So it looks like your teenager is trying to dip their toes into the world of boxing and wants a punching bag to practise on at home. You are stuck scratching your head trying to figure out exactly what is the best punching bag for teens and well, this is great news! Boxing can help build discipline, confidence, self esteem and character so any money spent on the hobby could be considered a wise investment. Odds are that if you are an old school boxer, you have some opinions on this already!
Featured Recommendations
*Details last updated on 2023-05-25
Allowing a teen to properly express any anger, stress, tension or frustration through an expertly lead boxing session is a great idea! Such activities can lead to a happier, healthier young individual. There are many important things that you need to consider before purchasing a punching bag as it is quite a commitment in terms of money but also space. If you think about it, you will be giving up quite a large chunk of space in your living room, bedroom, lounge, studio etc. so you will want to be sure that it is something that will be used regularly and to great effect!
We hope that you enjoy our best punching bags for teenagers buyers guide! Make sure to leave a comment with your thoughts or any questions in the comment section once you are finished reading.
Our Buyers Guide To The Top Punching Bags For Teens
So, what do I need to think about before purchasing a bag? Well a lot actually. There is the shape, size, look, feel, price and weight of the punching bag not to mention what it will be used for (will it strictly be used for boxing training or might your teenage son or daughter want to branch out into additional combat sports as they get better and/or older?).
There are many options when it comes to punching bags and each one will be better suited to a certain home, training aim and skill level. To help you find the perfect bag for your teenager, we have collated reviews, ratings, information and opinions from boxers both online and offline and condensed them into a (hopefully) easy to read and follow buyers guide!
Whilst we are sure that you would love nothing more than for your son or daughter to stick at the boxing well into their adulthood (I mean, you have already spent so much on all the other gear and equipment!), there is a good chance that they will want to give some other contact sports a go if they enjoy their boxing sessions. This is a particularly important thing to keep in mind when ordering a punching bag online as you don’t want to find yourself having to replace it or buying an additional one the second your teen ventures into the world of MMA or karate (even if just briefly!). Buying the best punching bag not only ensures that your teen can test the waters in other contact sports but also that they can improve their boxing form and technique! Doing so could make a big difference to their confidence both in and out of the sport.
In this guide, we have attempted to offer a number of options that can cater to a range of budgets, goals and concerns. We will feature some strictly boxing suited bags (our favourites ;)…) and also some more general ones. We will also offer bags suitable for a number of different budgets but as with most things in life, you are paying for quality. It is not only the brand name that you want, it is the high quality (and long lasting) material, the strategically designed shape and the handing support offered by each bag.
As with most of our buyers guides and reviews, we assume that the punching bag will be getting an average amount of use (training 3 – 5 times a week) and we have based our reviews of this assumption. If your teenagers is a professional fighter looking to train 7 days a week, 4 times a day and with a punch stronger than a sledge hammer, you should certainly seek further advise from a boxing expert!
By picking the best punching bag for teenagers, you can encourage them to perfect their form and technique. As their fighting style progresses, the bags mentioned in this buyers guide should hold up meaning that you do not have to replace the bag that you buy after just a few months of use. Not only will you save money, time and frustration but also these higher quality, better designed bags can help to prevent injury. Similar to how the gloves are designed, some punching bags are manufactured with shock absorbing in mind. It is no secret that boxing can be taxing on the wrists, knuckles and hands of those that take part in the sport so it is important to do all you can to minimise the effects of this before they even start training! Find out more details and information about the teen punching bags mentioned in our featured recommendations and many more bag options below in the rest of our punching bag for teenager guide!
The 10 Best Teen Punching Bags
1. 70lbs Everlast Heavy Bag
*Details last updated on 2023-05-25
The main event, the rising star, the top pick, the first one on our list…the 70lbs Everlast heavy bag is the ideal bag for a teenager just getting into the world of boxing and/or combat sports. I am sure that you are asking why is this one first? Well, a few reasons actually that we will break down below. To summarise though, it is manufactured and sold by a world class brand known for their expertise in combat sports equipment and premium quality products. The price of this punching bag has been consistently on the lower side given the quality of the product, the brand name and it’s size and weight (also the material used to make it!). When shopping for a punching bag for a teenager, you need to ensure that they can really grow into the bag (no…not literally ;)..) as their fighting style and fitness level progresses. These are just some of the things that we consider when reviewing the products mentioned on our site.
