Do you remember when Rocky hit that speed bag? I was a kid, and I thought it is the best game ever. But, speed bags are as necessary as a heavy bag for proper training. While heavy bags are for developing strength and can be used as a real opponent alternative, the speed bag increases your punches’ speed and reflexes. Hence, by combining both, you can get far more effective hits.
Here we’d like to give you a complete guide for this boxing equipment.
Best Boxing Speed Bags – Price & Size Comparison
These are the top speed bags we suggest to check out. However, we listed more products below.
Top Speed Bag Reviews
1. Title Boxing Classic – Low price and trusted brand
- Super fast and lightweight leather build
- Extended-life rubber bladder
If you like boxing a bit, I’m sure you have heard about the Title Boxing brand. They are a USA-based company that makes high-quality boxing accessories such as professional boxing gloves.
This is their classic leather speed bag that looks a bit old-old school, but that does not lack quality. It is made of genuine leather, providing an excellent user experience. The inner bladder is such an excellent one that most users do not need to reinflate it after the first pumping. The inner bladder is such an excellent one that most owners do not need to reinflate it after the first pumping.
While the Title Boxing patch looks cool on it, if you hit it without hand protection, the patch’s edge may chafe your hands. But, with regular speed bag training, the edge will get softer.
It comes in two size options: 5 “×8” inches (small) and 6 “×9” (medium) inches. Hence, both pros and beginners can find a size for themselves.
Conclusion:
Extended-life rubber bladders and strengthened leather loop for durability. Lightweight and balanced construction for speed—quality boxing gear for the money.
Check out the customer reviews on Title Classic speed bag
2. TITLE Boxing Gyro Balanced Speed Bags
- Accurate rebounds and rapid recoiling
- Real leather shell with triple reinforced seams
This is another popular Title Speed bag that is famous for its gyroscope technology. What does that mean? This bag has been designed in such a shape that it provides balanced rebounds and quick recoiling.
It also comes with a heavy-duty leather shell and strengthened leather seams for long-lasting usage.
The inner bladder is made from butyl rubber to enhance the balance. However, a few customers tell that they should inflate it regularly. I think it would be much better if some lighter materials were used to enhance the speed.
Also, customers usually have to spend time finding the optimal pressure. Most people think the optimal pressure is 4 psi. If the speed bag is pumped more than that level, it becomes unbalanced. However, you should try which pressure level works you the best.
You can choose from variety of sizes: XXS (4″ x 7″), S (5″ x 8″), M (6″ x 9″), L (7″ x 10″)
Conclusion:
High-quality leather shell for durability and better workout experience. Gyro balance for enhanced balance, recoiling and fast rebounds. You can choose from many sizes. The XXS size is particularly suitable for pros.
See more gyro balanced speed bag reviews
3. Balazs Lazer Speed Bag – Recommended for Pros
- No laces – No welting
- Kevlar triple stitched loop
- Perfect rebound
- Suitable for advanced speed baggers
This high quality model is a bit more expensive than the previous ones, but you get what you pay for, excellent genuine leather speed bags that work as they should. Balazs is a perfect choice for any level quality speed bag training.
One reason why it stands out from the others is that the top loop is made from Kevlar. That is an incredibly durable material, so you do not have to be afraid of tearing. Also, the reinforced loop is centered perfectly and double-layered.
The shell is made of fine leather that is comfortable for your hands, plus it avoids slippery.
Another great feature is that it hasn’t got lace and welting for even better balancing. This way, your hands also not be roughed up. Other manufacturers rarely utitlize this technique.
Users like Balázs because these boxing speed bags are incredibly fast, even if it not the lightest. Hence, it will not only develop your punching skills but also works your muscles well.
Balazs Sizes: Extra Small “Peanut” 5 “×8” inches, Small “Sonic” 6 “×9” inches, Medium “Jet” 7 “×10” inches and Large “Rocket” size, 8 “×11” inches.
Conclusion:
Professional speed bags. Specially-designed shell for the best experience. Never popping air chamber. Extra durable top loop.
