The Best Punching Bags for Great Exercise
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Last Punch Heavy-Duty Punching Bag -
FITVEN Freestanding Punching Bag -
Dripex Freestanding Punching Bag -
NUBARKO Punching Bag -
Buyer's Guide
For anyone training for boxing, a punching bag needs no introduction. Punching bags are essential for boxers, but they're not limited to boxers alone. Mixed martial artists, Muay Thai fighters, kickboxers, and other athletes use punching bags as a core part of their daily training regimen to not only toughen their punch but also strengthen their kick.
Using a punching bag can be a great way to exercise, even if you don't practice boxing or martial arts. Also referred to as heavy bags, punching bags come in different shapes and sizes. Thus, choosing the right punching bag from the wide array of available bags could prove to be a daunting task. For this reason, our team of experts set out to assess several punching bags to bring you the best punching bags in 2022.
Last Punch Heavy-Duty Punching Bag
- The bag comes with a 15-inch long hanging chain
- Can be filled with any desired material
- The bag becomes 45 inches long when suspended with the chain
- Ceiling bracket not included
FITVEN Freestanding Punching Bag
- Four-layer construction
- 2mm-thick synthetic leather exterior
- Excellent shock absorption
- Bag and base are shipped separately
Dripex Freestanding Punching Bag
- The outermost layer is made of synthetic leather
- Minimal noise and vibration
- Base should be filled with sand despite suction cups
NUBARKO Punching Bag
- The bag is made up of three layers of material
- The package includes a pair of ankle protectors, wrist protectors, and palm protectors
- Too much filler can cause bag to burst
Detailing the Best Punching Bags of 2022
Last Punch Heavy-Duty Punching Bag - Best Hanging Punching Bag
The Last Punch punching bag delivers on strength training and muscle toning at an affordable price, making it ideal for adults on a budget looking to add a punching bag to their workout routine. The material is canvas, can be filled with clothes or plastic bags, and can be hung to the ceiling by chains. If you're looking for an affordable heavy bag, this will do the trick.
- The bag comes with a 15-inch long hanging chain
- Can be filled with any desired material
- The bag becomes 45 inches long when suspended with the chain
- Ceiling bracket not included
FITVEN Freestanding Punching Bag - Best Freestanding Punching Bag
The Fitven punching bag is a free-standing bag that stands up well to the force of heavy punches and kicks. It is suitable for heavy punching and kicks, making it a great choice for anyone who needs a bag that can withstand the most rigorous workout. The material is faux leather and the base can be filled with sand or water. The base has 12 suction cups for further support. To add further value, FITVEN also includes a pair of boxing gloves.
- Four-layer construction
- 2mm-thick synthetic leather exterior
- Excellent shock absorption
- Bag and base are shipped separately
Dripex Freestanding Punching Bag - Best Punching Bag for Martial Arts
You're guanateed to get a workout using the Dripex punching bag. Made of high-quality multi-layered materials, it won't let you down, even with intense usage. Similar to the FITVEN, the base has suction cups on the bottom for extra stability and the shock absorption system reduces noise. The springs are also removable to adjust the amount of vibration. Add sand to the base for even more stability!
- The outermost layer is made of synthetic leather
- Minimal noise and vibration
- Base should be filled with sand despite suction cups
NUBARKO Punching Bag - Best Punching Bag Set
Nubarko punching bags are made of high-quality materials that make it sturdy as it withstands kicks and punches. It can be used for many types of training including boxing, Muay Thai, and MMA to help improve your striking and kicks. It ships unfilled so you can choose what you'd like to fill it with such as old clothes, blankets, etc. Also included are all hanging gear and protectors for the wrists, palms, and ankles.
- The bag is made up of three layers of material
- The package includes a pair of ankle protectors, wrist protectors, and palm protectors
- Too much filler can cause bag to burst
Buyer's Guide
The punching bag’s place in a boxer’s training gear set is well-known. Our review of the best punching bags in the market has introduced you to the various categories of punching bags available. This buying guide seeks to provide answers to any persisting doubts you may still have when it comes to purchasing the optimal punching bag for you. Here, we discuss the types of punching bags in detail and factors to consider when choosing a punching bag.
What are the different types of punching bags?
Punching bags can be divided into three main types based on how they are placed. These types are hanging bags, free-standing bags, and wall-mounted bags.
