Punching bags are a must-have for a boxer and for those who are into martial arts, self-defense. Besides it’s a piece of equipment that’ll help you to break a sweat while you develop you’re punching skills, footwork, kicks etc.
From the perspective of a guy who doesn’t know much about punching bags, punching bags are just big lumps of bags. Obviously, the best punching bags are the ones you can beat the crap out of.
Even though these are just a lump of weight in a bag it’s has a lot to look into before you buy one. So, here I am to talk to you about punching bags and guide you all the way till you find the best punching bag for yourself.
Throughout this brief period of time that we’re going to talk about some of the best punching bags, I am never going to give a eulogy. Rather I’ll bring forth facts, beliefs, the experience of the users and obviously opinion of the pros to get you the best one for your particular set of needs.
Some of the Best Punching Bags
It’s never possible, feasible or practicable for you to check out every bag until you find the best punching bag for yourself.
So, here are some picks of the best punching bags in the market.
1. Ringside Leather 100 lb. Heavy Bag
Solid & Heavy Duty
Features and Benefits
Ringside has been supplying folks with high quality and durable product for a very long time. So, this one should be durable too for the namesake of the brand.
But that’s just having high hopes from a brand, let’s talk about, why this particular punching bag is durable? Well, it has four straps which hold the bag up. All four of these are both riveted and sewn sturdily to hang on tight and never let go.
The overall cover is made out of substantial leather to not get torn or punctured even with punches from a pro 24/7.
There’s a 2 inches soft layer. But “What is, it is good fo”?…….absolutely nothing??!!”. No fam, these 2 inches simulates a feeling that you’re hitting a real person. Moreover, it absorbs the shock to some extent just like a human body to reduce the shock on you.
While buying this you can always go for the red one if you’re into colors and
Even has this D-ring at the bottom. Can indeed hold on to some weight if you strap some dumbbell or anything else. Besides, it’s zippered from the top, not sewn.
This swivel thing on top of the bag makes it all the more flexible. The bag is held up by some pretty thick chains. Yeah, those chains are thick enough to never let go.
Cons
Some of ‘em folk are complaining that the fills uneven!!! They’re saying it’s harder in the bottom and softer on the top. Sighs…..
2. Everlast MMA Poly Canvas Heavy Bag
Light and Solid
Features and Benefits
Being inexpensive is the biggest advantage if this punching bag.
Weighing in at 70 lbs, this is the perfect bag for people who themselves are a bit light too. By light I mean 120 – 150 lbs. Their punches will create an impact sufficient enough to swing the bag. But not too much neither too little. It’s the perfect balance between of lightness and heavy.
But then again if you want the bag to be steady so that you can keep on punching it like there’s no tomorrow, it’s the bag for you. Cause it’s cheap, who cares what you do to it. But mainly because it has this dual attachment to make it completely immobile. Hallelujah!!
But, let’s address the elephant in the room. Is it durable? Hell yeah. There’s a poly canvas shell!! This baby makes it tough, rugged, durable, long-lasting……..any adjective that’ll make you think you can beat the crap out of it without it ripping apart.
Let me put it to you like a nerd……. “Sanitized and synthetic natural fibers which have been uniquely blended to create a filler mix increases the shock absorbency and redesigned with rigged webbing system”. Is that sound convincing to you?
And still, if you’re contemplating about the durability of the punching bag, then I’ll have only one thing to tell ya “120 days warranty!!”. Yeah, that’s how long Everlast is willing to vouch for the product’s immortality. But you know conditions apply, like always.
And as for it’s hanging, two nylon straps have been attached at four points to the punching bag.
While buying this you can go old school and buy a black one or if you’re into colors you can even get a red one.
Everlast last thought this through to the last step. Everybody doesn’t have the same height then why should the punching bag have it. So, they got you this height adjust the chain.
Talking about height, this thing is 53 inches high at max. And has a 13.5 inches diameter.
Cons
One this that keeps bugging me is the strap’s attachment. I mean it’s just sewn! They could also rivet this thing too.
3. Outslayer Boxing MMA 100lbs Heavy Bag
The perfect one for your home.
