Equipment
The 10 Best Punching Bags
What are the best punching bags?
An essential addition to a respectable home gym setup is the punching bag.
The best punching bags help facilitate an exceptional cardiovascular workout, allowing boxers, MMA fighters, and other martial artists to practice a range of punches and kicks from the comfort of their home gym.
Choosing the right punching bag for you means understanding the pros and cons of the various bags on the market.
Portability, weight, and size all play a role in determining which punching bag to go for, as well as which fighting style you’re planning on adopting.
If you’re an MMA fighter who wants to practice low kicks, you’ll need a longer bag compared to someone primarily interested in delivering a barrage of jabs and hooks.
This guide breaks down the 10 best punching bags on the market right now, covering everything from which bags to choose if you’re on a budget, to the most durable punching bags for the real heavy-hitters.
Let’s get into it!
The Best Punching Bags Compared
Our equipment lists are created by researching the best-reviewed products from the most reputable companies and web sources.
Here’s our list of the 10 best punching bags:
In A Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick:
10. Last Punch – Heavy Duty Punching Bag
Last’s heavy-duty punching bag is one of the more unusual punching bags on the market.
The bag is delivered to customers empty, leaving users to stuff the canvas bag with a filling of their choice. Sand, old clothes, or plastic bags can be used to fill it out ready for use.
This is a chain-mounted punching bag, so once it’s full you’ll need to make sure you have a solid point of connection on your ceiling, which will hold the approximately 50kg weight.
Depending on what you choose to fill it with, the weight is likely to vary, so it’s worth bearing this in mind when you’re setting it up.
The bag itself is constructed from fabric, so if you’re used to punching leather, it’ll take a little time to adjust.
That said, this is a durable canvas punching bag that comes in at an impressively low price, which makes it a great choice for those looking for a punching bag on a budget.
Pros
- Very cheap
- Durable canvas bag
- Hook allows for convenient mounting and unmounting
Cons
- Need to fill the bag yourself
- Canvas can be prone to splitting through heavy use
9. Dripex – Freestanding Punching Bag
It can be hard to find a freestanding punching bag at a reasonable price, so the Dripex freestanding punching bag represents a welcome addition to the market.
Constructed on a solid floor sucking base which you can fill with water or sand, it also features a shock-absorbing system to handle a thorough pounding.
The freestanding nature of Dripex’s bag makes for versatile use throughout the home, and its 69” bag makes it a great bag for strength and stamina workouts.
Stability is enhanced through the stainless steel structure, withstanding high-pressure kicks and punches with ease.
The bag itself is made up of four layers which include high-density PU leather and EPE foam padding, which combine to make sure the bag remains resilient over time.
You can also get the Dripex freestanding punching bag in a cool-looking red color embossed with a martial arts logo.
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Easy to set up
- Well-constructed
Cons
- Base suction cups can be temperamental
- You can’t practice low kicks
8. Aqua – Training Bag
As the name implies, the Aqua Training Bag uses water to provide the solidity and resistance to deliver a unique boxing and MMA training experience.
Unlike sand and other bag fillings, water-filled punching bags offer an experience closer to punching actual flesh.
And, the extra give means they don’t hurt your knuckles as much as other alternatives.
The Aqua Training Bag is also among the most portable punching bags and can be easily moved from place to place.
It’s UV resistant, too, so if you prefer to have your boxing workout outdoors, you can use this without worrying about weather-wear over time.
While its teardrop design means it won’t be much use for MMA fighters looking to practice their kicks, boxers who want to unleash a flurry of jabs and uppercuts will find the Aqua Training Bag more than satisfactory.
It’s also ideal for close-up work.
Pros
- Minimal sway compared to traditional bags
- Easy to move around
- Water filling delivers authentic flesh-like responses
Cons
- Not suitable for low kicks
- Water can freeze when used in cold climates
7. Ringside – 100-Pound Muay Thai Punching Bag
MMA and Muay Thai fighters require extra length on their punching bags in order to be able to train effectively in their discipline.
The Ringside 100-pound Muay Thai Punching Bag delivers the required length and weight for pugilists interested in delivering kicks along with punches.