The Material
This heavy bag utilises a custom filling of natural and synthetic fibres and is filled with sifted sand making it one very strong, durable and grounded punching bag indeed. If you happened to read our previous review on the best kids boxing gloves, you will remember just how important the material of boxing gear is. Without the use of top of the range material and fillings, you will find yourself having to replace your punching bag in a matter of months. The bags should stand the test of time and can even last for many years. Why do you think you always see beat up, fusty old punching bags in the old school gyms. Sure they might have some duct tape covering a small tear and securing the sand in the bag, but that is only because the bags have lasted so long in the gym that they contain some sentimental value by now!
Set Up
The bag is made to be hung from the ceiling (or an L shaped support) and comes pre-filled with the sand so that it is ready to take a beating the second you have it hanging! Many people are tempted to use stands for their heavy bags as it causes (or is meant to) less long term “damage” to the surrounding area. What people always forget that a couple of drill holes is not real damage and can be fixed and that they will be placing any bag they buy (stand or hanging) in an area that is not in use. You don’t want to be sweating all over your favourite sofa or bed so it will not be going in any areas that cosmetics are of great importance.
Accessories
The heavy bag comes with a pair of beginners boxing gloves and some wrist straps so you can get training as soon as you have the bag hung from your ceiling! However it is important to note that the gloves that come as part of the kit are for beginners (note, beginners meaning have never boxed before) and most likely not suitable for most teenagers. The issue is that the gloves that come with this will not be fit to your size or technique.
Positives
- Made from high quality natural and synthetic fibres meaning that this bag should last a long, long time!
- Can be hung securely from the ceiling.
- Sifted sand secures the bag even whilst it is being hit.
- Comes with wrist support straps and boxing gloves so you have everything that you need to train!
Negatives
- As Everlast is a premium brand, you will pay slightly more for their products but they are of such a high quality also that this is to be expected!
- The beginners boxing gloves that come with it are unlikely to be useful for the majority of teen boxers. They are unlikely to provide the level of shock absorbance and wrist support needed when hitting the heavy bag to avoid injury.
2. The Adjustable Speed Punching Bag For Teenagers
No products found.
So I am not sure how you guys will take this one as I am assuming that you would be looking for heavy bags in particular but you know what happens when you assume (Google it if not ;)…) so I added this to the list. If you are indeed looking for a heavy bag, I am afraid that you’ll have to skip this one! If not, then great good job I included it right!?
So a speed bag is great for improving ones punching technique, hand eye co-ordinations, form and boxing stance. It is also a great tool for building accuracy. The speed bag is an integral part of a boxing training routine especially for teenagers who need to learn the discipline of the sport as opposed to simply the de-stressing element of it.
Material
Made from high quality, durable and tough material, this bag is perfect for any teenage boxer! Please not that the bag is still for kids and teenagers, adult/older boxers will likely struggle with the height adjustment limit and although the base is secure, it may struggle with the consistent hits from a more experienced boxer.
Set Up
The base of the punching bag can be filled with water or sand although we usually like to recommend using sand. If (and this is a big if) there ever is a hole or spillage, sand can be hoovered up (and even placed back in the base if necessary) and will cause less damage (usually no damage at all) than water.
Accessories
The punch speed bag comes with gloves and a pump so that you can get started training in no time at all! Simply inflate the bag, set up the stand, put the gloves on and start upping your skill level. This bag is probably the easiest to set up featured on the list meaning that it is best for those really looking for the most basic of starter punching bags. It is also of course a lot cheaper than the heavy bag alternatives so again great for beginners. You could always invest into a heavy bag at a later date once your teenager has committed to the sport and knows that they will make proper use of a more expensive bag. Alternatively, you could get both the speed bag and one of the heavy bags mentioned on the list ;)!