Features and Benefits
This particular punching bag that I am talking about is designed for Mixed Martial Art, Muay Thai and kickboxing pros, trainees and enthusiasts. What’s so special about it that um saying so? Well, have you looked at the size of this thing? It’s humongous, your legs can reach it to kick it. That’s what makes it so.
From the perspective that I am talking about, the longer the better. The regular one’s 55 inches and the banana’s 72 inches, that’s the 6-foot man!! Tall like a basketball player. You can do low kicks, high kicks, medium kicks whatever. And if go bananas you can kick it even if you’re a midget.
The thing about banana’s apart from the midget thing is that it’s perfect for the home. It won’t be damaging your walls or anything it’ll move but barely move to hit the walls.
There’s only so many companies that exist with only one target market. These Outslayer guys have been focused on an only punching bag and its accessories forever. And they are killin’ it. That alone says how durable this thing is going to be.
Outslayer is vouching that absolutely nothing will happen to this for a span of 10 years. So, they are giving a 10-year warranty certificate along with the punching. That’s how you know it’s not gonna bust open or leak even if you kick the crap out of it.
But you know, conditions apply, you can’t expect to get a one if you shove a knife in yours. Neither can you get one if yours get soaked in rain?
And as for how you’re going to have to hang this. Well, there are two nylon straps of which both ends are sewn on to the bag and in the middle, there’s a D-ring. You’ll have to hang the D-ring to some mounting devices. And wallah! Start kickin’.
Let’s address the elephant in the room, how much do they weigh? The regular one’s 100 lbs and the banana’s 150 lbs.
As an additional insurance Outslayer provides a vinyl bag so that it doesn’t get damaged during shipping and to be used for storage.
Apparently, products manufactured in the US is a thing for some people. So, for them, it’s made in America.
The shredded fabric is used for filler and you can get it both ways. Pre-filled or unfilled. If you want to get it prefilled you’ll just have to count a few extra dollars for shipping. And the top’s zipped you can take out or put in more filling or even change, as you wish man.
Cons
The only logical complaint with this is the straps. It should have been riveted for the weight it’s bearing.
4. Century Wavemaster XXL
Stable and Firm
Features and Benefits
When it comes to freestanding punching bags, weight is paramount. If it’s too light it’s going to go all over the place. And that’s why Century made this one to weigh 270 lbs. Yeah, now that’s a lot. Cause, you can’t move it even if ya kick it.
The base comes unfilled, you can put in anything you want in there. Water, sand, rocks anything’s good. Speaking of the base, it’s 28 inches in diameter. The base might sound to be a bit too big, but that’s for a reason. It’s to provide the perfect resistance.
I can’t put in any numbers to make you understand, how stable base is. It barely moves, super-duper stable and is very less likely to topple over.
Since I started speaking numbers, the bag’s diameter is 18 inches. Both the base and the bag sum up to a height of 69 inches. So, you’re not gonna have issues even if you’re like Shaq.
As for the bag itself, it’s double vinyl. And filled with high-density foam. So, go crazy at it, no probs.
Cons
It’s almost perfect, almost. There’s just this one issue with the bag wobbling. The bag can’t be attached to base tightly enough.
5. Century BOB XL with Base Unit
Beat a real guy.
Features and Benefits
Looks just like one of those big bulky Russian guys with a smug face. You can keep hitting it all day long.
Doesn’t matter if you’re a midget or you’re as tall as a basketball player, you can kick to your heart’s content. I am saying this cause, you can adjust it from 16 to a freakin’ 82 inches tall. A labyrinthine indentation on the stem makes adjusting a piece of cake.
The base, it’s made out of polyurethane. The thing about polyurethane is that it won’t damage you’re floor ever. Dimension wise it isn’t too small either, it can hold about 270 lbs of water (you can even put in sand or rock, anything you like). So, you do the math.
Since I’ve brought up the topic of dimensions, lemme give you some numbers. The base’s 60 cm in dia and 37 cm high. As for the torso, mahn! …………. it’s cut out like a real man. Shoulder’s 55 cm give or take and gets down to 35 cm in the pants. Of the 82 inches of height, torso itself is 40 inches.
Lifelike upper torso gives you the look of a real man and also the feels of hitting one. What stimulates the feel is the tough and durable plastisol body. Which in turn is filled with urethane foam. Overall this generates a near perfect simulation of hitting a sturdy man in flesh and bones.
