Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei AV Raw Orange
The new Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei AV Raw Orange takes the characteristics Tour pros loved about the CK Pro Orange shaft, and incorporates the Aluminum Vapor Coated Weave of the AV lineup. What does that mean? Lighter weight, lower torque, and more energy transfer for more distance.
The Looks
At first glance, the Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei AV Raw Orange looks nearly identical to it’s CK Pro Orange counterpart. The main, glaring difference? The AV weave near the butt of the shaft. The butt end of the Raw Orange shaft features a distinct, silver color in the AV weave, as opposed to the black carbon fiber of the CK Pro. Once you reach the Mitsubishi Chemical Orange “band” in the design, it looks the same as the rest of the Tensei line. Sleek, black design, white branding, and the “Boron Tip” print by the hosel. It’s simple, but when someone who knows golf sees it, they’ll know exactly what it is.
How Does it Feel?
For starters, the Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei AV Raw Orange is a counter balanced shaft. What does that mean? There is more weight in the butt end of the shaft, which helps create proper swingweights (better balance points) with today’s longer driver lengths. It also gives you more flexibility to play with a heavier driver head, while keeping a reasonable swingweight. This can definitely impact feel. The first thing I noticed about the AV Raw Orange was how it felt evenly balanced. The head of the driver didn’t seem overly heavy, and it gave me the feeling of a well balanced driver which is nice with a heavier Ping head.
In regards to the swing itself, the AV Raw Orange feels very stout throughout. You can almost feel how stiff the middle and tip sections of the shaft are. In one sense, I can’t necessarily feel the shaft loading as well, but on the other hand, the shaft feels stable enough for me to really “go after” the ball. At impact, however, you can definitely feel the shaft release, hence the signature energy transfer the Tensei lines are known for.
On-Course Performance
| Club Speed | Ball Speed | Launch Angle | Spin | Carry (Yds) | Total (Yds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 111.3 | 163.1 | 13.1º | 2325 | 271.2 | 283.4 |
Due to its lighter weight and lower torque than the CK Pro Orange counterpart, the Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei AV Raw Orange is actually a mid-launching shaft. It does, however, still have the low spin characteristics of its predecessor. With that, I found the AV Raw Orange to be spot on in the low spin category, with a more mid-to-low trajectory. Typically, mid launch shafts can lead to balloons for me. The AV Raw Orange, however, still had a penetrating trajectory, while still a bit higher than my current gamer, the Tensei CK Pro White.
With the above, I found the AV Raw Orange to have good carry and total distance. That’s what you’ll get with higher launch angles and lower spin. The Tensei line as a whole has always impressed me with the ability to seemingly explode the club head into the ball, and the AV Raw Orange was no different. I will say, with the “stoutness” of the shaft, I did have a slight tendency to block drives to the right on misses, but overall, the AV Raw Orange was a fairway finder for me.
Final Thoughts – Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei AV Raw Orange
The Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei AV Raw Orange is a great addition to the Tensei family. Great stability, solid feel, and good performance are a recipe for success in this shaft. The lighter weight and lower torque, while still maintaining great feel and performance, make it a good fit for a larger group of players than the CK Pro Orange (in my opinion). If you liked the feel and distance of the CK Pro Orange, but needed a bit higher launch, make sure to throw in an AV Raw Orange on your next trip to the fitter.
I just ordered the white in TX flex. Unlike the CK pro, I cannot find any information on different materials, or a boron tip being used in the TX AV raw. The new AV TX flexes cost about $75-100 more. Are there better materials being used? I cannot find anything on Mistubishis website that says they use boron in the tip of the new AV tour flex
Jesse-
The same holds true for the Raw Line. The TX model has a higher price point for the difference in materials, just like the CK Pro line.
Thanks for stopping by!
Tommy
Nice review, I tried it in the Ping G425 LST and that was a good combo. I read your review of the LA Trono, was wondering how it compares to the raw orange. Both claim to be stiffer in the mid section, was wondering if one was more tip stiff than the other? I’m looking for a stiffer mid profile but without the stiff tip.
Laban –
While both are low spin, the tensei raw orange is a low launch shaft, thus a stiffer tip. The trono is a high launch shaft, so softer tip.
Tommy
Hi Tommy, nice review.
How does the Tensei AV Raw Orange compare with the LA Golf Tour AXS Red 60 S?
I have the Tensai at the moment but I have been looking at the LA Golf shaft.
Hey Peter,
Unfortunately I haven’t hit the AXS Red yet. Feel free to reach out to LA Golf Shafts on social media and let them know you want us to do a review!
Hi Tommy, I’m a 65 yr old hacker shooting in the mid 80’s per 18. Have the G425 Max, 10.5 degree with Tensi AV Orange 55 R Flex. Beginning to think I should have the Tensi Blue 55 R to get more height off the Tee for more carry. Thoughts? Thx D
Couldn’t tell you. A Tensei Blue should launch higher, yes. But if you launch the orange high, then it could cause you to lose carry. Or maybe it spins too much? Only going and trying one with a fitter can give you the answer.
Thanks for stopping in,
Tommy
The av orange and the av raw are the same shafts?