The Best Boxing Bags

A great boxing bag can quickly become your favorite piece of home gym equipment and is a must-have for those who plan to train in boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, and other martial arts. However, boxing bags differ in durability, accessibility, and function. Thus, researching and making an educated purchase is necessary if you want the best boxing bag for your home gym.

Buying Guide for Boxing Bags

Why buy a boxing bag?

Heavy bag work is an excellent (and inexpensive) way to get a full-body workout. From stamina to muscle strength, and even balance and coordination, there are few facets of your physical well-being that boxing won’t improve. A great boxing bag can also get you started on the path to training in your favorite martial art. When factoring in the durability and longevity of a well-made boxing bag, your investment can pay for itself in terms of health benefits and exercise long before you need to seek out a replacement.

What should you look for in a boxing bag?

• Style: How you plan on training will likely determine which style of boxing bag is the best for you. Heavy bags are great for high-intensity workouts and are known for taking a lot of abuse. They’re also ideal for those who want to simulate a real fight. On the other hand, speed bags are great for practicing technique and speed and are an affordable option for beginners. There are also plenty of specialty bags out there, such as extra-tall “banana” bags (great for practicing low kicks) and extra-wide “wrecking ball” bags (ideal for uppercuts).
• Installation: Before purchasing a boxing bag, closely consider what type of installation is ideal for your space. If you can’t mount your boxing bag to the ceiling, perhaps a freestanding model is ideal for you. Freestanding boxing bags tend to move around when hit, so plan ahead to ensure you have an appropriate amount of space in your home gym. Also, be sure to note whether or not the boxing bag you’re eyeing comes pre-filled. Filling a boxing bag yourself can be a rewarding experience, but it will require either an added investment or hours of work.
• Durability: Naturally, your boxing bag will take a lot of abuse, so investing in a durable, well-made product is of the utmost importance. While canvas boxing bags tend to be the least expensive option, they are far less durable than leather and synthetic leather bags. While many people love the authentic feel of leather bags, synthetic leather is probably the most durable option. This is because synthetic leather is able to resist moisture better than genuine leather and is far easier to clean without damaging the bag.

How heavy should a heavy bag be?

Generally speaking, a heavy bag should be at least half as heavy as the person using it. Thus, a 250-pound heavyweight athlete will need something much heavier than a 150-pound beginner. That being said, there will be limited options in terms of weight when you’re shopping for your boxing bag. Don’t worry; rounding a bag’s weight up to find the perfect option for you won’t cause you harm. However, don’t forget to pick up some boxing gloves and shoes before going to town on your heavy bag.

Our Picks for the Best Boxing Bags

Pros: Featuring quality synthetic leather and durable stitching, the Dripex Freestanding Punching Bag is a great choice for those who dread the grueling process of installing a hanging boxing bag. Thanks to its heavy-duty suction cups, this freestanding option outperforms similar products in terms of stability, especially when its base is weighed down with sand. If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly bag that’s easy to set up and can take some hits, this is a smart pick.

Cons: While installing this bag is very easy compared to most other options, weighing it down with sand can be tricky (not to mention messy) due to the small size of the hole in its base. Also, heavier boxers and those who pack more power in their punches might decide that a hanging bag better suits their needs.

Bottom Line: From its rugged construction to its above-average stability, there is a lot to love about this bag. It’s a versatile option that should likely meet most of the needs of a beginner boxer to a seasoned MMA striker. That being said, experienced punchers who have the available space in their home gym may prefer the classic feel of a heavy bag over this freestanding option.

 

Pros: If you’re looking for an affordable way to get your young children into boxing (or to give them something appropriate to punch), the Ringside Kids Boxing Gift Set is the way to go. This set comes with gloves, headgear, and a small boxing bag. Unlike similar kids’ boxing sets, this one arrives with the kind of quality one would expect from a respected boxing brand like Ringside. For those seeking a boxing bag that their kids won’t immediately break and that can serve as a springboard to beginner boxing lessons, this is an ideal product for a fair price.

