To any ordinary guy buying a speed bag will seem very much simple. But that’s a cruel hallucination. Yeah, it’s easy as long as you know what to look for in a speed bag.
And that’s what I’ll be doing throughout this blog. I’ll tell you and talk about all the aspects, features, sides and angles you’ll have to look to get yourself the best speed bag.
To minimize all your hurdle and hassle I’ve also reviewed 8 of the best speed bags on the market. So, you’ll know everything about ‘em before you buy ‘em.
What’s Speed Bag?
Speed bags are air-filled bags which you can keep on punching. It houses a bladder made out of rubber or latex which holds the air.
To start punching ‘em you’ll have to hang the bag to a swivel which in turn is attached to a platform.
These are made out of leather, most of the time. Sometimes faux leather is also used. And comes in various sizes.
Our Picks on the Best Speed Bags
It’s really a time-consuming and boring job to go over and over all those products till you find the best speed bag.
So, I’ve listed down some of the most popular and best speed bags on the market. That’s not all I’ve pointed out everything that you’ll like about it and things that’ll bother ya.
Let’s check it out.
1. Balazs Lazer Speed Bag
Balazs – giving quality, durable, trustworthy products since 1997.
Features and Benefits
Fine Grain leather with the toughest natural fibers brings the bag the durability and the tolerance to stress that puts the bag on the list.
Another thing that comes to mind, will the loop get detached? No way fam, the loop’s Kevlar stitched so the chances are thin. To top it off it’s not stitched once or twice but thrice. So, you do understand how tough it’s gonna be.
You’ve already noticed that this bad boy doesn’t have any laces nor does it have any welting. So? So, it’ll give you more surface to punch or strike. More importantly, you’ll not feel uncomfortable for hitting the laces like other bags.
Now let’s get down to business and talk about the bladder. Since there are no laces, there ain’t gonna be any bladder replacement. Balazs is absolutely certain that their rubber bladder that they’re giving with this is never ever gonna pop. You’ll need to re-inflate it sometimes but not gonna have to replace it. Besides, ain’t nobody got time for that.
As for the variance of size, let me table it down it for you.
| Largest Diameter | Height | What they call it |
| 5 inches | 8 inches | Peanut |
| 6 inches | 9 inches | Sonic |
| 7 inches | 10 inches | Jet |
| 8 inches | 11 inches | Rocket |
That’s plenty enough size for a punching bag.
Cons
It’s a great speed bag and all but the price man. It’s just too damn high.
2. Everlast Elite Leather Speed Bag
Finesse of speed and precision
Features and Benefits
If the Flash needs a speed bag, he’ll have to buy this. That’s how fast this bag is. The speed comes from the lightness of the bag and the accuracy comes from the perfect balance of the bag. How light is it? It’s as light as 1.1 lbs (the medium one).
This premium grade leather encased speed bag is one of a kind on the market. With it’s over the top speed, the bag will make you accustomed to keeping your hands up for a long long time.
Despite a major downside to the bag which I’ll talk about in a sec the bag is one of my picks for a reason. That’s the top grain soft leather and absolutely no welting. Both of these makes the bag easier on your hands.
There’re two sizes for this bag on the market, the 9 x 6 inches one is the medium one and the 10 x 7 inches is the large one. The medium ones for intermediate users and the large ones for pros.
Cons
The thing I wanted to talk about earlier, it’s the bladder. The bladder can’t hold the air for long. You’ll have to refill the air every now and then.
3. TITLE Boxing Gyro Balanced Speed Bags
Standard
Features and Benefits
Title has had a niche for boxing equipment all along, so they know what they’re doing. They’ve put the terminology “Gyro” for the engineering they put into it to make it rebound uniformly every time. This is because the bladder has been spaced in the bag calculatedly. And the materials for the exterior facets has been so chosen to contribute to the perfect, uniform and predictable rebound of the bag.
And yes, it indeed comes with a few different sizes. Let me table it down for ya.
| Largest Diameter | Height | What they call it |
| 4 inches | 7 inches | XXS |
| 5 inches | 8 inches | S |
| 6 inches | 9 inches | M |
| 7 inches | 10 inches | L |
So, if you have a choice for any particular range of sizes, you won’t have any probs.