Positives
- Easy set up means that you can be boxing within minutes!
- Cheaper alternative than the other options when it comes to the best boxing bag for teenagers.
- Sturdy support base keeps the speed punch bag secure and upright.
- Adjustable height so suitable for teenagers of all different sizes and great for those teens going through growth spurts!
- Great anti-stress bag.
Negatives
- The speed bag does what it says on the tin. It is useful for developing the speed of your punches and hand eye co-ordination. It is not however as good for training your power and technique.
- As it is cheaper and not as heavy, it will not likely last as long as a heavy bag. Thicker material and stronger filling means that heavy bags can last for many months or even years!
3. RDX Punching Bag
*Details last updated on 2023-05-25
The RDX punching bag suitable for adults, kids or teenagers is a real contender for the top punch bag for teens mainly because of its quality partnered with its price! On the cheaper side this bag is an excellent starter bag for those teenagers looking to get involved with boxing. It is no secret that teenagers grow and as the height on this can be adjusted, this punch bag will grow with them! Furthermore, this bag comes with everything that you will need to get training!
The Material
The shredded textile filled bag is extremely durable and strong, it offers a great deal of shock absorbance which is particularly important when hitting the heavy bag. It is made from waterproof material which is an added benefit as it can be tough to find the perfect spot to hang a heavy bag inside.
Set Up
As mentioned briefly above, this bag is waterproof meaning that it can be hung outside, offering you even more room to train! It comes with a 1.5ft long pro bracket as well as a powder coated steel ceiling hook so it can be secured and stabilised whilst you or your teenage son/daughter/friend is hitting it.
Accessories
The RDX punch bag comes with hand wraps, beginners boxing gloves and skipping ropes so that any teenage boxer can start training right away. The inclusion of a skipping rope is an odd yet useful addition to the set as skipping has been a part of boxing training since the early days of the sport. Any teen can get in shape and up their boxing skills with this starter punching bag!
Positives
- Waterproof material means that the bag can be hung outside.
- Strong, durable and shock absorbing material!
- Comes with bracket and ceiling hook so securing the bag is quick and easy.
- Gel foam padding gloves included (perfect for beginners although you will want to get a new pair as teenagers can be stronger than they look and these gloves will not be the best fit).
Negatives
- Although a low price tag and the ability to put the bag outdoors sounds great, it is not always the case. The reason that other bags not only cost more but shouldn’t be used outside is because of the fine, premium quality materials they are made from. This is not to say that this bag is low quality, it is certainly not but these points can just give a little food for thought.
4. Century Bob XL + Base Unit
*Details last updated on 2023-05-25
This freestanding, XL, life-like punching bag is the all rounder on our list. It is not only great for boxing but also for karate, kick boxing, MMA and pretty much any contact sport! As it is freestanding you don’t have to worry about set up, just take the delivery, find where to position it and then you are good to go. Start training! The base holds up to 270lbs of water or sand so you can relax knowing that there is no knocking this thing over! If you know of or are a teenager who is looking to explore multiple areas of combat sports, this really is the bag for you/them. Invest in something that could be used for years and you will not find yourself having to replace it any time soon!
Material
The plastisol body is filled with urethane foam and can stand up to any damage that you could possibly throw at it! Further secured by the firm base that holds 270lbs of water or sand, the strength of this particular bag translates into durability. Punch bags can be pricey and are a fairly large investment, you don’t want to find yourself having to replace yours soon after buying it and with the Century Bob XL bag this can certainly be avoided!
Set Up
As this particular punching bag is free standing, it is very quick and easy to set up. Just unbox your exciting delivery, take our the realistic torso and connect it to the base. You can then fill the base with water or sand (I recommend sand just in case any spills/punctures do occur, water can cause more damage whereas sand can be hoovered up and placed directly back into the base once it is again secured.
