Punching bags are without a doubt one of the most important pieces of training equipment for any fighter. They are great for combat sports training (including boxing, MMA, BJJ and more) and also general health and fitness workouts. However, hanging punch bags can take up a lot of room and permanently alter your property. They aren’t for everyone and that is why we have put together this guide to the best free standing punching bags.
Top Picks
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
The Definitive Free Standing Punching Bag Review List
The best punching bags allow you to improve your punching, striking and kicking techniques. They are great tools for developing your skills in between gym sparring sessions.
Now, to be clear, hanging bags will provide a better training experience. They are more secure and offer a great range of motion (allowing you to practise your footwork and movement more effectively). They also tend to be on the heavier side which can be good for developing your strength and power. However, they do have their draw backs.
Hanging bags are heavy and require a solid, sturdy anchor to mount them on. These are usually attached to a wall or the ceiling. As such, you need to permanently alter your property in order to install one. They also tend to be expensive.
So, if you are looking for a punching bag that you can use in an area with limited amounts of space, you will want to invest in a free standing one. The content below will give you all of the information that you need to find the right bag for you.
Tables of Contents
Best Free Standing Punching Bags
- Century Wavemaster XXL Training Bag
- Ringside Elite Free Standing Heavy Bag
- Century BOB XL with Base Unit
- Ringside Tornado
- Everlast Powercore
- Dripex Free Standing Punching Bag
- Century Original Wavemaster
- Century Versys Fight Simulator
- Ringside Fitness Reflex Bag
- Everlast Reflex Bag (EA)
Review Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to Choose the Best Free Standing Punching Bag
Sources
10 Best Free Standing Punching Bags
1. Century Wavemaster XXL Training Bag
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
Century is featured on almost every punching bag buyers guide providing it is written by someone with experience. They are a brand to be taken seriously and a top contender in the combat sports game. They put out expertly crafted products designed specifically for fighting training.
Materials
The Century Wavemaster features a bag that has a high-density foam at its core covered by a vinyl cover. This training bag is ready for your powerful strikes and kicks, making it a great choice for fighters of all levels (from beginners to advanced). The Wavemaster is a perfect bag for practicing striking martial arts or boxing.
Size & Weight
This extra-large training bag stands at 69 inches tall, perfect for practicing head-level strikes and kicks. You can fill the bag’s base with either water or sand to limit movement after each strike. This bag’s size makes it a great training partner for you to practice both body and head level strikes at full power.
Positives
- Century is a fighting gear brand respected all over the world.
- High-density foam core.
- Strong, durable vinyl coated cover.
- 69 inch tall bag perfect for practising full body (including head) strikes.
Negatives
- Century products come at a higher price due to their quality and strong reputation.
- Taller bag might not be suitable for low-ceiling rooms/gyms.
2. Ringside Elite Free Standing Heavy Bag
No products found.
You will most likely have come across the Ringside brand in the world of boxing. Perhaps at your local licensed gym or on a pay-per-view (PPV) fight. Much like the boxing gloves that the brand offers, their punching bags are top quality.
Materials
The Elite Free Standing Heavy bag contains shock-absorbing foam inside a synthetic leather exterior. This bag has a removable foam collar, which increases or decreases the spring-loaded bag’s movement. There is also a base pad to protect you when you kick.
Size & Weight
The bag stands at 6 feet, 4 inches tall. You can fill the base with either water or sand to weigh 140 lbs. The diameter of the base is 32 inches, and the bag diameter is 17 inches. The weight and size of the bag allow it to take strong strikes and keep still. The round shape encourages footwork and movement.
Positives
- Premium Ringside brand.
- Shock-absorbent materials for safe practise.
- Base pad for added protection when training your kicks.
- 6 ft 4 inch tall bag for adult and advanced training.
- Good weight behind the bag.
- Round shape to encourage footwork training.
Negatives
- More suited to boxing training although tall build and base pad does allow you practise broader fighting styles (e.g. MMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu).
