As a golfer, one of the best ways to improve your swing and golf game is to invest in a quality training tool. There are many different training tools on the market, but two that stand out are the SKLZ Gold Flex Swing Trainer and the Orange Whip Swing Trainer.
Both products offer unique features and benefits which makes it difficult for someone to choose between the two.
In this article, I will be discussing both products as well as their pros and cons in order to help you make an informed decision!
- The Orange Whip Swing Trainer
- The SKLZ Gold Flex Golf Swing Trainer
- What to Consider When Choosing Between the Two?
- What are the Pros and Cons of the Orange Whip Golf Swing Trainer?
- What are the Pros and Cons of the SKLZ Gold Flex Golf Swing Trainer?
- Orange Whip Vs SKLZ Gold Flex – Golf Swing Trainer Comparison
- Major Differences between the Orange Whip and the SKLZ Gold Flex Golf
- Between The Orange Whip vs SKLZ Gold Flex, Which Should You Choose for Your Needs?
- Final Verdict Between The Orange Whip Vs SKLZ Gold Flex
The Orange Whip Swing Trainer
In 1995, the USGA granted a patent to Jim Hackenberg for his invention of the Orange Whip Swing Trainer.
This device is meant to help golfers improve their swing by teaching them how to get into an ideal position in order to engage all five joints and muscles when swinging through impact. Also, The Orange Whip will help you improve your swing tempo, strength, and flexibility. It will help improve your tempo and find the natural feel of lag.
The product also provides instant feedback on each golfer’s progress because it has been designed with “positive” and “negative” resistance cables which allow users to feel what they are doing correctly or incorrectly without risking injury like some other training tools can do.
Initially, this was marketed as only being appropriate for junior-level players but recently that claim has expanded so adults can use it as well!
The SKLZ Gold Flex Golf Swing Trainer
The SKLZ Gold Flex is a golf training aid designed to improve various facets of your swing. Things such as swing path, clubhead speed, tempo, and muscle memory can all be improved with regular use of this device.
The SKLZ Gold Flex Golf Swing Trainer is one of the more popular and affordable swing trainers on the market today and it’s no surprise why. The product claims to help golfers create a full backswing with its “positive” resistance cables which allow them to feel what they are doing correctly or incorrectly without risking injury.
This trainer also features an adjustable club grip for comfort, easy setup in just minutes, and a lightweight design that doesn’t put any extra weight on your hands.
What to Consider When Choosing Between the Two?
There are a few things to consider when choosing between the two swing trainers.
The SKLZ Gold Flex Golf Swing Trainer is more affordable, but it doesn’t come with an instructional DVD or review book like the Orange Whip does.
On the other hand, this isn’t too big of a deal because there are plenty of YouTube videos that can easily teach you how to use any trainer on the market today.
The SKLZ Gold Flex Golf Swing Trainer features a more adjustable design that can be adjusted to your height for better results, while the Orange Whip Swing Trainer only comes in one size.
If you’re looking for something lighter and easier to use than the SKLZ Gold Flex Golf Swing Trainer, then invest in an Orange Whip instead!
Finally, if you’re looking for an easy-to-use swing trainer that doesn’t take up too much space and is fairly lightweight in comparison with the SKLZ Gold Swing Trainer, the Orange Whip is for you.
What are the Pros and Cons of the Orange Whip Golf Swing Trainer?
Pros:
- The design of the Orange Whip Golf Swing Trainer makes it easier for people who are shorter to use.
- It is lighter and takes up less space than an SKLZ Gold Flex Golf Swing Trainer. However, that does mean you won’t be able to adjust its height like with the SKLZ product.
Cons:
- The Orange Whip Golf Swing Trainer is designed to be used if you are standing upright and aren’t able to pivot, which means it may not work well for some people.
- It doesn’t have a strap or tensioner as the SKLZ Gold Flex Golf Swing Trainer does, so if you’re someone who likes using both of those things then this product might not be best for you.
What are the Pros and Cons of the SKLZ Gold Flex Golf Swing Trainer?
Pros:
- The SKLZ Gold Flex Golf Swing Trainer is lightweight and adjustable.
- It has an ergonomic design that makes it easier to use for golfers of more advanced skill levels.
- One of the original training aids, its longevity proves its effectiveness.
Cons:
- Some customers found that this product was too heavy and long for what they needed in a swing trainer so if you’re looking specifically for something light then look elsewhere.
