Sore knuckles.
It's a frustration every boxer recognizes. After a few punches, the sharp pain sets in, and soon you feel every blow reverberate.
It can ruin your training and in extreme cases even lead to long-term injuries.
Caged promises to offer a solution with the 'X' Series line . You see them more and more often on famous fighters, such as Glory world champion Chico Kwasi and LFL world champion Yousri Belgaroui. The gloves are extremely popular and can hardly be kept in stock, but is the hype justified?
I decided to test the gloves for six months to find out.
First Impression: Compact and Sturdy
When I first put the gloves on, I immediately noticed how tight they were. I hesitated for a moment to see if they were the right size. During the first training session, they did start to give slightly, but after the second, they fit like a glove.
For comparison: Before this I had a set of Twins and it took a few weeks for them to really kick in.
The second thing I noticed is how well-padded the gloves are, even though they look quite compact. You might think a glove this size wouldn't offer the necessary protection, but nothing could be further from the truth.
The padding is firm, compact and offers sufficient protection to train at full capacity.
The first impression is positive.
The Technology Behind The X Series
What makes these gloves so special? A look at the technical specifications will give you a clear idea:
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3-layer anatomical padding: The padding is designed to optimally absorb shock and distribute impact across three layers. This keeps your knuckles protected, even during hard impacts. Furthermore, the injection method helps ensure the gloves conform to the natural shape of your hands, which not only provides comfort but also prevents injuries.
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1.1 mm natural leather: While many brands use chemically treated leather with paper coatings, Caged opts for naturally processed leather. This not only feels better but also lasts longer.
- Moisture-wicking interior: The polyester fabric combined with foam effectively wicks away sweat, preventing it from remaining in the padding. This keeps the padding firm for longer. Moreover, the interior feels soft and comfortable, even during long training sessions.
How do they perform over a longer period of time?
Fast forward six months with an average of three workouts a week, and I can say they're still just as comfortable as they were in the beginning. The padding still feels firm, my knuckles don't show through when I punch, and the leather has remained beautiful.
Friends of mine who bought the gloves also share the same experience. They're incredibly comfortable, and the padding remains surprisingly firm, despite strenuous workouts.
Comparison with competitors
A big advantage of the Caged X Series is their price-to-performance ratio. For €129.95, you get gloves comparable to models costing €149.95 or more. Competitors in this price range often only offer one or two layers of padding and use chemically treated leather that wears out faster.
With Caged you get real leather and better protection at a lower price.
Conclusion: Are the Caged X Series Worth the Investment?
In my opinion: Absolutely. I find the gloves incredibly comfortable, I haven't had any knuckle pain, and the price is reasonable.
If you want gloves of comparable quality, you will simply pay at least €20 to €30 more.
Good to know: Caged works with drops and usually has limited stock. If you want to order a set and they're still available, don't wait too long to buy. They often sell out quickly.
➡️View the X Series collection here and try them on yourself.