Setting up a heavy hanging bag is not easy or sometimes impossible because of the ceiling materials. Plus, even if you could install it, it requires space. The best alternative is the free standing punching bag for sure.
This type of heavy bag does not need any setup, you just need to fill the base with water or sand, and you are ready to punch or kick it. Plus, after your training, you can move it to the corner of the room.
But, there are a few things you should keep in mind when you buy a bag. On top of that, there are many low-quality selfstanding punching bags on the market that quickly break.
But I’m here to help you. Below you will learn about the highest-rated and reliable free standing punching bags, prices, problems and what features to check out when buying a free standing heavy bag.
Keep in mind that I do not list any cheap standing boxing bags that are good for only kids to play.
Our Top Picks
Best overall
Runner up
The most realistic
For Beginner/Fitness
Reviews of the Best Free Standing Punching Bags
1. The Best Overall: Ringside Elite
- 6’4” tall
- Adjust the movement of the spring loaded bag
- Suitable for professional athletes and any martial arts
The Ringside Elite free standing punching bag is the winner for sure, recommended by professional martial artists. It bag stands hard kicks and punches without falling over and provides excellent resistance thanks to the spring loaded mechanism inside the heavy bag. Instead, the bag bounces back quickly so fighters can practice defensive skills, timing, and footwork effectively.
Watch the video and you’ll see why pro fighters like it.
Ringside Elite is a big free standing heavy bag with 6’4″ height. That is why it’s so popular among MMA and Muay Thai fighters since they can practice low and high kicks. The basement can be filled with water of sand, and when it’s filled, it weighs about 270 pounds, so it isn’t easy to relocate. Although, such a massive base keeps the bag upright after huge kicks.
The heavy bag’s striking surface area is covered by durable synthetic leather, which doesn’t tear and easy to clean. The dense shock-absorbing foam is neither too firm nor too soft, giving a perfect punching surface for kicking and punching. As an extra, the Ringside bag provides a thick removable high density foam collar that we can put around the base to avoid injury while doing low kicks.
Pros:
- Tall design, hence suitable for tall people and any martial arts that require kicking
- Very stable and swings back quickly
- The product gives excellent user experience
- You can use it with full force
Cons:
- Not easy to relocate since it’s heavy and large.
- Hard to fill the base with sand.
Conclusion:
To sum up, the Ringside Elite free standing bag is a top product among free standing heavy bags that provides excellent user experience and can be used in even gyms. Perfect purchase for everyone, even pro fighters, and long-lasting. I think it’s the top free standing punching bag for Muay Thai.
Want to know more about Ringside Elite? Please read our full Ringside Elite review
2. Best for Beginners: Century Original Wavemaster
- Height adjustment from 47″ to 68″
- Rebounds well
- Stable design
Century Original Wavemaster is the most popular free standing punching bag on the list, with over +3000 positive reviews. It’s made for people who want to have fat-burning punching and kicking workouts. It’s an out of the box bag that doesn’t require any installation, compact, and easy to use.
We can see from the picture that the Century Original Wavemaster free standing heavy bag has a huge capacity base. After filling with water or sand, it weighs over 250 lb making it stable. It can hold punches and moderate kicks of ordinary people, but big hitters need something more solid bag. The base is round, so it isn’t hard to roll it away after the training.
See the video review
We can also adjust the bag’s height in 7 positions from 47″ to 68″ with 3″ increments. That’s useful since we can set it to the user height or practice kicks.
The bag without the base is 24″ tall and 19.5″ in diameter, so we have a large hitting area, which is good for beginners.
Pros:
- Adjustable in 7 positions
- Big and comfortable hitting area
- Compact design
- Mobile
- Great for cardio training
Cons:
- Users experience minimal leaking, so use sand.
- Not suitable for experienced athletes.
Who is it good for?
Century Original Wavemaster free standing bag is suitable for average level training at home. But it’s definitely not for pros.
3. Runner Up: Century Wavemaster XXL Training Bag
- 69 inches tall
- Stable weight distribution
- Extra-large fill hole for sand or water
- Perfect for any martial arts
The Century Wavemaster XXL free standing heavy bag is maybe the most popular and has almost the same features as the Ringside Elite. However, there are a few complaints about falling over and moving if hit by someone who is a professional or a heavy person. Though, if it is filled with water and sand, it is much more stable.
