The Best Punching Bags
Even if you're not a pro boxer, punching bags can add a lot to a workout. This type of training equipment can be used for a surprising number of exercises, and they just plain feel great to smack around as well. But not all punching bags on the market meet our high standards, which is why we've compiled this list of the ones most likely to serve you well. Read on, and feel free to queue up the soundtrack to "Rocky IV" while you do so.
What to Look For
We used a few things to guide our fists while searching for the best punching bags: Does it provide good feedback after a strike? Will it stand strong through numerous punching sessions? And can it easily be set up in a home gym and used for several exercises? All the punching bags that made it onto our list knocked us for a loop with what they had to offer. Whoobli provided our favorite choice. This kid-friendly bag is designed to let young children learn the joys of fitness. On the other end of the spectrum, Fitvem provided a bag with a sturdy base that lent itself well to taking massive strikes from heavy hitters. Keep reading to see which other punching bags got 10s from our judges.
Whoobli Adjustable Kids Punching Bag
The featherweight champion
Punching bags can provide great fitness opportunities for kids, and this one offers one of the best. Its weighted base and flexible spring provide plenty of feedback while remaining steady for one smack after the next. It can also be set up in a matter of minutes, allowing your child to jump right into the action. If you’ve been looking for ways to introduce your child to the world of combat sports, this is one of the best punching bags you can get.
Pros
- It comes in a range of colors that make it suitable for girls, boys, or gender-neutral children.
- The adjustable height lets children of all ages get in on the fun.
- It can make an excellent outlet for hyperactive kids, allowing them to shed both stress and energy.
Cons
- Larger kids and adults will probably want a more “professional” bag to work over.
Everlast Power Core Punching Bag
Center of gravity
With its simple setup and superb craftsmanship, this straightforward option became one of our favorite punching bags. Its base can be filled with up to 350 pounds of sand, letting it stand firm against even the most colossal of wallops. The round shape and air-foam chamber also provide a good choice of striking angles and satisfying feedback. For the focused warrior who truly wants to hone their craft, this is one of the best punching bags around.
Pros
- It comes in just a few parts, making it a speedy and simple bag to set up.
- The stand is surprisingly compact, letting it fit snugly into almost any home gym.
Cons
- It stands about 65 inches at its maximum height, so extra taller folks may have to place it on a stand to bring it up to their level.
Fitven Heavy Free Standing Punching Bag
Always standing strong
This is one of the ideal punching bags for training that you can rely on. The powerful base and shock-absorbing construction let you whack this bag with all your might without having to worry about damaging it (or yourself). And with weight options between 70 and 205 pounds, fighters of all weight classes can train with equal efficiency. Even the heaviest hitters won’t find many punching bags that can stand as steady as this one does.
Pros
- The bag is heavy yet slim, allowing you to place it almost anywhere without taking up much space.
- Suction cups on the bottom of the base add even more stability to the already-strong construction.
- The faux-leather coating has a sleek, professional feel to it.
Cons
- It can take a while to fill it up with sand since the hole in the base is rather small.
RDX Heavy Boxing Punching Bag
Kick, slap, punch, and chop
UFC and Bellator fans will find this to be one of the most comprehensive punching bags they can find. This whopping 14-piece set comes with chains, a sturdy wall bracket, and gloves with hand wraps among many other features. Its three layers of leather and secure tethering loop allow you to unload a bevy of strikes on this bag without having to worry about damaging it. If kicks and slams are what you practice, this is one of the first punching bags you should check out.
Pros
- Few punching bags come with this many features at such an affordable price.
- It’s surprisingly easy to set up given how much comes in this set.
Cons
- The wall hanger needs to be set near a door, which can be inconvenient for some rooms.
Protocol Adjustable Punching Bag
The reliable bounce-back
Sometimes the most straightforward punching bags can turn out to be the best ones, as this example proves. Protocol provides a reliable, beginner-friendly punching bag with good feedback and a strong base. The provided gloves also have straps that allow you to encase your hands as tightly or loosely as you wish for maximum efficiency. Basic punching bags don’t have to be bad punching bags, and you can find that out firsthand with this one.
Pros
- Its no-frills setup keeps it in a very affordable price range.
- It can be set up and ready to use in a matter of minutes thanks to its streamlined construction.
Cons
- You’ll want to fill the base with sand instead of water, as this bag isn’t intended to take serious poundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to practice boxing before I use any punching bags?
While learning the proper form of a combat sport is always a good thing, punching bags can be just as good for whacking away stress as they are for training for an upcoming fight. If you’re an MMA practitioner, many modern punching bags are made to withstand kicks as well.
How do I know which punching bags are appropriate for children?
There are a surprising amount of kid-friendly punching bags on the market, and almost all of them will be labeled as such. If you’re unsure whether your bag is suitable for a child, always ensure their gloves are firmly in place before they take a whack at it.
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