Cons
There’re these bolts which attach on to the plastisol body by means of washers. Soon enough the edges of the washers start to tear the body. Apart from that, the body’s perfectly durable.
6. TITLE Mexican Style 2-n-1 Double End bag
And here’s the Mexican Style, Amigos.
Features and Benefits
Being made out of genuine and completely out of leather gives this bag an upper hand with durability and mortality. But what prevents it especially from ripping and spilling its guts out is the high-end substantial nylon stitching.
Two butyl bladder gives the bag the perfect ”8” shape that you’re looking for.
Top and bottom both have leather loops which are triple re-enforced by riveting. TITLE is even kind enough to include rubber-bungee cables to attach this to the floor and ceiling. But the foremost advantage of having these awesome cables is how good this thing swings.
Cons
Just like every other double end punching bag, the issue remains with the bladders. They can’t just keep the air in them for long.
7. Everlast HydroStrike Water Bag
Take it everywhere with you every time.
Features and Benefits
Even after being heavy and dense, the bag’s got a quick shock absorption to reduce the risk of getting your joints injured.
Synthetic leather is what makes the bag long-lasting enough to be almost immortal. Even though you never quite see warranties on a punching bag, Everlast is vouching for it to give it a 2-year warranty. And for those folks who are into American made stuff, its made in the States.
It’s the Everlast’s innovative thinking that gave the bag its teardrop shape. HydoStrike’s designed to fit the bill for boxing, pro-boxing and any fitness regime. The innovative teardrop gives the bag lightweight, portability and easy mobility, that’s what makes this a bag of choice for pros and noobs.
Water inside a punching bag, be it a bit unconventional but gives the bag a next level shock absorption ability. What this facilitates is, it takes your core and punching strength to the next level in no time. But that’s not all, once you start using this you’ll feel a significant improvement in your agility, strength and muscle tones.
Everlast didn’t cheap out on this deal at all. They did include chains to hang this bag. And hanging or setting up this is a piece of cake.
Cons
Despite the teardrop shape being innovative and helpful to serve a lot of purposes, yet many find it less than beneficial.
Then comes the weight. It’s 100 lbs. Not a big deal until the point where you compare it to the volume of this thing. It’s super dense. You’ll have to know how to wrap your hand properly before you land a single punch on Everlast HydroStrike.
8. Aqua Bruiser Bag
Hang it when you need to use it.
Features and Benefits
Aqua’s bruiser bag is one of the rarest on the market which can simulate hitting a real person. And even more rare considering the fact that it’s a water bag.
Human-shaped head, shoulders, and torso replicating a 6’1” tall guy makes it easier to practice all kind of body shots. Despite the fact that it’s a water bag it doesn’t put much stress on the joints.
As for the durability it made in the USA and packs a 2-year long warranty. Do I need to say more?
Many folks think twice before buying a punching bag since they are a bit short on space in their home. But Aqua’s got the solution to that. You can take it on and off all the time without ever breaking a sweat.
Once you fill this bad boy up, it’ll be weighing somewhere near 160 lbs. That reduces the shaking to a bare minimum. Now that’s got you thinking, how on earth am I supposed to pick up 160 lbs. You can fill it up after you hang it.
You don’t have to think about yo mama shouting at you for those punching noise. There’s just the noise of the gloves hitting the bag other than that it’s all good.
Cons
It’s never a bag to use with bare knuckles since the rubber surface is a bit too rough. And there’s nothing to worry about your legs since you won’t be kicking it. Why? Cause the lower half is non-existent.
Another irritating fact is that water may squirt out sometimes when you’re trying to refill it.
Choosing the Best Punching Bag
What makes a punching bag great? If you feel like you’re punching real human, getting a feel of soft but hard flesh.
Before you went on to buy a punching bag, wouldn’t it be good to know how to judge one? Just think about the upper hand that you’d have if you knew everything about choosing the best punching bag.
Now let’s do that. I’ll tell you everything that you need to know to think like a pro.
Choosing the Type of Punching Bag Comes First
I’ve talked about the different types of punching bags, like right now. So, I’ll just say a few things about under which set of circumstances you are to get which.
Heavy Punching Bags
These are the most known and popular punching bag till date.
