MMA gloves: Grappling vs. Sparring
It can sometimes be difficult to determine which gloves are best for your training. This also applies to the difference between MMA grappling gloves and MMA sparring gloves. In this blog post, we'll outline the pros and cons of both types of gloves, so you can make an informed choice.
Grappling MMA gloves
Let's start with MMA grappling gloves. As the name suggests, these gloves are primarily designed for grappling and ground fighting. MMA grappling gloves are generally thinner and lighter than sparring gloves, giving you more grip and control while grappling your opponent. They also have less padding to allow the hands and fingers to move freely. This makes these gloves perfect for practicing grappling techniques, such as holds, throws, submissions, and ground fighting.
On the other hand, MMA grappling gloves also have some drawbacks. Because they have less padding, they offer less protection for the hands and wrists during striking. So, if you plan on doing a lot of punching during your training, these gloves might not be the best option for you. Moreover, they are less durable than sparring gloves, as they can't withstand heavy impacts and prolonged use.
Our top 5 MMA gloves suitable for grappling:
- Hayabusa MMA gloves T3
- Venum MMA gloves Challenger
- Joya MMA gloves Metal
- Super Pro MMA Gloves Brawler
- King MMA gloves Revo 2.0
Sparring MMA gloves
Then there are MMA sparring gloves. These gloves are designed for sparring and are generally thicker and heavier than grappling gloves. This means they have more padding and offer more protection for the hands and wrists during striking. They are also more durable than grappling gloves, as they can withstand heavy impacts and prolonged use.
The downside of MMA sparring gloves, however, is that they're less suitable for grappling techniques. The extra padding makes it harder to get a grip on your opponent and can hinder throwing. Furthermore, sparring gloves are heavier, which can make it harder to make quick movements.
Our top 5 MMA gloves suitable for sparring:
- Venum MMA Gloves Challenger Sparring
- Hayabusa MMA gloves T3 Hybrid
- Ringhorns MMA gloves Charger Sparring
- Joya MMA gloves Match Grip
- Super Pro MMA Gloves Shooter
Our conclusion
In short, the difference between MMA grappling gloves and MMA sparring gloves lies primarily in their design. Grappling gloves are thinner and lighter, offering more grip and control while grappling, while sparring gloves are thicker and heavier, offering more protection during striking. It's important to consider the techniques you want to train and the protection you need before choosing between these two types of gloves.