear is here: https://pluggedingolf.com/about/matt-saternus/
Best,
Matt
tensei ck orange 50 Stiff vs mitsubishi kuro kage silver tini 60 stiff? Thougts??
Soren,
I have a review of the Silver TiNi here: https://pluggedingolf.com/kuro-kage-silver-tini-shaft-review-2/
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
I’m getting my first driver and i’m 16 year’s old. I hit my 7 iron about 140-150 meters. Do you think the regular variant of the normal CK orange will suit me, because I can get a crazy deal on it online, with it being attached to a Mizuno st180. Also, off topic do you have any drivers in your mind that would suit a 25 handicapper? I’d love to hear from you.
Greetings,
Floris
Floris,
The best recommendation I can give you is to work with a fitter to find the best club for your swing. I absolutely understand the lure of the great deals online, but the best value is in having a club that you know will work for you. The “Buy-Try-Resell” method ends up being very expensive in the long run.
Best,
Matt
Hey Matt,
The problem is that when I get fitter for a driver, I have to pay full price for, which I don’t have to money for. People say this Shaft is pretty ‘stiff’ for a regular shaft. What stiffness did you have it in?
Floris,
I played the Tensei Orange in the Tour X flex.
Best,
Matt
Dear Matt,
Another question, what is the difference between the normal ck orange and the normal ck blue. I can’t find any source on the internet. Secondly, in reply to your reply. I have to pay for it by myself, and I cant afford to get fitted, there’s no way. Here in the Netherlands there are some shops that offer a free fitting, but then you have to pay full price for the driver, which i absolutere can’t afford.
Best wishes,
Floris
Floris,
I have a review of the Tensei Blue here: https://pluggedingolf.com/mitsubish-tensei-shaft-review/
Best,
Matt
Great review, Matt. Could you briefly compare the Pro Orange to an AD DI in terms of launch, spin, etcetera. Keep up the great work!
Thanks,
Brian
Brian,
I have a full review of the AD DI here: https://pluggedingolf.com/graphite-designs-tour-ad-di-shaft-review/
Best,
Matt
Follow up: I am now playing this in my Driver and 3w (60s pro and 70s pro respectively). I am not the world’s most efficient with a Driver, have had a TS3 x 4 months courtesy of one of the designers. Recently ordered and am playing my companion 3w. I am and have always been a 3w man. For those worrying that this shaft feels too stiff, I considered the 80 TX for my 3w because it felt so much behind and into/through the ball. Hard to believe but to me this extreme tip stiff shaft feels like butter to me. My drives are as straight as ever with this shaft, the 3w is ridiculously good, more reflective of me than the shaft? I dunno . The feel and my confidence in these two clubs is at an all-time high. Addressing annother question above – I happen to have AD DI-85s in my hybrids, but I greatly prefer hitting the TENSEI Orange to the very fine AD DI shaft, so much that my 3w is a 13.5°. It was a long-a$$ journey getting and testing these shafts against the usual suspects, but worth it for my degree of satisfaction and confidence. I find the AD DI a little more demanding and slightly less forgiving. I tested it head to head with the TENSEI CK Pro orange in the 3w, TENSEI won for me, your results may vary. They are all as high as quality gets. I hope this helps someone.
could you compare the tensei ck orange to the project x evenflow black?
Matt,
I have a full review of the EvenFlow Black here: https://pluggedingolf.com/project-x-evenflow-blue-evenflow-black-shaft-review/
-Matt
I’m trying to decide between the Tensei orange and the hzrdus yellow. Swing speed is about 106. I’ve field tested the yellow but wasn’t able to compare the orange in a driver. Your thoughts?
Ive read reviews where golfers with a quicker tempo struggle with the yellow
Bobby,
I prefer the Orange, but that’s just me. If I was going to spend that kind of money on a shaft, I’d find a fitter who could let me compare them head to head.
Best,
Matt
At what swing speed do you have? I just got fitted to the orange after lots of testing. (My speed is 108-110)
Scott,
All the launch monitor data, including swing speed, is shown above.
-Matt
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How do you feel this shaft will perform in a 3 wood.
Malcolm,
There’s no reason it wouldn’t be fine, assuming it fit the given player.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Do you know if the shaft in TaylorMade’s m5 3 Wood is the Standard or Pro Version if the Orange?
Andy,
I steer clear of making any definitive statements about what stock shafts “really” are. My thoughts are that if it comes stock, it’s probably not the same as the aftermarket version, but if it performs well, why should it matter.
-Matt
I see that you state that the shaft that you tested was the orange ck pro but I see that you didn’t mention the boron tip. Did the shaft that you tested have the boron tip? Thanks!
Matt, enjoyed your comments. I have a TaylorMade SIM max with the stock Ventus shaft. I am not happy with this shaft and am looking to replace it. My swing speed is maxed at approximately 108. Do you have any suggestions for a replacement shaft. Thank you
Wayne,
The best advice I can give you is to get fit. Buying to try is a much more expensive proposition and it does not guarantee success.
Best,
Matt
I got fitted a couple of years ago for an m5 with orange ( standard) shaft. I generally fight a hook, so the combination of being able to open the face of m5 ( still looks neutral to my eyes) and the relatively stiff but un board like to my feel was a winner and helped me turn a hook to a light draw shape. Less than a year later I had all my m5,s ( driver, 3+5 Woods) frequency matched which means I can’t change the shafts position in sleeve, but no desire to anyway. This I found to tighten my dispersion further. Let me know your thoughts on what I’ve done.
Graham,
If it’s working for you, it sounds great to me.
-Matt
First swing not even a practice, par 4 280 (downhill) landed 10 yds short of green chipped to 3 feet and made birdie. I’m an old fart 65. Ping G425 Max with Tensei orange shaft. I ABSOLUTLY LOVE IT!!!!
Hi, what flex were you playing with for the G425 max?
KC,
X flex.
-Matt
I have a Ping g425 driver and I am considering Tensei Orange 55 gram shaft. My swing speed averages around 80 mph
Is this a good choice?
Ray,
The best option is always to get fit. No one can give you a good recommendation over the internet, just a semi-educated guess.
Best,
Matt
Todos las varas tensei orange son counterbalanced, av, ck, av raw, ckpro,?.
I’m glad I found this Mitsubishi Tensei Orange Shaft Review. I was looking for a shaft that would help me improve my game. This shaft looks like it will do the trick.
Hola! I’ve been reading your website for a long time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out
from Kingwood Texas! Just wanted to say keep up the excellent work!