The Top 5 Best Punching Bags for Your Boxing and MMA Training Needs

Hitting a punching bag can be a challenging workout that requires strength and endurance, but it offers many benefits such as improved core strength, stress relief, enhanced focus, and increased self-confidence. To incorporate a punching bag into your fitness routine, it’s essential to consider the bag’s height and weight. A traditional heavy bag should weigh around half of your body weight, but beginners may prefer a smaller, lightweight bag, while experienced exercisers may prefer a heavier, longer bag. It’s also crucial to determine whether a freestanding or hanging bag is best suited for your available space. Our team at Verywell Testing Lab evaluated 15 different punching bags using instructor-led workouts. Our team of six testers, including a boxing instructor, completed workouts at varying intensities to assess the bags’ effectiveness, ease of use, comfort, durability, and value. After 16 hours of testing, we identified the best punching bags on the market, which are listed below.

Everlast Single Station Heavy Bag Stand with 70-lb. Heavy Bag Kit

Our Evaluation Ease of Use: 4/5 Effectiveness: 5/5 Comfort: 5/5 Durability: 5/5 Value: 5/5

Pros

• Pre-filled bag
• Suitable for all fitness levels
• Includes gloves and wraps

Cons

• Requires a lot of floor space

The Everlast Single Station Heavy Bag Kit is a comprehensive set that allows you to start exercising immediately after setting it up, making it our top pick for overall best punching bag. Although the stand needs to be assembled, the 70-pound bag is pre-filled, and gloves and hand wraps are included in the kit. The stand and bag are built to last and are strong and durable. Additionally, you can add weight plates to the posts on the base to enhance the stand’s stability.

During our testing, we found that the bag’s density is particularly appropriate for beginners, as it is firm enough to take a punch, but not so hard as to intimidate them. The bag was ready to use straight out of the box, which we appreciated. However, it is a large setup that requires a significant amount of floor space. We should also note that some users have reported receiving the kit in two separate packages when ordering it.

Titan — Muay Thai Heavy Bag

The Titan Muay Thai Heavy Bag is a great option if you’re in the market for a high-quality hanging bag for your home gym. Measuring 72 inches long and 14 inches wide, and weighing 90 pounds, this durable bag is suitable for all levels of kickboxing, boxing, and MMA. Its extra length compared to traditional boxing bags makes it a perfect choice for athletes who want to practice Muay Thai techniques.

The bag comes with heavy-duty straps and a chain for easy hanging, eliminating the need for additional equipment to set up. Additionally, it’s reasonably priced, making it an affordable option for those on a budget. Titan has a reputation for making durable products, and reviewers frequently praise the quality of this punching bag.

One downside is that the bag hangs in a fixed location, requiring ample space for a safe workout and free from clutter. However, the bag’s one-year warranty provides peace of mind if any issues arise. Overall, the Titan Muay Thai Heavy Bag is an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate kickboxing, MMA, and boxing into their workouts.

FITVEN Freestanding Punching Bag

Pros: -Noise absorption feature -Space-saving design -Ultra-stable base

Cons: -Difficult to fill

FITVEN’s Freestanding Punching Bag is an innovative and space-efficient alternative to traditional hanging bags, offering 360-degree shock absorption and a quieter workout experience. The bag is equipped with dual PVC shock absorbers and four heavy-duty, removable springs, which help distribute striking force while reducing noise. The bag’s round base features 12 suction cups that keep the bag in place, providing additional stability.

The punching bag is constructed with a tear-resistant synthetic leather exterior, foam and fabric buffers, and a stainless steel core. The multilayer construction helps distribute striking force evenly and provides unmatched performance and comfort. The bag stands almost six feet tall and weighs 205 pounds when filled with sand or 160 pounds when filled with water, making it suitable for adults and young athletes. The bag’s slim profile is useful when space is limited.

However, users have reported that filling the bag can be challenging. Despite this, the FITVEN Freestanding Punching Bag comes with a pair of synthetic leather 12-ounce boxing gloves and is easy to set up, allowing for an almost immediate workout right out of the box.