3. Century Bob XL with Base Unit
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
As mentioned above, Century is a brand that features prominently on many review lists, including this one. This option is one for a broader range of fighters so would be a great option for those looking to train in disciplines such as Krav Maga, BJJ and Karate.
Materials
BOB XL is a training partner made of high strength plastisol filled with urethane foam. The base is polyethylene. The high strength material withstands your strikes, and the realistic torso and head shape allow you to practice strikes with better precision. It is ideal for self-defense and striking training.
Size & Weight
BOB XL has a base that holds up to 270 pounds of water or sand. You can adjust the bag height from 60 inches tall to 80 inches tall. The heavy base gives you the freedom to strike as hard as you want without displacing the bag, and the material gives you a realistic but forgiving target.
Positives
- Another option from the esteemed Century brand.
- Fantastic option for people training in a broad range of fighting styles.
- Strong material that will last through countless training sessions.
- Realistic look and feel for more advanced training.
- Heavy option for stronger, older fighters.
- Heavy base to keep it in place.
Negatives
- Premium price.
- Possibly not the best option for more traditional fighting style training (e.g. classic boxing).
4. Ringside Tornado
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
Ringside is another classic boxing brand. The expert products that they produce, including this Tornado punching bag, can help you in your most intense of training sessions. This freestanding option offers great recoil allowing you to perfect not only your striking technique but your defensive skills also.
Materials
The Ringside Tornado bag uses a durable vinyl shell and is mostly suited for boxing training and punching. Inside the vinyl shell is a foam that offers resistance and shock absorption. You have the freedom to move around and practice combinations as the bag moves, making this one of the best free standing punching bags for a home gym.
Size & Weight
The size of the bag presents a large striking surface. After assembly, the bag has a height of 68 inches, making it suitable for home and gym use. The base tank fills with either water or sand to weigh up to 140 pounds.
Positives
- Ringside is a highly respected boxing brand, their equipment is seen in top gyms around the world.
- Great recoil for defensive practise offered by this free standing option.
- Strong and long-lasting durable vinyl shell.
- Good resistance and shock absorption.
- 68 inches tall at a fixed height (good for older fighters).
Negatives
- Not the best option for children and youth fighters because of the fixed height (although they can grow into it!).
5. Everlast Powercore
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
You might have spotted the Everlast brand in boxing, MMA and general health and fitness gyms all round the world. They are a market leader in the sports industry known for their premium products that deliver on performance.
Materials
The Everlast Powercore has an air-foam chamber and a power transfer ring that absorbs impact and limits the bag’s base movement. The Power core has durable material, built for long workouts of hard striking. This is an excellent equipment choice to practice cardio and striking training.
Size & Weight
The bag base fills with either 250 pounds of water or up to 370 pounds of sand. The Powercore features a solid base for easy targeting that remains stable. The round shape of the bag encourages footwork and combinations of hand strikes and kicking.
Positives
- Expert Everlast brand.
- Air-foam technology to limit the force on your sensitive bones and joints upon impact.
- Built for intense training sessions.
- Sturdy 250 lbs – 370 lbs base.
Negatives
- Not the cheapest option so might not be best for younger and/or beginner fighters.
6. Dripex Free Standing Punching Bag
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
The shock absorption features of this bag means it can stand up against even the strongest of punches and kicks. The absorbing system built into the base helps reduce vibrations and noise. Remember to keep any hands or sensitive materials well aware from the dual shock absorbers when using the bag.
Materials
A top contender for one of the best free standing punching bags, the Dripex bag includes an upgraded shock-absorb system with dual TPU absorbers and a 360-degree shock and noise absorption system (great for smaller training area and even some apartments). It has a high-quality stainless steel stand. The striking surface has a 2mm thickened PU leather striking surface with high-density foam.
Size & Weight
Standing at 69 inches, this is an excellent choice for training both teens and adults. The base is made of ABS plastic and has 12 suction cups at the bottom to keep the bag in place during training. This bag is a target that gives you a realistic feel. The springs are removable if you want less vibration.
Positives
- Great shock absorption.
- Noise and vibration reduction technology.
