Whether you are looking to improve on your punching power, technique, footwork, or just simply looking to get in shape there is no better option than the free-standing punching bag. Yes, you will probably see most people on TV or in the gym training on heavy bags, but not everyone has this kind of room in their living area.
Some people live in apartments or in other small living areas and this is why buying a free-standing heavy bag makes quite a bit more since. Hanging heavy bags not only require more room, but they have to be anchored to a stud, holes have to be drilled in the wall.
This means that mounting one not only does permanent damage to the wall or ceiling, but it is going to consume more space in the room where it is installed. Yes, you can get around that by buying a heavy bag stand to hang it but again this still takes up more room and will cost more than a self-standing bag.
If you are looking for a more flexible, hassle-free alternative, you should consider the free-standing punching bag.
Types Of Free Standing Punching Bags
If you are already sold and just hit up the Internet and start looking for free standing punching bags, you will quickly discover that there is a wide range of them available. However, this doesn’t mean that every specific bag is right for your needs or your specific situation. There is no denying that you will be able to benefit from them all but to better help you understand which bag is right for your specific needs, you need to understand what each bag is, how they work, and how you can benefit from them.
Striking Free Standing Punching Bags
When it comes right down to it, free standing punching bags are similar to that of heavy bags. In fact, they are pretty much the same thing with the same physical benefits. However, free-standing punching bags do offer more flexibility when it comes to installation and storage. The only real difference between a heavy bag and a free punching bag is the way in which they are supported.
As you’ve probably already guessed heavy bags are hung from a stud in the ceiling. This is not the case at all with free standing bags. Freestanding bags will come with a base. The base is usually filled with sand, water, or some kind of weight to keep it in place while you are wailing away. That being said, they both pretty much provide the same kinds of cardiovascular and physical benefits.
Free Standing Boxing Reflex Bags
You can be a boxer or MMA fighter without having lightning-fast reflexes. You not only need to be able to spot openings here and there, but you need to be able to capitalize on them when the chances present themselves. And, this is exactly where reflex punching bags can help out.
These free-standing bags are similar to that of the models described above. The only real difference is that they are smaller and used to train your reflexes. Instead of featuring a big heavy hanging bag, they will feature a bag at the top that looks similar to that of a teardrop.
In addition to helping with your reflexes, reflex bags are also a great tool for precision and muscle memory.
Two other things that will come in crucial if you are trying to make it to the big leagues. Reflex bags are extremely low-profile and can easily fit into most spaces thanks to their small footprint. Once again, one of the best parts is that you don’t have to worry about drilling any holes or using chains and brackets to hoist up a bag.
The Maize Bag (Uppercut Bag)
Another type of free-standing bag currently available on the market is the maize bag. In some circles, this bag might be referred to as an uppercut bag. Whatever the situation is, this bag pretty much works in the same manner as the two described above. It will feature a free-standing base that doesn’t require any drilling, chaining, or hoisting. The bag will stand alone on its own on a base. The real difference is the unique design of the bag itself. This bag somewhat looks like a bigger teardrop design and is used to enhance head movement. It can also be used to help one develop hooks and uppercuts.
The really neat thing about the bag is that it actually swings back and forth, so it somewhat mimics the movement of an opposing opponent. The only downside is that it offers no benefit for body punch training.
Best Free Standing Punching Bag For Boxing Training
Below is our list of the top rated free standing punching bags that you can buy today.
Century Wavemaster XXL – Best Overall Free Standing Bag
Whether you are looking to improve your cardio, punches, elbows, or kicks, you cannot go wrong with the Century Wavemaster XXL. The best and most notable thing about this bag is its durability. If you are going to be purchasing a bag for punching and kicking it needs to be durable. And, that is exactly what this bag offers. It is constructed with materials that will take years and years of abuse. The durable design in combination with the innovative filler foam makes the bag perfect for absorbing all types of strikes. The foam also helps evenly distribute the power of your punches and kicks, which only even adds to the overall durability and longevity of the bag. There are many reviews of this bag, like this one, where this freestanding bag is considered to be the top-rated bag among the competition and is considered to be the best free-standing boxing bag that is currently available right now. The customer’s reviews are high for the Wavemaster XXL and as long as Century keeps producing this bag I think this bag will remain at the top.
Large Striking Surface
Another notable think about this bag is that it features one of the largest striking surfaces available on the market right now. The bag stands at a total of 69 inches tall and measures in at a full 18 inches in diameter, giving you plenty of space to practice punches, kicks, elbows, or whatever you might need to train.