Apart from the wide range of sizes and perfect rebound this speed can be considered as one of the best speed bags out there because of its commendable durability.
The bladder’s made out of butyl rubber, it’s durable it’s great, but isn’t it gonna slow down the bag? No man, ain’t no chance of that happening. Why? TITLE has compensated for this by choosing the perfect material for the rest of the bag. That is what made the bag weigh 0.5 lbs. Can you believe that?
As for the exterior covering rest assured it’s a high-end top-grade leather. So, it’ll be merciful to your knuckles. As for the seams, no chances of them ripping apart since they are triple reinforced.
Don’t want sound too much Indian, but man it’s a great deal. You get all of these is just 40 to 50 bucks’ whichever size you choose. And you can even change the bladder if it pops.
Cons
You don’t see much speed bags these days with laces. It’s great to have the opportunity to replace the bladder and all. But it feels uncomfortable to if you’re punching bare hands.
4. RDX Speed Ball Boxing Bag
Comes with Included Mounting Device
Features and Benefits
The exterior cowhide leather is bound to give the astonishing durability. But what gives the excellent rebound is the 4 back to back carefully placed layers of poly cotton material.
RDX invested enough time to make these speed bags that they shaped and balanced each of these to give perfect rebound. Besides, RDX made sure that it’s light enough to give lighting fast rebound for you to hone your skills.
It might have only one size but has three different colors, they’re tan, white and yellow. Now, as for the size, you’ll get a 54 cm circumference, 26 cm height and a 3 cm long loop to hang it. Great!
Each piece of the cover has been riveted on top of stitching to guarantee that there’s not gonna be any splitting.
And now as for the included or free (whatever you like to call) mounting device, its stainless steel and it swivels. Heck yeah!
Cons
The loop man “The Loop” everything’s perfect except for this. It’s a bit on the weak side might tear off if you’re unlucky.
5. Pro Impact Genuine Leather Speed Bag
Fast & Rugged
Features and Benefits
It’s never a good idea to box speed bags with bare knuckles but you can do it without much harm since it made out of a 100% genuine top-grade leather. The leather’s a substantial one not anywhere near those of faux or synthetic leather.
There’re three different factors that bring the superior durability that this bag has. First of all, there’s obviously the rugged top-grade leather. Then there’s the triple reinforced sewing that took place to hold the leather pieces together. It ain’t coming off anytime soon. Last but not least, the loop has been sewn multiple times and has been riveted too. That ain’t gonna come off anytime soon
And the factor that contributes the most to the durability is the bladder. The bladder is made out of latex but rest assured that it’s heavy-duty. Even if the bladder pops, you’ll be alright cause you can even replace the bags whenever you want to.
Yeah, there’s laces but only one, so you won’t be facing any trouble for it.
Pro Impact chose a very optimum dimensioning for the three different sizes that this bag comes in. Lemme table it down for ya,
| Largest Diameter | Height | What they call it |
| 5 inches | 7 inches | Extra Small |
| 6 inches | 9 inches | Small |
| 7 inches | 10 inches | Medium |
Cons
Some folks are saying that the recoil isn’t fast enough. Even the rebound is a bit out of balance. So, it won’t be a good choice for a commercial gym.
6. Title Boxing TITLE Classic Speed Bag
Old School
Features and Benefits
From the looks of it, it’s a perfect bag. You can even hang it in your room just for the decor. But we have lot to do with than just looking at it. Let’s talk.
It has those trendy laces for bladder replacement. But nothing to worry, there’s only one of those. So, you won’t get that irritating feel if you’re punching ‘em with only straps on.
Moreover, there’s welting on the bag. There’s both pros and cons to this that I’ve talked about. So, you think about it.
Bladder, the most crucial facet of a speed bag. The TITLE Classic has a rubber bladder. Which is always super-duper rugged nut a bit on the heavy side. Despite the heavy bladder, this bag is still lightweight. TITLE made it so by finding the perfect material for the rest of the parts of the bag.