- 2mm thickended PU leather surface.
- High-density foam for the perfect striking surface.
Negatives
- Base and bag are shipped in two separate packages.
- Water filling in this base will be less effective, if ordering go with a sand filled base.
7. Century Original Wavemaster
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
The original Wavemaster is perhaps one of the best known punching bags for the home. The original design stands strong in training areas of all sizes (perfect for home gyms). Compared to the size of bag, the base is large meaning you can be confident that it will remain firmly in place. The adjustable height features also makes it a great option for families all looking to train.
Materials
The Original Wavemaster features a durable vinyl cover which is packed with high-density foam. A real pleasure to punch and kick. The rounded base makes it easy to relocate, and it is available in several different colors. This a simple but highly versatile target to train either in boxing or martial arts. The simple shape and strong durability allows you to customize your drills and train a wider range of fighting skills.
Size & Weight
You can fill the Wavemaster with 250 pounds of water or sand. This bag features great height adjustability from 47 inches to 68 inches. This is an ideal training target for kids or adults because of the height adjustability and material strength.
Positives
- Extremely popular home gym option.
- Height adjustable feature makes it great for families and fighters of all ages.
- Large secure base to help the bag remain firmly in place.
- Several color options.
- Overall strong and durable bag.
- Made to the highest quality in the USA.
Negatives
- Seen as the best option for younger and less experienced fighters.
8. Century Versys Fight Simulator
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
This option is better for those looking to train in martial arts that incorporate both standing skills and floor work (e.g. grappling and/or wrestling). A great all-round training option suitable for cardio workouts, striking practise and grappling training (for more advanced grappling training though, check out our guide to the best grappling dummies).
Materials
The Versys Fight Simulator uses a durable vinyl shell and a pre-filled sand base. This is ideal training equipment for both standing and ground training. You practice all kinds of techniques on this bag while standing or lying on the ground. Suitable for grappling and striking.
Size & Weight
The dimensions of the Versys are 60 inches by 60 inches by 10 inches all around. It weighs in at 13.25 pounds. The size makes it versatile for all ages training. The versatility of this bag allows you to do all kinds of drills, whether standing or developing your ground game.
Positives
- Good option for all-round training including cardio workouts, striking practise and grappling training.
- Pre-filled sand base.
- Good size option that isn’t the heaviest – so suitable for younger, weaker fighters.
Negatives
- Not the heaviest base so if you are a stronger and/or older fighter you will only be able to train so hard.
9. Ringside Fitness Reflex Bag
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
This reflex bag is a free standing option which is the best option for developing your speed and agility. Strike the bag the dodge it on the recoil. As the top bag is lighter than heavy bag options, it will come back with a lot more force and speed. As such, you can perfect your defensive techniques including ducks, weaves, slips, blocks and dodges. Also a good option for developing your counter strikes.
Materials
The bag for the Fitness Reflex uses an easy to clean durable synthetic leather. There is a precisely placed chrome spring for this bag. It is best suited to practice punches. The movement of the bag helps you to develop footwork and recovery after striking.
Size & Weight
You can adjust the bag height beginning from 49” to 69”. The plastic tank fills to 125 pounds of water or 240 pounds of sand. You can count on this bag to last your long boxing workouts. The size and movement mimic that of a real opponent to help you train more accurately.
Positives
- Lightweight option good for training your reflexes.
- Transportable/portable option (the most moveable option on this list).
- Easy to clean and maintain synthetic leather material.
- Helps to develop your precision and accuracy too considering the smaller size of the bag.
- Height adjustable for fighters of all sizes and ages.
- Great for smaller training areas.
- Highly affordable option.
Negatives
- Limited ability to practise your kicks.
- Not suitable for any grappling or floor training.
- Not the best option to develop overall strength and punching power.
10. Everlast Reflex Bag (EA)
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
Another reflex/speed bag option, this time from the premium Everlast brand. Sturdy base which comes in handy considering the speed and force at which the bag moves once hit.