Ringside 100-pound Powerhide Boxing Punching Heavy Bag

PROS Made of sturdy synthetic leather Reasonably priced Comes with a durable chain for hanging

CONS Setup requires at least two people

Ringside’s heavy bag is a versatile option for your training needs. It can hold up to 100 pounds and is filled with a soft material that provides a sturdy striking surface. The bag comes with a chain and swivel for hanging, but keep in mind that initial setup will require some assistance. One advantage of this heavy bag is its synthetic leather construction, which makes it more affordable than bags made from real leather. Despite the lower cost, the bag is heavy-duty and smooth, providing a comfortable experience for your hands and knuckles. If you order directly from the Ringside website, shipping charges may apply, but Amazon offers free shipping for this product. Type: Hanging Weight: 100 lb. Dimensions: 14″ W x 14″ D x 43″ H Material: Synthetic leather Adjustability: No

Yokkao Heavy Bag

Yokkao has been a game-changer in the combat sports equipment market since its inception in 2010, which is why it usually tops our review lists. Their heavy bags, in particular, are of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. These bags are handcrafted in Thailand using premium leather, and their durability is unparalleled. Genuine leather remains the best material for heavy bags, and when combined with Yokkao’s craftsmanship, it ensures a long-lasting product. The Yokkao heavy bags come in three different sizes, making it ideal for everyone, from beginners to seasoned fighters. The smallest one weighs 77 pounds and is perfect for novices or fighters in lower weight classes, while the middle size at 120 cm is ideal for boxing and Muay Thai training. The largest, standard 6-foot XL size, weighing 120 lbs, is perfect for all levels of punching and kicking. Yokkao’s website offers the option of buying an empty bag, which may be a better solution to save on delivery prices, considering the weight of heavy bags. The exceptional quality of Yokkao’s heavy bags comes at a premium price, but if you want top-quality professional gear, look no further than Yokkao. Pros:

• Premium leather material
• Handcrafted in Thailand
• Available in different sizes
• Unmatched durability
• Choice between filled and empty bags Cons:
• Expensive

What to Look for When Buying a Punching Bag

When it comes to investing in a punching bag, there are a few key factors to consider. One of the most important is durability. Choosing a bag made of leather or power hide can provide maximum durability and ensure that your investment lasts a long time. According to fitness expert Chad Price, power hide surfaces are especially durable. As long as you find a bag that’s half your weight, a comfortable height, and fits in your workout space, you’ll have the right fit for you.

Another important consideration is the type of bag – free-standing or hanging. Free-standing bags are easy to install and use, but they typically have less resistance and take up more floor space. Hanging bags are more durable and can withstand more force, but they can be harder to set up and less portable.

It can be helpful to purchase a complete kit that includes accessories like gloves, jump ropes, wall mounts, and hand wraps. This can provide a convenient setup and a killer workout.

To help you choose the right punching bag, we’ve selected 13 of the best according to personal trainers and fitness experts.

FAQs

What kind of punching bag is best?

This largely depends on what kind of training you will be using it for. That said, the best punching bag for all-around use is likely a hanging heavy bag, as it’s suitable for a variety of training applications — boxing, kickboxing, martial arts, and more.

How do you hang a punching bag?

Traditionally, punching bags are hung from an anchor that is bolted to a ceiling joist or another solid piece of wood. In some cases, they can also be hung from a pullup bar or weightlifting rack.

It is very important that the punching bag be fastened to a solid piece of wood or metal to prevent it from falling and causing injury. If you are unsure about how to hang one, consult a local carpenter, a gym owner, or the company’s website for assistance.

What’s the best filling for a punching bag?

Punching bags use a variety of fillings, such as fabric scraps, water, air, sand, and synthetic fibers. Some even use a combination of a few fillings.

Generally speaking, the highest quality punching bags are filled with natural fabrics or fibers because these tend to hold their shape and resist settling.

What are the benefits of using a punching bag?

Depending on what kind of training you do, regularly using a punching bag can come with several potential benefits.