Accessories
The Century Box XL punching bag does not come with any accessories but this is actually for the best. Given the range of different combat sports training that this bag could be used for, you will want to ensure that you have the right equipment for the sport that you or your teenager intends to train the most for (or some general equipment that could be used by beginners for all of the different sports if this is what you are going for). Of course what makes equipment suitable for a particular sport is another topic entirely, for example you can see our whole blog post on the topic of the best kids boxing gloves!
Positives
- Heavy sand filled base secures the punching bag for anything that you can throw at it.
- The multi-use bag is perfect for a younger, teenage, beginner fighter. It can be used to train conventional boxing skills but also for mixed martial arts training.
- Realistic design means you can train for all eventualities (and be more prepared should you find yourself in trouble!).
- Measures 24″ x 24″ x 61″ and weighs 55lbs.
Negatives
- Does not come with any accessories. Although remember that this is actually a positive, with such a versatile bag you want to find equipment (gloves, wrist straps etc.) that is most suitable for the sport that you intend to be practising.
5. Century Original Wavemaster Punching Bag
*Details last updated on 2023-05-25
The freestanding Wavemaster punching bag is a perfect punching bag for teenager! With a generous 7″ height adjustment, this is the perfect bag if you expect the user to grow (as is so common with teenagers!). The bag is freestanding meaning that it can be conveniently placed where there is some space available in your home and without making any changes to your home. Century Original a great starting bag and will help take any teenagers boxing skill to the next level.
The bag also features a sleek, shiny design which will be appealing should anyone visit where you have decided to place it in your home. The base can be filled with 250lbs of water or sand meaning that it can take anything that you can possibly throw at it!
Material
The Century Original Wavemaster bag is made of the highest quality vinyl and plastic, it is durable and long lasting, great for a teenager boxer looking to develop their skills and techniques all the way into adulthood.
Set Up
As this bag is free standing it can be put together almost straight out of the box. You can be training quickly after receiving your punching bag meaning that you will be able to take your skills to the next level within no time at all! The bag can also be adjusted in height up to 7″ to suit your size and stature.
Accessories
This particular bag does not come with any accessories but for good reason. The range of ages, sizes, heights and skill levels that this bag is appropriate for varies so greatly so additional accessories would not really be practical. Why would you opt for ill fitting and lower quality accessories when you could order gloves, head guards, gum shields and wrist straps perfectly fitted to the teenager using the bag? This bag is a customer favourite and is certainly one of the best punching bag for teenager.
Positives
- Original brand Wavemaster punching bag.
- High quality vinyl, plastic material means this bag will stand the test of time.
- Free standing design saves room whilst allowing you to train effectively.
- Adjustable height so suitable for a teenager who is growing and developing as a boxer!
- Large base size means that the bag can be firmly secured to the floor with water or sand.
- Perfect for home workouts!
Negatives
- Need to purchase accessories separately.
- Not as authentic as ceiling hanging bags.
6. 40lbs Ringside Heavy Boxing Bag
*Details last updated on 2023-05-25
Does you teenage son or daughter love the Rocky movies? This is the bag for them! The classic, authentic look and feel of this punching bag reminds us all of the classic, old school days of boxing. As we all know, they just trained so well back in the day! Bring that motivating, driving force into your home and your teen’s home training sessions with the Ringside 40lbs heavy punch bag.
This bag is heavy enough to make it suitable for a wide range of mixed martial arts and combat sport applications. The tough and durable material can set your teenager down the road of combat sports expertise and offers a healthy way for them to blow off some steam.
Material
The vinyl bag is a real heavy hitter and perfect for young/beginner fighters. It comes pre-filled and offers a secure surface area to hit and kick as you please. This bag should last for a good amount of time but as with any beginner equipment, if your loved teen out grows the performance offered, you may need to replace it in a year or so. This is best for everyone and ensures that injuries are prevented wherever and whenever possible.
