Unofficial Review - Orange Whip Training Aid

[jhellrung]

I bought an Orange Whip training aid at the recommendation of a friend who is a former college golf coach.  He recommended it for any golfer that has trouble getting to the range on a daily basis.  I took his advice and have now had the whip in my bag for the last three weeks.  What follows are my findings after using the whip every day as recommended on the company's website.  I have no connection to the Orange Whip company, and am not receiving any compensation in exchange for this review.  

 

Orange Whip's Claims

 

The Orange Whip website claims that the whip will: 

 

1) Quickly improve your golf game with 5-10 minutes of practice, which can be done anywhere (8-minute abs anyone!?)

 

2) Increase flexibility - "the weight on each end provides a low impact stretch when swinging"

 

3) Increase strength - the whip provides a core workout as well as a wrist/forearm workout

 

4) enhance coordination - The whip synchonizes the arms and body by making the user feel out of balance or awkward if used improperly. 

 

5) balance tempo - "as the arms and body work together, a natural rhythm takes ove rthe swing.  This is how your temp develops, some may be fast or slow, yet always in balance with an efficient motion. 

 

My Testing Method

 

I watched each of the drill videos available on the website, and as recommended by Orange Whip made a routine where I would do 3 sets of 3 different exercises using the tool.  I did the drills before each range session (either at my club or in my back yard) and before each round of golf.  I have been using the tool every day for approximately 3 weeks. 

 

My prior experience with training aids is relatively limited.  I own a medicus iron and a back yard driving net - both of which I use pretty frequently.  

 

My results are purely subjective, and not scientific (sorry MGS).  I am basing my review on my experience with the Orange Whip and how I think it has impacted my game.  I don't even have hard data showing what the tool has done to my handicap since I've only been playing with it a few weeks. 

 

My findings

 

I'll address these claims in order based on my experience with the whip when I used it as directed on the company website.

 

Quick Training Resource - True to the website's claim, I could complete the drills in 5-10 minutes.  To tell the truth, it was hard completing the full routine each day because I got bored doing it, but I stuck with it.  

 

Increased Flexibility - I do feel more flexible after using the tool.  It is a great way to warm up before a round, even before hitting balls at the range.  I find myself with a greater range of motion, and don't feel nearly as stiff than I used to when stepping up to the range for warm ups.  If I don't feel like carting the tool around, I can even use it in the parking lot before a round and leave it in my car.  Whether the tool does a good job actually increasing flexibility over time is yet to be determined, but I can definitely feel the tool stretch out my core and shoulders when I use it during drills.  

 

Increased Strength - I don't feel stronger from having used the tool  It is true that the tool forces you to engage all parts of your body to whip it forward (more on that below) but I don't feel like I am swinging any harder or stronger than I was before.  

 

Enhanced tempo - I have definitely felt an improved tempo having used the orange whip.  It forces my hips, arms, torso and shoulders to work together to get the ball back, loaded, and whipped forward. If any of these pieces fall behind or ahead, the weight at the end of the whip lets me know because it just feels wrong.  I noticed results at the range almost immediately after starting with the whip.  When I swing in tempo I get better accuracy and elevation.  

 

Balance Tempo - Similar to the previous paragraph, the tool lets me know when something is out of tempo with my swing.  Most of the time I can feel before I hit the ball whether it will be a good shot or not based on whether my body feels in synch.  

 

Unexpected Benefit - The whip helped me to find that my swing was a little bit shallow, which caused me to occasionally push the ball right or flip over the club and hook the ball.  Using the whip helped me get my swing back on plane without falling in the other direction and developing a slice.  I think this benefit came from the weighted nature of the device - similar to a medicus, it forces your body to swing on plane. However the whip really allows you to take a full and dedicated swing, which I find more difficult with the medicus.  

 

Overall Findings and Conclusion 

 

If you struggle with inconsistent shot shape (as opposed to hitting it fat, thin, or shanking it), then I highly recommend the Orange Whip.  I never quite realized how much tempo matters to a good golf game.  I had always been told of its imporance, but the OW really helped me see what I was missing.  The whip is a great warm up tool, and while I don't think it made me any stronger, I do believe it has made me a more confident golfer with a more compact, unified golf swing.

 

 

 

 

[cnosil]

Nice review. While as you said there is no technical data I thing you provided objective aspects to the review that will answer questions that people have about the aid

[poprocksncoke]

Who wants an orange whip? Orange whip? Orange whip? Three orange whips.    

[Riesejr]

My dad has one if these. Not sure how much he has used it. I have only swung it a few times. But I may have to pick his brain and see if he's been using it at all. I think if anything he uses it before he plays cuz he doesn't hit on the range. I know after I swung it a few times my driver felt extremely light! Which is expected, IMO. Thanks for the review!

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using MyGolfSpy mobile app

[STUDque]

Is it weird that I read it like "orange hwhip"?