See more customer reviews
4. Meister SpeedKills Leather Speed Bag
- Cowhide leather construction
- Simple premium design
The Meister speed bags are made of full grain cowhide leather, making the bag long-lasting and easy to maintain. It also provides the optimal hitting surface. The reinforced stitching is strong, but it doesn’t spoil the striking surface. Such a strong construction allows us to inflate the bags to a relatively high pressure, which leads to a swift movement.
To improve the rebound speed, a light latex bladder is used inside. For example, the medium sized bag is just 1/2 pound. The bags are well-balanced, so the movement of the bag is predictable.
These features result in an excellent speed bag training experience making Meister the best selling speed punching bags on Amazon. Even they are used in commercial boxing gyms.
We can choose from 3 speed bags:
- large (10.5″ x 7″) for beginners;
- medium (9.5″ x 6″) for intermediate level practice;
- small (7.5″ x 5″) for professionals;
Last but not least, Meister SpeedKills speed bags are sold at an affordable price. Although, the needed hardware isn’t included with the product.
Read customer reviews
5. Everlast Elite Speed Bag
- Balanced for accurate rebound
- Medium speed bag is 9″ x 6″; large speed bag is 10″ x 7″
Everlast is another well-known manufacturer in martial arts, but this ball is maybe better for beginners. The customer reviews are somewhat different. Some people love, while others think this sped bag isn’t worth the money. Most of them have problems with leaking and deflating in a short period.
Everlast used a stretchy material for the shell to make it lighter. This is maybe the reason why the air leaks so quickly. Plus, because of this flexible material, you should be careful when you inflate it as over-pumping can destroy the shell.
However, customers like it while working out as this Everlast speed bag rebound quickly, and the price tag is affordable. But, I still think this Everlast speed bag is not for pros and everyday usage.
Sizes: Medium is 9″ x 6″; large is 10″ x 7″
Conclusion:
Leaking problems. Quick and lightweight. Affordable price.
6. Contender Fight Sports
- Extra thick swivel loops
- Sizes: Small (5″ x 8″) Med (6″ x 9″)
This is another medium-level model that has problems, but for an average user, this sports equipment is OK.
Firstly, many customers claim that this speed bag leaks, not very much, but they have to pump it up after a few days.
Another problem is the shell that does not have a continuous round surface because of the strong welted seams. It has sides that make the bag move unexpectedly, and it is not comfortable for the hands. To avoid this problem, pump it a bit harder than usual. Also, with usage, those sides soften.
This affordable speed bag is not for professionals but for a beginner boxer and recreational purposes. The sizes are more significant than usual, so they are easier to target.
Sizes: Medium 9″× 6″″, large 11″× 8″
Conclusion:
Durable stitching, but annoying. A bit of leaking. Inexpensive but not for professionals
7. Ringside Cleto Reyes Speed Bag
- Hand crafted in Mexico under strict quality control
- Durable leather for longevity
- Color options
Do you search for a durable speed bag in a more exciting color than black? This is for you. You can get in the colors of the Mexican flag. The Cleto Reyes bag is a hand-made product from Mexico.
It is also made from genuine leather and nylon lining for long duration and tear resistance.
Even pro users find it a piece of excellent workout equipment as it is fast, lightweight, and perfectly balanced. They also find the surface soft and comfortable for their hands, even if used for a long time. They say Cleto Reyes is a commercially-graded quality.
This is the only ball that comes with an additional bladder on this list. However, the price is higher, but you do not have to worry about it for long.
You can choose from 5 speed bag size and 5 colors. It’s also worth to see the professional Cleto Reyes platform.
Conclusion:
The Cleto Reyes speed bags are perfect for even professionals. Excellent punching experience. Higher price tag.
8. Pro Impact Genuine Leather Speed Bag
- Extreme durability and improved functionality
- Designed for rapid recoiling with pear shape
Pro Impact is another classic speed bag manufactured from top-grade smooth grained leather. The inner bladder is latex, which is a lightweight material, so the bag itself is pretty fast. A usual problem with latex is that it does not hold the air so much time as others. Hence, it should regularly be reinflated.
