Heavy Bag and Speed Bag from the looks the major differences seems to be only in the looks. Some noobs argue that you’ll get the same result out of the two. You can punch both, what difference would it make?
Heavy Bag Vs Speed Bag
Now then let’s talk and clarify what each would impact on your body and mind. I’ve picked out the major topics by which the differences, pros and cons can be understood very much easily.
We talked in another post in detail on how to pick the right heavy punching bag and how to pick the right speed bag as well.
Construction
You already know how diffrently they are shaped and how different they look. But I’ll talk about it who’re still stubborn enough to deny the difference.
Heavy bags are long and heavy punching bags these are covered in a leather or synthetic leather. And on the inside, it’ll have sand or garments usually. There’s nothing hollow or unfilled space in there.
But once you move on to the speed bag, it’s also covered with leather or faux leather. But that’s where the similarity ends. The shape, completely different. Heavy bags were cylindrical but these are pear-shaped most of the time and also round at times. And more importantly, it’s all empty in there.
Swing
Speed bags are created to give a hefty swing and that’s because of the snappy rebound it gets off the platform. And it’s also because of the air-filled bag aka the bladder inside the speed bag.
But if you’re using a heavy punching bag you have obviously noticed there isn’t much swing. Maybe not at all if your punches or kicks aren’t all that strong or you’re hitting at the higher part of the bag.
Platform
Speed bags require an extra investment side by side with the speed bag itself. You’ll have to have a speed bag platform. And these usually end up costing more than the speed bag itself.
On the other hand, heavy bags don’t require platforms but they do require a hook in the ceiling. And if you can’t manage a hook in the ceiling you might have to buy a mounting device for the heavy bag.
Durability
Yeah, speed bags are durable but comparing it with a standard heavy bag is a joke. Speed bags have all these vital areas like the seams in between the leather panels, joining of the straps or loops. And needless to mention bladder, they just keep on popping, be it rubber or latex.
But heavy bags stay in the family for generations. Many folks are still using heavy bags that were used by the grandfather. These don’t have all those seams and all these damage prone areas. Except, these also have straps and they might bust off sometimes.
Setting Up
Setting up a heavy bag is a piece of cake. Just hook it on to the hook in the ceiling. That’s all.
But man O man, setting up a speed bag!! It might end up taking hours if you have not done it once or don’t have someone guiding you through every step of the way.
Fundamental Purpose
The very purpose of using a heavy punching bag is to get your punches more boost, impact, and power. You might end up getting some more advantages along with that like getting more skilled and getting better at your feints.
But when you move on to a speed bag it’s all about speed and reflex. It’ll train you and push you to the limits to react faster than an ordinary human being. It’ll boost your hand to eye coordination, it’ll start to make it all come naturally to you without any prior thinking.
Stress Relief
Anyone who’s looking to plunge out his stress, heavy bag is an even better alternative to bubble wraps or a pen’s button. Go all out, kick all you want, punch all you want. It’s one thing in life you can take for granted.
Speed bags don’t do much of a good job at absorbing your stress. On the contrary, it’ll take a toll on your mind. Since it requires extreme concentration.
Eye’s Activeness
I don’t know quite the correct terminology to use for it, but what um trying to say is, boxers or fighters get a little too habituated with heavy bags and lose their focus. They keep on doing perfectly what they are supposed to do every step of the way but take their eyes off. This very bad habit will cost a lot for the fighter.
But when you’re dealing with a speed bag there’s no chance of that happening. You’ll have to keep your eyes on at all times or you’ll miss and can’t be hitting it. Here it’s all about focus and hand to eye coordination.
Slower Reflex
As I’ve said earlier, the bad thing about a punching bag is that it’s very easy, you’re training will turn into muscle memory and you won’t be able to get your instinct and reflex to get better.
But if you think of speed bag, it’s the exact opposite. It’ll boost your reflex and instinct.
Conclusion
Many are confused about what difference it would make if one is training with speed bag instead of a heavy bag or the other way around. It’s not about completely discarding the other but about knowing which aspects of your skills will gain a boost for which one.
Besides, there are a few bad habits that one might get you while the other one will do the exact opposite. Knowing all these will indeed give the proper idea which one you need to give more time to.
So, to clarify all of these I’ve brought out points and talked about the contribution of each in this regard. And along the way, I’ve presented the differences very vividly.
Leave a Reply