 

 

Great review though. You gave all the information I would care about in a training aid review. Data wouldn't mean anything to me as it could be influenced by so many other factors. I really might consider this tool since I suffer from some of the ailments you do as well.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[casey_0507]

I have an orange whip and rarely use it but two things I love(d) about it is swinging a few times before teeing off if I didn't have a chance to hit he range.  Was a quick way to loosen up and on the first tee actually gives you the "donut on the bat" effect although this wears off after that initial tee shot usually.

 

The second thing is it really does do a good job getting me to feel tempo as I have a tendency to get very quick and start hitting the ball like crap.

 

I'd say the orange whip is my second favorite training aid next to the Tour Striker Pro.

[Golfspy_CG2]

Thanks for this.  Good objective thoughts.  

 

I was especially interested in hearing that you feel it has helped your tempo.  I think that's one of the areas i need the most help.  I have a regular golf buddy who has this in his bag.  I've been tempted to grab it and try it.  I'll have to ask him more about it. 

[ole gray]

Thanks for this. Good objective thoughts.

 

I was especially interested in hearing that you feel it has helped your tempo. I think that's one of the areas i need the most help. I have a regular golf buddy who has this in his bag. I've been tempted to grab it and try it. I'll have to ask him more about it.

It's a good thing to have and I use mine every time pre round

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[StrokerAce]

I bought an Orange Whip training aid at the recommendation of a friend who is a former college golf coach.  He recommended it for any golfer that has trouble getting to the range on a daily basis.  I took his advice and have now had the whip in my bag for the last three weeks.  What follows are my findings after using the whip every day as recommended on the company's website.  I have no connection to the Orange Whip company, and am not receiving any compensation in exchange for this review.  

 

Orange Whip's Claims

 

The Orange Whip website claims that the whip will: 

 

1) Quickly improve your golf game with 5-10 minutes of practice, which can be done anywhere (8-minute abs anyone!?)

 

2) Increase flexibility - "the weight on each end provides a low impact stretch when swinging"

 

3) Increase strength - the whip provides a core workout as well as a wrist/forearm workout

 

4) enhance coordination - The whip synchonizes the arms and body by making the user feel out of balance or awkward if used improperly. 

 

5) balance tempo - "as the arms and body work together, a natural rhythm takes ove rthe swing.  This is how your temp develops, some may be fast or slow, yet always in balance with an efficient motion. 

 

My Testing Method

 

I watched each of the drill videos available on the website, and as recommended by Orange Whip made a routine where I would do 3 sets of 3 different exercises using the tool.  I did the drills before each range session (either at my club or in my back yard) and before each round of golf.  I have been using the tool every day for approximately 3 weeks. 

 

My prior experience with training aids is relatively limited.  I own a medicus iron and a back yard driving net - both of which I use pretty frequently.  

 

My results are purely subjective, and not scientific (sorry MGS).  I am basing my review on my experience with the Orange Whip and how I think it has impacted my game.  I don't even have hard data showing what the tool has done to my handicap since I've only been playing with it a few weeks. 

 

My findings

 

I'll address these claims in order based on my experience with the whip when I used it as directed on the company website.

 

Quick Training Resource - True to the website's claim, I could complete the drills in 5-10 minutes.  To tell the truth, it was hard completing the full routine each day because I got bored doing it, but I stuck with it.  

 

Increased Flexibility - I do feel more flexible after using the tool.  It is a great way to warm up before a round, even before hitting balls at the range.  I find myself with a greater range of motion, and don't feel nearly as stiff than I used to when stepping up to the range for warm ups.  If I don't feel like carting the tool around, I can even use it in the parking lot before a round and leave it in my car.  Whether the tool does a good job actually increasing flexibility over time is yet to be determined, but I can definitely feel the tool stretch out my core and shoulders when I use it during drills.  

 

Increased Strength - I don't feel stronger from having used the tool  It is true that the tool forces you to engage all parts of your body to whip it forward (more on that below) but I don't feel like I am swinging any harder or stronger than I was before.  

 

Enhanced tempo - I have definitely felt an improved tempo having used the orange whip.  It forces my hips, arms, torso and shoulders to work together to get the ball back, loaded, and whipped forward. If any of these pieces fall behind or ahead, the weight at the end of the whip lets me know because it just feels wrong.  I noticed results at the range almost immediately after starting with the whip.  When I swing in tempo I get better accuracy and elevation.  

 

Balance Tempo - Similar to the previous paragraph, the tool lets me know when something is out of tempo with my swing.  Most of the time I can feel before I hit the ball whether it will be a good shot or not based on whether my body feels in synch.  

