The USA Boxing Team is sponsored by Sting Sports. As a member of the team, I have had the opportunity to try some of their gear. The Orion Gloves are by far my favorite equipment that I have received.
Protection and Padding
After my first year of boxing, I began getting stress fractures in my hands. I started buying 18-ounce gloves for bag work to protect my hands. I also used 18-ounce gloves for sparring to protect my sparring partners. Since these gloves were given to me, I had no say on what size I received. I was given the Orion gloves in 14 ounces. They were meant solely for bag work, we have separate gloves in the gym for sparring. Initially I was wary of the size, worried that I would hurt my hands if I used them on a heavy bag. However, the padding is thicker and stiffer than the gloves I usually use. Even after using them for a few months the padding is as protective as when I first used them.
Comfort and Design
These gloves look sharp. I get numerous compliments on their look. I find the gloves extremely comfortable. Some gloves, when new, are stiff and difficult to get on. These have always been easy to get on over my hand wraps. They also close tightly around the wrist and the Velcro stays closed.
Quality and Durability
Usually the first things to go on a pair of gloves are the padding, the lining, or the Velcro. I have not had any issues with these areas. The material is thick, the padding has stayed stiff, the gloves have quality stitching and the Velcro still sticks as good as the first use. Unfortunately, I recently noticed a small hole between the thumb and pointer finger. This does not appear to be a regular design flaw. We used the same style gloves at the Olympic Training Center and I did not see any of the other gloves tear in the same way.
Cost
I have never spent $149.99 for a pair of boxing gloves. In fact, I rarely spend over $50. However, when comparing the quality and protection of these gloves to what I normally buy, I can understand why it is important to spend a little more on my equipment. The Orion gloves are far superior to what I usually work with. I don’t know that I’m willing to spend $150 on a pair of gloves, but I know that I won’t be buying the very cheap ones anymore either.
