The Top 5 Speed Bags for Boxing and MMA Training: A Comprehensive Guide

Boxing training has historically utilized speed bags as an essential component. Floyd Mayweather Jr., a legendary boxer, was particularly renowned for his skill on the speed bag. This tool not only enhances physical fitness but also enhances speed and timing in boxing.

Initially, the speed bag can seem daunting as it moves rapidly and appears difficult to hit. However, with practice, one can develop a rhythm and become proficient in using it. Personally, I have come to love incorporating the speed bag into my training regimen and believe you will too.

If you’re in the market for a speed bag, you may be wondering which one to choose. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ve reviewed the top 10 best speed bags currently available and included a comprehensive buying guide to assist you in making an informed decision. Let’s identify the perfect speed bag for you!

Meister SpeedKills Leather Speed Bag

Ideal for both novice and skilled boxers, the Meister Speed Bag is our top pick for its outstanding all-around performance and affordability. This speed bag is an excellent choice for boxers seeking to boost their punch speed. While shadowboxing and practicing on a heavy bag can help develop speed, using this speed bag can elevate your punch speed to its maximum potential.

Available in small, medium, and large sizes, the Meister Speed Bag caters to boxers at various stages of their careers. The small bag is designed for experts, with the smallest target, the fastest rebound, and the highest precision. Boxers with some experience who wish to improve their repetition, speed, and accuracy should use the medium-sized bag. The large speed bag, with its ample target area, is an excellent training tool for beginners.

I appreciate the quality of the material used to construct the bag, as well as its durability. The Meister Speed Bag’s remarkable features and affordability make it the finest boxing speed bag currently on the market.

TITLE Boxing Gyro Balanced Speed Bag

The TITLE Boxing Gyro Balanced Speed Bag is a highly regarded product among customers due to its well-balanced weight and durable construction. Its gyro technology ensures enhanced stability, providing a consistent and dependable bounce, making it perfect for intense training sessions. Users appreciate the quality materials and secure attachment system, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced boxers.

This product is considered one of the best boxing speed bags available when considering all the factors. Although not a lightweight bag, it possesses excellent quality and resistance that can rival most heavy bags. The name “Gyro,” referring to gyroscope technology, indicates the product’s focus on balance, and TITLE has implemented “Gyro balanced manufacturing” to ensure the bag’s rapid recoil and rebounds make it the go-to choice for developing fast reflexes and improving boxing speed.

Using triple-reinforced leather for the top-grade shell sets this speed bag apart from the competition, and the butyl rubber bladder makes it lighter and better suited for speed bag work. However, some reviews mention that it may struggle to maintain air between sessions, so keeping an air pump handy is recommended.

While the bag can withstand a lot of use and last a long time, experienced users may prefer a smaller size as it can be slower than desired. Fortunately, the TITLE Boxing Gyro Balanced Speed Bag is available in XXS, the fastest speed bag in the collection, which challenges precision.

This speed bag is a versatile product, with excellent balance that allows everyone to develop their skills and shoulder muscles comfortably, preparing them for the challenge of smaller, faster speed bags in the future.

RINGSIDE CLETO REYES

Our admiration for Cleto Reyes’ boxing gear is not new to the boxing community. The company has been known for producing high-quality equipment, and their Ringside Cleto Reyes boxing speed bag is one of the top products in the market. The durability and balance of this speed bag make it one of our favorites.

Construction:

The genuine leather construction of this boxing speed bag feels like it is built to last forever. The handcrafted bag is made with attention to detail, ensuring each stitch is of the highest quality. The construction is comfortable, and there are no welts or concerns that can hinder the user’s experience. It comes in three colors: Mexican, red, and black.

Rebound:

The well-balanced feel of this speed bag gives a satisfying thump with swift and sweet rebounds. It is one of the best we have ever tested, along with the Balaz speed bag listed above. The bag contains latex rubber, which contributes to the quick rebound. However, some users have reported deflation after prolonged use, but Cleto Reyes has considered this issue, and an extra bladder is included in the package for replacement.

Pros:

• Handmade and excellent quality
• Swift and sweet rebounds
• Stitches are well-made and durable

Cons:

• Some users have reported deflation of the bag after extended use.

