Best boxing bags for beginners and pros alike, tried and tested

Stepping into the ring with the right boxing bag can be a game-changer for your training regime.

It’s not just about throwing punches; it’s about crafting your technique, building endurance and preparing for the unpredictability of a bout. The best boxing bag is more than a piece of equipment; it’s a testament to your dedication to the sport.

What should you look for in a boxing bag?

• Material: The first thing you'll want to keep in mind when it comes to choosing your boxing bag is its material. A premium leather bag is not only a nod to tradition but also a resilient choice that can take a beating and come back for more. Or, if you’re seeking a more eco-friendly option, modern synthetic materials offer durability while being kinder to the planet.
• Interior: The interior plays a crucial role as well. Opt for a bag filled with high-density foam to mimic the resistance of an opponent, or choose softer fillings like fabric scraps if you’re easing into the sport or mindful of injury.
• Weight: The heft and height of your bag will also dictate the flow of your workout. A heavier bag provides a solid target for those power punches, while a lighter one will swing more, challenging your speed and coordination.
• Adjustability: A bag with adjustable features allows you to customise your training, making it as versatile as your fighting style.
• Stitching: Pay attention to the quality of stitching and closures; these small details can make a big difference in the lifespan of your bag.
• Shape: Finally, the shape of the bag should align with your training goals. Traditional heavy bags are excellent for a comprehensive workout, but if you’re looking to incorporate kicks and knee strikes, a longer ‘banana’ bag could be your ally.

We've rounded up all of the best boxing bags below

Cleto Reyes Hero Training Bag

The Cleto Reyes Hero Training Bag is highly regarded in the boxing community for its quality and craftsmanship. It's known for its durable leather build, which is a hallmark of the Cleto Reyes brand, and each bag is carefully handcrafted.

Cleto Reyes has a long-standing reputation in the boxing world, with the brand’s equipment often being the choice of professionals and each bag is designed to withstand the rigours of intense training sessions. It's ideal for a variety of training purposes, from improving technique to building strength and endurance and is one of the larger models around - you'll want to double check the dimensions against your room size if you're training in a smaller space.

Buy now £386.89, BoxFit UK

Dripex Adult Free Standing Boxing Punch Bag

Whether you’re practising boxing, kickboxing or other martial arts, this freestanding bag provides a high-intensity workout experience and is a great addition to any home gym setup. This versatile boxing bag is suitable for both adults and teens and stands at an impressive 69 inches (175 cm), making it suitable for users ranging from 47 to 73 inches tall.

The bag has a diameter of 10 inches (26 cm), providing ample striking surface for punches and kicks and is equipped with an upgraded shock-absorbing system, with dual TPU absorbers and four springs working together to achieve 360° shock and noise absorption.

Buy now £98.93, Amazon

ONEX Heavy Filled Boxing Punch Bag

This ONEX Heavy Filled Boxing Punch Bag is designed for boxing and fitness enthusiasts and is available in various sizes, including 3ft, 4ft and 5ft. The 3ft version is suitable for compact spaces, while the larger sizes offer more striking surface and all of them have substantial weight to prevent excessive swinging during workouts.

The package comes with a wall bracket for easy installation and is designed to withstand repeated punches and kicks. You'll also find a range of other accessories included, like boxing gloves and a skipping rope for an all-rounder workout.

Buy now £35.30, Amazon

Cimac Freestanding Reflex Punch Ball and Boxing Bar

This Cimac Freestanding Reflex Punch Ball and Boxing Bar is a dynamic training tool designed for boxers and mixed martial arts practitioners with a focus on both speed and precision. Ideal for enhancing speed, precision, ducking and footwork skills, its PU reflex ball measures 20 cm x 29 cm, providing a responsive target for punches while the PU boxing bar is 60 cm long, allowing for a variety of strikes and blocks.

The stand can be adjusted from 160 cm to 190 cm, accommodating different user heights and its freestanding design means no additional carriage charge and easy setup.

Buy now £249.99, Amazon

Adidas Fat Punchbag

Looking for something a little larger than the standard boxing bag? This Adidas Fat Punchbag is ideal for kickboxing, MMA and other combat sports training, as well as general fitness workouts and features two layers of material for extra thickness, providing a solid and resistant surface for training.

It's made from PU but comes with a leather look and feel, offering a premium touch at a more budget-friendly price. Its construction and design make it a suitable choice for both beginners and experienced practitioners.

Buy now £199.88, Geezers Boxing

OUTSHOCK Adult Punching / Kicking Bag

The OUTSHOCK Adult Punching & Kicking Bag is a solid choice for those looking to enhance their martial arts or fitness routine at home. Its substantial weight, large striking surface and durable construction make it a great choice for any training space.

The bag weighs 50kg, making it stable enough for vigorous training sessions, with a large diameter of 38cm. It's especially good for beginners and is suitable for cardio practice, with an easy to inflate design.

Buy now £119.99, Decathlon

RDX 4ft Punchbag with Gloves, Chains and Bracket

This RDX 4ft Punchbag is made from high-quality materials, featuring a heavy-duty zip-fastened top closure to ensure maximum fill potential and durability. It also comes with free steel chains, a wall bracket and bag gloves, offering a complete setup for home boxing workouts at a budget friendly price.

The bag has a height of 121.92cm and a width of 40cm, providing a substantial area for a variety of punches and kicks and features a tethered loop facility at the base of the bag ensures swing reduction, making it suitable for intense training sessions.

Buy now £80.00, Argos

UFC PulseStrike Free Standing Punch Bag

Learn from the experts when you buy this UFC PulseStrike Free Standing Punch Bag: a heavy-duty training tool that's widely praised for being a great choice for practising all types of kicks and punches.

The punch bag features a tough PVC shell and offers a height adjustment range of 142cm-165cm (56"-65"). It has a solid and stable base that can be filled with either water or sand, adding to the bag’s stability during use and is quick and easy to assemble and move around, making it convenient for various training locations.

Buy now £179.00, Amazon

Sandee Sport Punch Bag

The durable construction and variety of sizes makes this Sandee Sport Punch Bag a great choice for both athletes and fitness enthusiasts. A high-quality training tool designed for combat sports enthusiasts, it's made from extra thick premium grade synthetic leather and was designed for practising kicking and other striking manoeuvres, as well as developing punching and kicking techniques.

While it's a more expensive model, it's handcrafted in Thailand, ensuring attention to detail and quality for those looking to learn Muay Thai from the experts.

Buy now £169.90, The Boxing Gloves

Empire Vertical Standing Punch Bag

Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate user, this Empire Standard Vertical Punch Bag offers durability, stability and a satisfying training experience. Crafted from premium matte-finish synthetic leather, this high-quality training equipment has a 34 cm (13.4 inches) diameter, providing a substantial striking surface and weighs a robust 40 kg (88 lbs), ensuring a powerful workout experience.

It's made from synthetic leather, which is both hard-wearing and easy to clean and comes equipped with a six-way chain suspension system for stability during training sessions.

Buy now £194.99, BoxFit UK

Verdict

There's a reason why it's used by the pros of the industry, the Cleto Reyes Hero Training Bag is the best option out there when it comes to a premium boxing experience.

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