Materials
The Everlast Reflex is a free standing bag made of high-quality materials that are spring mounted. This bag is for speed and hand-eye-coordination drills as a training tool but is not suited for strength training. Use this bag to practice fast punches and combinations.
Size & Weight
The dimensions of the bag are 12 inches by 12 inches by 63 inches. The bag has a weighted plastic tank that keeps the target in a general area. The target will move after you strike it to develop your footwork and speed.
Positives
- Develop your hand-eye-coordination.
- Practise punching speed and perfect your combinations (particularly jabs, straights and hooks).
- Spring-mounted for a quick snap back after being hit (what you want out of a defensive training tool).
- More affordable than heavier bag options.
Negatives
- Not suited for strength training.
Review Criteria
Properly reviewing a free standing punching bag involves measuring how each bag performs against a selection of review criteria. By analysing each option with the same criteria, we can more effectively determine which bag is the best for a range of training purposes and goals. We used the below criteria to review each of the bags in this buyers guide.
Materials
The materials used to construct the bag will help determine how long it lasts, how it performs and how easy it is to clean and maintain. You want to buy a bag that is made out of strong material that will stand up to the toughest of punches. This includes the outer surface and the inner filling. The filling inside the bag will also have an effect on how safe it is to train with. A well-considered filling will absorb shock effectively and minimize the risk of sustaining hand and wrist injuries.
Size & Weight
Of course when buying a bag (fixed or free standing), the size and weight of it will be a concern. Many people look to buy free standing bags for their home gyms. This means that they should be big enough to effectively train with but no so big that they take up huge amounts of space.
All of the free standing bags on this list are small enough to accommodate most home gyms without compromising on performance. Bare in mind that any bag will have a range of motion when punched so you should ensure your area is big enough to account for this before ordering.
The weight of the bag can effect how securely it remains in place. In general free standing options aren’t as heavy bags, so they will never be as good for strength training. However, the ones listed above are good options for most general training purposes.
Price
When it comes to sports equipment, price should never be the deciding factor. The equipment you use will not only effect how your skills develop but also how safe your training sessions are. Having said that, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get yourself a high-quality free standing bag. We have tried to include a range of different priced bags to suit fighters with all kinds of budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are free standing punching bags any good?
This will of course depend on which free standing bag you buy. In general, free standing punching bags are very good for general training purposes. If you are looking for a great cardio workout or to practise your striking and kicking technique at home, but have limited space, a free standing bag is a great option.
Is standing punching bag better than hanging?
This depends on what you think makes a good punching bag. If you are mainly concerned about getting a bag that fits in your home workout space, is affordable and can be used for general health and fitness workouts (and some light fighting workouts), then a free standing bag is the perfect option. Hanging bags (commonly known as heavy bags) on the other hand a good for strength and power training. More advanced and stronger fighters should strongly consider buying a heavy/hanging bag if you are looking to take your fighting to the next level.
Can I kick a free standing punching bag?
This will depend on the free standing bag that you buy. Those with a heavier base (most likely filled with sand) and a stronger shock absorption system will be a good option for training your kicks.
How to Choose the Best Free Standing Punching Bag
These days, you have thousands of options from hundreds of different brands on what punching bag to buy. It can be hard knowing which one is right for you, your fighting skills and your training goals. We recommend applying the review criteria listed above when deciding which bag to by. Also, consider the following:
- Your fighting experience: If you are a more experienced and stronger fighter, you will want a heavier bag. Younger fighters and beginners will be able to use a lighter bag just fine.
- Your size and weight: Consider how much you weigh and use that information to buy the right bag for you. A good rule of thumb is to look for a bag that weighs half your body weight.
- Your space: You must think about how much room your have for your bag. If space is limited, go with a smaller and lighter bag or find a larger training area.
Always buy from a respected brand and don’t cheap out when it comes to equipment that could effect your health and safety.
Sources
Wikipedia, Punching Bag, Accessed on 20th December 2020.
Everlast, Reviews, Accessed on 20th December 2020.
Everlast, EVERLAST LAUNCHES #TEAMEVERLAST, Accessed on 20th December 2020.
Add comment