Pros
Extremely durable vinyl cover with innovative foam filler
Large striking surface
Available in several color options
Cons
You will pay a bit more for the quality
The bag is not sold separately. Must be purchased with the base
Everlast Omniflex – Best Free Standing Bag for Beginners
The Everlast Omniflex is another great free-standing bag simply because it is engineered for completely fight training. Whether you are looking to train your cardio, punches, elbows, or kicks, you will be able to do all that and more with this bag. The bag comes fully assembled right out of the box so you don’t have to worry about wasting time putting the bag together or even reading anything. You can get right in there and start training what is important. The outer shell is not only functional, but it was designed with durability and longevity in mind.
Omniflex Neck
Another thing that has to quickly be noted about this bag is that it features an innovative neck design. This design was specifically engineered to allow for maximum impact absorption. This not only reduces the wear and tear that the bag takes over the years, but it reduces the base movement, which is crucial for any free-standing bag. It must also be mentioned that the bag comes backed with a 120-day return warranty.
Pros
120-day return warranty
Low-profile design allows for punches, kicks, and knee strikes
Nevatear durable outer shell with maximum absorption technology
Comes fully assembled out of the box
Cons
The bag itself is only 20cms radius, which means you might stub your toes when getting in too close
Will wear out quicker with anything other than 10-ounce gloves
Everlast Powercore – Cheapest Free Standing Punching Bag
When it comes to a realistic feel and experience it is hard to beat the Everlast Powercore. In fact, this bag was specifically designed with a rounded exterior to give users the ability to move around the bag as they strike. It would be as if you were a shark circling your prey. In addition to this, the air-foam chamber provides close to a lifelike experience and feel as you would get from any bag currently available on the market.
Powercore Power Transfer Ring
Located on the bag, you will also find what is known as a power transfer ring. This ring was designed and engineered to absorb most of the impacts from the punches and kicks. This helps reduce the movement and sliding of the base while also evenly distributing your strikes. The high-density base can easily be filled with water or sand and will come out to about 250 pounds when filled to the brim. 370 pounds for those individuals that use sand. It also features an adjustable height option that allows you to move the bag from 54 inches to 65 inches.
Pros
Height can be adjusted from 54 to 64 inches
The rounded design allows you to dance and move around the target while striking
Sold base allows you to really hit the target with full power
Cons
The bag will still rock and walk a little even when filled fully with sand
How To Choose The Best Free Standing Punching Bag
There is a lot that must be considered when shopping for a free-standing punching bag. Taking the time to weigh these factors will not only ensure that you get the most from the product, but it will ensure that the product serves you and your training in the very best way possible.
Bag Weight
The weight of the bag is going to play a major role in how much resistance the bag will be able to withstand. Obviously, the heavier the bag, the more that it will be able to withstand. Some bags on the marketed are geared more towards sparring and light training, as some are really geared towards hard-hitting impact. That being said, it will probably be hard to find a free-standing bag that can absorb everything you have to throw at it without rocking or walking just a little bit.
Adjustable Height
While being able to adjust the height isn’t important to everyone, it is a feature that will come in handy for many. If you are going to be the only one using the bag and only want to focus on one aspect, you might be able to get away with a fixed height. However, if you want to be versatile and mix up your training, you are going to want to opt for a bag that can be adjusted.
Material
When it comes to punching bags there are three main types of materials that are commonly used. This would be the leather material, synthetic leather, and the canvas. Leather bags are without a doubt the most expensive, but they are also the toughest and most durable. Canvas bags, on the other hand, are cheaper, but nowhere as near as durable. They are also rougher on the skin even when using wraps. This is not to even mention the fact that you can’t wrap your knees and elbows.
Bottom Line – Which One Should You Buy?
Best Overall Free Standing Punching Bag – Century Wavemaster
When it comes right down to it, you cannot beat the Century Wavemaster. And, there are several reasons for this. The first being that it offers the utmost in durability. The bag was designed and engineered to withstand repeated punishment over time. It not only features a balancing system that evenly distributes the blows throughout the bag, but its canvas is design with quality material that will stand up over the years. In addition to this, the bag can be used to home a variety of techniques and practices. You combine this with its large striking surface and you are looking at one of the most versatile bags currently available.
Best Free Standing Bag For Those On A Budget – Everlast Powercore
There is nothing wrong with shopping on a budget these days, as this is something that many are familiar with. If this is the boat that you are in, you will want to check out the Everlast Powercore. This is because the reduction of the price doesn’t put too much of a damper on the quality and versatility of the bag. It might be cheaper, but it is still designed with materials that will provide years and years of use and life. Another major selling point is the rounded design of the bag. The bag is not only good for a variety of strikes, but it gives you the ability to circle and strike. This is not only useful for practical fighting, but it enhances footwork and cardio.
Conclusion
You can clearly see that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to shopping for a free-standing punching bag. These bags are versatile and offer features that will come in handy for just about anyone, but in order to get the most from your purchase, you need to consider the above information. Shopping smarter will help you get the most from your purchase as well as the product.
