There are so many different factors to consider when buying and choosing the best boxing gloves and gear for yourself that it can be a little overwhelming, and you might not know where to start. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you in a quick and easy guide designed to help you pick the right glove you.
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How to Pick the Right Boxing Gloves
The first thing you’ll need to know is what type of boxing glove you need and what size is right for you. Properly sized boxing gloves should have a snug fit when you put them on over your hand wraps without cutting off your blood supply. They should feel snug but also still be comfortable while offering support for your wrist and not cramping your fingers.
It is essential that you try the gloves on with hand wraps because you should always use your hand wraps when training or sparring. Hand wraps are an essential part of your gear and provide more padding for your hand and knuckles, as well as providing more stability for your wrists. They are another necessary step in preventing injury.
Size/Weight
The next thing that you want to do is make sure that the boxing gloves are the right size, and this is to avoid injury to you and anyone that you might be boxing. To determine what the right size glove is, you will need three measurements; your body weight, your height, and the circumference of your hand.
To measure your hand circumference, you need to use a fabric tape measure. You can also use a string and then measure it afterward. Wrap the string or tape measure around your open, dominant hand just under the knuckles and make sure both ends meet in your palm. Boxing gloves come in various weights, from 6oz to 20oz, and different weights apply to different weight classes.
Amateur boxing gloves typically come in three different sizes: light welterweight – 10oz gloves, welterweight to heavyweight 12oz gloves, and Masters Division – 16oz gloves. You can find lots of handy size charts online if you’re still unsure of what size and weight gloves you need. I would also suggest looking up the right technique for your hand wraps to maximize safety.
Types of gloves
There are 4 different styles of gloves that you can choose from. Each style is ideal for a different type of fighting or boxing; which one you need depends on your intended use. There are gloves that are ideal for training, gloves that are better suited for punching equipment, and then gloves that are best suited for actual one-on-one fights.
Bag gloves – These gloves are the best for doing any boxing at home, at the gym, or any bag work. You can use bag gloves on punching bags, speed bags, pads, a heavy bag, and any other kind of punching training device. Bag gloves have less padding in them to allow the boxer to be able to better feel their hits and gauge their technique.
Sparring gloves – Sparring gloves can only be used for sparring. Sparring gloves are the same size as training gloves, but they are lighter and can help a boxer improve their basic skills and technique. This style of the glove has more padding in it to protect the fighter and their sparring partner from injury.
Training gloves – They say that every boxer needs a pair of training gloves in their gym locker because they’re a more versatile boxing gloves that can be used for sparring and bag work, even though they’re not made specifically for either activity. These gloves are great for experts and newcomers alike.
Competition boxing gloves – Competition boxing gloves have less padding than the others as they are designed to allow your opponent to feel every hit. Professional boxers and amateur boxers use different weights of gloves, and amateur gloves are more closely regulated because there are stricter rules at that level.
The Best Brands For Beginners
- Venum Challenger 2.0 Boxing Gloves
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These are affordable price but are still high quality, which means that they’ll last longer. They are faux leather, come in various colors, and are available from 6oz to 16oz. They are faux leather with velcro closure. These gloves are excellent for beginners and can be used for sparring, bag work, and muay Thai. - Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves
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These gloves are also quite affordable and are marketed toward beginners. They are available from 8oz to 16oz and come in a wide array of colors. They also feature gel padding, which has benefits like keeping your hand cooler and allowing you to hit a heavy bag without pulling punches. This boxing glove also has a velcro closure for better wrist stability. - Ringside Apex Boxing Gloves
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This particular glove is slightly pricier than the previous two because Ringside is a well-established brand with quality products that have great longevity. they are faux leather and come in a great range of colors, and are sized x-small to x-large. It’s a great glove for heavy bag work, sparring, training, and even muay Thai.
FAQs
– When can I upgrade my boxing gloves?
While it may be tempting to get the expensive brands you see on your favorite boxer, getting more expensive gloves won’t make you an expert boxer. Mastering the fundamentals such as footwork and technique is the key. It’s also unwise to sink that much money into what can be an expensive hobby before knowing that it’s something you enjoy.
When you feel like you’ve mastered the basics of boxing and you’ve checked in with your trainer, you can always upgrade to other gloves. Especially if you’re getting more serious about the sport and spending lots of time practicing, it’ll be an investment to buy better quality equipment.
Final Thoughts
The brands I’ve listed here are the best for beginners, with lots of great reviews to back that up. They’re not very expensive and have a reasonable life span before they need to be replaced. Most of them are versatile and padded enough to allow beginners to feel comfortable. Still, it’s important to do your research, know your measurements and know what style of glove would suit you best.
