The Best Freestanding Punching Bags For Adults
While the most ruthless training often calls for a heavyweight hanging bag, freestanding bags have unique advantages, such as easy installation, making them a great choice for training sessions at home. Whether you're getting ready for match day or just looking to tone up and shed a few pounds, it'll be easier to feel motivated and stick to your exercise plan when you can clock in a few hours outside the gym at your leisure. Get ready with your deadliest jabs and hooks, and don't forget your roundhouse kicks, because we've rounded up our top freestanding punching bags for adults.
What to Look For
Finding the ideal freestanding punching bag will depend on your discipline of choice, and there are a few things you can bear in mind during your search to ensure you choose a good punching bag for you. For example, if you’re a kickboxer, you’ll need a large striking area to accommodate low kicks as well as high punches. The hardest hitters should look for a hefty base, favoring sand-filled options over water for maximum resistance. And if you’re planning to train without gloves or other protection, be sure to factor in the texture of the cover material. With all that in mind, our top pick is the Powercore bag from Everlast. This heavyweight option can withstand some serious punishment, but the tall base makes it unsuitable for padding kicks. If you’re looking for maximum surface area and resistance combined, check out the Century Wavemaster XXL. Read on below to discover the rest of our favorites, and let the games begin.
Everlast Unisex Powercore Freestanding Punch Bag
Taking hits
This professional freestanding punch bag from the martial arts champion Everlast is sure to serve as you refine your technique. Most will find a challenge in this heavyweight design thanks to the high-capacity base that holds this bag in place. Once filled with sand at full capacity, this hefty unit will weigh approximately 370 pounds.
Pros:
- Height adjustable from 54 to 65 inches
- Power transfer ring absorbs impact to prevent movement and sliding
- Can also be filled with water for a maximum weight of 250 pounds
Cons:
- The bag can slowly unscrew during use, which could cause breakage if not reset between sessions
Lekäro Punching Bag With Boxing Gloves
If you’re a novice in the world of martial arts, you might need more than just a punching bag set up at home for you to train outside of the gym. This bundled set from Lekäro throws in a pair of gloves and hand wraps for good measure, so you’ll be ready to get to the action right out of the box. And whether you’re bringing the heat with your fists or feet, the extra-large hitting area and high-density foam protector will keep you from making contact with any hard components.
Pros:
- Ultra-stable base fixes to smooth flooring with 12 powerful suction cups
- Four-layer composite is durable and resistant to tearing
- High-strength spring keeps rebound noise to a minimum
Cons:
- This oversized bag will arrive in two packages
Century B.O.B. Body Opponent Bag
You talking to me?
Whether you’re refining your strikes for competition day or you just need a little extra motivation in the form of a stern adversary’s gaze, this lifelike punching dummy from Century is a great option. The detailed head and torso are comprised of high-strength plastisol skin that can withstand rigorous blows. And thanks to its seven possible height adjustments, you’ll have no problem lining this dummy up to replicate the size of your next opponent.
Pros:
- The soft exterior means this punch bag can be used with or without gloves
- High-density urethane foam on the inside offers a satisfying and lifelike response to impacts
- The low-profile base won’t catch your toes during rising kicks
Cons:
- Pricier than most
Century Wavemaster XXL
Towering above the rest
While the hardest hitters will likely rely on heavyweight hanging bags for relentless resistance, the mammoth Wavemaster XXL is about as tough a challenge as you’ll find in a freestanding bag. Standing 69 inches high with an extra-large striking area of 52 inches, it’s also one of the tallest options out there, making it a great pick for mixed striking sports like kickboxing and Muay Thai. Despite its towering size, it’s easy to shift around thanks to the wide circular base beneath, so it’s up to you to find the ideal angle of attack.
Pros:
- Ultra-stable weight distribution in the bag and across the base will keep this model standing, even after powerful roundhouse kicks and the like
- Easy assembly saves you time and manual diving
- Keep it local with this US-based manufacturer
Cons:
- Though it can supposedly also be filled with water, it’s unlikely to perform well if you do so
Everlast Reflex Bag
Fast and furious
Laying down the punches isn’t just about sheer brawn, and any seasoned boxer will know that speed and dexterity are equally important traits when it comes to getting the better of your opponent. While most classic reflex bags that you’ll find are made to hang from above, this handy design from Everlast combines the portability and ease of setup of a freestanding design with the nimble challenge of this classic downsized bag. Simply adjust the height and you’ll be ready to refine your speed in no time.
Pros:
- Easy-to-fill base is compatible with water and sand
- No tools are required for assembly
- Lightweight design is also a great introduction for kids
Cons:
- Doesn’t return as quickly as hanging bags
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I fill my freestanding punching bag with water or sand?
Most freestanding bags require you to fill the base with material to weigh it down and hold it securely as you train. Many options allow you to choose either water or sand, and though it might be tempting to save some bucks and a trip to the hardware store by simply running a hose into the cap, you might want to think twice before doing so. Water weighs roughly 8.3 pounds per gallon. At roughly 13 pounds per gallon, dry sand is more than 150 percent heavier, offering significantly more resistance to hold the base in place as you train.
Can I strike my punching bag without wearing gloves?
High impacts can take their toll on the skin over time, no matter the constitution of your skin. We recommend always wearing gloves when you train to give your hands the best protection. If in doubt, consult a trainer at your local gym for advice.
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