- Another drawback is some users find it difficult to adjust its height – you’re not able to adjust the height with your hands so it requires some balancing.
Orange Whip Vs SKLZ Gold Flex – Golf Swing Trainer Comparison
Both products claim to help golfers create a full backswing without risking injury. If you’re looking for something lighter and easier to use than what is offered by SKLZ then invest in an Orange Whip instead.
Finally, if you’re looking for an easy-to-use swing trainer that doesn’t take up too much space and is fairly lightweight in comparison with the SKLZ Gold Flex Golf Swing Trainer, then invest in an Orange Whip instead.
The design of the Orange Whip makes it easier for people who are shorter to use. It is lighter and takes up less space than what you get from SKLZ.
However, that does mean you won’t be able to adjust its height like with the other product on this list.
On the other hand, this isn’t too big of a deal because there are plenty of YouTube videos that can easily teach you how to use any trainer on the market today.
The SKLZ Gold Flex Golf Swing Trainer features a more adjustable design that can be adjusted to your height for better results, while only coming in at a little over two pounds in weight.
This is great for people who have limited mobility or good upper back strength to help them swing the club because they can adjust it easily with their feet, which allows you to lay on your stomach without having any major issues.
However, some customers found that this product was too heavy and long for what they needed in a swing trainer. If you’re looking specifically for something light then look elsewhere because the SKLZ Gold Flex Golf Swing Trainer is designed to be used if you are standing upright and aren’t able to pivot, which means it may not work well for some people.
Major Differences between the Orange Whip and the SKLZ Gold Flex Golf
SKLZ Gold Flex comes equipped with a stiffer shaft than Orange Whip. The balance on the Gold Flex at the end of each shaft is closer to the weight.
The extra tension created can help develop your strength for your backswing.
The SKLZ Gold Flex is a little bit lighter than the Orange Whip. It only weighs about two pounds while the other has a length of 20 inches and weighs close to three pounds.
The size difference makes it more convenient for those with smaller hands or who want swing trainers that they can easily carry around everywhere without having too much trouble finding space in their bag.
The SKLZ Gold Flex is a lot easier to adjust the height of your swing trainer.
You don’t have to worry about balancing yourself on top of it while also holding onto something heavy and slipping off if you get too much momentum going in one direction or another.
All you need to do is press down with your feet until you’ve reached the perfect height for you. It’s also easier to adjust the swing trainer while it is in motion because of how smooth and quickly SKLZ Gold Flex can rotate 360 degrees at a single point where Orange Whip rotates around your entire body.
Both the SKLZ Gold Flex and Orange Whip are great because they allow you to improve your swing while also improving muscle strength, timing, flexibility, balance, and coordination.
While I feel that the SKLZ is better at helping people develop their speed when it comes down to swinging a golf club in front of them during practice sessions or training days with friends, the Orange Whip is much better at helping you develop strength that can be felt in your backswing.
You may also need to work on increasing flexibility if you plan on standing up while using this product because it does tend to feel a little awkward when used for longer periods of time without resting or taking breaks after getting tired.
They’re easy to get used to and the only main difference between them is that some people may find it easier to use one over the other depending on your height, size of hands, strength levels, and body type (which can be deceiving because the SKLZ Gold Flex feels heavier than Orange Whip when both are in motion), and your flexibility levels.
Value for money
SKLZ Gold Flex is almost 50% less than the Orange Whip.
But of course, there are more differences than just the price.
SKLZ Gold Flex Golf Swing Trainer is a great product to use if you want to improve muscle strength or speed when swinging your golf club in front of you during practice sessions with friends or family.
It’s also perfect for people who don’t have much experience working out their muscles and need something that will help them get used to how it feels like to swing an object while keeping proper form throughout the entire motion.
The SKLZ Gold Flex works best on solid surfaces where sliding isn’t going to become an issue because the base plate tends to be hard plastic instead of rubberized material which would otherwise prevent slipping unless you press down really hard with your feet until it sinks into the ground.
You may need to adjust your height depending on how tall you are, but it’s a lot easier with SKLZ Gold Flex Golf Swing Trainer because all you have to do is press down until reaching your preferred height instead of balancing yourself and holding onto something heavy while trying not to slip off if too much momentum gets going in any one direction or another.
