Boxing gloves, MMA gloves, bag gloves, inner gloves and so on. Sometimes you can't see the wood for the trees. Which gloves are actually best to use on the punching bag? There isn't really a simple answer to this question. It depends on many factors which gloves suit you best. That's why we've listed the pros and cons of each type of glove. See below!
Boxing Gloves
Starting with 'standard' boxing gloves. Always fitted with a Velcro (or lace) closure, a fixed thumb section and padding filled with foam. These boxing gloves are always available in multiple sizes, expressed in oz (ounce). This indicates the weight of the boxing gloves, but the size of the boxing gloves also changes accordingly. In this blog you can read more about choosing the right size boxing gloves.
Advantages:
- The foam padding absorbs the biggest impact, which means less impact on your hands and wrists
- The fixed thumb section helps you make a better fist in the gloves and there's less chance of hitting the punching bag incorrectly with, for example, your thumb
- You can intensify your punching bag workout by choosing heavier boxing gloves of, for example, 16 or 18 oz
Disadvantages:
- Boxing gloves are often slightly more expensive to purchase than, for example, MMA gloves and bag gloves
- Because your hand is 'locked' in the glove and you sweat more, it takes longer for the gloves to dry after training
View our boxing gloves collection here
MMA Gloves
MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) gloves are made to practise any type of martial art. MMA starts in stand-up fighting, but wrestling and BJJ are also widely used. With MMA gloves it is therefore essential to have plenty of freedom of movement. Your fingers are always loose in the gloves and you can move easily.
Advantages:
- The gloves are light and are a good solution for fast punch combinations (between 4 oz and 8 oz)
- Thanks to the freedom of movement of MMA gloves, it's possible to work with, for example, a kettlebell or dumbbells during your punching bag workout
- MMA gloves are easy to maintain and dry quickly after training
Disadvantages:
- Because you have so much freedom of movement, it's harder to make a fist and the chance is greater that you'll sustain injuries whilst punching
- The thin padding means that the impact on your fists, hands and wrists is greater than with, for example, boxing gloves
- The padding of MMA gloves comes to just over your knuckles, which means you're more likely to get open spots on your fingers from the friction of the punching bag
View our MMA gloves collection here
Bag Gloves
Bag gloves are specially made for use on the punching bag. These gloves have less padding and no fixed thumb section, which makes the gloves lighter and can be used well for fast punches.
Advantages:
- The bag gloves are light and therefore well suited for fast punch combinations
- Compared to regular boxing gloves, the special bag gloves are cheaper to purchase
Disadvantages:
- Bag gloves can only be used on the punching bag and are not suitable for use during sparring and pad training
- By saving on weight, you also have less protection around your fists and thumb with bag gloves
View our bag gloves collection here
Inner Gloves
Inner gloves often seem an easy choice given the price. However, we do not recommend these gloves for the punching bag. These gloves are made to be worn under regular boxing gloves and do not offer the necessary protection to train on a punching bag.
It's always important to do your research before making a choice, of course. Can't quite work it out? Feel free to contact us. One of our experts will be happy to help you!
Phone: +31 85 06 06 340 (available Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00)
WhatsApp: send us a message
Email: support@thefightcompany.co.uk