Speed bags are punching bags that are specifically meant to increase hand-eye coordination, as well as improve your speed. Although these punching bags are generally small, you can get them in different sizes as that will make you more adaptable.
These bags range from very cheap to very expensive, and this depends on the quality of the bag. You should generally avoid cheaper bags as they will not last for very long.
When shopping for these bags, you should also remember to buy boxing gloves. That being said, many boxers practice with hand wraps.
There are many brands of punching bags available, and you should carefully evaluate the products before making your purchase. In this guide, we will look at some factors you should consider when buying a punching bag for combat sports training.
| Image | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
  | MaxxMMA Adjustable Speed Bag Platform Kit + Speed Ball | Check Price |
  | Everlast Everhide Speed Bag | Check Price |
  | Meister SpeedKills Leather Speed Bag w/Lightweight Latex Bladder | Check Price |
  | WINTECY Adjustable Speed Bag Platform Kit with Speed Bag | Check Price |
  | CLETO REYES Platform Speed Bags | Check Price |
Table of Contents
Weight
These punching bags come in different sizes, but the most common is 4 inches by 7 inches and 10 inches by 13 inches. Today, most manufacturers categorise their speed bags as small, extra small, medium, large, and extra-large.
Since larger bags move less than smaller bags, they are much easier to use. Also, heavier bags are more effective at toning your arms. Generally, you should avoid going for bags that are less than 80 pounds heavy as these will not offer sufficient resistance. As you gain experience in the sport, you can gradually progress to lighter speed punch bags.
Heavier bags will mostly help you improve your power and conditioning, and lighter ones will help you work on your speed and timing.
Materials Used
All speed bags eventually break down, but those made with real leather are a lot more durable than those made with synthetic leather. It is also worth noting that cheaper materials may not produce the desired impact when you hit the boxing speed bag.
If you are not planning on using the punching bag often, you can get a bag made with synthetic leather. Most brands use synthetic leather as it is cheaper to produce, and that makes it more appealing to buyers. You can also get a punching bag made with canvas, but this material is not recommended.
This is because it is extremely poor in quality and feels terrible on the skin. Plastic is also used for some specialized punching bags, and it is commonly filled with water. This material is also not recommended for punching bags.
The bladder of the punching bag may be made of either latex or rubber, and latex is generally more preferable. Latex is light and more durable, so you should consider getting a bag with latex bladders.
It is also worth noting that some punching bags are made with plastic bladders, and these are still and highly uncomfortable to use. Therefore, you should avoid buying bags with plastic bladders.
Price
Punching bags come in a range of prices, and you may be tempted to go for the lowest prices. However, it is important to note that you will always get what you pay for. If you go for a cheaper product, you can be certain that it will not be durable and may break down in a short period.
Also, it may swing wildly when hit with high amounts of power. By going for a high-quality punching bag, you will be able to get excellent value and will not need to replace it after a short period.
Filled vs Unfilled Punching Bags
You can either purchase a filled or unfilled punching bag. Most of these bags are sold when they are already filled, but you can still find unfilled ones on the internet.
The benefit of buying filled punching bags is that you will enjoy high levels of convenience. You can still go for unfilled bags if you want to choose the filling material. With such bags, you will be able to attain the perfect level of firmness.
If you choose to go for an unfilled bag, you will have to fill it with shredded raw materials and fabrics. You can also use sand and other fillers to make the bag heavier, and this can also help it maintain its shape.
In order to firmly pack the bag, you should use an object to push the material down the bag. Initially, the bag will have some air pockets, but these will be eliminated as you punch the bag.
Over time, you will need to add filler materials to the bag. With unfilled punching bags, you will be able to save money on the purchase and will also have to pay lower shipping costs.
| Image | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| MaxxMMA Adjustable Speed Bag Platform Kit + Speed Ball | Check Price |
| Everlast Everhide Speed Bag | Check Price |
| Meister SpeedKills Leather Speed Bag w/Lightweight Latex Bladder | Check Price |
| WINTECY Adjustable Speed Bag Platform Kit with Speed Bag | Check Price |
| CLETO REYES Platform Speed Bags | Check Price |
Bag Mounting
These bags come in two forms: mounted and free-standing. Mounted bags are the most popular since they offer full swing. You will also be able to move the bag freely.
If you don’t have much space, you can go for a free-standing punching bag. Since these have built-in stands, you will be able to place them anywhere. The main issue with free-standing bags is that they don’t feel good to punch since they don’t offer full swing.
Features
There are several features you need to consider when choosing a punching bag. One of the key features is the strength of the seams. It is better to go for bags that have stronger seams as these are generally higher in quality.
If you choose to buy a floor mount platform for the punching bag, you should consider going for one that has a height adjustment feature. Some of these bags also come with high-tension springs, and these allow the bags to move easily.
Conclusion
Speed bags are essential for boxers who need to work on their speed and hand-eye coordination. There are many things you need to consider when selecting a punching bag, and these include the material used to make it, the weight of the bag, and the price.
Although you don’t need to buy overpriced bags, you should avoid cheaper ones since they are generally very low in quality. Also, you should consider essential features when selecting a punching bag. For example, you need to ensure that the seams are strong.
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