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Boxing Equipment Buyer's Guide

When starting a boxing or fitness-boxing regime, it is important that you use the appropriate equipment to ensure your safety and give you the most effective workout.

Boxing Gloves

Generally, there are two types of gloves that boxers and fitness boxers use-boxing gloves and bag gloves.

Boxing gloves are typically used for sparring. However, many people choose to wear boxing gloves to add additional weight to their aerobic or kickboxing workout programs. Boxing gloves range from 10-20 oz, and the weight of the glove will determine the intensity of your workout.

For professional and amateur bouts, boxers tend to use 10 oz gloves. However, they prefer to train with heavier gloves to increase arm strength.

Boxing gloves may be constructed of many different materials. The outer cover may be made of top-grain leather (the highest quality) or similar synthetic leather materials (generally less expensive). Most gloves are lined with cotton material and hand stuffed with shock-absorbing foam and/or wool blends.

Most boxing gloves have a thumb-lock feature that prevents accidental gouging of an opponent's eye. Boxing gloves have varying wrist closures. They may be laced, laceless with elastic and/or Velcro or any combination of these. For workouts, athletes prefer the elastic and Velcro gloves, which allow them to easily take the gloves on and off.

Bag Gloves

Generally, there are two types of gloves that boxers and fitness boxers use-boxing gloves and bag gloves.

Bag gloves may be used to train on heavy bags and speed bags. Boxing Mitts/ Boxing Pads tend to have less padding than boxing gloves and are usually less expensive. Bag gloves are designed to withstand the repeated pounding on heavy bags and speed bags and are usually constructed of top-grain leather. They may also be made of cowhide, horsehide or synthetic materials (horsehide tends to be more durable, but may be heavier). Padded palm grips and metal palm grips provide better fit and comfort.

Heavy Bags Free Standing Bags

When selecting a heavy bag, there are many variables that need to be considered—

Hanging bags may mount to the wall or ceiling or to a bag stand.

Standing bags, on the other hand, stand alone. Their bases may be filled with sand or water.

Heavy bags may have a thick synthetic foam filler for shock absorbency, while others are filled with shredded rags and sand. These bags have a more solid feel and provide a lot of resistance.

Still other manufacturers offer heavy bags that may be filled with water. Water-filled bags are much easier on your hands and wrists, in fact your whole body, than a traditional bag because the water helps to absorb the impact of your punch, however, it still provides a great workout. An added bonus is that because the bag is shipped unfilled, it is much less expensive to send.

An unfilled bag is a good alternative, especially for international customers, who do not want to pay the high cost of shipping a pre-filled bag. The bag is filled with bits of rag or other soft material and small bags of sand for added weight. Pre-filled bags are hydraulically stuffed, so you will not be able to achieve this if you fill the bag by hand. However, we have not had an unfilled bag returned. We recommend talking to your local fabric shop to see if they have anything you can use for filler.

Heavy bags range from 25 pounds to 200+ pounds. You want to have a bag that is sufficiently heavy to not move around too much while you are pummeling it. For the average person, a bag in the range of 70-100 pounds should be heavy enough. Most gyms, fitness centers and health clubs prefer 100-150 pound bags to accommodate extensive use.

The covering really depends on your budget and expected use. A leather bag will last longer than either a synthetic or canvas bag, but is more than twice the price. For the home user or commercial club that is unsure how much use the bag will get, we suggest a synthetic bag. We recommend a synthetic covering over a canvas one because the synthetic bag is much easier to clean and resists mildew. For professional, military or heavy commercial use we suggest a professional leather bags. If your budget can afford it, you may want to opt for the professional bags which are the most durable.

Speed Bags or Boxing Punch Balls

Speed bags are pear-shaped bags that hang from a solid platform.

The size of the speed bag determines how fast it will be. Smaller speed bags require more coordination and skill.

If you are a beginner, you may want to start with a larger bag until you learn the rhythm. We recommend a middle-sized bag for beginners. When starting out, don't fill the bag all the way (the bag is slower with less air). Practice for a while and as your skill increases, add more air to the bag to speed it up.

Intermediates and experts will probably want a smaller bag. The smaller the bag, the faster it rebounds-the harder it is to hit.

Double-End striking bags are round and secured to both the floor and ceiling. DE striking bags may be used for punching and kicking, bobbing and weaving.

Speed Bags and Striking Bags are usually made of durable high quality leather.

Argos Sports Stocks to sell following high street Boxing Equipment

• Boxing Gloves
• Boxing Mitts
• Boxing Pads
• Boxing Gloves Pads
• Boxing Hanging Bags
• Boxing Head Guards
• Boxing Speed Balls
• Free Standing Boxing Bags
• Body opponent
• Torso Training Partner
• Boxing Accessories
• Boxing Hooks