On the other hand, this high quality bag is an excellent gear for the average Joe working out at home. Ideal for punching and kicking to develop strength and practice fighting techniques. Plus, the price is lower than the previous one.
Check out how well Wavemaster XXL can hold punches and kicks.
This free standing heavy bag is 5’9″ high, and the diameter is 18 inches. Because of the tall design, we can use it for high and low kicks as well. Hence, it’s the right item for any martial arts.
Unlike Ringside Elite, this heavy bag doesn’t come with a spring that stops the bag from falling over, and it doesn’t bounce back. Big guys or someone who lands push kicks on the bag may experience toppling over. That’s not easy since Century XXL has a vast capacity basement that weighs 270 pounds if it’s filled. It’s a heavy piece, but we can move it quite quickly because of the rounded base.
The exterior is covered with high-density shock absorption foam to protect hands, and the shell is the durable vinyl cover. Nothing special, materials that are strong, but not too firm for the skin, bones, and joints.
Ringside Elite vs Wavemaster XXL
As you see, both free standing heavy bags come with very similar features. So, which is a better bag? I put my vote on the Ringside training bag as it doesn’t fall over so quickly thanks to spring inside and higher, but it’s more challenging to relocate than Wavemaster. If the price matters, Wavemaster costs less.
Pros:
- Long-lasting construction
- Tall design is suitable for all sorts of martial arts
- Large hitting area
- Good stability
- Available in different colors
- Spring loaded
Cons:
- If big or professional athletes hit it with full strength, it may fall over
- Slower recoil
Conclusion:
Read more reviewsMy verdict? Century Wavemaster XLL heavy bag is a well-built free standing punching bag suitable for average size people from beginner to intermediate level.
Want to know more about this high quality bag? Please read our detailed review here: https://punchingbagsguide.com/century-wavemaster-xxl-review/
4. Best Adjustable: Power Systems PowerForce Heavy Bag
- 77 inches tall (large size)
- 3 height adjustment settings
- Removable foam collar to modify pivoting
- Spring loaded for natural rebound
- Suitable for any martial arts
Like the previous two free standing punching bags, Powerforce is a tall standing bag with its maximum 77 inches height. The large striking surface is 65 inches. The difference is that this bag comes with 3 height settings. Hence, it’s perfect for boxers, MMA, or kickboxing.
As you see at the bottom, there is a high density foam collar, which is removable. Behind it, we can find a heavy-duty spring, responsible for the rebound. If we remove the collar, the bag’s body has more space to move, resulting in quicker rebounding. That helps to practice various fighting techniques.
Elite and Wavemaster XXL standing kickboxing bags don’t have this feature. They are more static. If you want a similar bag to a traditional hanging heavy bag, Powerforce is something you may want to consider.
The collar and bag are coated with durable nylon canvas. The base is also large and when it’s filled, weighs 280 pounds.
Pros:
- 3 adjustments
- Stable (spring, massive capacity base)
- Removable collar for better pivoting
- Tall (great size)
- Perfect bag core for punches and kicks (boxers, MMA fighters)
Cons:
- Expensive
Conclusion:
Read more reviewsTo conclude, this a robust free standing heavy bag made for real fighters. Durable, stable, and has height adjustments. Since it’s commercially graded, it can be used in boxing gyms.
5. Best for Apartment: Everlast Powercore bag
- Adjustable from 54″ to 65″
- Quick moving
- Good for beginners
- With power transfer ring
For home training and fitness purposes, this Everlast punching bag is suitable, but it will not stand extreme strikes for long. The problem is mainly the neck that is between the basement and the bag. If it is hit too hard, it sometimes breaks. Though, the manufacturer replaces it quickly.
But, the user experience is excellent. The striking surface is comfortable to hit, and the recoiling is also beneficial for practicing defense skills. The price is not bad.
From the picture above, we can see that the free standing punching bag has a huge base that can be filled with water or sand. The maximum weight capacity with water is about 250 lbs while with sand is 370 lbs. The neck is also equipped with a power transform ring that reduces the movement of the plastic base. Hence, the bag is stable.
While the Everlast standing punching bag’s neck is its weakest point, it’s adjustable from 54″ to 65″. That’s a beneficial feature since we can find the optimal size for our height and workout.
Tip: While Powercore free standing heavy bag isn’t suitable for huge punches, it recoils fast. Hence, it’s perfect for developing hand-eye coordination, timing, accuracy, and rhythm. It can substitute a double end bag.
