Punching bags are an essential tool for anyone wanting to improve on their martial art or boxing skills. Training with a punching bag helps improve your punching and kicking strength as well as attacking and counter-attacking skills.
Top 10 Best Punching Bag Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Features | Rating (1-5) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Century The Original Wavemaster Training Bag | 7 adjustable heights Can be filled with sand or water Round base design | 3 | $$$$ |
 | Century Wavemaster XXL Training Bag (Black) | More heavy and stable Can be filled with sand or water Round base design 2 color options 1 year warranty | 3 | $$$$$ |
 | Everlast CardioBlast Heavy Bag, 40-Pound, Black/Pink | Women-centric design Soft filling 120 days warranty Low price | 3.5 | $$$ |
 | Everlast HydroStrike Water Bag, 100 lb, Black | Aesthetic design Hydro strike technology 2-year warranty | 3.5 | $$ |
 | Century Versys Fight Simulator (with 10184B Base) | Versatile usage Handles on both the ends Pre-filled sand base | 3.5 | $$$$$ |
 | Boxing MMA 100lbs Heavy Bag Filled | Adjustable height & weight Pre-filled design Additional vinyl cover Free color customization Free addition of D-ring 10-year warranty | 4 | $$ |
 | Muay Thai Punching Bag 6ft 150lbs Unfilled Black | Greater height Adjustable weight Soft cloth filling Attached D rings 10-year warranty | 4.5 | $$ |
 | Everlast Single Station Heavy Bag Stand with a 70-lb. Heavy Bag Kit | Complete punching bag kit Scratch resistant stand 3 weight plate pegs | 4.5 | $$$ |
 | Muay Thai Heavy Bag (130 pounds) FILLED | Greater height Adjustable height & weight Soft cloth filling Free addition of D-ring 10-year warranty | 4.5 | $$$$ |
 | Muay Thai Punching Bag Black and White 6ft 130lbs FILLED | Greater height Adjustable height & weight Soft cloth filling 4-layer ‘No Tear’ technology Free addition of D-ring 10-year warranty | 5 | $$$$ |
No matter whether you are learning boxing, karate or any martial arts, you need a good punching bag for your training. And even if you aren’t an amateur or professional fighter, a quality bag ensures that you get a great work out.
Not only does it improve your total body strength but also boosts your confidence and helps de-stress. Thus, it is an investment to your overall health. However, not all punching bags are same. There is considerable difference in features, stability and durability, making some way better than others.
To help you find the best punching bag, we bring you all the necessary information including the types, benefits, downsides and reviews of the 10 best punching bags in market. Stay tuned to know more.
What types of Punching Bags are There?
You will find 4 types of punching bags in market: heavy, speed, uppercut and double-ended.
Heavy punching bags provide weight resistance without being too harsh and hence, they are ideal for strength training. They are usually filled with sand or water.
While sand allows for more durability and strength, water is ideal for kickback ability and variable weight exercises. For most bags, weight is fairly standardized and can’t be adjusted but if you want to practice with varying weights, opt for water filled bags as their weight can be adjusted by adding or removing the quantity of water.
If you intend to strengthen your punches and kicks, heavy punching bags give you all the muscle toning you need. Just make sure that you select a suitable weight option according to your body weight. If too heavy, the bag can even lead to hand and knuckle injuries.
Since they come in both hanging and free standing styles, you can choose one according to the amount of space available with you. Hanging ones are more versatile and durable but they require a dedicated space where they can be hung in the room. On the other hand, free standing models can be fit anywhere but they are more appropriate for light training.
Speed bags are for those wanting to achieve high punching speed. They are mounted on ceilings and because they are filled with air, they bounce back very quickly when hit with power. This not just helps improve speed but also hand and eye coordination.
Uppercut bags are the mini version of heavy punching bags. These are designed especially for waist level training. They are mounted parallel to the wall, making it convenient for the athlete to practice striking from waist to chin level.
Double ended bags are about the size of a basketball and have two strings attached to both ends. One string is to be tied to the floor and the other to the ceiling. The bag hits back quickly when beaten and is ideal for practicing counter striking skills.
Benefits of Best Punching Bag
All punching bags aren’t same or well-suited to everyone’s requirements. And you don’t want to randomly pick the first punching bag that you come across, right?
Your fitness and training is important, so invest in only the best punching bag. Make sure that it is well padded as without proper padding, you’ll stand a good chance of injuring your hand or feet when hitting the bag. Padding usually consists of heavy foam, gel sacs or compressed soft fiber.
Of these, heavy foam is best as it efficiently absorbs the energy of each blow and lessens the impact on your body. You will see that these bags are usually made from leather, synthetic leather and canvas. If you can, opt for leather bags are these are the toughest and most durable.