Set Up
The heavy punching bag comes with a swivel and mounting clip meaning that it can be hung from the ceiling and positioned correctly for the height of the teenage user(s). Make sure that you allow ample room should you choose to purchase this bag as the swivel attachment means that the bag could swing when punched. Whilst this is good for training purposes (it allows you to not only practise your striking but also to incorporate defensive strategies into your training sessions) it could potentially cause damage to anything fragile in the immediate surroundings.
Accessories
The 40lbs Ringside Heavy Boxing Bag comes with boxing gloves and wrist straps and reviews suggest that they are of great quality considering what is usually included in such boxing kits. The wrist support straps ensure that your teen is as protected as they can be when it comes to their training and the gloves provide necessary support for the knuckles when training.
Positives
- Swivel and mounting clip secures the bag to the ceiling and allows for defensive strategies to be practised.
- High quality gloves and wrist straps included in the kit for added safety and protection.
- Great for releasing any pent up stress!
- Classic look and feel will remind you (and the kid haha) of the rocky movies.
Negative
- Swing design can cause damage if placed near fragile objects.
7. Outslayer MMA Boxing Bag – 100lbs Heavy Unfilled
No products found.
This US made heavy bag is great for MMA training and boxing training (especially good if your teenage son or daughter is just dipping their toes into the world of combat sport). A persons fighting style and preference of sport can change multiple times throughout both adolescence and adulthood, so getting a bag thats use can be adapted alongside it is a great idea!
The punch bag is perfect for teens and comes with a 10 year guarantee! Only the highest quality and made in the USA, this is a great bag to invest into your child’s fighting and combat sport performance. However, it is important to note that the bag ships unfilled.
Material
This heavy duty bag is for the serious fighters (or those who become top class boxers). The material is tough, durable and packs a punch when it comes to aesthetics to! With ‘no tear’ straps partnered with the durable material, this bag is made out of all the right stuff for a would be boxer to enjoy!
Set Up
The bag can hold 300lbs capacity so we advise getting someone to help putting this one up! This is not to put you off though, the process is relatively easy, you just don’t want to injure yourself before you’ve even thrown the first punch ;). The secure straps mean that no chains are needed for set up (meaning that placing your bag in any room won’t look out of touch and draw unwanted attention).
Accessories
The Outslayer 100lbs MMA boxing bag does not come with any accessories, but in this case that is actually a good thing. The brand does not compromise on quality and if you want a pair of gloves, straps or pads to match the quality of this bag then you will have to purchase them separately I’m afraid. Even that is fair enough considering that for a punching bag made in the USA, this bag is not one of the more expensive ones you will find!
Positives
- Versatile and adaptable for fighters who are not certain on their favourite fighting style yet.
- No chains required for set up.
- 300lbs capacity.
- A brand who never compromises on quality.
- 10 year warranty.
Negatives
- Does not come with any accessories.
- Might need a hand getting it set up given the 300lbs capacity.
8. Everlast Heavy Bag Station
*Details last updated on 2023-05-25
I know I know…you’re thinking “haven’t you guys already included this Everlast bag?” and the answer is yes but not really. This bag has all the aforementioned benefits of an Everlast bag BUT one key difference, it comes with a free standing station! Now, until you get a bag that requires securing to the ceiling or the wall, you might not realise just how much of a benefit this really is. Take our word for it though, a free standing unit for your heavy bag is a game changer. It will save room and also mean it can be more easily moved should you wish to place it in another room, hide it from your friends because you know they wont stop hitting it for the next hour or just don’t want to make adjustments to your home to have the luxury of a punching bag at home.
The bag is 70lbs unfilled and can hold up to 100lbs capacity. This piece will really make a home gym and is a must have for a beginner boxer. If you are unsure on what bag to get and space is an issue/concern, I would recommend this particular one time and time again.
The Material
The stand is made from powder-coated steel tubing which is why it can support such a heavy load whilst remaining securely in place even whilst you are punching it. The strength and durability found within this product is unparalleled.
Set Up
So we kind of already gave the game away at the beginning of this section but basically, the set up is the main selling point for this item (and what a selling point it is!). Quickly, effortlessly, conveniently and stress free this bag can be up within the hour of you receiving it!