Pros:
- Adjustable product
- Quite good stability
- Well-constructed striking area protecting hands
- Quick assembly
- Easy to move around
Cons:
- Not suitable for power strikes or grappling workout
- The adjustable neck may break under heavy usage
Conclusion:
Read more reviewsTo sum up, Powercore is the right choice for beginners and aerobic home workouts, but not for pros. For example, it’s great for people who want to burn fat with boxing workouts or improve their endurance.
Please read our full review on Everlast Powercore here: https://punchingbagsguide.com/everlast-powercore-freestanding-heavy-bag-review/
6. Best Human Shaped: Century BOB XL
- Life-like upper torso with shock absorption
- Better head or body shot training
- Very sturdy and 7 height adjustments
That BOB XL guy has such a repulsive face that I have the feeling to beat him up :). That face was a great idea from Century.
On this list, Bob XL with base unit is the more realistic free standing heavy bag without a doubt, that’s why it’s called Body Opponent Bag (BOB) or punching dummy. Since we have a real upper body to hit, it’s easier to learn the various punches targeting different body parts. We can mainly practice the body shots effectively (hits on the stomach or under the rib cage). A free standing punching dummy is useful for those fighters who can’t imagine a real opponent while hitting a traditional heavy punching bag.
Here’s why Century BOB is so great.
The bag’s body is made of urethane foam, which is a firm, yet durable material. Some people find it too hard, so using boxing gloves or at least wraps is recommended to avoid injury.
Just like the other free standing heavy bags on the list, this punching dummy has a massive footing that weighs 270 pounds when filled. Since the body is removable, and the solid base is round, it’s easy to relocate.
We can adjust this Century Bob bag from 60 to 82 inches, making it easy to practice various defense and offense techniques. Thanks to the low central gravity and the massive base, it tilts minimally even it’s set to the maximum height. Users need to beat this standing heavy bag with much power to knock it down.
The bag is removable so you may use it for ground training. Hence, you can substitute a grappling dummy.
Pros:
- Best punching bag with a realistic experience (great for boxer)
- Practice hitting specific areas of the upper torso
- Very stable (low profile base)
- Adjustable height
- Durable materials
- Perfect for any combat sports and bag workout (punches and kicks), solid bottom
- Lots of positive reviews
Cons:
- Nothing!
Conclusion:
Read more reviewsIn a nutshell, the Century BOB is an excellent choice for everyone who wants to practice kicks and punches. The realistic body, the great adjustability, and that ugly face are just the tip of the iceberg. It’s my pick for the best free standing punching bag for boxing drills.
Check out the best punching dummy bags.
7. Best for MMA: Century Versys Fight Simulator
- Good for ground workout
- Good choice for MMA training
- Easy installation
- Versatile
Fight Simulators are good choice for individuals who don’t want to spar with others in real-world situations. Whether you prefer to train standing up or on the ground, the Century Versys Fight Simulator will deliver.Due to its narrow footprint and ease of maneuvering, the bag is extremely convenient to use when training at home. The device is easy to transport and does not require much space for storage. It weighs a little over 100 pounds with the pre-filled base included, and can be setup in minutes.A natural bounce is replicated on its base, and athletes can fimprove their technique through the top and bottom carry handles. The Century Versys Fight Simulator lets you work on a wide variety of moves or techniques. As a training bag, it’s perfect for anyone who’s into martial arts.
Pros:
- Multifunctional exercise equipment for punches and kicks
- Mobile and easy to store
- Perfect for MMA, wrestling or judo
- Good choice for conditional training
Cons:
- It’s better for combat sports with ground work since it falls over with power punches.
- Stronger athletes may find it light
- Limited warranty
Conclusion:
Read more reviews
8. Best Rebounding: Everlast Omniflex Bag
- Adjustable height
- Bounces well
- Easy to move around
- More like a reflex bag
The Everlast Omniflex is a cheap free standing punching bag that comes with an adjustable neck so you can set to it your height. However, if the neck is fixed to a high position and hit hard, a few users complain about breaking and falling over.
However, it is a compact free standing heavy bag for apartment. The customers like it for its comfortable punching surface and a natural rebound. It can be used as a reflex bag to improve speed. For fitness and not extreme usage, this boxing gear is a good buy.
The reflex bag comes with an adjustable height system. We can choose from various settings by using a knob. Of course, the higher we set the bag, the more willing it falls over. Otherwise, adjustments are useful to find the optimal height for us. The maximum height we can set Omniflex is 5’7″, so it’s suitable for taller guys.