These bags come with a set of prerequisites. You’re to have a hook or something to hang this 100 – 150 lbs humongous monstrosity. Then comes the noise, man you have got to sure that your neighbors are going to be okay with it.
This is the bag of choice if you’re thinking about increasing your power and stamina.
If you have all of these you are good to go.
Free Standing Punching Bag
Freestanding punching bags serve the same purpose as those of the heavy punching bags. But these are just free-standing. Some consider these also as a heavy punching bag.
These have a big and heavy base that’s what keeps it standing. That’s why if you have any trouble with hanging a heavy punching bag, these are the perfect alternative.
Double End Punching Bags
Double end punching bags are not all that big. Almost all the time these have a super easy setup. You can easily unhook it and hide it when you don’t want it around.
But you have to keep in mind that no matter how cool it all looks, it ain’t for everybody.
It swings a lot, so it’s only for those who are seeking to take their boxing skill to the next level. And definitely not for those who are just looking to break some sweat.
Traditional Vs Mexican Double-End Bag
Traditional ones are specialized to practice your head punches. But they significantly improve your aims too, that is you’ll be able to connect your punches easily if you’re practicing with this. Why? These bags swing very fast, so if you’re practicing with this you’ll be able to connect easily.
These traditional double end punching bags have only one bladder, are smaller, lighter and definitely fast.
Then comes the Mexican. These have two bladders, hence heavier and a bit slower. You’ll be willing to give up a bit of speed because you’ll get to practice a huge array of punches including head punches.
Mexican style ones simulate the feeling of hitting a real boxer who’s constantly under motion. So, if you’re into boxing and want to improve your skills, especially those body-head combos, then this definitely you’re going to the punching bag.
Water Punching Bags
Water bags, the magnificence of technology.
These are designed, marketed and sold for the specific purpose of shock absorption. But you can make it super dense too if you don’t want any shock absorption.
Now let’s break things down a bit and talk about a particular type of punching bag.
Pre-filled or Unfilled
Many heavy punching bags come filled from the industry. This ensures that you get a high-quality fill. There’s a lesser chance of the filling settling down.
But some folks want to feel it up like they want to, they might want to use sand instead of garments or even a combo of sand and rocks to make it more and denser. If you’re thinking of doing this be careful that you do not cross the given weight limit.
Now if you’re going to get a pre-filled bag then there’s a thing to take under consideration.
Do check whether you’re getting one that’s filled with just one material or a composite fill one. The composite fills have a couple of different materials to give a unique reaction.
Build Material
This is by far the most important feature to look at before you buy a punching bag. The leather is the most popular and recommended choice.
But from a financial point of view next to leather is synthetic leather and after that is high-end vinyl.
Build Material for Water Punching Bag
As I’ve said leather’s the best, always. The same can be said here despite the fact that it doesn’t react well with water. You’ll never have to worry about replacing this bag if you put in a little bit of time to use a leather conditioner.
Again, with the same logic, leather will make your wallet a lot lighter. So, standard vinyl is a more economical and logical choice. Besides this material makes sure that you don’t get bruises on your hands if you’re punching barehand.
Rubber is by far the most popular, widely manufactured and purchased material on this list. The reasons are pretty obvious. Rubber’s durable, cheap, elastic and doesn’t react with water. What more could you need?
Protective Cover
It’s always really nice deal to have a protective cover for your heavy punching bags. It’s risk-free to carry your bag around. And always helps to keep the dust away.
Dimension
It’s a conventional choice to get a bag that’s thicker and taller. But you have to keep one thing in mind, your height.
Compare the height of the bag with that of yours to make sure that you can connect your high punch, low punch, and kicks. That should suffice.
Weight
Buy a heavy punching bag that’s half your weight, that’s what pros would suggest.
But if you’re light want more stability for your bag then you should go for a heavy one. But if you’re a heavyweight hard puncher it’s never a good idea to go for a light one.
Base & Filling It
The base of the free-standing bags has to be filled to keep it standing. The whole of the depends upon the weight of the base to keep standing.
Most of the time free standing bags come unfilled. Since what you’re filling it up with isn’t much of a fact since you won’t be hitting that.
So, the thing for you to check is the hole. If it’s large then it’ll be easier for you to fill it.
Durability
Durability is a pretty obvious factor to keep your eyes on when you buy any punching bag.