Grip
The SKLZ Gold Flex has a rubberized grip that is easy to hold onto and doesn’t slip out of your hands if they’re sweaty.
It also feels like it’s made from higher-quality materials than the Orange Whip, but I’m sure you can find something similar in terms of material construction for less money elsewhere.
The Orange Whip does come with an extra cord which could be worth checking out when shopping around online or at physical retailers selling these products because one isn’t really enough to use on both arms so having two cords instead of just one makes everything much easier when working out.
Weight
Orange Whip weighs more than the SKLZ Gold Flex. The more rigid nature of the product loses certain of the tempo aid provided. On the other hand, the flex of the Orange Whip is such that your body must follow its rhythms otherwise your body is not feeling what it is intended to.
It provides immediate feedback that something is wrong with your stance and it can take a few swings to determine what it is.
The extra weight really helps with strength and flexibility but it reduces the added tempo boost of the product. The Orange Whip is more flexible than the gold flexible which is more rigid.
Shaft Flex
Orange Whip was lighter than SKLZ Gold Flex.
The difference in flex-point in actuality feels lighter as for the Orange Whip. This is because the head of the Orange Whip does not have enough weight to help create momentum.
With the Orange Whip, if momentum is increased then it comes to an abrupt stop which can be jarring and bad for your form. SKLZ Gold Flex has a longer shaft than Orange Whip, therefore, creating more of a swing motion before reaching its head.
This will create more momentum as well as allow you to actually notice when proper technique is achieved because there isn’t such a big change in weight near the end or at any point during use with this product.
The momentum of the weighted head encourages proper weight transfer in the transition from your backswing to your downswing.
Options
SKLZ Gold Flex and Orange Whip come in many different sizes. Gold Flex has two versions 40 Inch & 48 Inch. Orange Whip will come in several sizes that vary greatly in size.
Between The Orange Whip vs SKLZ Gold Flex, Which Should You Choose for Your Needs?
If you should pick between the Orange Whip and the SKLZ Gold Flex, it boils down to your preferences and needs.
The SKLZ Gold Flex is cheaper than the Orange Whip Swing Trainer but it doesn’t come with as many features or accessories that are included in the latter.
If budget isn’t an issue then I recommend getting the Orange Whip Swing Trainer because of its superior quality and higher reviews on Amazon.
If not – go ahead and get the SKLZ Gold Flex instead – it has everything most people need from a swing trainer.
SKLZ is better for beginners who want to learn how a swing trainer works and don’t know much about them in the first place because of all the instructions that come with it.
However, if you’re looking for something more high-quality then I recommend getting the Orange Whip instead.
The downside to this product is that there are no advanced features like those on your SKLZ Flex model, so not as much skill will be gained from it.
The Orange Whip Swing Trainer is a great choice if you’re looking for something to help build your swing form, but SKLZ has more benefits and can be used if you’re a beginner or an advanced player because of the variety in their products.
The only downside to this product is that there are no instructions on how to use it included with the purchase – which should be expected since all swings trainers work differently!
Both brands have many customers who are very satisfied, so I recommend taking some time to research both before deciding what might suit you better.
Final Verdict Between The Orange Whip Vs SKLZ Gold Flex
Both are effective golf training aids, and both will improve your swing speed and tempo.
The SKLZ Gold Flex is a good alternative to the Orange Whip Swing Trainer if you don’t have much money but want something that will help improve your golfing skills, and it has many benefits for improving coordination.
It’s also great for beginners who are new to swing training because of how easy it is to use with so many instructions included in the package. It can be adjusted anywhere from 30-60 inches high which makes this product very versatile compared to other trainers on the market today – plus there are several color options available too!
All things considered, I recommend getting either one of these products depending on what suits your needs at the time more than anything else.
They’re both reasonably priced, effective tools that can be used in several different ways, and both are great for beginners.
Swing trainers can be very effective training tools to get yourself ready for playing on the course or practicing at home with your friends – but only if you use them correctly!
I hope this article has helped inform your decision about which golf swing trainer might work best for you once you decide to take the plunge and make a purchase soon.
I know that many people who have had difficulties finding one of these products online will appreciate knowing what they’re getting into before buying anything yet- especially when it comes down to money since swing trainers aren’t cheap after all (unless it’s made out of plastic like the Orange Whip Swing Trainer is).
Good luck! And happy golfing!