Best Heavy Bags of 2023: Your Ultimate Training Partner
Our Top Picks:
Best overall heavy bag: Ringside 100-pound Powerhide Heavy Bag
Experience the pinnacle of durability with the Ringside 100-pound Powerhide Heavy Bag. With a soft 2-inch foam liner and robust powerhide construction, it promises a rewarding and enduring training regimen for both professionals and amateurs.
Best freestanding heavy bag: Century Wavemaster XXL
Enter the world of high-quality training with the Century Wavemaster XXL. Boasting a towering height and a robust vinyl cover, this freestanding bag provides an extensive striking area and portability, taking your martial arts technique to the next level.
Best heavy bag for beginners: Everlast 70-Pound Heavy-Bag Kit
Embark on your fitness journey with the Everlast 70-Pound Heavy-Bag Kit. This comprehensive kit, including a 70-pound bag, gloves, hand wraps, and a bungee cord, offers the perfect platform for beginners to hone their striking skills while ensuring maximum hand protection.
Welcome! If you’re looking for the ideal heavy bag to augment your martial arts or boxing training, you’re in the right place. The quality of your heavy bag can significantly impact your technique and strength development, making it a crucial piece of your training equipment.
Today, we’ll take a close look at top-rated heavy bags, each with their unique advantages. Additionally, we’ll delve into a comprehensive buying guide that outlines the key factors you need to consider when choosing a heavy bag.
Let’s get right into it and find the heavy bag that perfectly meets your training needs!
The 5 Best Heavy Bags
Century Wavemaster XXL
- XXL ADULT PUNCHING BAG - The Wavemaster XXL stands 69 inches tall and measures a full 18 inches in...
- LARGEST STRIKING AREA - The bag section itself is a whopping 52” inches tall with an 18”...
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL - The striking area features a durable vinyl cover sitting atop high-density...
the ultimate training companion for martial arts enthusiasts. Standing at a towering 69 inches and boasting a full 18-inch diameter, this bag is the champion of freestanding punching bags, offering unparalleled striking space for you to refine your technique. The bag section alone, a formidable 52 inches tall, is designed to endure rigorous workouts, thanks to its robust vinyl cover and high-density foam interior.
The Wavemaster XXL’s durability is matched only by its adaptability. With a low-profile base and ultra-stable weight distribution, it stands its ground yet can be easily moved. Whether your training space is a garage or a one-room apartment, the bag’s innovative design allows for easy transport, ensuring your practice doesn’t skip a beat.
Crafted with precision in the USA, the Wavemaster XXL is more than a piece of equipment – it’s a testament to quality, designed to withstand everything from jabs to knee strikes. Ideal for disciplines ranging from Muay Thai and kickboxing to traditional martial arts, the Century Wavemaster XXL empowers you to train with intensity, precision, and consistency.
Pros
- Generous Striking Area: The Wavemaster XXL offers an extensive surface for striking, making it ideal for honing various techniques.
- High Quality Material: The bag features a durable vinyl cover and high-density foam, designed to withstand rigorous training routines.
- Easy to Move: The bag’s design allows it to be easily rolled and transported, making it convenient for home or apartment use.
- Versatile: The bag’s construction makes it suitable for a wide range of martial arts disciplines.
Cons
- Size: Given its significant size, it may not be suitable for very small training spaces.
- Stability: While the base is designed for stability, some users may find that the bag moves or wobbles with very powerful strikes.
Ringside 100-pound Powerhide Boxing Punching Heavy Bag
- This heavy bag has a soft 2-inch foam liner providing a comfortable hitting surface for professional...
- The Ringside Powerhide Heavybag made of durable powerhide will hold up to your most powerful assault...
- Punching bag is soft filled to 100 pounds and measures 14-inch x 42-inch with a heavy duty chain and...
Meet the Ringside 100-pound Powerhide Boxing Punching Heavy Bag, a fitness companion crafted to withstand your most demanding workouts. Designed with a soft 2-inch foam liner, this bag ensures a comfortable, yet rewarding hitting surface that can handle a wide range of strikes.
Cloaked in resilient Powerhide material, this heavy bag takes durability to a new level, ready to stand firm against your most powerful punches and kicks. Ideal for boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, and other contact sports, it offers the perfect platform for practicing footwork and honing striking techniques.