The Everlast Omniflex is made of shock absorbing foam, giving a comfortable and safe hitting area. The shell is made of Nevatear, which is a durable outer lining.
The sturdy base is smaller than the previous items have when it’s filled; it scales about 130 lbs. That’s why tilting is more usual, but it’s much easier to move the bag.
Pros:
- Affordable, low pricing compared to the others.
- Easy to move around, good portability
- Quick recoil (useful for improving skills and technique)
- Adjustable height
Cons:
- Just for light punches, not for heavy hitters
- Fall over easily based on customer reviews because of the bottom
- Limited warranty
Conclusion:
Read more reviewsTo conclude, the Everlast free standing punching bag is more fitness equipment than a real heavy punching bag. It’s excellent for cardio workouts, practicing the basic punches and combinations for beginner, but not for power hits at all.
9. Best set: RDX B1 Dummy BOB Stand Up Bag
- 5.6 ft tall
- Maya Hide Leather shell with solid foam core for impact absorption
- With gloves for hand protection
If you find the previous BOB heavy bag a bit expensive, here is an alternative bag. While it’s not as realistic, it still mimes the contour of the human upper body. But this standing punch bag has some excellent features.
Firstly, the bag is covered with the handcrafted Maya Hide Leather, which gives the feeling of the traditional heavy bags. The genuine leather needs some maintenance, though. The inside is made of urethane foam for shock absorption.
The bag’s height is 5.6 feet, which is suitable for most of the fighters, although taller guys may find it a bit short.
For the extra stability, the broad base is responsible, which has an excellent weight distribution. No wobbling or falling over is experienced even if this dummy is hit with power strikes.
Pros:
- Affordable BOB bag for home
- Excellent stability (tapered base)
- Real leather cover
- Effective energy dispersion
- Perfect to improve fighting technique
Cons:
- Not adjustable
Conclusion:
To sum up, if you need a BOB free standing punching bag that costs less than the Century, this RDX product is an excellent alternative.
10. Best for Cardio: Century Aerobic Wavemaster Punching Bag
- 40″ tall
- Just for cardio and fitness
- 3 color options
More and more people turn to cardio boxing training or kickboxing, and for them, Century made this aerobic standing punching bag (hiit). Compared to the other models on this list, this fitness bag is made for fast and light punches and kicks, so it isn’t suitable for power workouts.
The Century Wavemaster free standing bag has a similar design as XXL, but since the product doesn’t have to be so stable, the base is more compact. If we fill it with water or sand, the maximum base weight is 170 lbs. But, with that, it isn’t suitable to strike it with full force.
The high density foam core provides a not too firm hitting area, hence women like it. The bag is 40 inches tall and 10,5 inches in diameter.
Pros:
- Perfect for fitness exercises for home
- Convenient usage (wrists friendly)
- Easy to move
- Black, red and blue color variations
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Not suitable for advanced punching power, not so table bottom
- Not for real martial artists
Conclusion:
Read more reviewsIn a nutshell, this fitness standing bag is the right product for individuals who want to do cardio to lose fat and improve endurance.
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Research from supplement brand Forza has found that boxing burns 800 calories an hour, more than any other sport.
Different Types of Free Standing Bags
I would put the free standing punching bags into three groups based on for whom they are suitable for:
- For real combat sports: These free standing bags are made for real fighters; therefore, they are extra large, stable, and well-constructed for durability. They stand the power punches and strong kicks (heavy bag work). Such products are Ringside Elite, Century body opponent bag, and Century Wavemaster XXL. These are the most expensive.
- For beginners: These free standing heavy bags are suitable for learning the basics, but not strong enough for power strikes. Such punching bags are Omniflex, Everlast Powercore.
- For cardio workout: These free standing punching bags are suitable for cardio boxing such as Wavemaster Cardio, but the beginner level free standing bags are also useful for these goals.
It’s essential to choose the right type for your goals and level. Don’t buy a limited bag if you are a big hitter or a big guy. On the other hand, don’t spend hundreds of dollars on a bag that you can’t take advantage of.
What features to look at when buying standing boxing bags
Find a suitable place to stand it
While standing heavy bags for boxing practice and MMA are more space-friendly than a traditional hanging one, they still need place to store and use efficiently. Typically, they are large martial arts equipment with a big base. Hence, you should have enough room to move it around freely without bumping into things during your workouts.
