Boxing gloves, MMA gloves, bag gloves, inner gloves and so on. Sometimes you can't see the wood for the trees. Which gloves should you use on the punching bag? Actually, there's no simple answer to that question. It depends on many factors which gloves are best for you. That's why we've listed the pros and cons for each type of glove. Check it out below!
Boxing gloves
Starting with the 'standard' boxing gloves. Always fitted with a velcro (or lace) closure, a fixed thumb piece and padding filled with foam. These boxing gloves are always available in multiple sizes, expressed in oz (ounce). This indicates the weight of the boxing gloves, but the size of the boxing gloves also changes accordingly. Read more about choosing the right size boxing gloves in this blog.
Advantages:
- The foam padding absorbs the biggest impact, which means less impact on your hands and wrists
- Because of the fixed thumb section, you make a better fist in the gloves and there's less chance of hitting the punching bag incorrectly with, for example, your thumb
- You can intensify your punching bag workout by choosing a heavier boxing glove, such as 16 or 18 oz
Disadvantages:
- Boxing gloves are often slightly more expensive to purchase than, for example, MMA gloves and bag gloves
- Because your hand is 'enclosed' in the glove and you sweat more, it takes longer for the gloves to dry after training
Check out our collection of boxing gloves here
MMA Gloves
MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Gloves are made to practise any type of combat sport. MMA starts in the standing fight, but wrestling and BJJ are also widely used. With MMA gloves, it is therefore necessary to have a lot of freedom of movement. Your fingers are always loose in the gloves so you can move easily.
Advantages:
- The gloves are light and are a good solution for fast punch combinations (between 4 oz and 8 oz)
- Because of the freedom of movement of MMA gloves, it's possible to also work with, for example, a kettlebell or dumbbells during your punching bag workout
- MMA gloves are low-maintenance and dry quickly after training
Disadvantages:
- Because you have so much freedom of movement, it's harder to make a fist and the chance of injury during punching is greater
- The thin padding means that the impact on your fists, hands and wrists is greater than, for example, boxing gloves
- The padding of MMA gloves only extends just over your knuckles, which means you get open spots on your fingers more quickly due to friction from the punching bag
Check out our collection of MMA gloves here
Bag Gloves
Bag gloves are specially made for use on the punching bag. These gloves have less padding and no fixed thumb piece, which makes the gloves lighter and good for fast punches.
Advantages:
- Bag gloves are light and therefore well suited for fast punch combinations
- Compared to regular boxing gloves, special bag gloves are cheaper to purchase
Disadvantages:
- Bag gloves are only suitable for use on the punching bag and are not suitable for use during sparring and pad training
- By saving on weight, bag gloves also offer less protection around your fists and thumb
Check out our collection of bag gloves here
Inner Gloves
Inner gloves often seem like an easy choice given the price. However, we do not recommend these gloves for use on the punching bag. These gloves are made to be worn under regular boxing gloves and do not provide the necessary protection to train on a punching bag.
It's always important to do your research before making a choice. Can't quite figure it out? Feel free to contact us. One of our experts will be happy to help you!
By phone: +31 85 06 06 340 (available Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00)
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Email: support@thefightcompany.co.uk
