When it comes to choosing the right golf shaft, there are many factors to consider. Two popular options on the market today are the Evenflow Riptide and Tensei Blue. In this article, we will compare these two shafts to help you determine which one is the best fit for your game.
Overview of Evenflow Riptide and Tensei Blue Golf Shafts
The Evenflow Riptide is a low launch, low spin shaft designed for players seeking a more penetrating ball flight. It features a unique “Helical Winding” pattern that enhances energy transfer and produces a smooth feel. The Riptide is available in a range of weights and flexes to suit different swing speeds and styles.
The Tensei Blue is a mid launch, mid spin shaft that offers a balanced combination of distance and control. It features Mitsubishi Chemical’s “Multi-Dimensional Interlay” technology, which optimizes shaft strength and stability for improved accuracy. Like the Riptide, the Tensei Blue comes in a variety of weights and flexes to accommodate various players.
Performance Comparison
When it comes to performance, the Evenflow Riptide and Tensei Blue have distinct differences. The Riptide is known for its low launch and low spin characteristics, making it an ideal choice for players who struggle with a high ball flight or too much spin. The Riptide’s unique winding pattern also gives it a smooth feel and improved energy transfer, allowing for more distance and accuracy.
On the other hand, the Tensei Blue is designed to provide a mid launch and mid spin, giving players a good balance between distance and control. The Multi-Dimensional Interlay technology ensures that the shaft is stable and consistent, which translates to improved accuracy on the course. While the Tensei Blue may not produce as much distance as the Riptide, it is a great choice for players who value precision over raw power.
Pricing and Availability
Both the Evenflow Riptide and Tensei Blue are widely available from major golf retailers and club fitters. Prices vary depending on the weight and flex of the shaft, but generally fall in the $150-$300 range. The Riptide is slightly more expensive than the Tensei Blue, but both are considered premium shafts that offer excellent performance.
Additional Factors to Consider
While performance and pricing are two critical factors to consider when comparing golf shafts, there are other important factors to keep in mind as well. Here are a few additional factors to consider when deciding between the Evenflow Riptide and Tensei Blue:
- Swing Speed – Your swing speed is a crucial factor in determining the weight and flex of the golf shaft that will work best for you. The Evenflow Riptide comes in a range of weights and flexes to accommodate different swing speeds, from slow to fast. The Tensei Blue also offers different weight and flex options to suit a wide range of players.
- Swing Style – Your swing style can also influence which golf shaft is right for you. The Riptide’s low launch and low spin characteristics make it a good choice for players with an aggressive swing who need to bring down their ball flight. The Tensei Blue’s mid launch and mid spin properties are well-suited to players with a smoother, more controlled swing.
- Shaft Length – The length of your golf shaft can also affect your swing and ball flight. The Evenflow Riptide and Tensei Blue both come in a standard length, but custom options are available for players who need a longer or shorter shaft.
- Material – The Evenflow Riptide and Tensei Blue are both made from high-quality materials, but there are slight differences between the two. The Riptide is made from a blend of graphite and “Metal Carbon Composite,” which gives it a unique feel and performance. The Tensei Blue is constructed using Mitsubishi Chemical’s proprietary “Mirage” material, which is designed to optimize stability and accuracy.
Shaft Comparisons
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the key features and specifications of the Evenflow Riptide and Tensei Blue golf shafts:
Evenflow Riptide:
- Launch: Low
- Spin: Low
- Flex options: Regular, Stiff, X-Stiff
- Weight options: 50g, 60g, 70g, 80g
- Torque: 3.4° – 3.0°
- Tip Diameter: 0.335″
- Butt Diameter: 0.620″
- Length: 46″
- Material: Graphite and Metal Carbon Composite
Tensei Blue:
- Launch: Mid
- Spin: Mid
- Flex options: Regular, Stiff, X-Stiff
- Weight options: 50g, 60g, 70g, 80g, 90g
- Torque: 3.1° – 2.3°
- Tip Diameter: 0.335″
- Butt Diameter: 0.600″
- Length: 46″
- Material: Mitsubishi Chemical Mirage
As you can see, there are some notable differences between these two golf shafts. The Evenflow Riptide has a slightly larger butt diameter, which can help to promote a more stable feel in the hands. The Tensei Blue, on the other hand, has a slightly smaller butt diameter, which can make it easier to square the clubface at impact.
