Last updated on : January 17th, 2023 at 03:09 pm
The question is: what size boxing gloves do I need for a heavy bag? Everyone in the boxing world knows that the right equipment is needed to do the right job.
You need the right pair of gloves to start heavy bag work, which also means getting the correct size.
But it can get confusing at times. We understand that it is normal. They may feel as overwhelmed as you when they started this sport.
Worry no more because we are here to help you. This post will provide the necessary details to get the right size gloves for a heavy bag.
So, without further ado, let us get into it!
Boxing Glove Size
The sizer of a boxing glove is measured using ounces. So when we are talking about the size of the gloves, what we mean here is their weight.
The standard weights of boxing gloves are 12 ounces, 14 ounces, and 16 ounces. As you can see, the weight is represented by ounces.
The number indicates the amount of padding between the heavy bag or your opponent and your hands.
But they might also be offered using the standard sizes small, medium, and large. You can also find extra small or extra-large sizes if needed.
Refer to the usual boxing gloves size guide, which includes xs, s, m, l, xl, and XXL.
In general, lighter boxing gloves are more appropriate for practicing or training. That is why they are often referred to as training gloves.
For sparring and fighting, however, you will need heavier boxing gloves.
3 Factors To Consider When Choosing The Right Size Gloves
In knowing the right size of gloves needed for heavy bag work, you have to consider several things.
This includes the weight of the heavy bag, the size of your hands, and your weight.
Let us discuss each of those factors below for you to better understand them. Simply follow this guide, and you will get the right fit for your needs.
#1. Heavy bag weight
The size you need for heavy bag work will depend on the bag’s weight.
For instance, if the bag is lower than 50 pounds, your boxing gloves must be 14 ounces.
If the bag ranges from 50 to 70 pounds, your gloves must be 16 ounces. Now, if your bag is between 70 and 100 pounds, an 18-ounce glove will suffice.
You need to get a pair of 20-ounce gloves if your heavy bag is around 100 to 120 pounds. If the bag is over 120 pounds, your gloves must be 20 ounces.
As you can see, the heavier the bag, the higher the weight of your gloves.
#2. Hand size
Other than the weight of the bag, you also need to take into account your hand size.
Of course, you will have to look for a pair of smaller gloves if your hands are of small size.
The same goes for those with larger hands. They need to find a pair of gloves that can fit their large hands.
You should not try cramming your hands in smaller gloves if your hand circumference is too big.
Size up when necessary. This way, you can ensure that the gloves match your hand size. Remember that smaller gloves also come with smaller hand pockets.
#3. Your body weight
The weight of the boxing gloves will also depend on the boxer’s weight.
If you are a lightweight fighter, you do not need larger gloves, unlike heavyweight boxers who need a pair of larger gloves.
The best choice is 12-ounce gloves. Typically, they are called bag gloves. These types of gloves will let you throw punches at speed.
All while not sacrificing the protection of your knuckles.
When you think you need your gloves to be more comfortable during bag workouts, consider a heavier glove, as they have extra pads.
Besides padding, added weight also means that the endurance of your punch will improve during workouts.
What Size Boxing Gloves Do You Need For A Heavy Bag?
Before we get into the specifics of your boxing glove size, it would be best to understand everything about the heavy bag first.
On average, a heavy bag would weigh around 70 pounds and about 36 inches in length. Its height is usually about 5 feet, and its diameter is about 14 inches.
If you own a standard heavy bag, it can take about 1000 punches.
Now, if you wonder how long heavy bags usually last, it would be about 2 years on average.
And the good thing about them is that they usually come with a one-year warranty.
Now, back to your question: what size boxing gloves do I need for a heavy bag? Take note of all the things mentioned above.
Just so you know, the most popular one is 18 ounces among all boxing glove sizes. This site is mainly used for heavy bag workouts.
But it can also be used for other applications.
You might as well pick the size according to your box training goals.
Given that gloves with heavier weight also need you to effort more in punching the heavy bag and lifting your hands.
In case you want to work on building your endurance and muscle strength, then you can size up and train with a pair of heavy bags.
If you want to work on your speed, you can size down for increased output or punching speed.
Again, you can change your glove size depending on your goals.
What Size Boxing Gloves Do I Need For A Sparring Partner?
When you decide to train with a sparring partner, it might be time to also resort to heavier gloves.
This is important for protecting your sparring partner as you throw heavy flows.
In case I forgot to mention elsewhere in this post, heavier gloves mean more padding on the knuckle area, which is essential for sparring.
Since your sparring partner is protected against your blows, you can throw your punches like in an actual match. You need not limit the power of your punches.
Gloves with weights ranging from 14 to 16 ounces or even more are ideal as they are prescribed for all-around use. But then again, it will depend on your hand size.
A pair of boxing gloves with that size is not only used for heavy bag workouts but also ideal for sparring, hitting pads, and general training.
With heavy bag training, you can develop hand strength with repetitive blows towards the heavy bag. This also means added power.
Remember that in a fight or sparring, it is recommended for boxers to size up. This is to ensure both comfort and safety while boxing.
With this, you can have a versatile glove. This is also ideal when you are not sure whether or not you will do this for a workout on a heavy bag or for fighting later on.
You can get started with 12 to 14 ounces. But the average boxing glove size is 16 ounces, so we recommended 14 to 16 ounces earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s find the answers to your questions:
#1. What benefits come with using a heavy bag?
There is a lot, actually. It includes increased power and speed, improved balance and coordination, and increased endurance and strength.
Other than that, a heavy bag workout is also great for your whole body. You can exercise your arms, shoulders, back, and legs.
It is helpful when you want to improve your accuracy and punching technique.
#2. What types of boxing gloves are available in the market?
There is a variety of options when it comes to boxing gloves. One of the most common ones is the traditional gloves used for boxing which are made of leather.
They are also filled with pads to protect your wrists and hands.
Another boxing glove type that is quite popular is the MMA gloves. This is designed for the competitions of mixed martial arts fighters.
How to put on MMA gloves might be helpful to you if you opt for this type of boxing gloves.
#3. How often should you change your boxing gloves?
If you own sparring or training gloves, you can change them after each sparring match or training session. This is what most boxers do.
Other boxers would also keep spare gloves to alternate them when training. But some only have one pair and use them for every session.
However, it is best to change gloves to keep them free of bacteria.
It’s A Wrap!
Hopefully, this article answered your question: what size boxing gloves do I need for a heavy bag.
If you already know what size to get, you can proceed to the nearest boxing equipment store or browse online to get the right pair.
Take note that the average price of a pair of boxing gloves intended for heavy bag training is around 30 dollars.
You should be aware of this information so you will not get overpriced products.
That’s pretty much it for today! Thank you for reading, folks!