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Best Punching Bags
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Durability
Given the fact that you will be beating the snot out of your punching bag, it should probably be able to handle the abuse.
There are really two vital considerations that you need to make in regard to the build quality of any punching bag. The first is what type of material the actual bag is made out of. Now, as you will find on your search, they come in a plethora of different materials. You can find them in different types of leather, canvas and even vinyl. As for which material is superior, that distinction would probably have to go to leather. Now, you have genuine leather which will most likely outlast you and also synthetic leather. The latter is not real leather but does look like it (though it is not nearly as tough and durable). As for canvas and vinyl, the latter is typically cheap and the former (much like leather) will last a long time.
The second consideration you need to make, and this is for bags that need mounting, is if you want nylon straps or chains. Provided either one of them is tough enough to hold the bag for several years, the choice does not matter too much (as far as strength goes). Most heavier-duty bags will use chains, though, so you may prefer them.
Style
There are many different design styles out there and choosing the one you desire is more preference than anything.
Not all punching bags are the same and this is something that is vital to understand. The style and design that you prefer are going to be based solely on your preferences as one style is not necessarily superior to another. But, let’s take a look at the various types of styles that are out there. First off, you have traditional heavy bags and also wrecking balls. It really comes down the training that you want to perform. If you want to throw some wicked uppercuts and crosses, go with a wrecking ball. However, for a more martial arts-type regimen you should opt for a full bag.
Of course, you also have free-standing bags that will not need to be mounted. The clear benefit here is you do not need to worry about finding a suitable fixture to hang them from. Then again, an actual hanging bag will better mimic the feeling of actually fighting a person (as it will sway back and forth when you nail it). And then, there is the issue of what the bags should be filled with, in the first place. For the record, some will come pre-filled and others not. No matter, there are different types of fillings that can be used such as fabric and sand. The only issue with sand is it can sometimes sink to the bottom.
Adjustability
This right here is not mandatory, but it is something that you still may want to take into consideration.
Remember when we talked about nylon straps and chains? Well, this is one of the areas where chains can be beneficial. With nylon straps, you will most likely not be able to adjust the height of the bag. However, due to the design of most steel chains, this can be achieved with them. While the adjusting process is nowhere near easy, it at least can be achieved. Oh yeah, and this is one of the areas where free-standing models typically rule.
Most of them will be designed with adjustable heights. It is a bit easier for designers to implement adjustability in these styles as they do not need to be hung from the ceiling. With the ability to adjust the height, you can tailor your workout to a specific area. For instance, if the bag was not high enough, you could elevate it to perform higher kicks and more uniform punches.
Weight
The weight of a model matters more than you may initially realize.
Okay, so you may be asking yourself, why does the weight matter? If you are familiar with this technology at all, you may have heard the notion that you should buy a bag that is roughly half your weight. So, for example, a 250-pound man would buy a model that is roughly 125 pounds (rounding up or down as sellers do not allow for exact weights). The logic is that the bag will not swing around too much due to an astronomical weight difference. There is nothing wrong with this notion, per se, but it is not exactly mandatory and sometimes can be ignored.
The primary reason is when you punch a much lighter bag, it is going to better mimic the movement of an actual opponent. For those of you who are combat training, this may be more effective to improve your accuracy and reflexes. What about heavier bags, though? Well, these come into play when you want to deliver sheer force and want to develop power. Due to their sluggish nature, however, they are not ideal for enhancing your speed and accuracy.
Accessories
Unless you already own all the accessories you need, chances are, you will need some other items and some sellers will include some.
This last section is not mandatory but when you buy a punching bag, you are going to need some additional accessories, both for using the actual bag and also when it comes to mounting one (if it is required). If you do need to mount one, you may want to see if the necessary mounting equipment comes with your purchase (as some sellers will not include these items). Also, what about the gear you may need when you strike the bag? While you can do so bare-knuckled (which will be touched on later), it is advisable to use either hand wraps or boxing gloves. And, if those items are included with your purchase, it is a bonus for you.
OUR TOP PICKS FOR THE BEST PUNCHING BAGS
1. TITLE BOXING
It is safe to say that you usually get what you pay for in this world and here is a perfect example of that. Though the price is steep here, you receive a model that is constructed of top-grade cowhide leather.
Read moreBuild Quality
Indeed, this is crafted of top-grade and extra-thick cowhide leather. Not only that but it is full-grain and genuine leather. Also, included is a foam liner.
Design Style
While you will need to invest in the wall or ceiling mount yourself, this comes with the chain and swivel required for mounting. Additionally, this has been professionally filled beforehand.
Adjustability
Due to the fact that this uses chains, it can be adjusted if you need it to.
Weight
With three weight options in total (70 pounds, 100 pounds, and 150 pounds), you can tailor this to your liking. If you wanted a more substantial girth, you could go the full monte with 150 pounds.