All the leather pieces have been sewn in a special manner, triple reinforces. So, the bag ain’t gonna blast anytime soon. Moreover, the loop attached to the bag for hanging which is always a limiting factor for durability has been sewn for multiple numbers of times for extra reinforcement, assurance, and peace of mind.
TITLE chose the best for the exterior cover for the bag, leather. That adds to the durability of the bag on top of all these factors I’ve been talking till now.
Comes in two different sizes for your convenience. Let me give the dimensioning for those. The smaller one has the largest diameter of about 5 inches and an overall height of 8 inches. As for the larger one, the largest diameter and overall height are 6 inches and 9 inches respectively.
Cons
There have been a few reports of the bladder leaks.
Apart from that, another thing that’s to be kept in mind is that the leather’s not soft grain. So, if you’re a beginner, you should be using wraps on your hand.
7. Ringside Cleto Reyes Speed Bag
Handmade
Features and Benefits
Instead of going with the traditional choice of soft grain leather, Ringside chose the hard leather. This is because Ringside gave utmost attention to the durability. You can even pass it on to your grandkids, that’s how durable it is!
The elegance of the bag comes from the nylon lining. It gives not only the looks but also contributes to the durability of the bag.
Like each and every bag that I’ve talked about till now, this bag also got its fair share of time and concentration for precision and balance. The rebound is bound to never get out of balance and prediction. So, you’ll be hitting every time and keeping your hands in the air all the time.
Next comes the loop, it’s very much durable. The attachment? Yeah, riveted and multiple reinforced. So, you see, just like I told, they did something all the time to amp up the durability.
As for the bladder, heck yeah, it’s durable. Ringside even included a spare bladder in case if the one inside ever pops. And yes, the bladders are replaceable. That means there’s lace. Don’t worry, there’s only one of those.
But the most amazing and unique aspect of this bag is “It’s HANDMADE”. Can you believe that? Each and everyone went through hours of work to become what they are. Oh, these are made in Mexico.
This nag has three different sizes and three colors. The different colors are Mexican, Black and Red. And that of the sizes are X-Small, Small and Medium
Cons
Since these are all handmade, some of them can be a bit deformed.
And the bladder leaks at times.
That’s all.
8. TITLE Quik-Tek Super Speed Bags
Simple, Convenient, Fast
Features and Benefits
This speed bag is the first of its kind. The round disc you see on the bottom allows pulling out the bladder at ease. It’s attached to the bag by means of a Velcro. That means there’s no lace, no time wastage with laces.
To change the bladder all that you have to do is pull the disc, the bladder will then come out. And then put the new one back in.
TITLE chose cowhide leather, one of the most durable kinds of leather, for the external cover. It brings the immense durability that the bag has. Many a time cowhide leather isn’t the optimum choice for the fitness enthusiast and manufacturers for its heavyweight. But TITLE managed to keep the bag lightweight even with the cowhide leather.
Even if you’re worrying right now whether it’ll be fast or not, rest assured its pretty damn fast.
None of those irritating laces, but still there’s replaceable bladder mechanism due to the circular disc on the bottom. The bladder’s butyl rubber, so it ain’t popping anytime soon.
And yes, there’s welting and the loops multiply reinforced. So, there’s more durability.
There’re three different sizes and each is available in different colors.
| Largest Diameter | Height | What they call it | Colors |
| 5 inches | 8 inches | XS | Black and Gold combo |
| 6 inches | 9 inches | S | Black and Red combo |
| 7 inches | 10 inches | M | Black and Blue combo |
Cons
Most bags have their loops riveted, this one doesn’t. It’d be better if it had so.
How to Recognize the Best Speed Bag?
This is your buying guide to the best speed bag. There are only a few aspects and topics which I’ll discuss right now so that the best speed bag doesn’t fly under your radar.
Durability
Noe, there are quite a few angles to look at a speed bag before you give a verdict whether it’s durable or not. Let’s talk about ‘em one by one.
Sewing
Speed bags undergo a lot of sewing in multiple places to end up as a speed bag.
