There are different types of punching bags for home, depending on what we want to use them. Every type is different in size, shape, weight, and other factors. Each of them provides different experiences and resistance to the person, so it is essential to choose the product with intelligence. Selecting the right type by its usage is necessary.
Basic types include heavy bags available in both hanging and standing varieties, speed bags, uppercut bags, double-ended bags, and maize bags.
Below are listed the different punching bag types available in the market so that you can take help from it to make a buy according to your usage:
Types of heavy bags for power
Lightweight models would be of no use when the person needs training for muscle toning and gaining strength. Hence, different types of heavy punching bags are available for such purposes. Where lightweight punching bags are used for light exercises, heavy bags are used for strength exercises and power punches. 💪
Heavy punching bags provide strength training without being excessively stable and robust.
They are available in various types, such as freestanding heavy bags and hanging bags. The material used to fill the heavy punching bags is usually water, sand, or fabric.
Water-filled bags provide more kickback and do not do much damage to the hand of the user. Whereas sand-filled heavy punching bags is a stricter option, and they are also more enduring.
1. Free Standing Punching Bag
As the name suggests, free-standing bags are the unit that has a round base for portability. This type is the most easily handled equipment and can be stored anywhere by dragging it to the storerooms.
We recommend this bag:
Moreover, stand-up models are also perfect for kicking workouts. The standing punching bag has its center of gravity, maintaining the bag’s standpoint, and thus kicking would not affect the position of the equipment. It is also equally suitable for punching, so it is an all-around option. Hence, they are ideal for almost any martial arts (kickboxing, Muy Thai, MMA) and maybe the best punching bag for beginners. Finally, most of them come with an adjustable height.
Learn more about standing bags here
2. Standard Hanging Heavy Bag
A hanging punching bag gives you the freedom of suspension as it can be mounted on walls and suspended on ceilings. They are suitable for small workout rooms as it saves floor space. They are best for punching workouts, but there are more extended bags that can be used for kicking. This type of heavy bag is particularly good for straight punches (jabs, crosses) and hooks.
We recommend this hanging bag:
There are also different punching bags in length. The Muay Thai heavy bag is at least 6 feet long. The banana heavy bag is even longer, they go from floor to ceiling. These are good for MMA training.
3. Angled Heavy Bag
These type of punching bags are almost the same as the hanging ones, but it has an angled surface. Thanks to this feature, it allows the fighter for training uppercuts more efficiently, but it can be used for all the other hits and kicks.
4. Grappling dummy
A grappling dummy is the best “toy” to practice real fighting since they look like a human body. Some grappling dummies can be mounted on the floor. However, most of these dummies are “bodies” to train such moves as throws or takedowns. Hence, this model is typically used in combat sports like wrestling, MMA, or judo. Some examples of how to use it.
5. Uppercut bags
The uppercut punching bag is a mini version of the heavy bag which is just available so that the athlete can train striking by beginning at the waist level and then moving up towards the chin. It is quite hard to move the uppercut bag, and it also needs an excessive amount of space for mounting it horizontally.
6. Wrecking Ball Heavy Bag
Boxers use the wrecking ball bag for training uppercuts. Compared to the wall-mounted bag, they provide a much better hitting exterior. They are big and bulky so that we can improve the power of the uppercuts. Also, they slightly swing, and that means it enhances footwork, timing, and accuracy. And, finally, we can use it for bobbing, slipping, and ducking.
7. Body opponent bag (Century BOB)
The BOB bag works similarly to a standing bag. BOB is fixed to the floor, so it rebounds. The difference is that the body opponent bag looks the same as a man’s upper body. Therefore, we have a feeling as we were fighting with a real opponent. It’s great to exercise body shots and blows for the head. It’s particularly useful for boxing training. This sort of punch bag is suitable for punches and kicks, hence it has great benefits for any martial arts.
Learn more: Best punching dummy reviews
8. Water Training Bags
Water-filled bags are popular as they feel like we were hitting a real human body. These types of bags are also easy to fill up and don’t require maintenance. They come in different shapes: typical have bags, teardrops and even human bodies. We can also choose from a wide range of sizes from 30lb to 200 lb.
Some people don’t dare buy an aqua bag being afraid of leaking or cracking. Quality bags are durable and safe to use, but they are expensive.
9. Wall bag
This type of punching bag is useful for those where the place is limited. Since it’s wall-mounted boxing equipment, it doesn’t rebound. A wall bag has a thicker upper section so that it’s useful to train uppercuts. It provides fewer options to develop boxing techniques than swinging heavy bags. It’s much better for increasing the uppercut punching power.
Punching bags for improving skills
10. Speed bags
For a quick workout and fast punching, speed bags are used. Reflex bags are filled with air and so a lighter. A short spring is used to mount it, so when the strike is made, it comes bouncing back with speed, so as its name.
The speed ball is usually used for developing the skill of timing among the boxer instead of strength as with the heavy bag. With the help of a speed bag, the athlete can focus on eye and hand coordination, and keep their concentration on his speed and rhythm. They are mounted on the ceilings or walls so that they cannot be moved easily. You need a speed bag platform.