The Ringside Powerhide Bag is not just about strength; it’s also about convenience. Soft-filled to 100 pounds and measuring 14 inches by 42 inches, it comes with a heavy-duty chain, swivel, and a D-ring at the bottom, ensuring easy installation and use. It’s more than a piece of equipment – it’s a tool to enhance your fitness journey, encouraging a muscle-building aerobic workout. Experience the power and versatility of the Ringside Powerhide Bag and elevate your training regimen.
Pros:
- Comfortable Hitting Surface: The 2-inch foam liner provides a soft yet sturdy surface for various striking techniques.
- Durable Material: Made with powerhide, the bag promises superior durability and can withstand heavy, repeated use.
- Complete Package: The bag comes with a heavy-duty chain and swivel for easy setup, and a D-ring on the bottom for stability.
- Versatility: Suitable for multiple contact sports, it’s ideal for practicing kicks, footwork, and punches.
Cons:
- Weight: At 100 pounds, this bag might be too heavy for beginners or those looking for a lighter option.
- Fill: The soft fill might not provide enough resistance for experienced boxers or martial artists who prefer a harder hitting surface.
Everlast 70-Pound Heavy-Bag Kit
- Specially blended filler mix of sanitized synthetic and natural fibers provide resilient shock...
- Premium synthetic polycanvas along with superior heavy bag construction provides long lasting...
- Heavy duty nylon straps provide security and safety, while the double end loop provides increased...
Designed to withstand intense workouts, this 70 lb heavy bag is constructed from ultra-durable polycanvas material, promising longevity and consistent performance.
Inside, a special blend of natural and synthetic fibers, combined with sifted sand, ensures a resilient shock-absorbent filler that responds to your every strike. Accompanying the bag are high-quality synthetic leather MMA heavy bag gloves, complete with a supportive hook-and-loop wrist strap to protect your hands and provide a secure fit.
But this isn’t just a heavy bag; it’s a comprehensive training kit. Included are 108-inch hand wraps for added hand and wrist protection, and a bungee cord to amplify your bag’s resistance, pushing your workout intensity to new heights.
With a customizable height afforded by the adjustable chain, this bag suits a variety of training preferences. Whether you’re a boxing enthusiast or an MMA athlete, the Everlast 70-Pound Heavy-Bag Kit is an investment in your fitness journey, offering a versatile platform for power, precision, and endurance.
Pros:
- Robust Construction: Crafted from rugged polycanvas material, the bag offers impressive durability.
- Comprehensive Kit: The set includes not just the heavy bag, but also gloves, hand wraps, and a bungee cord for added resistance.
- Quality Filler: The bag features a blend of natural and synthetic fibers with sifted sand, providing resilient shock absorbency.
- Adjustable Height: The chain can be adjusted to alter the bag’s height, accommodating various training preferences.
Cons:
- Gloves and Hand Wraps Size: Some users may find the included gloves and hand wraps not fitting perfectly.
- Weight: At 70 pounds, the bag might not provide enough resistance for seasoned athletes who prefer a heavier option.
Related: All our recommended beginner punching bags
Ringside 100-pound Muay Thai Punching Heavy Bag
- Measures: 13-inch x 72-inch | Punching bag is filled to 100 pounds.
- This solid bag made of resilient powerhide construction will hold up to your most powerful assault...
- This long full length heavy bag is top quality and highly rated for professional and amateur boxers
Standing tall at 72 inches and weighing in at a solid 100 pounds, this heavy bag delivers on both form and function.
Designed with resilient powerhide construction, this bag can endure even your most powerful strikes, making it an essential fixture in both home and commercial gyms. Whether you’re an amateur boxer or a professional athlete, its robust quality and impressive durability make it a popular choice for rigorous training sessions.
But it’s not just a heavy bag; it’s a comprehensive training tool. Suitable for boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, and other contact sports, it offers a versatile training platform for practicing kicks, honing footwork, and delivering powerful punches.
The Ringside Muay Thai Heavy Bag isn’t just about boosting your power; it’s about fostering your overall fitness. From building muscle to conditioning your body, it’s the ideal equipment for an aerobic workout. Step up your training regimen with this top-quality heavy bag!
Pros:
- Durable Construction: The powerhide construction ensures high resilience, making it withstand intense workouts.
- Professional Grade: This full-length heavy bag is perfect for both professional and amateur boxers.