Anyway, the customers like it for its responsive, fast reaction, and the surface is comfy to strike.
The price is also OK and available in various sizes.
Conclusion:
Quick, lightweight, and well-balanced. Affordable price. Occasionally it should be inflated.
9. HUNTER Speed Ball
- Extra strong multiple layer shell
- Swivel and mounting equipment included
- Good rebound
- Pear shaped design
Sometimes it’s a problem to find the optimal speed bag swivel. That’s why it’s suggested to buy a bag that comes with its own swivel made by the same manufacturer. Hunter gives the swivel with the product.
It’s a genuine leather bag and strengthened by four layers of poly-cotton materials inside. Hence, we don’t have to be afraid of fissure even it’s inflated to high pressure.
Unfortunately, the bag is only available in one size, 10×7 inches, and weighs about 1 pound. It’s a big speed bag that doesn’t recoil extremely fast. Therefore, it’s more suitable for beginners. Professional athletes may find it slow.
To sum up, Hunter is a reliable yet beginner speed bag.
What to look for when buying a speed punching bag?
Now, we have talked about its benefits and how to punch it correctly, so the next step is to find out how to get the most suitable bag for you.
Speed bag size
You can choose from various boxing speed bag sizes. There are smaller and bigger to fitting to the skill level.
Small speed bags can move fast and harder to target. But, it may not require such power to keep it running.
And with that, the bigger the bag, the slower it runs and more comfortable to target. But since this type is usually heavier, it requires more power, and with that, more muscle work to keep it moving.
Typical speed bags:
- Large: 13×10, 12×10, 11×8 inches
- Medium: 10×7, 9×6 inches
- Small: 8×5, 7×4, 6.5×4 inches
everlast.com
What size speed bag should I get for my skill level?
The smaller the bag, the harder to hit, therefore it develops your speed and focusing better than a bigger one.
On the other hand, a larger bag, because of its weight, requires more power to hit continuously, so it works your shoulder muscles and arm muscles better. That does not mean a more oversized bag does not develop your coordination, just not at the same level as a smaller one.
If you are a beginner or need something to punch for recreation, I recommend getting a large size one. In case you are serious about boxing (or any other martial art), the best is that if you use both types for speed training. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of both, and you are ready to be any situation in the ring.
The Materials
Outer Shell
There is no doubt that the outside of the best speed bags is made from genuine leather. That is the most durable and provides the best punching experience. But they cost more.
Cheap models are synthetic leather speed bags. This material is durable and doesn’t require much maintenance, but quite slippery.
If you purchase a high quality genuine leather speed bag, wipe it after usage and utilize leather conditioners to avoid drying once in a month.
Leather or synthetic? Get a leather!
Check out if the bag has comes with reinforced seams. If seaming is weak, the bag may lose its shape.
Inner Bladder
This is another crucial part that you should pay attention to when buying a speed bag. From my experience, the top rated are the heavy duty latex bladders since they’re lightweight and soft. Latex is comfortable to use and provides fast bag movement, but it may leak a little bit.
Rubber bladder is also not bad, but they heavier and this way slower.
And the worst is the plastic inner bladder since it’s relatively static.
How to reduce air leaks and deflation? There are tricks, but it’s better to replace the bladder to a new one.
What else will you need for installation?
Keep in mind that most of the speed bags come as they are. I mean, you will need a speed bag swivel, a speed bag platform, and other mounting hardware as well. If you are a techie guy, you can make one for yourself to save money. But, a professionally installed platform is required to use the bag without annoying problems.
Also, do not forget about hand protection. So, get boxing hand wraps.
Find the best speed bag platform below with height adjustment.
- Give your hand-eye coordination and boxing training a boost with the XMark XM-2811 Adjustable Speed Bag Platform! Working out with a speed bag is a solid aerobic exercise that also works out your arms and shoulders as you train your reflexes.
- The heavy-duty rock solid 11-gauge steel mainframe construction of this speed bag platform minimizes vibration while you're working the speed bag, therefore minimizing noise.