11. Traditional or Mexican double end bag
This particular type is about the size of a basketball (or smaller) and is strung in-between the floor with two tight coils, so the name is double-ended. It is somewhat similar to the speed punching bag in the sense that it hits back quite quickly when it is beaten.
But the reflex ball is more like an opponent hitting back, so the athlete can practice counter striking skills with the help of this double-ended equipment. The person can develop coordination and practice swerving and dodging techniques using this type. The double end bag requires dedicated floor space as it is mounted permanently. I love it since I can practice a variety of combinations and hit it from different angles.
The Mexican type has an hourglass shape.
Just have fun with double end bags and use be inventive and you can find great ways to use it. Pretend like your sparring with someone, and avoid the punches by slipping and blocking.
TigerKnee44 – forums.sherdog.com
Similar equipment: Best reflex bags
12. Large Maize bag
This type has a unique design, and it is used to enhance the head movement technique. However, it can be utilized for developing hooks and uppercut punches. Fighters like it since it swings well. However, it is not so good for body punch training.
13. Teardrop heavy punching bag
The teardrop bag is more suitable for training that develops accuracy, timing, and speed. Thanks to its shape, it is also a valuable gear to practice close punches such as hooks and uppercuts, but also suitable for practicing the head movements for defense. It is usually lighter, so it swings more.
14. Slip Bag
This is the only bag that we don’t use for punches. It’s simple yet splendid boxing equipment to improve head movement, crucial for effective defense.
The swinging ball emulates the opponent’s punches that we should avoid by slipping to the left or right. So, we can improve head movement without fighting with someone. Beginners can use a mirror to get familiar with moves. It’s a great tool for shadow boxing as well.
The following video shows why the slip bag is a powerful tool for boxing.
Types by filling and covering
The shell
The exterior of the bags is mainly made of leather, synthetic leather, or canvas.
- Leather hanging bags look great and have an enjoyable hitting surface. But, they are expensive and require maintenance.
- Synthetic leather bags such as vinyl or nylon are durable materials that resist moisture. These materials are also easy to clean and cost less than leather. It’s the best choice for most people.
- The canvas-type shell is the least durable type. It’s good for only kids or with minimal training. But, canvas bags are very cheap.
A synthetic bag is the best price value option.
The inside material
There is a wide range of materials to stuff the heavy bag to make it softer, firmer, heavier, or lighter. In most cases, these contents are combined. For example, the manufacturer uses clothes for weight and foam to make the bag less firm.
Mostly, we purchase an already filled bag. What if it’s too firm or soft? We can add or remove stuffing at the top hole. That’s it.
We have a detailed guide to heavy bag filling here.
FAQ
What is a punching bag filled with?
A wide range of materials can be used, and you can also combine them to get the needed weight and punching surface. You can use rags, clothes, sand, grains, or buy special materials for this purpose. You can learn how to fill the bag correctly here.
What weight heavy bag to choose?
That depends on your weight. The heavier you are, the more massive bag you will need. Typically, we need a heavy punching bag that is half of the weight of the user. Check out the following guide.
How to pick the right type of punching bag?
Heavy bags such as hanging or freestanding bags that don’t rebound so much are suitable for developing punching power. Light items such as speed or double end bags are useful for improving the skills and techniques such as reaction time, hand-eye coordination, coordination, hand speed, etc.
If you want to improve your abilities in any martial arts, the best is to have both types, one for strength and one for technique. Both types work well for cardio training to lose weight or get better muscle tone.
Are standard heavy bags good for kicking?
Sure! If you get a heavy-duty punching bag, you can also use it for kicks. However, it’s better to get a along bag, such as a Muay Thai bag or a banana bag, since you can practice low kicks and knee strikes.
Can I use a punching bag outdoor?
Most of the bags come with a synthetic shell that resists sweat, but they can’t protect the inner filling from a lot of water. Plus, the sun also damages these materials. So, I don’t recommend keeping a boxing bag outdoor unless it’s under a protected place. Leather bags should be stored indoors only.
Should I need to use boxing gloves?
For heavy bag training, you must. Training gloves and hand wraps protect the vulnerable bones and joints of the hands and wrists. For light types of boxing bags that improve punching technique, perhaps you don’t need gloves, but they still bruise the skin.
What types of surface materials are there?
The shell of punch bags is usually made of leather or some synthetic material such as vinyl or canvas.
Leather bags are the best for sure, but they require maintenance. For example, we should clean them after every workout and use a leather conditioner for moisture and dryness protection. Leather products are more expensive and usually handmade.
Synthetic punching bags are cheaper, and typically they don’t require much care. Since the material is plastic, it resists moisture well. Also, these are long-lasting materials. That is why most bags are sold with this type of shell.
How much swing is good?
The required swinging depends on what you want to develop. If increasing the punching power is your aim, you need a traditional heavy bag with limited swinging. If you need to practice footwork, reflexes, timing, and hand-eye coordination, you need a longer range motion, and with that, a bag swings more.
Are free standing bags worth to buy?
Standing bags are an excellent choice for people who lack space at home or can’t hang a heavy bag. Unfortunately, lightweight standing bags tend to fall over, so they are suitable for fitness purposes or light people. There are only a few professional bags, such as Wavemaster XXL or Ringside Elite, that stands for power kicks and punches (Muay Thai).