Balazs Lazer Speed Bag

The Balazs Lazer Speed Bags are a popular choice in the market, highly recommended for heavy-duty use. Made of smooth grained real leather, this bag is considered the most comfortable speed bag. Although real leather requires more care and maintenance compared to synthetic options, its longer lifespan is worth the attention. Moreover, the durability of this product saves you the trouble of buying replacements in the future.

Balazs assures customers that the air chamber will never pop, and the bladder only requires re-inflation after heavy use, which is an easy task. The bag’s smooth appearance, without visible lacing or seams, is perfect for building rhythm and speed as the occasional knock with a seam can disrupt balance and rebound. Additionally, the smooth leather is ideal for anyone with sensitive skin, as it doesn’t feel rough on the hands even after a hardcore session.

Although the hidden seams and laces provide a significant advantage in terms of speed bag training, they might not be as strong as the traditional speed bag stitching. Nonetheless, customers have reported that the durability of this product hasn’t been compromised.

The bag comes with a Kevlar triple-stitched loop, and its bladder is replaceable and can be inflated. However, the bag is bulky and heavy, making it expensive, but the quality and thickness of the material justify the price. If you’re looking for a professional-quality bag that’s gentle on the hands, the Balazs Lazer Speed Bag is the perfect choice for you.

FITVEN Freestanding Punching Bag

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

Pros: Comes with boxing gloves Allows for 360-degree use Easy to assemble

Cons: Base does not come filled Suction cups may loosen on heavier hits

FITVEN’s Freestanding Punching Bag is a great option for those looking for an affordable and easy-to-assemble option that comes with boxing gloves. Its 360-degree use allows for a more dynamic workout with a smaller footprint. The base does not come pre-filled, but it can be filled with sand or water. There are 12 suction cups on the bottom to keep it in place. We found setup to be simple when we followed the included instructions. The bag’s density was just right, not too hard and not too soft. However, we did notice that the suction cups came loose on harder hits, particularly uppercuts. It’s also worth noting that this bag setup ships in two separate packages, which may be an issue for those with limited space.

Buyer’s Guide – What Makes the Best Speed Bags?

When it comes to speed bags, it’s important to choose the right size to suit your needs. Speed bags are available in various sizes and shapes, and each one has a specific purpose. Larger speed bags are typically used for more intense impact work, but this doesn’t necessarily make them easier to use.

If you plan to use the speed bag for drills that require power shots on a moving target, it’s best to go for a larger bag, anything larger than 9×6”. However, beginners should note that larger bags aren’t necessarily easier to use than smaller ones. The challenge lies in finding and maintaining a rhythm, which can be more difficult with big, slow bags.

For beginners, smaller bags are often easier to learn with as they rebound more quickly and respond better to touch, making it easier to establish a flow. Additionally, smaller bags are better for speed bag-specific skill training, while heavier bags are better for power punching.

It’s also worth noting that the size of the bag you choose will affect how frequently you need to refill it. Larger bags tend to require more frequent refills due to the increased air loss from the intense punching.

Before purchasing a speed bag, consider the type of training you plan to do and choose the appropriate size accordingly.

FAQs

Are speed bags only for people training to box?A. You don’t have to be a boxer to reap the benefits of a speed bag. If you’re looking for a workout to tone your arms and shoulders without involving weights, going a few rounds with a speed bag can do the trick. Because you move around as you hit the bag, a speed bag workout can also get your heart pumping for effective cardio work that burns calories and fat when you’re tired of the usual treadmill or elliptical workout.

Do I need boxing gloves to work out with a speed bag?

A. Boxing gloves are fairly heavy, so they can actually slow you down when you’re trying to hit a speed bag with the right rhythm. Since it’s not as hard as a heavy bag, you can do your speed bag training with bare hands or hand wraps, which are made of lightweight cloth that won’t slow you down.

Can a speed bag’s bladder be reinflated?

A. A speed bag’s bladder can lose air over time, which requires it to be reinflated. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the proper reinflation procedure. Most bags can be inflated with a basic hand pump and inflation needle.