The Best Free Standing Punch Bags
Free-standing punching bags avoid the hassle of installation and provide a moveable option which can be used and stored with ease. Yet they still satisfy with the thick thud that only a good punching session can give you ! In our Top 5 list find one that fits your space and fitness goals with a variety of options from lightning speed bags to ultra heavy hitters. We only feature products that are highly rated and reviewed.
1.Century BOB XL
Price: £330-400 Best For: Realistic heavy hits Material: Plastisol
Perfectly simulating a live training partner and landing at number 1 is the Body Opponent Bag (BOB). Its anatomic shape helps you perfect your targeting and accuracy while BOB's smiling face watches over you with love. The 270 pound base of sand or water provides a solid foundation backed up by a year warranty on purchases from the Century website. A further bonus with this bag is it can be purchased as a bundle with the wave master top or as a cheaper option on the non XL version. This is a feature I really like.
Customers like the quality, versatility, performance, and softness of the punching bag. They mention that it's very well made, great for training, and practicing a wide variety of combative moves. Reviews appreciate that it gives them an actual target and that it doesn't hurt even without gloves. Customers are also happy with adjustability, ease of hitting, and ease of setup. However, some customers report that the bag moves around a little. It has a 87 % 5 star rating.
2.Century Wave Master XXL
Price: £300- 400 Best For: All round/ Multisport Material: Foam
The Wavemaster XXL sits at number 2. A great all round punch bag ideal for boxing, Thai or kickboxing. Its full size and length provides a large striking surface for all kicks, punches, knees and elbows perfect for full body workouts. The base can be filled with either 270 pounds of water or 300 + of sand giving a solid position without heavy bobbing. I would recommend water for ease of filling.
Moving the bag is simple when banked 0n a angle and rolled. A further option featuring target zones increasing accuracy and entertainment is also available. The only downside of this bag is the vinyl exterior which could wear out within 3-5 years of heavy use. Customers like the sturdiness, quality and ease of assembly of the punching bag with over 75 % rating it a 5 star product.
3.Everlast Omniflex
Price: £140-200 Best For: Beginners/smaller spaces Material: Soft Foam
The Everlast Omniflex free-standing heavy bag comes in at number 3. This well priced bag is ideal for smaller spaces with it's flexing stem feature. It's great at absorbing blows without bobbing too far. Find your perfect punching position with the adjustable height feature from 59 to 67 inches.
The base fills with 200 pounds of water or sand making it suitable for heavier blows. It's compact size is useful for rapid storage. The only downside I found with this bag is its narrow filling funnel meaning entry of sand can be difficult. Customers like the quality, ease of assembly, entertainment value, and performance of the punching bag. Reviews mention that it stands strong, is good for workouts, and simulates a real match with 77 % 5 star reviews.
4.Century Uppercut Wave Master
Price: £230-260 Best For: Kicks/Easy Access Material: Synthetic Leather
The cone shaped top of the Uppercut Wave Master gives the ideal angle for perfecting kicks, optimal for Thai and TKD athletes landing at number 4. The shape also gives great sensation and impact for uppercuts (hence the name) something which not many other bags provide. The bag also features target zones on one side, a great feature.
Its easy role base and 7 level height adjustment make it easy for relocation and storage. Customers like the quality and shape of the punching bag. They mention it's sturdy, durable, and works well for practice. This bag has 86 % 5 star reviews.
5.RDX F6 6ft Kara
Price: £150-180 Best For: Stability Material: Faux Leather
The last bag in my list is the excellent RDX Kara, a very stable bag which is great value for money. It uses RDX octa-truss technology to increase the stability of the base and help in noise reduction. It employs 17 suction cups on the base to give unprecedented grip. It has a smaller base size and huge length making it ideal for all strikes without the risk of hitting the base.
The bag is available in a large range of colors and comes with gloves when purchased on the RDX site. Customers have found the filling funnel to be small and difficult for sand but water can be used easily. The suction cup design is innovative and something I haven't seen anywhere else giving the bag great stability. However these suction cups can be less effective on carpeted or softer surfaces so you may want to consider this before choosing this option. 79 % of customers rated this product 5 stars.
What to consider before your choice:
Dimensions and Weight: How tall do you want your bag to be ? Do you want to do low kicks ? A full size bag like options 2 and 5 are preferable for MMA and Thai style work. Heavier bags would be preferable for stronger more experienced athletes, whereas, a lighter bag would be preferable for athletes working on movement, speed and cardio or for beginners.
Base and Storage: All the bags on this list are solid and have good base systems however sway and rebound must be considered. If your looking to work in a smaller space options 1, 3 and 4 would be preferable although 3 can have more sway. Bags with adjustable height like 1, 3 and 4 are also more compact and easier to relocate and store.
Material: Consider feel and durability, finding a balance between give and firmness. Real leather will last longer but synthetic offers a similar feel for much cheaper. The bundle option found in the BOB bag in option 1 offers the perfect balance and is the best option I have seen anywhere online for price and quality.
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