Hanging or suspended punching bags
Hanging bags are typically suspended with sturdy chains that can withstand the bag’s weight as well as the intensity of punches and kicks that are landed on the bag. There are different types of hanging punching bags classified by their shape:
Standard hanging bags
These are the most common type of hanging bags. They typically hang from the ceiling so that the bottom hangs around the user’s waist. Because they're the most popular type of hanging bag around, they fit most setups and are highly versatile.
Banana punching bags
These are like standard hanging bags, but their bottom usually touches the ground. They are ideal for kickboxers as they are perfect for practicing low kicks.
Angled punching bags
Angled punching bags usually have their top wider than the bottom area. They are ideal for practicing body punches and uppercuts.
Speed bags
Speed bags are used to help fighters work on the speed of their punches. It also helps to build shoulder strength and overall endurance. Usually smaller than heavy bags, speed bags are filled with air and hung from the ceiling or a specialized mounting system. They are most common among boxers.
Free-standing punching bags
Unlike hanging bangs, free-standing bags do not need to be suspended on the ceiling. They have a base that can be filled with water or sand to support the bag’s weight and keep it stable when being used. They also have the advantage of being more mobile than hanging bags.
Wall-mounted punching bags
This type of punching bag is firmly mounted on the wall. They are usually used to practice uppercuts and allow boxers to work more on their footwork.
What are some things to consider before buying punching bags?
Before settling for a punching bag to buy, some factors have to be considered to ensure you make the best choice and the bag serves you optimally.
Use
What the bag will be used for should be the core factor to consider when buying a punching bag. As described above, certain punching bags have specific uses. Though any bag type can be tweaked to serve those specialized purposes, nothing works better than getting a bag that fits the exact purpose you need it for.
Weight of the bag
The weight of the bag can make or break your training regimen. A bag that is too heavy will tire the user out quickly. A bag that is too light will also not give the required resistance needed for practice.
Space
Another factor to consider before getting a punching bag is the space where they’ll be installed for use. If you are buying a hanging bag, for example, you have to consider the area where you will attach the suspender and the bag. The bag often swings in different directions, meaning you need more room.
Surface material
A punching bag’s surface material is a factor that influences your overall experience with the bag; hence, it should be prioritized. Traditionally, bags made of leather are the standard because of their soft and comfortable feel on the knuckles. However, leather punching bags can be pretty expensive. Faux leather is instead used to make punching bags because they are more affordable. Also, alternatives like vinyl and canvas are used as surface materials for punching bags. If budget is not a constraint, leather bags are ideal. The other materials also do an excellent job of absorbing punches without hurting the knuckles, but may not be as durable in the long run.
Filled vs. unfilled bags
Free-standing bags usually don't come with their bases filled, meaning it's your choice to fill it with either sand or water. Sand is often recommended by manufacturers because it makes the setup heavier, and any potential of leakage won't cause flooding or damage to your floors. For hanging bags, you can either buy a filled or an unfilled bag. A filled bag usually contains fillers from manufacturers and are ready for immediate use. Unfilled bags have to be filled up by the user. Filled hanging bags are usually more expensive than unfilled ones. Unfilled bags have the advantage of giving users the freedom to choose their desired filler.
How to use punching bags safely
Safety should be prioritized when using punching bags. These are some tips to guide users on how to use the bags.
- Hanging bags should be firmly hung on their suspenders and checked regularly.
- Protective gears like gloves, wrist protectors, and ankle protectors should be used.
- Kids should only use the bag when under adult supervision.
How much do punching bags cost?
The price of punching bags differs according to size, materials used, and other details. Bags made with leather are typically the most expensive. Filled bags are also usually more costly than unfilled bags. Overall, the price of unfilled bags ranges from $30 to $100. For free-standing bags, prices generally range from $120 to $400.
Punching Bag FAQs
Q: What should my punching bag be filled with?
A: It depends on how heavy you want the bag to be. If you want a lightweight bag, you can use clothes, foams, and rags. For heavier bags, materials like sand and sawdust should be used.
Q: How do I stop my free-standing punching bag from moving?
A: Filling the bas with sand, as opposed to water, will make free-standing punching bags more stable. Sand is heavier than water and helps keep the base from moving after every kick or punch.
Q: Are free-standing bags any good?
A: Free-standing bags are quite good and perform well when put into use.