They are most expensive too. Canvas is easy to break and though synthetic leather is low-priced and looks similar to real leather, the feel and experience is not the same. Another important thing to note is that its weight should be proportionate to your height and weight.
For example, for an average male weighing around 190 pounds and who is 5 feet 10 inches tall, a model weighing around 50 to 70 pounds is perfect.
If the athlete is smaller in height, he can opt for a bag weighing less than 70 pounds and if taller, a heavier bag can be used but it shouldn’t be more than 100 pounds.
If the bag is too light, it will move a lot when hit, thus throwing off your training rhythm. On the other hand, if it is too heavy, it will move with difficulty and may even cause you injuries. Also note that it should also be adjustable in height, so that you can practice upper and lower level punches.
Other than this, warranty is also important. Punching bags usually do not come with long warranties and though warranties do not cover abuse, they do cover things like bad stitching and defective materials. With a trusted, high quality product, you are sure to have the best experience and peace of mind.
Downsides of Punching Bags
The only drawback is that mounting punching bags is often troublesome. They withstand a lot of abuse, so for hanging models, you need to find a very sturdy spot that can hold the bag firmly.
If you do not have proper space, you can opt for free standing bags but they are not as versatile and durable. Also, their base often damages wooden floors. And if you intend to mount a punching bag outdoors, know that these bags easily develop molds if kept in humid area. So, before buying one, make sure that you have an appropriate place for it.
10. Century The Original Wavemaster Training Bag (Black)
The Original Wavemaster is one of the best selling bags from Century. It is one of their first designs in the series of free-standing heavy bags and has been in market for over 10 years. Made of a vinyl cover and foam filler, it is similar to a soft filled bag.
The padding is 4” thick and though it doesn’t give the same resistance as a hanging heavy bag, it is easier on your joints. It is mounted on a large plastic base that can be filled with either sand or water for stability.
Some users like using water while others like to use sand- it’s only a matter of preference! When filled, it weighs around 250 pounds. It is not too heavy and rocks a bit when struck though. Otherwise, it measures just 22 pounds when empty.
It measures 47.1 x 24.8 x 24.8 inches and has 7 adjustable heights ranging from 47 to 68 inches, with 3 inch increments. This means that if you assemble the bag at its lowest point, the height from floor to the top of bag would be 47” and if you raise it up to its highest point, it would be 68”. This way, tall people can also adjust it as they see fit and use the training bag with ease.
However, if you are above 6″, this bag may not be of much use. You can then opt for its larger version, Wavemaster XXL which has almost two times higher and wider striking area. Raising and lowering the bag will also allow you to practice different styles of punches, kicks and grappling.
Since it is made in free-standing style, it is fairly portable and easy to store. Its base is round, so it’s easier to store. Just roll it and it will fit into any compact space. It offers optimal resistance, rapid rebound and is also quite durable, making it a nice entry-level product for those looking for an alternative to hanging heavy bags.
Pros:
- 7 adjustable heights
- Can be filled with sand or water
- Round base design
Cons:
- The bag is not very silent and makes noise every time you hit it, especially if it’s filled with water.
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9. CenturyWavemaster XXL Training Bag
If you like the Original Wavemaster but wish for larger size and more padding, CenturyWavemaster XXL is all you need. Manufactured by the same company, it is very reliable but relatively new in market.
It is a 27 x 27 x 68.5 inches free standing bag with vinyl cover and high-density foam filler. As it is almost 69 inches tall, it gives larger surface area than most other punching bags but the height is not adjustable. Its plastic base can be filled with sand or water and when full, the bag weighs about 270 pounds.
Because of the heavy base and the foam filler that distributes force evenly, the bag does not move very much when hit. This makes it a great choice for both recreational users as well as serious martial artists.
Also, as it does not require large training space and is easy to store, it can be a great addition to any home gym. It comes in black and blue colors, both of which look great. It is sturdy, durable and can stand up to power shots really well. And although it is bit expensive, it is indeed a great option for beginner to intermediate fighters.
Pros:
- More heavy and stable
- Can be filled with sand or water
- Round base design
- 2 color options
- 1 year warranty
Cons:
- High price
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8. Everlast CardioBlast Heavy Bag, 40-Pound, Black/Pink
This freestanding bag is designed especially for women. It comes in a black and pink color combination and is light enough (just 40 pounds) for women for their cardio and conditioning workouts.
It is filled with compressed fabric and if you want to add more weight, just unzip the hole at its top and insert more filling- it’s that simple! Compared to traditional heavy punching bags, it is much softer and does not hurt knuckles.
It comes filled and with straps to hang it. It is 40 inches in height and 11.5 inches in diameter, giving a large striking area for punches as well as high kicks. The shell is made from synthetic leather and has reinforced webbing, so it’s very durable.