Most of the sewing happens to attach the panels of external cover. Most manufacturers reinforce this sewing by triple or multiple reinforcements. Almost all the time when a bag leaks, it’s because of weak attachment of panels.
Loop
Next up is the attachment of the loop. The attachment between the loop and the bag is under constant stress. It’s a limiting factor too.
Manufacturers use multiple reinforcements and even use rivets to make it sturdy.
Welting
Welting is also a factor for durability but I am talking about it separately since there are varying opinions about it.
Welting it the rolled bulge of leather in the joining portion or the seams of the panels. It may give a good look but seal up the seams really nice. It tunes down the air leakage through this portion a lot.
Now some say it’s good to buy a speed bag with welting since it adds to the durability. Meanwhile, some say its just irritating if you’re boxing without gloves.
It does indeed increase the durability. So, you decide.
Bladder
The bladder is the elastic bag within the speed bag that holds the air.
The more durable one is the rubber one. It almost never pops but you’ll constantly have to keep on refilling the bladder.
Then there’s the latex bladder. It’s way lighter that means your bag will be super fast and you won’t have to refill the bag as frequently as the rubber one. But it keeps on popping.
So, you’ll have to decide which side you want to pick.
Size
Unlike many other cases, in case of speed bags size matters. The smaller the speed bag the faster it is.
So, if you’re a newbie it would be wise of you to cut the show off and get a large one. Since the smaller will most definitely be out of your league.
And if you’re a pro, you know what to get.
Exterior Material
Traditionally punching bags are made out of leather. These are durable, soft merciful on the hands if you’re not using gloves. But these are expensive.
So, another popular material in the 21st century is faux leather or synthetic leather. These might not be as durable as that of the original leather but these are cheap, really cheap.
So, it’s your call which side you want to pick.
Laces & Replaceable Bladder
You can replace the bladders of almost all the speed bags. Well, without a few exceptions.
Most bags have laces to replace the bag. You’ll have to take off the lace, take the bladder out, put the new one in. That’s a hell lot of hassle. Besides, it feels really irritating to hit the laces if you’re not using gloves.
To put an end to all of these, TITLE brought this circular disc like thingy which you can pull and the bladder will come out. That’s slick!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What speed bag size should I get?
Ans: I’ve already talked about it, but I’ll say it again.
If you’re not habituated to using a speed bag you should be getting a smaller one. But if you are, then you’ll know which one to get.
Q. What does speed bag training do?
Ans: Speed bag is mostly used for its assistance in hand to eye coordination improvement. Many a time beginner boxer look where they’re not supposed to look. Even a fraction of a second of this occurrence can cost you the match.
Then comes the footwork improvement, if you’re moving you’re legs while using speed bags. Doing so will get you used to the constant shifting of body weight. So, you’ll not lose your balance anytime. You’ll feel the improvement over time.
Everybody has the tendency to blink after every sec or so. Using speed bags will require you to keep your eyes wide open at all times. So, that’ll reduce too. Blinking in a match might cost you a punch in the face.
And yeah, it does increase the muscle. Speed bags are kept at eye level or higher, so you’ll have to keep your hands high up too. This’ll put a toll on your shoulder muscles and every other muscle on the hands like biceps and triceps. So yeah, they’re bound to get bigger, bulkier and stronger over time.
Q. Where to hang a speed bag?
Ans: Speed bags are hung on a platform aka drum. It plays a vital role in the rebound of the bag.
Platforms are designed to be hanged from the ceiling or rigged into the wall. You just have to hang the bag to the swivel attached to the platform.
Q. How high should I be hanging it?
Ans: Speed bags are meant to be hanged at the same level as your eye. So, there’s no fixed height like 5 meters or 6 meters where you’ll hang it.
Conclusion
By this time, you’ve already known what to look for and what to avoid in a speed bag. You should be able to judge which one to choose from the carrying factors like size, welting and non-welting, laces and no laces. At the end of the day, you’re more than enough capable of detecting the best speed bag in town.
Even after all these in an effort to make your day a hell lot easier I’ve talked about (reviewed) 8 of the best speed bags to point out their pros and cons for you.
So, you’ll know precisely what to get, without a shadow of doubt in your mind.
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