So, before buying, find a place that will be enough for training. I think having about 6-7 feet area around the standing bag is OK. If you want to use them for ground work you need much more place. More about home boxing gyms.
The material of the bags
The striking surface is usually covered with a durable vinyl coating which is much cheaper than genuine leather. But, to avoid injuries on your knuckles, it is recommended to use heavy bag gloves and wrist wraps.
There is a wide range of materials that are used inside the free standing bag. It can be cotton, hay, high density foam, or other fabric buffer or even combinations. And there are bags filled with air, but those are for kids and not for serious training.
The substance’s density inside should be hard enough to provide resistance, but not pain when you strike it. Most of the free standing punching bags come with a hole on the top with a zipper. So, you can add or remove the filling to make the bag suitable for you.
The weight of the standup punching bag & base
This is an essential factor. If the training bag and the footing are too light, it will fall over when you kick or punch it. And that breaks the continuity of your bag training, and very annoying. On the other hand, if it is too heavy, it will not swing as it should be, and it will be hard to move it, but this usually not a problem.
So, buy a free standing bag that is stable thanks to its large and heavy foundation. That can be filled with either sand or water or with even both. Also, check the base diameter. Stability is vital.
Related: Learn about punching bag prices.
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What is the difference between a free standing and a hanging heavy bag?
Firstly, if you have enough room and an appropriate hanging point, go with a hanging boxing heavy bag for your home boxing gym. That gives the best environment to improve defense and offense techniques and develop your strength. Otherwise, a free standing bag is an excellent alternative for people with limited place or no hanging options.
But let’s compare both.
Hanging punching bags | free standing Punching bags |
|---|---|
Requires careful installation | No installation required, just minimal assembly |
Needs space because of swinging | Also, it needs place to use effectively, but we can relocate it. |
Not suitable for small spaces | Can be used in limited places, even in apartments |
Ideal for total power strikes | Only the best free standing bags stands the full power training |
Swinging improves various fighting skills | No swinging, minimal recoil hence doesn’t force the user to practice various fighting techniques. |
Needs a heavy bag stand if the regular installation is impossible (means extra cost) | No other accessories are needed |
Best Hanging Heavy Bags
Do you have opportunity for hanging traditional heavy bag? Check out our heavy bag guide for the best bags.
What are the cons & pros of free standing punching bags?
Benefits
No installation is required
This is maybe the most beneficial feature. Not everyone has a beam or other place to set up a hanging bag. Plus, not everyone has experience and tools to set up such a massive object somewhere at home gym. If you are among them, it is an excellent buy for you.
You just have to fill the base with water or sand, and it is ready to use.
Space-friendly
Compared to the hanging heavy bag, it is a portable punching bag. After usage, you can bring it to the corner of the room, so it does not disturb your daily life.
And, if you buy lighter and smaller equipment, you may take it with you wherever you want.
Suitable for any martial art or better cardio workouts
Since the free standing heavy bag has a long “core,” it is suitable for kicks and knee strikes. Hence, an excellent tool for kickboxing, Muay Thai or MMA. It’s a versatile tool to develop your offense and defense skills.
If you want to use the bag for cardio, it provides more versatile training because of kicking. Hence, you can have a total body workout and burn more calories.
Suitable for every member of your family
The length of the free standing punching bags makes them suitable for everyone to use it. Plus, they have a safe and not so tough striking surface. So, even your kids can use it.
The bad
Cheap ones are not for pros
If you are at an advanced level with powerful hits, do not buy an inexpensive standalone punching bag. Those are for the average Joe’s home gym. They fall over or, even worse, break under heavy usage. And, the professional ones are pricey without a doubt. You can find some cheap punching bags here, tough.
They might move
A common problem with a standup boxing bag is that it moves if you place it on a smooth floor. However, you can cure it by putting a rubber gym mat under it. It cost a few bucks, and it even protects your floor. It’s recommended to fill it with sand or water, but the sand is heavier. Some bags also comes with suction cups.
FAQ
Conclusion
Wavemaster punching bags are maybe the best bang for the buck if you are not a pro. I will add more free standing punching bags to this list in the future, but it is hard to find a quality free standing heavy bag on the market. If you have any questions, please ask below, and I’ll help you as soon as possible.
Sources:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8ADQgl75J4
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5UqSsZ-RSE
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyrL5Xi9ZaE
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