This bag is small, light weight and easy to drag around. It can be a perfect addition to any home gym, giving you a quick way to burn some calories. If you are a woman or you want to gift a bag to a special woman in your life, this is the best punching bag for your need. Also, the price is very low, making it an attractive deal.
Pros:
- Women-centric design
- Soft filling
- 120 days warranty
- Low price
Cons:
- It moves a lot since it is small and light.
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7. EverlastHydroStrike Water Bag, 100 lb, Black
This compact bag from Everlast is designed with an inner water bladder that gives it a very life-like feel and resilient built. Its urethane bladder is a super durable .02 inch radio frequency welded TPU that can withstand a lot of pounding.
The outside shell is covered with a heavy duty .03 inch thick vinyl coated poly canvas and has cross poly propylene webbing reinforcement at the base.
This construction is based on Hydro strike technology that increases strike absorption and makes the bag easier on joints. Since it is made in hanging style, it has an attached hanging bracket and chain for easy installation. It measures 14.2 x 14.2 x 28.1 inches and once fully filled with water, it weighs around 100 pounds.
There is a zipper access and sweeper nozzle on top of the bag for easy filling. It looks great and also offers great action for boxing/fitness training. Moreover, it comes with a 2-year warranty, so that gives users some peace of mind.
Pros:
- Aesthetic design
- Hydro strike technology
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- It moves a lot since it is small and light.
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6. Century Versys Fight Simulator (with 10184B Base)
This is one of the most versatile punching bags in market as it is suitable for all kinds of combat training from jiu-jitsu to taekwondo. Unlike regular free standing bags, it has a very small base, an extra-large striking surface (60 x 10 x 10 inches) and handles on both the ends.
This means that you don’t just get ample striking area for all kinds of kicks and punches but also, you get a structure that can be easily tossed on floor for ground and pound training.
The two handles are there so that you can grab onto them when practicing knee strikes and this is again a very unique and convenient feature. These handles also facilitate a multitude of other workouts such as sit ups and leg lifts. If you prefer mixed training or like experimenting with workouts, this is the best punching bag for your need.
It is also relatively forgiving and has nice foam padding to disperse all force. It has a durable vinyl shell, canvas straps and a pre-filled sand base that eliminates the need to fill or unfill it every now and then.
It weighs about 100 pounds, so it’s heavy enough to withstand abuse but also light enough to drag around. It works well for all kinds of combat training and experience levels, so you can’t go wrong with this one.
Pros:
- Versatile usage
- Handles on both the ends
- Pre-filled sand base
Cons:
- It moves a lot due to its light weight.
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5. Boxing MMA 100lbs Heavy Bag Filled
This model by Outslayer is every bit of a surprise due to its outstanding features in a reasonable price tag. It is a 100-pound pre-filled model that’s 55 inches tall but the height can be extended to up to 65 inches by varying the strap lengths.
Similarly, the weight can also be increased to up to 300 pounds if needed by adding extra filler. Since the straps are already sewn onto the bag, you don’t need to use chains for installation. The shell of the bag is made of heavy duty vinyl and the core is foam.
And interestingly, it comes with an additional vinyl cover that’s totally reusable. So, you can use it to drag your bag from one place to another while keeping it scratch free. The company has been generous enough to offer free color customization and D-ring on the bottom of bag upon request.
To add a D-ring to secure your bag to floor (if you find it swinging too much) or to get a particular color combination, just drop a message to the company and they’ll do it for free. Moreover, it comes with a 10-year warranty that’s much longer than what any other company is offering.
If there is any problem with your bag in 10 years, just send them its picture and you will get a brand new bag (unless the damage is caused by weather or sharp objects). This Outslayer product offers great action for boxing and MMA training and it is very reliable too.
Pros:
- Adjustable height & weight
- Pre-filled design
- Additional vinyl cover
- Free color customization
- Free addition of D-ring
- 10-year warranty
Cons:
- Some users complained that the print came off easily after use.
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4. Muay Thai Punching Bag 6ft 150lbs Unfilled Black
The Muay Thai Punching Bag is another very durable and well constructed bag from Outslayer. It has a thick vinyl shell and lots of reinforcement stitching. Unlike most punching bags, it is not filled with sand or water but with 150 pounds of soft cloth.
Yet, it is quite firm and provides good resistance to strikes. Another good thing is that it has 300 pounds capacity, so if you want it to be heavier, you can add more fabric anytime. It has chrome covered D rings and 4 straps attached to it, so you don’t need additional chains around it.
They not just reduce bouncing but also make it much quieter to use the bag. The Muay Thai measures 14 inches in diameter and 72 inches in height, so it is taller than most other freestanding bags and is thus more convenient for tall people. It also comes with a good 10-year warranty, making it an excellent investment.