Ringside’s Muay Thai punching bag is made from top-grain cowhide, so it retains its shape even when taking a consistent battering from a heavy workout.
The weight helps to reduce swinging, which is great for fighters who want to deliver a variety of strong roundhouse kicks, side-kicks, and spinning back kicks.
While boxers might not gain a great deal from the additional length offered here, all-round fighters who want to deliver low blows will benefit greatly from its extra length and solid construction.
Pros
- Long and heavy bag is ideal for Muay Thai and MMA fighters
- Durable bag
Cons
- Stuffing can settle over time
- Not especially portable
6. Ringside – 100-Pound Powerhide Punching Bag
The Ringside 100-pound Powerhide Punching Bag offers a great entry-level bag for boxers and MMA fighters who are just starting out and are looking for an all-round punching bag that isn’t going to break the bank.
Unlike their Muay Thai punching bag, the Powerhide bag is a soft-filled boxing bag with a soft synthetic skin with a 2-inch foam layer underneath to create an overall soft but firm exterior.
This means that amateur trainers aren’t going to bruise their knuckles even if they punch it without gloves.
The Ringside 100-pound Powerhide punching bag is a solid, high-quality option for those new to the fighting scene, with great overall stitching, which holds together over repeated use and great cushioning for the hardest of shots.
Pros
- Soft power hide skin
- Comes with a heavy chain and swivel
- Suitable for beginners
Cons
- Not ideal for taller people
5. FITVEN – Freestanding Punching Bag
If you’re looking for an excellent freestanding punching bag, our top choice comes from FITVEN.
This suction cup-based freestanding bag also comes with a pair of boxing gloves, so you get a complete home workout package for your cash.
Dual TPU absorbers combined with 4 springs deliver a fast rebound experience along with shock and noise absorption, with the option to remove springs when going for more intensive strength training.
The bag itself is made from a multi-layered construction for extra durability, while its length means you can strike throughout the entire range of the body.
To make the most out of the FIVTEN freestanding punching bag, you’ll need to make sure the base is filled with sand, although for beginners, this won’t make too much difference and can be filled with water instead.
Pros
- Strong multi-layered construction
- Boxing gloves includes
- Suitable for boxing and MMA
Cons
- Not ideal for heavyweight fighters
- Spring resistance could be tougher
4. Outslayer – 100-Pound Punching Bag
Outslayer’s 100-pound punching bag has been designed specifically for extreme workouts and professional training, making it one of the most durable and tough punching bags available for boxers.
The bag’s 55” body length constructed from heavy-duty vinyl can be filled to hold up to 300lbs and is capable of withstanding whatever jabs, hooks, and uppercuts are thrown its way.
Its two heavy-duty chrome-covered D rings are also supported with extra padding, which helps to prevent flipping of the rings.
Perfect for more experienced fighters, Outslayer’s 100-pound punching bag is a truly heavy-duty product with a comfortable hitting surface guaranteed to stand the test of time.
Pros
- Solid, durable construction
- Ideal for heavyweight fighters
- It comes with a 10-year warranty
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners
- Quite pricey
3. Century – Wavemaster XXL
Century Martial Arts have established a solid reputation for producing high-quality equipment for serious martial arts enthusiasts, with their Wavemaster XXL representing one of the largest freestanding kickboxing bags available to buy.
Constructed on a variable weight base system that uses high-density HDPE side walls with rounded edges, it can be self-filled with water or sand to suit the user’s preferences.
The bag itself is made of PU vinyl and high-density foam, wrapped around Century’s proprietary stabilization system to minimize movement from powerful kicks and punches.
The Century Wavemaster XXL might be more expensive than some of the other best punching bags on this list, but its large striking surface makes it a great all-rounder suitable for all manner of fighting styles.
Pros
- Excellent durability for heavy-duty sessions
- Easy to assemble
- Nice padding
Cons
- User is required to fill it up
2. Century B.O.B – Body Opponent Bag
We’re sticking with Century for our penultimate pick for the best punching bags and their unique body opponent bag.
While most punching bags come in either teardrop or cylindrical hanging bag forms, the B.O.B. represents a lifelike mannequin target to give it an authentic combat experience.