The easy assembly is a breath of fresh air in a range of products that often require adjustment to your walls and/or ceiling to start using. This free standing bag could sit comfortably in the corner of any room and be slid out whenever you wanted a particularly intense boxing session or sparring workout. Mix it in with some pad work for a real tough workout ;).
Accessories
Did I mention that this heavy bag comes with a free standing heavy bag stand? Well it does AND if that was not all the accessories you needed, it also comes with gloves and wrist wraps/straps!
This is the ultimate beginners punch bag set and one everyone in the family can get on board with. No damage to the walls or ceilings and ready to go almost straight out the box.
Positives
- Free standing so can be placed safely and securely without causing any damage pretty much anywhere!
- From the Everlast brand, tried and tested by professional athletes around the world.
- Reasonably priced considering the brand name.
Negatives
- Looses the vintage, classic feel of a chain heavy punch bag.
9. Goplus Heavy Bag Free Standing with Speed Bag
*Details last updated on 2023-05-25
So to be honest and 100% transparent, I had to find this one especially for you guys after reviewing the one above, these free standing metal frame bags are just amazing! This one comes with an integrated speed bag so your teenager can practise not only their heavy bag work (strong uppercuts, mean hooks and devastating body shots) but also their speed and accuracy. These are both key skills that a beginner needs to develop which is why I just had to add this one to the list.
The stand is also customisable to the bag you want to hang (up to 220lbs that is) meaning that should you require a slightly heavier bag after a couple years of training, you can easily replace it without having to get a new stand to accommodate the additional weight.
Material
The steel bag stand allows heavy bags of up to 220lbs to be hung easily ready to be punched and used for training by fighters ranging in skill from beginners to advanced. The PVC cover round the heavy bag protects the bag from general wear and tear and consists of EPE and iron sand. These features that you will be able to use this kit for years to come. The kit is durable, long lasting and built to withstand anything you could possibly throw at it!
Set Up
The most care and attention should be taken when setting up the initial frame. The steel frame allows whichever size bag you choose to hang freely and securely for a long time to come. The triangle support base secures the heavy bag and the speed bag securely in place allowing you to put it through the rounds time and time again.
Accessories
Although this bag does not come with any additional accessories that other bags featured here come with (boxing gloves and wrist straps), it does come with a speed bag so that any budding boxer can practise their speed and accuracy alongside their heavy hits!
Positives
- Free standing, steel secure frame to hang the heavy bag.
- Speed bag to improve accuracy and of course speed also.
- Height adjustable – perfect for growing boxers!
- Dimensions: 55″ x 41.5″ x 80.5″ (length x width x max height). Sand bag weighs 53lbs.
Negative
- No gloves or wrist straps included.
- Limited by 220lbs heavy bag limit.
10. Last Punch Heavy Punching Bag (Heavy Duty With Chains)
*Details last updated on 2023-05-25
Now last (but certainly not least), the Last Punch heavy duty punching bag for teenagers (with chain!). This heavy duty punching bag is a bit cheaper than some of the other options but do not think for a second that this is a suggestion of quality. This bag is of the highest quality and perfect for any teenager looking to up their boxing game. The difference in price is likely due to the smart use of canvas material and also because the bag needs to be chained from the ceiling which will of course incur additional cost to do.
The bag is 48″ long with chains and 33″ without chains. Furthermore you can fill the bag up with whatever you want! Fill it with sand for the best effect but you could use old clothes, cotton or even polystyrene chips if on a budget. The main thing is to get the bag up so your teen can start training.
Material
The canvas material used to construct this heavy duty bag means that it is long lasting and extremely durable (not much unlike our other options featured in this article). Canvas is a tough material than can with stand the force inflicted on it from even the strongest of boxing strikes. The material is not however so tough that it will cause long term damage to the skin when repeatedly striking it.
Set Up
A big appeal of this heavy duty punch bag (besides it being perfect for teens!) is the classic look and feel that it offers. The chains can be secured to a ceiling in a convenient location before being attached to the canvas material which will allow the bag to hang comfortably in place for years to come!