The best possible way to be ensured about the durability of a punching bag is to read the reviews or talking to those who have already used one that you’re thinking about buying.
Portability
These bags can be really heavy at times but you’ll still need to move it from here and there all the time. Why? Cause it’s occupying your floor space which you may not want to spare while you’re not using it.
Some free-standing bags have a long base made out of polyurethane, so you’ll be able to roll it around easily.
Adjustable Height
A lot of free-standing bags come with adjustable height. This is a very slick feature, you can adjust it to your height, you can make it higher than you to feel like you’re fighting someone taller and you can even make it smaller.
The adjusting mechanism is usually very easy.
Specifications are given by manufacturer usually mention if the bag’s adjustable or not.
Size of Double-End Bags
The double end punching bags are available in size from 6 inches to about 9 inches. The difference is obvious the smaller the lighter the faster the bag.
Which one you should be getting is also obvious. It all depends on your speed, skill, and confidence. If you’re a noob you should get the smallest and gradually move on to larger ones as you develop your skills.
The shape of Double-End Bag
There’re two different shapes of the ball on market for a double-end bag. One’s round and the other’s oval. But the shape should keep you indifferent to your choice. Even though each facilitates a bit in two slightly different purposes.
The oval one makes it easier to practice straight punches and hooks whereas the round one helps in other types of punches. So, I wouldn’t be completely honest if I said there’s no difference.
All I am saying is that this is a minor difference and it’d be wise to let other factors be the parameter to guide you. Since this, the bag that’s sole purpose is to improve your precision and speed.
Bladder
The bladder’s the chamber that holds the air within the bag. These come in two different materials rubber and latex.
Rubber is indeed more durable and is capable of holding air for long. But rubber slows down the bag a bit since it adds a lot to the weight of the bag. And rubber costs more for pretty obvious reasons.
Then there’s latex, these are relatively very light comparing it to that of rubber. The issue with latex is, it can’t hold air for long.
You won’t have to worry about this since bladders are interchangeable. Besides, they don’t cost much either.
Loose Vs Tight Cord
Another very important fact that you’ll have to notice in case of a double end bag and decide on is the cord’s elasticity.
Loose cords make the bag swing slower but it swings like crazy all over the place. This gives you more time to hit the bag. On the contrary, you’ll require better and better eye speed and precision to hit it. So, you’ll be able to follow your opponent’s movement better and connect more punches than before.
At this point, you’re thinking” Imma get me one of the loose cord ones”. But Alas! Time is of the essence. Tight cords make the bag swing way faster than loose ones. But it makes the movement much more predictable. So, you’ll require faster punches to hit it. That’s the area you’ll improve on if you practice with tight cords.
Filling Up a Water Punching Bag
Highest complaint about a water punching bag is that they’re not easy to fill. Some brand includes nozzles or other proprietary equipment to make it easier. Check the manufactures specifications if you’re getting one, it’ll make your life a lot easier.
Warranties
Sports commodities almost never ever have warranties. But still, some brands are confident enough to vouch for their products.
Warranties always have conditions stickered on to them. But they are always within reasonable logic.
But it seems to be different in the market of water punching bags. They generally come with a warranty.
So, it’ll be wise of you, if you check the conditions for the warranty before purchasing it.
FAQs
Q. Will it be a good idea to fill a water punching bag with sand?
Ans: It’s not a good idea but it won’t do much harm to your bag if you stay within the weight limit.
Q. Will a double-end bag help develop power?
Ans: No, double end bags won’t help you develop power. These are designed and manufactured to improve your accuracy and speed.
Q. Should I be using a punching bag with bare knuckles?
Ans: Pros use it with their hands wrapped, but they’re pros. So, it’s recommended that you wear a boxing glove while unless you know what you’re doing.
Conclusion
Punching bag has all these categories. Each of them, in turn, has a few different types. This is good for this, that is good for that, it’s very confusing to find the best one.
So, I’ve briefly spoken about each type of punching bag, talked about why and when you should get which. I’ve pointed out the aspects you need to keep in check to get the best punching bag for each type.
And to make sure that you get back with the best punching bag, I’ve reviewed the best of the best of each type.
So, it’s imperative that you’re going home with the punching bag that you’ll never regret buying.
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