Standing 30” tall and approximately 20” wide, the Century body opponent bag can be adjusted to an overall height of up to 78” inches, making it ideal for fighters of all sizes.
While it can’t be used for low kicks, just about any other striking style can be used for high-intensity training and realistic self-defense sessions.
The obvious advantage the body opponent bag has over its competitors is the realistic experience the mannequin design offers, further enhanced by the vinyl “skin” which coats the body.
Pros
- Realistic training with life-size target
- Rugged build
- Adjustable height
Cons
- Not suited for low strikes
1. Everlast – 70-Pound MMA Heavy-Bag Kit
You don’t have to be a boxing enthusiast to know the name Everlast.
One of the best-known brands available, they’ve earned their name and reputation by delivering top-class training gear respected the world over for their exceptional quality.
Their 70-pound MMA heavy-bag kit comes with a range of accessories, including heavy bag gloves, bungee cord, and 108-inch hand wraps, making it a great option for amateurs looking for a complete package to get started.
The bag itself is stuffed with a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers blended with sifted sand, so you don’t have to worry about the filling settling over time.
Where the Everlast 70-pound MMA heavy-bag kit excels is in its overall quality.
While it’s a lighter punching bag than some alternatives on the market, it’s a solid all-rounder, which is ideally suited to lighter-weight fighters looking for a good workout.
Pros
- Superb quality
- Easy to set up
- Comes with handy accessories
Cons
- Not ideal for heavier fighters
FAQs About Punching Bags
If you’re still not sure what kind of punching bag works best for you and why you should invest in one, read through this handy FAQ, and we’ll answer your most pressing questions.
Q: What are the benefits of using a punching bag?
Using a punching bag offers a wide range of benefits, including increased cardiovascular strength, improved stamina, and endurance, as well as greater coordination and balance.
Q: Should you use a punching bag every day?
How often you use your punching bag depends entirely on your personal circumstances.
Seasoned fighters are likely to train daily, while beginners may choose to take rest days to aid recovery.
More experienced fighters may choose to mix up their training on a day-to-day basis, alternating between fast punching, combinations, and timed punching to broaden their training techniques.
Q: How long should I use a punching bag for?
Again, the answer to this depends on the degree of experience you have and what you hope to get out of your punching bag.
Hitting a punching bag for 20-30 minutes per day is a great way to get a good workout without overstressing yourself, but overtraining can lead to detrimental effects in the long run.
Q: What are punching bags filled with?
Different punching bags require different materials in order to fill them, although typically, most punching bags are filled with sand.
Some require water to fill them, which makes for a more organic, flesh-like sensation when punched.
Read through this guide to find out more about the different fillings used for punching bags.
Q: What size punching bag should I get?
When deciding on which weight and size punching bag to choose, you need to consider your own weight and height to find something most suited to your needs.
Hanging bags should be at least 80 pounds for most adults, and if you’re an MMA fighter who wants to practice low kicks as well as punches, you’ll need to choose a bag that is suitably long.
Q: How To Choose / Which To Choose?
Picking the best punching bag depends on a range of factors, including your height and weight class, along with your fighting style of choice and level of experience.
If you haven’t already read through our guide to the best punching bags, head to the top of this article and read through our comprehensive breakdown.
Summary
Whatever your size or choice of fighting style, there’s a great punching bag that is ideal for you.
This guide helps break down the choices available so you can choose the punching bag which best suits your needs and budget.
Hopefully, it will help deliver a long-lasting punching bag that will help you improve your accuracy, power, and cardiovascular fitness.
Here’s a quick recap of the 10 best punching bags:
- Everlast – 70-Pound MMA Heavy-Bag Kit
- Century – B.O.B Body Opponent Bag
- Century – Wavemaster XXL
- Outslayer – 100 Pound Punching Bag
- FITVEN – Freestanding Punching Bag
- Ringside – 100-Pound Powerhide Punching Bag
- Ringside – 100-pound Muay Thai Punching Bag
- Aqua – Training Bag
- Dripex – Freestanding Punching Bag
- Last Punch – Heavy Duty Punching Bag