Accessories
The Last Punch heavy duty punch bag comes with chains so once you have found a suitable hook and placed it in your desired position, it can be set up quickly. Besides the chain attachments, no other accessories are included and you should invest in high quality gloves and wrist straps for regular training.
Positives
- Heavy duty canvas material means that the bag can last for years and survive many, many intense training sessions!
- Classic look and feel with the heavy bag hanging from chains.
- You can choose what you fill the bag with (depending on how heavy and firm you would like the bag to be). Advised to use sand for the bottom of the bag and old clothes/towels packed tight for the rest.
- 50″ with chains, 33″ without. 18″ wide.
Negatives
- Does not come with additional accessories.
- Use of chains means that permanent placement is needed.
Boxing is a sport suitable for all ages and some of the younger fighters reap the biggest benefits including (but not limited to):
- Increased confidence.
- Build self discipline.
- Teaches about learning proper form and technique.
- Self defence skills.
- Anger management.
- Stress reducing!
Further Details
These are just some of the benefits. Whether your teen is trying out the sport and training for a bit of fun or with ambitions to one day compete and go pro, the bags reviewed above will set them on the right path. So, give the above information a brief think then go and order the right bag for you and your teenage son or daughter!
Top things to consider when purchasing a heavy bag for you or any teenager would have to be the size of the room you intend to hang the bag in, the type of training you intend to use it for (just boxing or a range of different fighting styles and combat sports?), if you want a modern or classic look and feel and of course, your budget.
The Best Punching Bag For Teenager Review Criteria
We put an awful lot of time, effort and resources into our reviews to ensure that you get the most up to date and useful information! We find read all the Amazon reviews, watch all of the Youtube training sessions and where-ever possible test out the mentioned products to offer the best reviews to be found online. In our review lists, we try to explore a range of different options (to cater to different skill levels, goals and budgets) and hope that anyone reading can find some useful information. Below you can read a little more about exactly what we take into account and look for when we were reviewing these heavy punching bags.
Purpose
Before you even begin considering what look and feel you want your teens punching bag to be, you need to be confident in its purpose/intended use. Is your teenager looking to become the next money Mayweather or Connor McGregor? Exactly which combat sport do they intend to train for the next few years is what you must ask yourself! If they want to learn a multitude of fighting styles then you will want to go for a more versatile bag thats use can be easily adjusted whereas if they are sure they want to train only in boxing, it makes more sense to invest in a heavy duty, durable and strong classic heavy bag. Some examples of the potential purposes:
General training
Encouraging overall fitness, exercise and healthy eating is always a good thing when it comes to your teenage son or daughter. If you need something to be used for general health and fitness, go for a more versatile bag.
Seasoned Athlete
Maybe they have been going to boxing lessons for a number of years now and want the ability to train even more when they aren’t in there lessons. In this case you can be confident that a standard, tried and tested heavy bag will do the job perfectly. Odds are you are enjoying the sport as a parent by now also so applying somewhere to hang a classic bag with chains is not such a frightening thought.
Who Knows!?
Not to worry, maybe you don’t know what the bag will be used for in a couple of years and that is okay! In this case, we might even recommend that you hold off buying a bag completely. Send your teen son or daughter down to the local boxing gym for a few months so they can see how they like it. Maybe they will love it and insist on getting a bag of their own or perhaps they will express an interest in a different combat sport such as Karate or Taekwondo. In either cases you will be glad you waited before investing the time, money and effort into purchasing a heavy bag. They will still be selling the good ones for years to come so you will certainly not miss out!
Material
When looking at the material used we have taken into account both the external material and the interior/filling. We look for the durability, coarseness/harshness of the material and quality. With a heavy bag taking tens of thousands of hits over the years, it is vital that the material can stand the test of time without weakening. The last thing you want is a rip that causes the filling (which could be thousands of grains of sand!) to spill out.