 

Unexpected Benefit - The whip helped me to find that my swing was a little bit shallow, which caused me to occasionally push the ball right or flip over the club and hook the ball.  Using the whip helped me get my swing back on plane without falling in the other direction and developing a slice.  I think this benefit came from the weighted nature of the device - similar to a medicus, it forces your body to swing on plane. However the whip really allows you to take a full and dedicated swing, which I find more difficult with the medicus.  

 

Overall Findings and Conclusion

 

If you struggle with inconsistent shot shape (as opposed to hitting it fat, thin, or shanking it), then I highly recommend the Orange Whip.  I never quite realized how much tempo matters to a good golf game.  I had always been told of its imporance, but the OW really helped me see what I was missing.  The whip is a great warm up tool, and while I don't think it made me any stronger, I do believe it has made me a more confident golfer with a more compact, unified golf swing.

 

Great review!  Appreciated that.... I recently bought the SKLZ Gold Flex.  While not quite the same it is about 1/2 the price and achieves a lot of the objectives you listed.  Never have tried the OW so I can't really compare the 2 but I think both are excellent tools!

[palvord]

Thank you for this!

I was given an OW as a Christmas gift and was curious if anyone in the forum had experience with it.

I am interested to see what it has to teach me about my golf swing.  I feel that any improvement in tempo will help me improve on the course.  The increased flexibility will be a nice bonus.

I will be curious to see if I am able to commit to practicing with it the recommended 5-10minutes every day or if this will become something that I know I should do, but always find a reason not to.

[PlaidJacket]

I've had an OW for several years. I keep it out on the patio where it's handy. Many times when I'm out there I reach for it and swing away for a few minutes. I've never taken mine to the course and used it prior to practicing or playing. I think however that the whip is effective especially for tempo and keeping everything in sequence. The weight of it seems to help with getting the shoulders rotated properly too. The OW is also a good stretch. Overall I think the OW is a good tool to keep at your disposal.

[Kenny B]

I bought the Skilz Gold Flex (same thing as Orange Whip but cheaper) a few years ago; didn't use it much.  This last spring I started using it every day I play to stretch out, and now I have it in my bag all the time.  It's there when I head to the range, or if I don't have much time before teeing off, it's there for 20 or 30 swings,  Start off slow and then gradually increase speed; swing both right and left handed to get the most benefit.  Enjoy!  It's a good investment.

[MaxEntropy]

I was happy to see this topic bumped - I got an OW for Christmas which I had asked for to try to help my tempo.

[TSauer]

I was happy to see this topic bumped - I got an OW for Christmas which I had asked for to try to help my tempo.

How do you like it?

[MaxEntropy]

1 hour ago, TSauer said:

 

How do you like it?

 

I've only had one session where I was able to do all the exercises, but haven't really swung it hard yet. The balance issue that the OP mentioned hadn't occurred to me, so I plan on trying hard swings tonight. 

[MaxEntropy]

4 hours ago, TSauer said:

 

How do you like it?

 

Update: just got done doing the entire routine as recommended on the website. I think it's going to work out for me. As I accelerate the swing, I can feel when I'm fighting it versus letting it work. I can also feel when I am not getting a complete follow-through, which I know has been a tendency ever since I started having back issues a couple years ago. I'll report more as I get further along.

[TSauer]

Update: just got done doing the entire routine as recommended on the website. I think it's going to work out for me. As I accelerate the swing, I can feel when I'm fighting it versus letting it work. I can also feel when I am not getting a complete follow-through, which I know has been a tendency ever since I started having back issues a couple years ago. I'll report more as I get further along.

Awesome, appreciate the update! Have you ever used the SKILZ version of this? I've heard awesome things about the OW, just can't bring myself to buy one at that price. Looking forward to hearing how it works for ya

[Kenny B]

1 hour ago, TSauer said:

 

Awesome, appreciate the update! Have you ever used the SKILZ version of this? I've heard awesome things about the OW, just can't bring myself to buy one at that price. Looking forward to hearing how it works for ya

 

I have been using the Skilz for several months and I like it.  I liked the price too.

[MaxEntropy]

10 hours ago, TSauer said:

 

Awesome, appreciate the update! Have you ever used the SKILZ version of this? I've heard awesome things about the OW, just can't bring myself to buy one at that price. Looking forward to hearing how it works for ya

 

I have not tried the SKILZ version. It is not entirely clear to me why the OW is so much more expensive since they both seem to be very similar.

[Kenny B]

4 hours ago, MaxEntropy said:

I have not tried the SKILZ version. It is not entirely clear to me why the OW is so much more expensive since they both seem to be very similar.

There are some differences, so it will likely come down to what you really want it for.

1. Yes, the OW is twice the price.
2. The OW shaft is more flexible than the Skilz; the Skilz flexes closer to the head.
3. The OW is heavier by about 0.25 lbs, but the Skilz feels heavier when swinging.

If you are looking for an aid for strength and flexibility improvement, then the Skilz would be better.
If you are looking for an aid to improve tempo, the OW is probably better.