- Versatile Training: Suitable for boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, and other contact sports, it’s an all-round training tool.
- Fitness Enhancement: The bag supports a full-body workout, aiding in muscle building and body conditioning.
Cons:
- Size: Due to its full-length design, it may not be suitable for small training spaces.
- Fixed Weight: At 100 pounds, the weight might be heavy for beginners or too light for seasoned athletes.
Century 100 Pound Oversized Heavy Bag with Bag Stand Combo
- Bag and Stand in One Kit, a first from Century!
- Bag has Chains and Grip Handles for unmatched utility
- Century bag stand is a popular method of hanging this bag
This unique kit delivers two highly sought-after products in one package, providing a comprehensive training setup right out of the box.
Featuring a larger striking surface than a typical hundred-pound bag, the heavy bag offers a generous target for your strikes. The grip handles at the top further enhance its functionality, enabling clinches for knee and elbow strikes for an MMA-styled workout experience.
The kit also includes Century’s single heavy bag stand. Made of sturdy steel, the stand effortlessly supports your heavy bag. Just add some weights to the bottom pegs, and your setup is ready to go.
The Century 100 Pound Oversized Heavy Bag with Bag Stand Combo is a complete package that caters to boxing, cardio kickboxing, or MMA enthusiasts. Even if you’re based in an apartment, this combo fits perfectly, making no compromises in your training regime.
Pros:
- Complete Kit: This package includes both the heavy bag and the stand, offering unmatched convenience and value.
- Larger Striking Surface: The oversized heavy bag provides a more significant striking area than typical hundred-pound bags.
- Versatile Training: The grip handles on the top of the bag allow for clinch training, enhancing its utility for MMA style workouts.
- Space-Efficient: The combo is apartment-friendly, requiring minimal space for setup.
Cons:
- Additional Weights Required: The stand requires additional weight plates for stability, which are not included in the package.
Understanding the Heavy Bag: Your Silent Sparring Partner
At its core, the heavy bag, you could say, is our silent sparring partner. Ever-present, always ready, it swings gently from its chain in the corner of the gym, waiting for its next dance. Crafted from resilient materials and often filled with grains, sand, or other dense substances, it’s built to withstand the force of our most vigorous strikes.
Now, let’s talk about its purpose, its raison d’être if you will. What’s the heavy bag’s role in our martial arts journey, our boxing quest?
For starters, a heavy bag fosters power development. Yes, it’s the anvil where we hammer out raw strength into honed force. Each punch or kick we throw isn’t just an attack; it’s an intimate conversation with our own strength, a test of our growing power.
Moreover, the heavy bag teaches us about precision. Its sturdy surface is a canvas; every strike we deliver is a brushstroke that either hits the target or misses. It’s a silent tutor, encouraging us to perfect our accuracy without saying a word.
Lastly, the heavy bag aids in building stamina. Those lengthy sessions with the bag, throwing punches, dancing around it, moving in and out of range, those are more than mere workouts. They’re resilience tests, shaping our endurance, forging fighters who won’t back down as the rounds progress.
| Benefits of using a heavy bag | Description |
|---|---|
| Power Development | The heavy bag acts as a resilient target for intense strikes, helping you hone your raw strength into precise, powerful blows. |
| Precision | The bag’s surface becomes a canvas for each strike, allowing you to perfect your aim and improve accuracy with every punch or kick. |
| Stamina Building | Extensive sessions with the bag, involving movement, range control, and continuous striking, contribute to developing your endurance. |
| Technique Refining | Repeated practice on the heavy bag helps refine the techniques of punches, kicks, and movement, integral to martial arts and boxing. |
| Stress Relief | Regular heavy bag workouts can help with stress relief, as physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators. |
What to consider when buying a heavy bag
So, you’re ready to purchase your own heavy bag. But before you do, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you find the right fit for your training needs. In this buying guide, we’re about to delve into what exactly you should keep in mind when shopping for a heavy bag. Let’s uncover the details that make the difference between a good purchase and a great one. Let’s get started!
Types of heavy bags
There are two main types of heavy bags you’ll find. The Haning Heavy Bag and the Freestanding Heavy Bag.