In terms of launch and spin characteristics, the Evenflow Riptide is a better option for players looking to lower their ball flight and reduce spin. The Tensei Blue is a more versatile shaft, offering a balanced combination of distance and control with a mid launch and mid spin.
Both shafts come in a range of weights and flex options to accommodate different swing speeds and styles. The torque and tip diameter are also similar, although the Tensei Blue has a slightly lower torque rating, which can help to provide a more stable feel at impact.
Evenflow Riptide Driver Shaft
| Shaft Flex | Shaft Weight (grams) | Launch | Spin | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 | 55 | Low | Low | 5.2 |
| 6.0 | 65 | Low | Low | 4.8 |
| 6.5 | 75 | Low | Low | 4.5 |
| 7.0 | 85 | Low | Low | 4.2 |
| 7.5 | 95 | Low | Low | 4.0 |
| 8.0 | 105 | Low | Low | 3.8 |
| 8.5 | 115 | Low | Low | 3.6 |
| 9.0 | 125 | Low | Low | 3.4 |
| 9.5 | 135 | Low | Low | 3.2 |
| 10.0 | 145 | Low | Low | 3.0 |
Tensei Blue Driver Shaft
| Shaft Flex | Shaft Weight (grams) | Launch | Spin | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R | 55 | Mid | Mid | 4.4 |
| R2 | 45 | High | Mid | 4.6 |
| S | 65 | Mid | Mid | 4.2 |
| X | 75 | Low | Low | 3.8 |
| TX | 85 | Low | Low | 3.6 |
| SFW | 65 | Mid | Mid | 4.0 |
| XFW | 75 | Low | Low | 3.6 |
| 1K | 65 | Low | Low | 3.5 |
| 2K | 75 | Low | Low | 3.3 |
| AV | 65 | Mid | Mid | 4.0 |
Evenflow Riptide Fairway Wood Shaft
| Shaft Flex | Shaft Weight (grams) | Launch | Spin | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 | 55 | Low | Low | 5.2 |
| 6.0 | 65 | Low | Low | 4.8 |
| 6.5 | 75 | Low | Low | 4.5 |
| 7.0 | 85 | Low | Low | 4.2 |
| 7.5 | 95 | Low | Low | 4.0 |
| 8.0 | 105 | Low | Low | 3.8 |
| 8.5 | 115 | Low | Low | 3.6 |
| 9.0 | 125 | Low | Low | 3.4 |
| 9.5 | 135 | Low | Low | 3. |
Tensei Blue Fairway Wood Shaft
| Shaft Flex | Shaft Weight (grams) | Launch | Spin | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R | 55 | Mid | Mid | 4.4 |
| R2 | 45 | High | Mid | 4.6 |
| S | 65 | Mid | Mid | 4.2 |
| X | 75 | Low | Low | 3.8 |
| TX | 85 | Low | Low | 3.6 |
| SFW | 65 | Mid | Mid | 4.0 |
| XFW | 75 | Low | Low | 3.6 |
| 1K | 65 | Low | Low | 3.5 |
| 2K | 75 | Low | Low | 3.3 |
| AV | 65 | Mid | Mid | 4.0 |
Evenflow Riptide Hybrid Shaft
| Shaft Flex | Shaft Weight (grams) | Launch | Spin | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 | 65 | Low | Low | 5.0 |
| 6.0 | 75 | Low | Low | 4.5 |
| 6.5 | 85 | Low | Low | 4.2 |
| 7.0 | 95 | Low | Low | 4.0 |
| 7.5 | 105 | Low | Low | 3.8 |
| 8.0 | 115 | Low | Low | 3.6 |
| 8.5 | 125 | Low | Low | 3.4 |
| 9.0 | 135 | Low | Low | 3.2 |
| 9.5 | 145 | Low | Low | 3.0 |
| 10.0 | 155 | Low | Low | 2.8 |
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Evenflow Riptide and Tensei Blue comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a low launch, low spin shaft that can add distance and accuracy to your game, the Riptide may be the way to go. If you value a balanced combination of distance and control, the Tensei Blue could be the better option. Be sure to test both shafts on the course or at a fitting center to determine which one feels and performs the best for you.
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