Choosing the right shaft for your golf clubs can be a tough process, as there are so many options to choose from. One of the leading shafts in golf is the Tensei, which is the subject of this review.
We explain everything you need to know about the Tensei golf shaft, introducing you to its key features, where it’s manufactured, and how to choose the ideal Tensei shaft for you.
By the end of this article, you will have all the information that you need to decide if a Tensei shaft will help your golf game this season.
1. What are Tensei Golf Shafts?
Tensei shafts from Mitsubishi are among the best-performing shafts in the game of golf. Tensei – a Japanese word – means transformation, and is what these shafts are all about, as the technology comprised within them has undergone significant transformation to get to this stage.
There are several series within the Tensei range, and you can opt for Tensei shafts for your driver, fairway woods, and hybrid golf clubs, depending on what you’re looking for in a shaft.
You can also turn to Tensei shafts for your irons, with the AV series particularly popular among players looking for the latest in Japanese technology when equipping the shafts on their golf clubs.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about Tensei golf shafts, to help you decide if this leading Japanese shaft is a good option for your golf clubs this season.
2. Who Makes Tensei Golf Shafts?
Tensei golf shafts are made by Mitsubishi Chemical Group. Mitsubishi is widely accepted as one of the leading shaft manufacturers in the game, and they are responsible for models including Diamana and MMT, both of which are super popular throughout the game of golf.
Mitsubishi manufactures its golf shafts from its Asian headquarters in Toyohashi, Japan. This is the hub of innovation for the Mitsubishi Chemical Group and the source of many of the finest shafts in the game.
But as the brand has evolved and grown, Mitsubishi has established distribution centers in different parts of the world, including North America, for ease of purchase and retail.
So, if you’re considering Tensei golf shafts for your golf clubs this season, you can rest assured that they’re manufactured by one of the leading brands in the world – Mitsubishi – from their Japanese headquarters in Toyohashi.
3. Are Tensei Shafts Good?
Yes, Tensei shafts are among the best in the world. As is the case with all Mitsubishi shafts, they feature cutting-edge technology, ensuring that they’re lightweight and durable, as well as being available in multiple flex options.
Taking the AV range as an example, it is a smooth and accessible shaft that provides players with excellent control and speed as far as ball striking is concerned.**
What’s more, the AV shaft boasts a sleek and aesthetically pleasing design, which is another impressive characteristic within the Tensei range.
In terms of feel, Mitsubishi Tensei shafts are known to be smooth through the midsection, which contributes to effortless ball striking.
This makes Tensei shafts ideal for players at all levels of the game, given the excellent feel and control offered.
So, while there are lots of shafts available within the Mitsubishi range, it’s fair to say that Tensei is one of the best, given the cutting-edge technology used to manufacture them.
4. What’s the Difference in Tensei Shafts?
There are only slight differences between the materials used in the Tensei shaft and those used in others manufactured by Mitsubishi.
For instance, one notable difference is the use of Kevlar in the grip section of the shaft, which increases stability for ball striking. ***
Another distinctive feature of the Tensei shaft is that it contains minimal plastic, making it slightly denser than some of the other Mitsubishi shafts, particularly the Kuro Age and Diamana models.
MCG actually holds Tensei up as one of the company’s most innovative shafts, and the various Tennis releases all benefit from technological tweaks and upgrades to provide something slightly different to players.
While Tensei may provide a slight edge over other Mitsubishi shafts, it’s all down to personal preference, and the reality is that all shafts produced by MCG are of exceptionally high standards.
5. Are Tensei Shafts Expensive?
It’s fair to say that Mitsubishi Tensei shafts are expensive, as they’re one of the most in-demand golf shafts in the business.
For instance, some of the Tensei driver and hybrid shafts come with an eye-watering MSRP of $500, but you can find them for cheaper when you buy online.
The Tensei iron shafts are also fairly expensive, and the Tense AV red AM2 iron shafts, for instance, have an MSRP of $100.
Some people will question the logic of paying so much money for a shaft, but if you want a premium shaft, most cost upwards of $300.
Therefore, while Tensei shafts are expensive, they’re not considerably more expensive than premium shafts from other brands like True Temper.
If you’re concerned by the price of Tensei golf shafts, you can look for both new and used options on eBay, as the online platform is typically a great place to pick up premium golf shafts for a lower price.
Just make sure that you’re buying from a legitimate seller, as you don’t want to be stuck with fake Tensei shafts!
6. Where are Tensei Shafts Made?
Tensei shafts are manufactured by MCG at the company’s headquarters in Toyohashi, Japan. Lots of premium golf equipment is manufactured in Japan, with brands like Srixon, Mizuno, and Honma all hailing from Japan.
As a truly global firm, MCG also has a base in the United States and currently operates out of Charlotte, NC.
This is the HQ of Mitsubishi Chemical in America, although most of the manufacturing of shafts and other golf gear is done overseas.
While lots of golfers opt for American-made equipment, the reality is that Japanese gear is some of the very best in the business, and it is manufactured to extremely high specifications.
Therefore, if you’re in the market for some of the best shafts in the business, Mitsubishi’s Tensei shaft is certainly one for you to consider.
7. Are Tensei Shafts Counterbalanced?
Yes, some of the shafts within the Tensei range are counterbalanced. For instance, the Tensei AV RAW orange is counterbalanced and has shifted the balance of the shaft towards the hands.
The purpose of counterbalancing a shaft is that it adds more weight toward the butt of the club, which means the head feels lighter. In other words, it’s possible to generate more club head speed through the swing when a shaft is counterbalanced.
As such, the Tensei AV RAW orange is a great option for players looking to hit the ball further and maximize their distance off the tee.
It’s also the reason why many competitors in long-drive events turn to counterbalanced shafts.
Given the range of MCG shafts available, you can find several counterbalanced options available, and Tensei is just one of the models that offer this characteristic to golfers.
8. Which Tensei Shafts Should I Use?
There are several options within the Tensei range for recreational golfers to consider. Helpfully, the different shafts are color-schemed, making it easier to ascertain some of the differences between the shafts.
Tensei red shafts offer a high launch and high spin, Tensei blue has a medium launch and medium spin, while Tensei orange and white have a low launch and little spin.
But what does this mean for you?
Well, if you’re someone hoping to maximize distance, Tensei white and orange shafts are the better options for you.
Conversely, if you want to hit the ball high and execute significant spin, Tensei red is a good option.
For those of you who want to stay in the middle of the road and have a shaft that offers a reasonable launch angle and some capacity for a spin, Tensei blue is best.
As such, each of the shafts within the Tensei range can serve different requirements, meaning you need to think carefully about your preferences.
Conclusion
Mitsubishi’s Tensei shafts are extremely popular and are one of the leading shafts in the game.
Although they’re fairly expensive, all premium golf shafts cost a fair amount, and the price is justified by the extremely high standards of the shaft’s composition.
Tensei shafts are suitable for players at different levels of the game, and there are several options to choose from, with driver, fairway, hybrid, and iron shafts available.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a premium golf shaft from one of the leading manufacturers in the business, Mitsubishi Tensei is a great option for you.