Orange Whip vs SKLZ Gold Flex

The Orange Whip and SKLZ Gold Flex are the two top golf swing training aids on the market.

Both accessories encourage a flatter swing and improve rhythm, balance, and flexibility. However, the prices differ, and the Gold Flex is slightly heavier.

In this post, I review the Orange Whip vs SKLZ Gold Flex to identify the best swing training aid for the average golfer. First, I will provide context on what each product does and then assess the similarities and differences. Finally, at the end of the review, you’ll know which aid suits your needs.

Orange Whip Overview

The Orange Whip is the creme de la creme of golf swing training aids, and its high-quality construction demands a premium.

I made the investment 3 years ago, and it improved my tempo, swing path, lag, balance, and flexibility.

It also serves as an excellent warm-up tool before rounds, and I use it to stretch my muscles, even on non-golfing days.

SKLZ Gold Flex Overview

On the surface, the SKLZ Gold Flex provides most features that the Orange Whip does but with a twist.

I feel the heavier 2.5-pound head provides improved feedback when I take my clubhead off path and generates better lag and strength.

As a result, it forces you to optimize hip and shoulder turns to generate speed on your downswing for a powerful strike.

Similarities & Differences

Similarities

Flexible Shaft

The Orange Whip and SKLZ Gold Flex carry a flexible shaft that trains you to generate lag for maximum clubhead speed.

Improves Rhythm, Flexibility, and Balance

The construction of these training aids teaches you the importance of rhythm and rotation.

The flexible shaft cannot handle jerked movements and requires a smooth turn back and forth to remain on plane.

In addition, it teaches you to clear your hips and follow through, preventing early release, a loss of power, and an inaccurate result.

Good For Warm Ups

Both the Orange Whip and SKLZ Flex serve as excellent warm-up tools.

The flexible shaft and heavier head help stretch and awaken your core golf muscles before teeing off. You can see how Phil Mickelson uses the Orange Whip in the below video.

Optimal Feedback

The combination of a weighted head and flexible shaft provides exceptional feedback during your swing.

If you snap the Orange Whip shaft off plane or push an early release, you will feel the whiplash and vibration of the training aid.

This teaches you to identify and correct mistakes when on the golf course.

Promotes A Flatter Swing Plane

Orange Whip and SKLZ Gold Flex training aids encourage an inside-out swing path along a flatter plane to maximum power and accuracy on the downswing.

I find the shaft helps me keep the head in front of me for longer and gradually take it inside to the top.

At this point, I am positioned far enough from the ball to achieve maximum acceleration by impact. Furthermore, the added lag of flattening my plane on the downswing boosts my power into contact for rapid ball speed.

Differences

Price

The unique difference between these training aids is their price tag.

The Orange Whip runs for a recommended retail price of $120. Conversely, the SKLZ Gold Flex is almost three times less, fetching $35.

Weight

The final difference is the weight of the two.

The SKLZ Gold Flex is heavier with a 2.5-pound head, which I find the ideal for strength and speed training. Plus, it is an excellent warm-up tool.