Are you ready to take your Muay Thai training to the next level? Whether you’re a seasoned fighter or just starting your journey in this ancient and formidable martial art, having the right equipment is crucial for honing your skills and achieving peak performance.
This article will showcase the five best punching bags, each for a specific purpose. I’m sure you’ll be able to find at least one you want to get, so stay tuned for that!
If you’re interested in diversifying your Muay Thai training while gaining the ability to train at home, buying a punching bag should be your next choice. You simply won’t be able to progress as much without home equipment, especially if you train once or twice a week.
Now, without further introduction, let’s dive into the first punching bag I encourage you to buy. In fact, it’s the one I encourage you to buy because it provides the best balance between cost and effectiveness while providing quality and having a reliable brand behind it.
Here it is.
Overall Best Punching Bag
Everlast Power Core Freestanding Punching Bag
The first punching bag we’ll review is my favorite one, and that’s for a few reasons.
The first reason is the company behind it. Everlast is one of the most popular and reliable companies in the Boxing, Muay Thai, and martial arts world. They provide their customers with cost-effective, high-quality products. If you’ve never heard of them, it’s time you do. So that’s the first reason.
The second reason is the product itself (obviously.) But what about this punching bag is so appealing and attractive to me? To that, I have one answer, it provides everything you’ll ever need from a Muay Thai punching bag.
It provides durability, portability, energy dispersion, and a compact design. Essentially, it’s everything you’ll ever need to start training Muay Thai at home.
Everlast did a fantastic job with this punching bag. They are designed to be one of the most practical ones on the market while not being too costly. These are the reasons I listed it as the overall best Muay Thai punching bag.
Best Budget Punching Bag
Prorobust Punching Bag (Set)
My budget choice is this complete set made by Prorobust. If it were to come only as a heavy bag and not a set, I would still have considered listing it as the best budget choice, as it’s extremely affordable, especially compared to the Everlast bag we reviewed previously.
Its price is lower than all the punching bags on this list, which might make it more appealing to you. However, it’s not a freestanding punching bag, such as the Everlast Power Core Bag. You would have to hang it somewhere, which can provide issues for some people. Here’s how you can install it in your garage (DIY.)
So if you’re capable of installing this punching bag somewhere and are on a limited budget, this is a fantastic choice for you to buy. It also comes with a set of 12oz gloves, which are fantastic for heavy bag training.
The heavy bag itself comes unfilled, which is excellent for shipping and transporting considerations. You would also have to fill it, which isn’t as difficult as hanging it. You can use sand, unused clothes, and many other materials.
Anyways, this punching bag is the one I would go for if I were on a budget. Definitely consider it as the one you’ll eventually get!
Best Punching Bag for Home Gym
JUOIFIP Standing Punching Bag
The next punching bag we’ll review is the one I’ve decided to list as the best for your home gym. The reason for that is that it answers all the criteria of being suitable for a home gym. These criteria are portable, high-quality, and easy to set up—while not requiring as much space.
This is the perfect punching bag for that if you truly think about it. It doesn’t require as much space, which is a critical factor, especially for people who are unwilling in investing a lot of space in a home gym and a punching bag. Therefore, this heavy bag comes and solves that problem.
Likewise, it’s easy to set up, as it comes unfilled and with a pump. Many punching bags that require a pump to fill don’t actually come with one. They expect you to either buy one or to have a spare sitting somewhere. Because JUOIFIP includes a pump, it becomes much easier to set up.
It’s also an affordable punching bag that comes with suitable gloves. So if you want to get an entire set with a single purchase or from one company, consider buying this one.
The last thing I’ll mention in this punching bag is the detail in which the brand behind it has gone into. The problem I faced with my punching bag at home is that it always moves to the wall, which ends up scratching it and ruining the paint. JUOIFIP made sure to design it in a way that it bounces back instead of moving.
Best Punching Bag for Kids
Atlasonix Punching Bag for Kids
The next punching bag we’ll review is my choice of the best for children. If your kid is doing martial arts, then you’re doing something right. While not a parent yet, I know how beneficial martial arts can be for kids. So if you’re thinking about signing up your child for a martial arts class, whether it’s Muay Thai, BJJ, Judo, or any other one, know that I’m a big believer in that.
It’ll shape your child so he or she grows to be a much more dedicated adult. And dedication is definitely a missing piece in many adults’ lives, so you definitely want to make sure that your kid grows to be one.