Accessories
Included with your purchase are the following accessories: a heavy-duty chain, swivel, and D-ring that can be tied down on the bottom for enhanced stability.
Overall
To say this is a beast is a bit of an understatement, to be honest. It is built like a machine and can also be adjusted thanks to the chains. While the installation can be a pain, it is fantastic once you get it up.
2. OUTSLAYER
Anyone vaguely familiar with this type of technology should probably recognize the brand Outslayer. Let’s just say their model is highly revered around the globe and for good reasons.
Read moreBuild Quality
To put it bluntly, the craftsmanship that has been integrated here is top-notch and top-of-the-line. This bad boy is built extremely well and will withstand the abuse that you will dish out on it.
Design Style
The heavy-duty straps that this is designed with are already onto the bag itself. Also, this is filled with the perfect density of fabric and not sand to avoid the issue of sinking.
Adjustability
Due to the design of the straps, this is actually not adjustable. Given the sheer greatness of this design, though, this can be forgiven.
Weight
Most of the models on this will either be 100 pounds or come with the option of 100 pounds. This is standard at 100 pounds and does not include any other weight options.
Accessories
As an added bonus, Outslayer packages their model in a heavy-duty vinyl cover that can be reused. Any time you need to store this or move it, it can be protected with a said vinyl cover.
Overall
Look, it is just not going to get any better than this. Perhaps the only beef you could have is that the height can’t be adjusted but for most of you, this is going to be easy to overlook.
3. RDX BOXING KIT
All you can say is wow, what a deal. It is hard to fathom the sheer amount of accessories that you receive with this kit and on top of the high-quality bag, you receive tons and tons of extras.
Read moreBuild Quality
To withstand the toughest abuse from the most rugged users out there, this has been designed with double stitching and gel foam padding.
Design Style
This is your traditional design here and it is five-foot in length. It is filled with shredded textiles that are able to deliver an ideal amount of shock absorption and also welded D-rings for extra stability.
Adjustability
If you wanted to, you could adjust the height of this model because of the chains that it hangs from.
Weight
There are actually two options and each one has a different weight. The four-foot option is between 18 kilograms to 20 kilograms and the five-foot option is between 19 kilograms to 22 kilograms.
Accessories
Without listing every single accessory you get, let’s just say you get an astronomical amount of bang for your buck here. That is if you actually receive all the accessories as some buyers have reported issues of this.
Overall
As a total package, this is unbeatable. As for the bag itself, it is well-made and performs up-to-par. Gee, could you possibly ask for much more?
4. EVERLAST HEAVY BAG KIT
When you invest in a punching bag, you are going to need a few other accessories. Well, why not just get everything in one convenient package? That is precisely what you are getting from Everlast here and the result is very satisfying.
Read moreBuild Quality
As for the punching bag itself, it is very firm and can even take a bit to soften it up. For the included accessories, some users have had quality control issues.
Design Style
This is what you call a heavy bag and it is custom filled with synthetic fibers that have blended with sifted sand.
Adjustability
Thanks to the customizable chain that comes with your purchase, you can adjust the height of this model a little bit.
Weight
What you see here is actually the 70-pound version but if you wanted a bit more girth, you can opt for the 100-pound version.
Accessories
In addition to your base purchase, you also receive a few other accessories including heavy bag gloves, 108-inch hand wraps, and a bungee cord to offer greater resistance.
Overall
Everlast is a very popular brand when it comes to this technology so you know, at the very least, they know what they are doing. Then again, this kit is not flawless so be cautious of that.
5. CENTURY BOB XL
Okay, now this is innovative right here. Century designed their model, which is dubbed BOB, almost like a beatable manikin of sorts. The concept is amazing but the execution is not quite as good (albeit still solid).
Read moreBuild Quality
The combination of the polyethylene base and the plastisol body ensure this can take a beating and come back for more. Of course, some buyers have had issues with some of the hardware breaking or loosening.
Design Style
The accompanying base will hold either sand or water and the upper bag is literally a human torso. But, while this is great for accuracy training, it does nothing for movement as this is stationary.
Adjustability
From 60 inches to 82 inches, this can be adjusted and that is a very convenient extra feature.
Weight
When you fill up the base, this can get up to 270 pounds and unless you kick like Bruce Lee it should be stable enough.
Accessories
This is a free-standing design so no mounting accessories are required. With that said, no additional accessories are included.
Overall
In regard to uniqueness, this one sits above most of the rest. If the execution could have been improved a little bit, however, it would have helped the overall design.
6. AQUA TRAINING BAG
As opposed to traditional models, this is an excellent alternative and actually only weighs 35 pounds. It essentially is a mix between a slip ball and a punching bag and it works stupendously.
Read moreBuild Quality
Due to the durable and flexible material that has been utilized here, it actually feels like you are punching a human body. Let’s just say the construction is far from cheap.
Design Style
Now, this is actually designed for both indoor and outdoor use and requires water to fill it up. It simply needs to be hung up from an appropriate fixture and then you are good to go.
Adjustability
No adjustments are going to be needed with this design as it is too small to justify it. Really, this is not intended for a full workout (though you could still kick it if you possess the flexibility).
Weight
At 35 pounds in total weight, this is one of the lightest options on the entire market. Of course, this can make it a bit easier to transport if you want to look at it that way.
Accessories
With your purchase here you only receive the ball. No other accessories are included, unfortunately.
Overall
No, this is not a traditional model and, in fact, it is not even close. But, it is a really nice alternative to the larger punching bags and can deliver the goods, in its own right.
7. CENTURY ORIGINAL WAVEMASTER
Not everyone will desire a model in which they need to manually install it themselves. If you are one of these people, then perhaps you would be interested in a design like the Wavemaster.
Read moreBuild Quality
This is actually made with a combination of vinyl and plastic. Albeit not the most durable design on this list, this still gets the job done.
Design Style
No mounting is required as this is a free-standing design. You can either fill the base with sand or water but from the sounds of it, you better stick with sand as various users have had issues with water.
Adjustability
No matter your size or what combat area you want to improve, this can fit your needs. This is thanks to the seven height adjustments from 47 inches to 68 inches.
Weight
When this is filled to the brim (the base) the total weight will be right around 250 pounds.
Accessories
You simply get the base and the bag with your purchase here and any other accessories will need to be purchased separately.
Overall
Points are awarded to this design for its free-standing nature as many of you will be enthralled with no installation. For that reason alone, this is quite the compelling option.
8. RINGSIDE WORKOUT BAG
To say this next option is tall is an understatement. This bad boy measures six feet top to bottom and will be suitable for users of virtually any height. But, due to this, it tends to give a little too much near the middle.
Read moreBuild Quality
Now, this is made with power hide, and this is a synthetic leather material that is comprised of mixed fibers of cowhide leather. But, as mentioned, this gives a lot in the middle and stiff kicks will abuse it.
Design Style
While there are no lower chains to anchor this bag too, you can mount it as you would a normal model.
Adjustability
The chains make this adjustable but, truth be told, it may not be necessary. This is because it is six feet in length and, chances are, you will find enough area to either punch or kick.
Weight
Nothing out of the ordinary here as this is filled to 100 pounds and it looks like that is the only weight option that is available.
Accessories
Ringside does not include any extra gear or accessories with your purchase and simply provides you with their traditional boxing bag.
Overall
Really, you will either love this or hate this. It all comes down to its massive height as it really does not need adjusting but it gives a lot in the middle and is not ideal for stiffer kicks and punches.
9. COMBAT SPORTS
As you can see from the title and the photos, this is another different design. Though it is not an adjustable design, the double-end bag is on the firmer side and it can hold up to an excellent amount of abuse.
Read moreBuild Quality
Because this is a lighter bag, it is nice that it is a bit firmer as it can take more punishment. As for the composition, it is made of synthetic leather and sports reinforced nylon straps.
Design Style
Right out of the box, this is ready to be used and hung from an appropriate location. Also, it comes with a hook that is attached to the bottom but it does not have to be tethered.
Adjustability
Yep, due to the straps that are implemented, this can’t be adjusted. It is one of the few downfalls of this design, though it is not too big of a deal.
Weight
At 45 pounds, this is not the best when it comes to withstanding powerful punches and kicks. For this weight, however, that is to be expected.
Accessories
Any other accessories that you will need, such as gloves and other protective gear, will need to be purchased separately as they will not be included with your purchase.
Overall
Granted you are not looking for a punching bag to absolutely obliterate with powerful punches and kicks, this 45-pound option should work extremely well for you.
10. EVERLAST C3 FOAM BAG
Here is the deal; this is a superb design that utilizes the power of contoured closed cell foam (C3) technology. But, some longevity concerns prevent it from ascending any higher on this list.
Read moreBuild Quality
Due to the durable poly canvas shell that has been integrated, this is as stiff as it gets. The real problem, though, is in the bottom stitching as many users have had issues with it fraying.
Design Style
The C3 technology is designed to improve the cushioning, support, and force dispersion of this bag and it does a great job doing it. Also, this is equipped with a durable webbing system (including double end loops and heavy-duty nylon straps).
Adjustability
Due to the straps, this is a design that is not adjustable.
Weight
The standard 100-pound model is provided here and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Accessories
You are really paying for the C3 technology here as there are no other accessories to speak of.
Overall
It is too bad the bottom stitching was not improved as the C3 technology that is implemented here is brilliant. Still, durability matters and it needs to be taken into consideration here.