Boxing bag question

billwill

Hey guys,

About six months ago I picked up a 100-pound Everlast boxing bag. I use it as part of my work-out routine.

I didn't use it much in the beginning, but for the last month I've had a steady schedule that I've been sticking to. Today, during a fifteen minute session, the top part of the bag burst open. Just a big tear at the seam and all the stuffing is spilling out. In addition to that issue, the part of the bag that my fists hit the most has gotten extremely mushy. I think all the stuffing was pushed down.

So, for those two reasons, I'm unhappy with Everlast. I thought it was a name brand and therefore more likely to be quality, but apparently not.

Can anyone recommend a replacement bag that will be durable?

Another issue is that I suspect the bag may be too light for me. I'm 6'4" and it swings quite a bit when I hit it. I know it shouldn't stay completely still, but a left hook will send the bag all the way to the right a substantial amount. Is this okay or should I have a heavier bag?

Thanks.

Daemonion

To prevent swining, try getting a kickboxing bag (they are 120+ pounds and are long enough to drag on the floor). That way, they won't swing around. Essentially, having the bag touch the floor is great way to stabilize a bag if it is hanging from the ceiling or a beam. Otherwise, a swinging bag is a great way to incorporate some movement/dodging and "opportunity striking" into your routine. It (dodging and moving around) will get your heart rate up even more, and you'll notice your reflexes will get a bit better (as well as your ability to "read" an opponent/bag to see which hit and where is most appropriate).

Also, the center will get mushy over time, period. To prolong bag life, something that worked for me was to very tightly wrap duct tape about 1/8 down from the top and up from the bottom, or sometimes even 1/4 up and 1/4 down. Like, as tightly as you possibly can. That way, the center of the bag bulges out and it prevents the escape of the filling to the bottom of the bag. Note, though, that it can make that part of the bag denser than normal, and your chances for injury will increase if you aren't very confident (read: you have good technique) with your strikes.

I had an Everlast bag, and it lasted me over two years with taping. The seams only broke once I started rolling around with it for ground work stuff.

Also, the top seam can burst open if the bag is frequently getting lifted up with hits. When it gets lifted up, it slams back down with its own weight and it creates a ton of pressure in some of the seams, especially in the four hooks you use to suspend the bag, and often unevenly. Perhaps you want a heavier bag? I'm right around 5' 8" and was using an #80. If you just want to hit hard (punches, elbows, kicks, etc), a bag that is long enough to drag against the floor should be considered. If you want to work on some dodging and movement as well as hit fairly hard, a heavy bag that moves around a little is still a good tool.

I personally prefer a heavy bag that doesn't drag against the ground, because it forces me to relocate quickly to gain an advantage and work on throwing all of the major punches at several angles in the right place at the right time.

As far as brands, I really don't know much about them, sorry. I just bought whatever was available and made it work. If you are willing to put some money down, call up a boxing studio in your area and ask them. They should also have their bags taped if you want to walk in and see how they do it.

adytum

What was your bag made of? I've had an Everlast canvas heavy bag that has lasted for well over a decade with no construction problems.

Gravity is always going to pull the filling down over time, regardless of the brand.

There are stands / bags that anchor the bottom of the bag, preventing large swings which can cause stress on the fabric / stitches. That might be worth looking in to for you.

Fairchild

Brand names, tough to go wrong with Ringside or Title. Title purchased Everlast a few years back; I'd suggest calling up a nearbly gym equipment retailer and asking them which brands of bags are most durable. Be sure to ask for gym-quality, as opposed to home-quality, bags, they are more expensive but last longer.

It also sounds like you are hitting the bag too hard. You want to be throwing quick, sharp punches that make the bag recoil a few inches but no more than that. If the bag is bouncing all over the place, stop throwing haymakers and shorten up your punches.