Boxing Equipment
Gloves
If you are just starting your boxing journey, ready to invest in your own gloves after trying some lessons or classes, or want an upgrade, here is my rundown of gloves that I recommend to clients and my experience with them. I have put a dollar sign to indicate level of expense. I do suggest getting your own pair as it is always a more sanitary option.
OZ vs size: If you are doing boxing as a casual fitness venture once a week, it does not matter. If you are training more than once a week, please look to get ounces. Ounces are usually picked based on weight. If you are 180lbs +, look into 16 oz or heavier. Between 130 and 180, 14oz. Below that, 14oz or 12oz. The heavier the glove, the more protection it usually provides but works your arm muscles more. The lighter gloves are used for more speed work but provide less protection. In terms of fit for hands, many times that depends on the brand, which I’ve tried to outline in a few below.
Cleto Reyes: $$$$ I love these gloves and use them exclusively for bag work and/or sparring. They do require a break in period, like a pair of really good shoes. Once they are molded to your hands, they feel fantastic. They are leather and handmade, so expect them to last a long time. If you keep them clean and sanitary they will never smell. They provide adequate protection but are known as a “punchers” glove so you can feel shots in your knuckles. I have very long fingers and find the Reyes give my fingers the space they need without feeling cramped. If you are willing to spend some money these are a great investment.
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Ringside Bag Gloves: $ If you are just starting out and want a reasonably priced glove this is very affordable and comfortable to start. Velcro works well and feels decent when putting on, not too tight and doesn’t require a long break in period. If you are training about once a week, these are a great option to last you half a year to a year. They are not leather so will not hold up as well as a more expensive glove, but take decent care of them and they should give you some solid rounds in the gym.
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Venom: $$ I have many clients that exclusively buy venom. They are a decent and comfortable glove, sleek and affordable. The link I have provided is the most popular that clients purchase. The biggest issue is that the Velcro gives out quickly. Despite this happening for clients many times, they continue to buy.
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Rival: $$ Good quality bag gloves, very popular and stylish. Great for smaller hands, many of my female clients like rival gloves.
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Hand Wraps
Hand wraps are an important part of boxing! You put them on first thing when getting to the gym, wear them while shadow boxing or hitting the speed bag, and take them off at the end. They go under your gloves. The mark of an experienced boxer is putting on hand wraps. Please please please air dry them afterwards. Rolling them up in a ball and leaving in your bag will lead to bad odors. Wash them frequently in a mesh bag in the washing machine, air dry and roll them up afterwards.
Meister: They are affordable and standard hand wraps. Comfortable and stretchy material, they will last a long time and the Velcro won’t wear out quickly. They come in a variety of colors and designs for your preference.
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Ringside quick wraps: I recommend these to my Parkinson’s boxers. They are easy to put on and protective. Messing with the long hand wraps with a tremor can be cumbersome. These solve that problem but will provide the necessary protection under the gloves.
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Headgear
I always suggest when people start sparring to invest in some nice headgear. You probably do not want to share face sweat and who knows what else on your face. When I asked my coach how much I should spend, he said, how much do you value your brain?
Winning: $$$$ Truly the best headgear. Comfortable. Lasts forever. I used one for about 4 or 5 years before buying a new one, and that one was used from someone else who had it for 4 or 5 years. At some point I couldn’t get over the collected smell. But 10 years is a great life for a headgear, and the quality never wore down nor did the material rip. Worth every penny.
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