Pros:
- Greater height
- Adjustable weight
- Soft cloth filling
- Attached D rings
- 10-year warranty
Cons:
- Some users complained that the print came off easily after use.
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3. Everlast Single Station Heavy Bag Stand with a 70-lb. Heavy Bag Kit
This is a complete kit with a 70-pound punching bag, a steel stand, bracket mounts, chain assembly, boxing gloves and hand wraps. Hence, you do not need to buy any extra equipment. The stand measures 57 x 47.6 x 88.2 inches, is extremely sturdy and can support bags up to 100 pounds.
Also, it comes with three weight plate pegs for maximum stability. The frame is powder-coated, so it is completely scratch resistant. If you prefer to hang the bag from ceiling, you can easily do so using the bracket mounts and chain assembly.
The design is such that it takes up minimal floor space. The bag measures 12 inches in diameter and 36 inches in height. It has a custom filling of fiber and sifted sand and although it isn’t heavy enough for professional use, it is perfect for beginner level training and conditioning. Overall, it is a great starter package with great value for money.
Pros:
- Complete punching bag kit
- Scratch resistant stand
- 3 weight plate pegs
Cons:
- Some users complained that the gloves aren’t comfortable.
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2. Muay Thai Heavy Bag (130 pounds) FILLED
This is another great Outslayer bag that we recommend. Their Muay Thai Heavy Bag measures 14 inches in width and 72 inches in height but the height can be further extended by 12 inches using its 4 straps.
These straps are made of the same heavy duty material as the bag and they eliminate the need to use chains for installation. The bag weighs around 130 pounds and can hold up to 300 pounds without warping or breaking, so you can add more weight if you want to.
The shell is made of tear-resistant vinyl and the core is machine compressed fabric. Usage of fabric gives it perfect density and consistency while preventing hollow or hard spots. The company adds an extra-padded D-ring on the bottom of your bag if you ask for it at the time of order.
This service is free and allows you to secure your bag to floor and reduce swinging. The bag offers great weight resistance and can withstand years of abuse.
What’s more relieving is that it comes with good 10-year warranty that covers everything except for damage by weather and sharp objects. It is a reliable product and definitely worth considering when buying a new bag.
Pros:
- Greater height
- Adjustable height & weight
- Soft cloth filling
- Free addition of D-ring
- 10-year warranty
Cons:
- High price
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1. Muay Thai Punching Bag Black and White 6ft 130lbs FILLED
This bag comes in a beautiful black and white color combination that grabs your attention instantly. It is a big 14 x 14 x 72 inches structure made of heavy duty vinyl that is also very easy to clean. It has 12 inches straps for installation, so with that, it can be as tall as 84 inches.
These 4 straps are designed with 4-layer ‘No Tear’ technology, so they are extremely sturdy and durable. The bag weighs 150 pounds, which is good enough but you can add more weight if you want to. It can hold over 300 pounds and is filled with compressed fabric only.
There are no sand fillers which often lead to hard and hollow spots. If you are a professional fighter or heaviness is your criteria, this is the best punching bag for you. This bag is designed for extreme workout and is ideal for disciplines like Muay Thai, kickboxing and MMA.
To add a D-ring on the bottom of your bag to secure it to floor, just send a message with your order and the company will add it for free. Also, it comes with good 10-year warranty and money back guarantee if not satisfied, so there is nothing really to lose!
Pros:
- Greater height
- Adjustable height & weight
- Soft cloth filling
- 4-layer ‘No Tear’ technology
- Free addition of D-ring
- 10-year warranty
Cons:
- High price
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Editors Choice of Best Punching Bag
Our search for the best punching bag finally ended with the Muay Thai Punching Bag Black and White 6ft 130lbs FILLED. It is big enough for tall people and heavy enough for professional athletes. And both the height and weight can be extended for ease.
Unlike most other punching bags, it can hold over 300 pounds and since the attached straps are designed with 4-layer ‘No Tear’ technology, they are able to support that much of weight.
It is not a cheap export and all parts are professionally crafted in USA only from thread to material. It is exceptionally sturdy, stable and creates more resistance.
And while it is tough, it is also forgiving enough for beginners, thanks to its perfectly consistent, thick filling.
It is a popular product and is already being used in fitness centers and gyms around the globe. It has every feature to fall for and also an incredible warranty of 10 years to secure your investment. We rate it 10/10 and recommend it to our readers.
Have you used any of these punching bags? Do share your experiences and views by leaving your comments in the box below.
For more workout and sports equipment related reviews make sure to read through the Ping Pong Paddles review, Indoor Soccer Shoes or simply Ab Toning Belts if you want to shed a few pounds of body fat!