- For stability this is a dual mount platform. The mounting frame measures 16 inches corner-to-corner. See photos. Be sure to check your studs in your home to confirm.
Where will you use it?
The main advantage of a platform is that you don’t need so much space. There are also small platforms; for example, ones you can quickly install on the door frame. So, you may have one in your apartment as well.
Despite this, always check the specification to know if you have enough space to strike your speed bag comfortably. And include the footwork in your calculations.
What type of swivel to use?
With the swivel, we attach the speed bag to the platform. It’s important hardware since it influences the moving of the bag. There are three types.
The ball hook is maybe the best since it moves smoothly to every side. That’s why professional boxers prefer this type. Plus, it’s easy to hang the bag on it.
The U-bolt swivel provides a smooth rebound, plus it’s easy to mount and unmount the bag. That’s the most popular.
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What are speed bags good for?
Why do boxers train with speed bags?
One of the main reasons why fighters, mostly boxers, work out this training equipment is developing eye hand coordination, rhythm and hand speed efficiency. Why is that important? Because they can throw the punches faster and more accurately. While at the same time, they can protect themselves from the hits of the opponent.
Another significant benefit of speed bag work for fighters is that it decreases the reaction time and develops timing and rhythm. Just check out a boxing match; you will see how quickly the fighters can react and find the right time to throw a punch. These skills are essential.
Compared to heavy punching bags, speed bags are also more “user-friendly.” I mean, it does not matter how old you are, your gender, or if you have any bag workout experience or not, this exercise is suitable for you.
The risk of injury is very low. This is not true for a heavy bag. Speed bag work helps develop your body and endurance and contributes to release stress—an excellent activity for everyone.
Learn more: Benefits of hitting speed bag
How to hit a speed bag correctly?
How high should the speed bag be?
The bag should be at the same level as your mouth. If it is placed too low or too high, it results in an incorrect speed bag punching technique that ruins this exercise’s benefits.
When I tried it first, I wanted to hit as fast as possible, but it did not work. The speed bag did not move as I wanted. Then, I learned that I could control the ball by shorter and slower strikes to keep going. With practice, of course, the speed came as well. Hence, if you are a beginner, start slow and focus on keeping the bag active. My tip: mimics the movement first.
Another mistake is that beginners commit is that they want to punch the speed bag like a heavy one, so they punch it with enormous power. As it is in its name, this one is for speeding you up, so there is no need to hit it with full force. Instead, throw light punches, and focus on increasing the speed as you get better at controlling.
Want to know even more? Just watch the video below and learn more tricks and drills.
FAQ
What’s the difference between speed bags and double end bags?
The double end speed bag is fixed at the top and the bottom with elastic ropes. Therefore, when we hit, it’s a more challenging moving target, and we need to use footwork to find the optimal position to beat it.
The speed bags are fixed at the top with a ball bearing giving rapid recoil. But, with that, we stand at the same place so we can’t practice footwork.
Both types are useful for improving hand speed, hand-eye coordination, timing, precision strikes and reflexes, but double-end bag training requires more complex movements. None of them are suitable for power punches. Read the detailed comparison: Speed bag vs double end bag
Do I need to wear boxing gloves?
Hitting the speed bags with gloves is quite uncomfortable because we can’t feel the swinging of the bag. We can beat it with bare hands, but using a hand wraps is recommended for skin protection. Although, there are special speed bag gloves.
Will speed bag drills improve power shots?
No, they are for speed training. If you want to improve your power, you should punch the a heavy bag instead.
How to maintain a speed bag?
Since the shell is made of leather after the training, we need to wipe it to get rid of moisture. In every 1 month it’s worth to use some leather conditioner to avoid drying.
How to make the speed bag platform quieter?
Typically, smaller speed bags aren’t as noisy. Buy a professional swivel and lubricate it time to time. Thicker platforms not only provides better rebound, but may make less noise as well.
As you see, there is a wide range of models out there in different sizes and price ranges. I think the best speed bags to buy are from Balazs. A bit more expensive than the others but provides excellent striking experience, suitable for anyone, and very durable.
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