Cons: Some people will be surprised by how small and light the boxing bag that comes with this set is. As such, it’s probably a more appropriate product for your toddler than your growing 5-year-old.

Bottom Line: Most kids’ boxing sets are closer to cheap toys than the real deal, but this offering from Ringside really separates itself from the pack in terms of quality. While there’s no guarantee that your son will prefer hitting this boxing bag instead of his sister, this set provides what you’ll need to give your children their first boxing lessons.

 

Pros: For those seeking a professional-quality boxing bag that can withstand hardcore use, this Outslayer Filled Punching Bag is one of the most rugged options around. This heavy bag comes pre-filled with fabric for a uniform consistency throughout. This is especially important for those who plan on throwing kicks, as kicking a rock-hard spot near the bottom of a heavy bag that has improperly settled is not pleasant. This bag also scores points due to its durable vinyl surface material, which keeps it easy to clean while offering excellent protection against mildew.

Cons: This boxing bag is not the most budget-friendly option around, but that is the price you’ll pay for the convenience of a high-quality, pre-filled bag. Those who haven’t cleaned out their wardrobe in a decade should be able to save a pretty penny by purchasing the unfilled version of this product, that is if they’re willing to sacrifice their old clothes and linens and put in hours of hard work.

Bottom Line: Finding 100 pounds’ worth of recycled fabric for your boxing bag is not easy. Neither is cutting it up or removing buttons, zippers, and other hard spots. For most, the convenience provided by this high-quality pre-filled bag will outweigh the added cost of investment. If you’re seeking a versatile bag that’s ideal for boxing, Muay Thai, karate, and nearly any other combat discipline, this is your most convenient choice.

 

Pros: Featuring a durable leather outer layer, the HUNTER Speed Ball comes with just about everything you’ll need to get it mounted and rebounds swiftly when hit. Unlike many budget-friendly speed bags out there, this one maintains its inflation level quite well so that you’re not constantly looking for your air pump. If you’re looking to improve speed and technique on a budget, this speed bag checks off all the right boxes.

Cons: Since this speed bag features genuine cowhide leather, it will require some routine maintenance, especially if kept in a humid environment. That being said, conditioning it with a leather conditioner every couple of months won’t break the bank for most and will keep your speed bag performing like new.

Bottom Line: Those who want a great speed bag but aren’t willing to shell out a ton will find that this offering from HUNTER competes with much more expensive products for a fraction of the price. That being said, if you’re seeking a speedbag that will be permanently mounted outdoors, it’s doubtful that this product can provide the longevity you’re looking for when having to contend with the elements.

 

Pros: This versatile set from RDX comes with a boxing bag, gloves, hand wraps, and everything else you’ll need to mount your boxing bag and begin training. As such, it’s a convenient option for beginners who find shopping around for boxing gear to be an overwhelming experience. This kit impresses in terms of the durability of both the mount and boxing bag, making it a smart pick for those trying to save some cash.

Cons: While the boxing bag arrives conveniently pre-stuffed with cloth, many will find that it leaves something to be desired in terms of heft. Thus, more experienced punchers will probably opt to weigh it down with sand or something else that can bring its weight to around 100 pounds. That being said, the weight it arrives with is excellent for young people just beginning their training.

Bottom Line: When most people buy their first heavy bag, it dawns on them that they’ll also need to purchase a mount, chain, gloves, hardware, hand wraps, and a number of other necessities. These purchases add up quickly, which makes the RDX Kickboxing Set’s budget-friendly price point all the more impressive. While this might not be the perfect boxing bag for heavy, experienced fighters due to its limited size and weight, there are many people out there who will find this is a great value given its impressive quality.

Final Thoughts

Picking up boxing or other top combat sports is a fun and rewarding way to keep in shape. Be sure to consider the size of your workout space, your height and weight, your budget and goals, and a boxing bag’s durability to find the best product for your home gym. Our selections should be solid choices to help you improve your skills.