Alright; I think I swerved into a bit of a tangent, but it was worth it since knowing the benefits of martial arts, both for adults and children, is critical.
Anyways, this punching bag is the one I would buy for my kid if I could do so. It’s easy to set up and doesn’t require a lot of space, to say the least. Therefore, if you’re interested in getting your child to practice Muay Thai or any other martial art at home, this is the one you want to buy.
Learn more about the benefits of Muay Thai by following this link!
Best Punching Bag for Beginners
Fairtex Heavy Bag Banana
We’re already in the last punching bag of this article. It really has been fun to research and write about the best ones that are currently on the market, as this piece of equipment is incredibly important for your Muay Thai journey. Without a high-quality one, you won’t be able to learn nearly as fast, which is why I’ve invested that much time into my research for this article.
Fairtex is one of the best brands, and it’s obvious once you read more of my work. In almost all my Muay Thai reviews did I include at least a single product of theirs. It’s quite amazing for me to see just how awesome these guys are.
This punching bag is no different. It’s one of the best ones you’ll be able to find, particularly for beginners. While it’s a bit more costly, it’ll provide anything you’ll ever ask from your punching bag. You, like the first one, have to hang it somewhere, which you can easily do either by building a hanger or buying one.
This Fairtex punching bag comes in many designs and styles, so you can choose the one you like best. Likewise, it’s versatile and doesn’t require a lot of space since it’s a banana bag, which is a long punching bag that resembles the thickness of a banana.
If you’re a beginner and are looking for a high-quality punching bag to pair your Muay Thai journey with, Fairtex got you. This product is awesome and I highly encourage you to buy it.
If you want to buy the best Muay Thai mouthguard to keep your dental health in check during training, follow this link to see which they are.
How to Choose a Punching Bag in Muay Thai
Choosing the right punching bag for you can mean a lot. It can truly make a difference, although you might currently think that’s not the case. Therefore, I encourage you to read the following factors to have a better understanding of how to choose a Muay Thai punching bag properly.
- Bag Type: As discussed earlier, the primary types of punching bags for Muay Thai are heavy bags and banana bags. Decide which one aligns better with your training goals. If you want to focus on power and conditioning, a heavy bag is ideal. If you want to work on precision and targeting, a banana bag is a better choice.
- Size and Weight: The size and weight of the bag are crucial considerations. Heavy bags typically range from 70 to 150 pounds, while banana bags are lighter. A heavier bag provides more resistance for power training, while a lighter bag allows for quicker strikes and better movement.
- Material and Filling: Look for a bag made from durable materials like leather or high-quality synthetic materials. The filling should be firm and even, ensuring consistent resistance and impact absorption.
- Hanging or Free-standing: Decide whether you want a hanging bag (suspended from the ceiling) or a free-standing bag (with a base). Hanging bags are more common and offer better movement and swing, replicating a real opponent. Free-standing bags are convenient if you cannot hang a bag or need portability.
- Space and Ceiling Height: Consider the available space in your training area and the height of your ceiling. Hanging bags require enough space to swing without hitting walls or other obstacles. Make sure the ceiling is high enough to accommodate the bag’s length when hanging.
- Brand and Quality: Choose reputable brands known for producing high-quality punching bags. A well-made bag will last longer and provide a better training experience.
- Budget: Determine your budget and find the best punching bag that fits within your price range. While quality is essential, there are options available for various budgets.
- Additional Features: Some bags come with extra features like adjustable height, target markings, or padding on specific areas. These features can add versatility and enhance your training experience.
- Try Before Buying: If possible, try hitting the bags in person at a store or gym to get a feel for their weight, size, and responsiveness. This can help you make an informed decision.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews and seek recommendations from fellow Muay Thai practitioners or experts to gain insights into the best options available.
Final Words
With these top five punching bags in your arsenal, you’re armed with the tools to elevate your Muay Thai skills to unparalleled heights. All you need to do now is choose based on the factors I’ve listed in the last section.
Likewise, if you want to buy the overall best one, the first one by Everlast is the one I know will fit your needs. It provides everything you’ll ever need from any punching bag, whether for an adult or a kid, novice or experienced. Doesn’t matter.
If you want to keep yourself as safe as possible when participating in one of the most dangerous combative sports in the world, Muay Thai, make sure to read the ultimate guide I wrote on the necessary protective equipment to have when doing Muay Thai.
Likewise, here are other articles you’d benefit from reading: