Punching bags

[QueHuong]

I'm gonna get a punching bag...anything I should look for? Such as weight, brand quality, type of material, water filled or sand filled, etc? I'm in Tae Kwon Do so I'm going to use it to kick more than punch, if that makes a difference.

 

[MrAwesome]

Find one with a picture of Richard Simmons face sewed on.

 

[EvilYoda]

Punching bag, as in heavy bag? I don't know much about brands, but try to get at least a 75 pound bag (depends on how large you are) if you're going to be kicking it, so it doesn't swing too much on you, but still doesn't feel like a hanging block.

 

[bolomite]

kick, punch, it's all in the mind!

 

[Schadenfreude]

Those bags with water-filled bases are CRAP. Don't get them. Get the traditional hanging bag. Also, Get the leather variety - while they're more expensive, they're more durable than the canvas type and they're better on the hands/feet.

Also, if you're planning on getting the hanging variety, you're going to need some suspension structure to hang the thing - do you have any ideas/plans for one?

In addidtion, there's a variety of different weights - I'd recommend the 100lb. bags.

Lastly, there's also a variety of heavybags called muay thai bags that are much longer - so you can practice lower kicks as well . . ..

 

[QueHuong]

I have an I-beam in the basement so it's strong enough for a hanging one, which is what I plan on getting. Thanks for the Muay Thai bag idea...I think I'm gonna try to find one of those. As for the weight, I've always read that getting a light one (~45lbs) is good, because a heavy one may cause injury in the joints or something like that. Plus, I can get more confidence when I kick a 45 lb bag almost twice as far as a 100lb one

 

[Schadenfreude]

Originally posted by: MindStorm
I have an I-beam in the basement so it's strong enough for a hanging one, which is what I plan on getting. Thanks for the Muay Thai bag idea...I think I'm gonna try to find one of those. As for the weight, I've always read that getting a light one (~45lbs) is good, because a heavy one may cause injury in the joints or something like that. Plus, I can get more confidence when I kick a 45 lb bag almost twice as far as a 100lb one

Bah, I call lousy technique if you're hurting your joints kicking those things - you know you're not supposed to do hook/crescent kicks on those puppise, right? In all honesty, all you can do with a heavybag in terms of types of kicks is roundkicks and sidekicks . . ..

Still, I'd recommend the 100lb. Muay Thai Heavy Bags. Google it and you'll find a bunch of vendors.

Good luck!

To make it easier - This is a good online store that I shop at.

 

[QueHuong]

I've mainly noticed vinyl bags and cotton canvas...of the two, which one's better?

Christ, that Muay Thai bag in your link is expensive...will that be the normal price range for those? If so, those are way out of my budget. I'm looking for something around $100.

 

[Schadenfreude]

Normal price range for a muay thai bag is approx. $200~250. Now, if you're looking at vinyl and canvas, well, I'd say go with the canvas . . ..

I'd still strongly recommend a leather heavybag - thses things are long-term investments (uh, for people that are serious about this, that is), so you don't want to skimp out and get stuck with shoddy stuff . . ..

Another site I frequent - here's a $100 Muay Thai Bag (unfilled)

 

[QueHuong]

Thanks, I'm liking that bag so far...if I dont' find a better one, I'll get that one.

Yes, I know that kicks like crescents, spinning wheel, etc shouldn't be practiced on bags since it can cause hyperextension and whatnot, but what are some other less obvious bag safety issues are there?

 

[Nitemare]

Get something greater than 45 lbs, especially if you are going to be kicking.

75 min, preferably 100 lb

 

[Red Dawn]

I've always used Everlast Heavy Bags and Speed Bags. I've worn out a lot of speed bags but I have never worn out a heavy bag.

 

[QueHuong]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn
I've always used Everlast Heavy Bags and Speed Bags. I've worn out a lot of speed bags but I have never worn out a heavy bag.

Wow, so RD actually has the bronze to back up that tough guy talk

 

[ThaPerculator]

Punching bag, as in heavy bag? I don't know much about brands, but try to get at least a 75 pound bag (depends on how large you are) if you're going to be kicking it, so it doesn't swing too much on you, but still doesn't feel like a hanging block.

Uhh.... I have a 160 lb. bag and I rock that thing with my fists (maybe a hard jab or a medium cross swings the thing to hit my bag-stand)... let alone kicking it... If you have problems swinging a 75 lb. bag, you are either 8 years old, or really weak. If you are complaining about hands/feet hurting... GET SOME TECHNIQUE, WRAPS, AND GLOVES. You think some dude's face is gonna be comfy and soft? Newp. (well, unless he's freakin' huge in a non-arnold way).

 

[QueHuong]

Originally posted by: ThaPerculator

Punching bag, as in heavy bag? I don't know much about brands, but try to get at least a 75 pound bag (depends on how large you are) if you're going to be kicking it, so it doesn't swing too much on you, but still doesn't feel like a hanging block.

Uhh.... I have a 160 lb. bag and I rock that thing with my fists (maybe a hard jab or a medium cross swings the thing to hit my bag-stand)... let alone kicking it... If you have problems swinging a 75 lb. bag, you are either 8 years old, or really weak. If you are complaining about hands/feet hurting... GET SOME TECHNIQUE, WRAPS, AND GLOVES. You think some dude's face is gonna be comfy and soft? Newp. (well, unless he's freakin' huge in a non-arnold way).

Great, another jackass making himself feel high and mighty. Rock a 160lb bag? Good for you...I honestly don't care. I read about safety concerns with a heavy heavy bag in several martial arts magazines so far. I have techniques, would buy gloves and wraps...but at the same time, I'm not going to be an idiot and injure myself by not doing some research first and to try to act like a badass.

 

[Nocturnal]

Check out the Fairtex muay thai bags and Everlast at your local Sports Authority for just a regular hang up 100lb bag.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: MindStorm

Originally posted by: Red Dawn
I've always used Everlast Heavy Bags and Speed Bags. I've worn out a lot of speed bags but I have never worn out a heavy bag.

Wow, so RD actually has the bronze to back up that tough guy talk

Both the Speed Bag and the Heavy Bag are great apparatuses for cardiovascular exercise. When you get the technique down for both I guess working out with them is also great for your ego too As far as them making you tough, well neither of them hit back so that is not really an issue!