Combat training is an exciting endeavour to undertake. Due to time, money, and life in general, you may not be able to make it to the gym to sharpen your skills as often as you’d like. Reflex bags and their convenient design are an excellent addition to make it possible to train in the comfort of your own home. So, we put together this guide to help you find the best reflex bags.
How to Find The Best Reflex Bag
What is a Reflex Bag?
A reflex bag is a free-standing punching bag. It generally has a weighted base that is stationary and planted firmly on the ground. There’s a pole connected to the base with a punching bag mounted on top. The bar has a spring that allows it to swing back at you after you’ve struck it.
What Makes a Quality Reflex Bag?
There are a few features to consider when purchasing a quality reflex bag, and it can make all the difference. Be sure to focus on the below components as you’re comparing and contrasting which bag is best for you.
Durability
You don’t want to purchase a reflex bag that has to be replaced after a few uses because the material is damaged easily, ultimately ruining your investment.
For this reason, it’s best to avoid synthetic/faux leather, even though it’s easier to clean because it’s not as durable as genuine leather. Genuine leather is strong and resilient and will offer longevity for the life of your reflex bag.
Location of the Spring
Your skill level will dictate what kind of spring best suits you. If you’re a beginner, then you’re looking for the spring to be at the bottom of the pole because it will rebound slower after being struck. Skilful individuals will want the spring closer to the top for a faster rebound. Finally, be sure that the base can hold enough sand or water so that it’s completely stable when in use.
The Right Height
Of course this will depend on your own height. In general, older fighters will need a taller bag and younger ones will require a shorter one.
Most bags range from 60″ to 72″ and the best reflex bags are adjustable in height. Some would also argue the taller bags (that is they can be adjusted to a taller max height) after better as they require more skill, time and effort to manufacture.
Solid Base
The base that your reflex bag is attached to will make a huge difference in the bags performance. Too light, and the bag will fall over if you hit it hard enough. Too heavy, and you won’t be able to move it! The latter is of course a good thing when it comes to a punching bag of any kind.
Cobra Bags Vs Standard Bags
Before you start looking for your reflex bag, you will want to decide if you need a cobra or a standard bag.
The main difference between the two styles is where the spring is located.
Cobra Bags
On a Cobra reflex bag, the spring is located in the middle of the support pole (or higher). This means that the bag rebounds at a much greater speed once hit. This style of bag is perfect for developing your speed and accuracy.
Standard Bags
The standard reflex bag has a spring positioned more towards the base of the bag. This means that the bag rebounds at a slower speed, allowing you to develop your defensive movements with precision. The idea is that these kinds of bags mimic the movement an opponent would make when counter attacking.
5 Best Reflex Bags
We’ve taken the liberty of assembling 5 of the best reflex bags available; these aren’t in any particular order, as different bags suit various needs.
1. MaxxMMA Speed-Adjustable Freestanding Reflex Bag
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
The MaxxMMA Speed-Adjustable Freestanding Reflex Bag brings along with it a unique and patented tension adjustment system. The spring is located at the base, and when you adjust it higher, it causes the bag to swing back faster. When you adjust it lower, it’s a slower speed, but it’s perfect for beginners.
The stand comes with an adjustable height that can be adjusted from 48 inches to 61.5 inches. Interestingly enough, the punching bag comes with a one-year replacement guarantee. The plastic base can be filled with 30 pounds of water or 50 pounds of sand.
Pros
- One-year replacement guarantee.
- Adjustable spring to suit different skill levels.
- Adjustable height from 48″-61.5″.
Cons
- The bag may feel small to you if you’re a taller individual (around 6ft).
- Made from synthetic leather.
2. Move It Smart Reflex Bags
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The name of this reflex bag pretty much speaks for itself. It’s the world’s only reflex bag that has a gyroscope sensor attached that has the capability to calculate and detect punch intensity from various directions.
The sensor is located beneath the bag, and can also track tempo, total number of punches, striking speed, and accuracy. The spring is located at the base and can be adjusted to suit your skill set. It’s also made from genuine leather to withstand heavy use.
This reflex bag also features an interactive app that offers real-time tips from a personal trainer, for free! You can. Also choose to interact with and challenge friends and other users of the app.
Pros
- Sensor that can detect punching accuracy, speed, and intensity.
- Interactive app that offers tips from a personal trainer.
- Made from genuine leather.
Cons
- Bag becomes deflated easily.
- Can only connect to one device at a time.
3. Ringside Fitness Reflex Bag
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
The Ringside Fitness Reflex Bag is the perfect piece of equipment for both beginners and intermediate fighters. This reflex bag is great for those who want to improve their distance, timing, and accuracy with hitting a moving target. The Chrome spring is placed at the bottom, and this reflex bag is very easy to clean and assemble. The height of the stand can be adjusted from 49 to 69 inches.
The bag mimics an actual opponent’s movement allowing you to train your reflexes and hone your skills. The base can be filled with 125 pounds of water or 240 pounds of sand.
Pros
- Suitable for both beginners and intermediate fighters.
- Bag mimics opponents movements to offer advanced reflex training.
- Stand can be adjusted to suit both adults and children.
Cons
- Base slightly leaks over time.
- Made from synthetic leather.
4. Protocol Reflex Bag
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
The Protocol Reflex Bag is a set that has the bag and also includes padded boxing gloves, which is excellent for the value. It features an adjustable stand that ranges from 48-58 inches and it has an inflatable pump and a sturdy base. This is the bag for beginner adults that really want to become better at martial arts.
The spring is located at the bottom of the reflex bag, and it’s easy to assemble and move throughout your home. The reflex bag stand can be filled with sand or water, and the bag itself is made of faux leather.
Pros
- Includes padded boxing gloves.
- Great for beginners who are just starting to learn martial arts.
- Includes an inflatable pump.
Cons
- The material may rip easily with intense use.
- Not recommended for advanced fighters.
5. Nollapo Cobra Reflex Bag
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
This bag is easy to assemble, even easier to use, and allows for efficient training and combat skill development. The Nollapo Cobra Reflex Bag has a spring that’s located closer to the top, which makes it very responsive to bring struck.
This reflex bag offers a faster rebound and reduced vibrations; this means that it’s less noisy than other bags when you strike it.
It can be adjusted from 60″-65″, and it has 8 very large suction cups on the steel base that can be attached to smooth surfaces.
Pros
- Spring located closer to the top which makes it more responsive to being struck.
- Has 8 large suction cups on the base to help keep the base sturdy on smooth surfaces.
- Less noisy than other bags when hit.
Cons
- Made from synthetic leather.
- Not for beginners.
Wrap Up
Getting to the gym can be a hassle; having a viable alternative to the gym is a great option to have. What’s more, gym memberships can be costly, and you may find that owning your own reflex bag does wonders for your skills and your pockets as well.
Hopefully our list has helped you narrow down your choices to find the best bag for your particular needs.
Reflex Bag Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What do reflex bags train?
Using a reflex bag will help you develop your speed and accuracy. The bag will rebound quickly once hit which allows you to practise your slips and blocks. As they are smaller, you can also practise your footwork and counter punches.
How tall should your reflex bag be?
This will depend on how tall the fighter is. The best bags are adjustable in height so a wider range of fighters can use it effectively.
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