Set Up
The next thing to be considered when reviewing a heavy punch bag is the set up. You need to know if it is freestanding or needs to be hung from the ceiling or a wall. The way that a bag is set up does not only effect the experience using it but also its surrounding areas (and the risk for damage to such areas). For example, when a bag is freestanding it is less likely to cause an immediate damage to surrounding areas (as you are not required to drill and holes into your walls or ceilings) however it can be different to use. It might swing less than a traditional bag for example. Also, the base still needs to be secured and weighted down with something (usually sand or water) which if leaked can still cause permanent damage to surrounding areas. As mentioned above, more traditional heavy bags need to be secured to the wall or ceiling usually by using a drill and some screws. This does cause some damage to the wall immediately although is easily remedied should you choose to get rid of or move your bag!
Accessories
An often overlooked part of purchasing a heavy punching bag is what you will use to protect your wrists, knuckles and hands whilst using it. Many bags come with gloves and wrist straps to help with this but not all. When bags do not come with such accessories, this might not be such a bag thing. Depending on the skill that your teenage son or daughter wishes to practise and/or perfect, they may need different accessories for training sessions and being able to buy these separately could be very beneficial!
If you are a teenager simply looking to develop a heavy hit, you must ensure that whichever bag you purchase, you have some high quality supportive wrist wraps and some protective boxing gloves to use. You risk seriously injuring yourself if you do not use adequate training accessories! If you are looking to develop skills in numerous arts and fighting styles, you should invest in some more generic wrist straps and gloves that will allow you to try out a wide range of fighting styles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know when I have found the right heavy punching bag?
You will know that you have found the correct heavy punch bag when your teenager looks forward to practising their boxing skills! The bag will be weighted evenly throughout the length of the bag and have enough swing to it to absorb heavy hits but not so much that it gets away from the fighter or damages the surrounding areas.
Which bag should I buy!?
Well, if you have read the guide in full and you are still unsure on which heavy bag to buy, I would suggest simply going with your gut! Buy the bag that looks the coolest to you in the images! Or, keep it simple and decide on a budget and find the one that fits that budget and sounds appealing. As with all of our buyers guides, these are the best we have found through our extensive research but there is always the chance that you find one you prefer even more than any bags listed here!
Are all of these bags suitable for teenagers?
Yes! These bags have been researched and selected by us because of how suitable they are for teenage boxers (or soon to be teenage boxers!).
Where can I order these heavy punch bags?
We will soon be adding links to Amazon where you can purchase the aforementioned bags directly (and for which we hope to receive a small commission) but until this is done and in the mean time, we still recommend heading over to Amazon yourself so you can see more details on the individual bag and some reviews from those who have already purchased them!
Which punching bag should I buy for my teen?
Well, you need to consider all that has been addressed in the above guide and most importantly, you need to talk to your teen! Ask them what fighting style they think they will be practising for the next few years, which style do they look forward to practising and what type of bag would they like! With all of this discussed and kept in mind, you can then select the right bag for you and your teenage boxer.
How do I maintain a heavy punch bag?
Well that depends on how long you want it to perform, what it will be used for and who will be using it. Bags that go through intense training sessions and are used regularly by older teenagers will require more maintenance than one that is used by a beginner boxer who is not as strong yet. We will be putting together a guide to maintaining your heavy punching bag soon so keep checking back for that!
Is it safe to get any of these for my teenage son or daughter?
Of course! We would not be recommending them if not. These bags when used properly and secured in place (also filled with the right material) are as safe as training in any other sports environment! Ensure that they have adequate training accessories (gloves, wrist wraps and gum shield/headgear if needed).
Are these bags suitable for girls and boys?
Whilst each bag could be used by either a boy or a girl, you might be looking for a slightly different look or feel depending on who you are buying for. I suggest that you read our best punching bag for women guide if shopping for your teenage daughter.
Article Sources
- Made How, How Punching Bags Are Made, Accessed on 17th December 2020.
- GQ, How To Buy a Punching Bag, Accessed on November 24th 2020.
- Live Strong, What Size Punching Bag is Right for Me?, Accessed on 28th 2020.
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