Hanging Heavy Bags
These are the classic bags that come to mind when most people think about heavy bags. They are typically cylindrical, hung from the ceiling, and can be filled with various materials. Hanging heavy bags are fantastic for practicing powerful strikes, combinations, and footwork.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent for power and combination training | Requires a sturdy mounting point |
| Enhances footwork through movement | Installation can be challenging |
| Provides a realistic feel on impact | Fixed height, not easily adjustable |
| Typically more durable | Not ideal for limited spaces |
Freestanding Heavy Bags
As the name implies, these bags stand upright and don’t need to be hung from the ceiling. They have a base that’s usually filled with water or sand for stability. Freestanding bags are perfect for those with limited space or without the means to install a hanging bag. They also allow for a wider range of kicks and strikes, as you can hit the bag at any height.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No need for a mounting point | May move or tip with powerful strikes |
| Ideal for small spaces | Fill material for the base needed (water or sand) |
| Height often adjustable | Some models may lack the sturdiness of hanging bags |
| Easy to move and store | Can be less realistic in feel compared to hanging bags |
Related: All the different types of punching bags
Material
The material directly impacts the bag’s durability, how it feels when you strike it, and how it stands up to the rigors of your training.
Let’s look at the most common types:
- Leather: Considered the gold standard for heavy bags, leather provides an excellent balance of durability and feel. It can withstand a lot of abuse and tends to age well, offering a soft, natural feel on impact. However, leather bags are often more expensive than other types.
- Synthetic Leather (PU): Bags made of synthetic leather, like polyurethane (PU), aim to mimic the properties of genuine leather at a more affordable price. They offer a good level of durability and a decent feel, making them a popular choice for those on a budget.
- Vinyl: Also known as PVC, vinyl is a widely used material for heavy bags because of its durability and lower cost. While not as soft or natural-feeling as leather, a good quality vinyl bag can still offer a solid performance and longevity.
- Canvas: These bags are usually the most affordable option. Canvas bags are fairly durable, but they don’t offer the same premium feel as leather or synthetic leather. They’re often sold unfilled, allowing you to customize the fill to your liking.
- Nevatear: A specific material used by Everlast, one of the leading boxing gear brands. It’s designed to be ultra-durable, resisting wear and tear (as the name suggests) and providing a smooth surface for strikes.
| Material | Pros | Cons |
| Leather | Durable, ages well, excellent feel on impact | More expensive |
| Synthetic Leather (PU) | Mimics the properties of leather, more affordable | May not last as long as genuine leather |
| Vinyl (PVC) | Durable, lower cost | Doesn’t feel as natural or soft as leather |
| Canvas | Affordable, customizable fill | Not as premium in feel, less durable than leather or vinyl |
| Nevatear | Ultra-durable, smooth surface for strikes | Can be more expensive, less common |
When considering the material, you should balance factors like budget, feel, and longevity to find the best fit for your training needs.
Price
Heavy bag prices can vary dramatically based on several elements such as brand, material, size, and type of bag. Here’s a general overview:
- Budget-Friendly ($50 – $100): These bags are typically smaller and made from less premium materials like canvas. They’re a good entry point for beginners or those unsure about committing to more expensive equipment. They might lack the durability and feel of higher-end bags, but can still serve as a decent starting point.
- Mid-Range ($100 – $200): In this range, you’ll find many solid options made from synthetic leather or good-quality vinyl. They usually offer a balance between durability, performance, and cost. Many of these bags come from well-known brands and provide excellent value for the price.
- High-End ($200 and up): These are the premium heavy bags, often made from genuine leather and built to last. High-end bags are usually larger, offer superior feel, and are designed to withstand heavy use over many years. They’re an excellent investment for serious practitioners who train frequently.
FAQs
Does heavy bag build muscle?
Yes, training with a heavy bag can indeed help build muscle. The repetitive action of hitting the bag works your arms, shoulders, chest, back and core, leading to muscle strengthening and growth over time.
How often should I hit the heavy bag?
The frequency of heavy bag workouts can vary based on your fitness goals and current level of fitness. However, a general recommendation is to incorporate heavy bag workouts into your training routine 2 to 3 times a week, ensuring that you give your body adequate rest in between sessions.
Should you always wrap your hands before hitting heavy bag?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to wrap your hands before hitting a heavy bag. Wrapping helps to protect your wrists, fingers, and knuckles from injury, and can also provide additional support to your wrists and hands during striking.
