Training with a heavy bag is essential to improve your stability, punch power, and skills. Heavy bags are harder to punch because of their weight. Therefore, you need a glove that can protect your hands adequately. Unfortunately, MMA gloves cannot provide your hands with that kind of protection because of their design. Below are 7 reasons why MMA gloves are bad for heavy bags. I will also cover which gloves you should use instead for heavy bag training.
Table of Contents
1. MMA Glove Doesn’t Have Enough Feedback
MMA Gloves have thin padding with a harder surface, reducing the feedback level you get from every punch thrown.
The response to every strike you give is very important when training or fighting. It allows you to feel the impact of your punch properly and also helps you measure your punch correctly to avoid over-strike.
When it comes to MMA gloves, they perform poorly with punch feedback due to the way the glove is designed. As a result, fighters can easily over-strike, which could damage their fist and wrist if there is a slip.
The padding of MMA gloves are soft and thick. You will not get enough punch feedback.
2. MMA Glove Doesn’t Have Enough Wrist Support
Most MMA gloves are built to protect the knuckles, which is why the knuckle area is more padded than the wrist area of the glove. There is little wrist support when training or fighting with MMA gloves.
One of the most common disadvantages of using MMA gloves is the problem with little or no wrist support. The MMA glove allows the fighter to use more flexy fighting techniques, unlike in boxing. The glove provides for punching and grappling and does not include heaving lifting.
The MMA gloves do not have the extra-length wrist straps that provide protection and stabilization as seen with boxing gloves. The gloves have somewhat thinner padding, and using them for heavy bags may harm your wrist.
Unlike the MMA glove, the Boxing glove is designed to have longer padding that extends to the wrist. However, the boxing glove has a limited fighting style and is perfect for wrist support.
3. MMA Glove’s Padding Is Too Thin
The MMA Gloves have thin padding, especially in areas aside from the knuckles. For this reason, the glove does not perform well with those that use their hands for protection during fights.
Using the MMA gloves on heavy bags can also cause severe injuries to your knuckle and wrist. The thin padding does not protect against the effects of the strikes on the heavy bags. So, it is better to opt for gloves with better padding that provides better protection to your knuckles and wrist.
4. MMA Glove’s Straps Do Not Hold the Glove Securely in Place
Straps that come with most MMA gloves have issues of either not correctly securing the glove in place during a fight or getting tangled up.
One of the major complaints about MMA gloves is that it quickly gets displaced during fights or training. It must be constantly adjusted and strapped back because the straps quickly loosen.
Also, another problem with the straps is that it quickly gets tangled up. It could cause you to have a messed-up form and can ultimately disorganized your fight. The straps can also cause severe damage to your hand if caught on something during intense training or fights.
Loose straps are a common issue with MMA gloves due to their design. So, inspect the gloves regularly during fights or intense training.
5. MMA Gloves With Velcro Closures Tend To Loosen Over Time
Velcro Closure MMA gloves quickly loosen during use and can destabilize your training or fight. It requires regular checks.
You must get the best gloves regardless of what level of fighter you are and what purpose you will be using the glove for (training or fighting).
Premium gloves provide quality protection against damage to your hands, and one of the best gloves on the market today is the Velcro closure gloves. Unfortunately, the Velcro Closure gloves tend to loosen easily.
Using MMA gloves with Velcro closure on heavy bags can cause damage to your wrist and knuckles, especially when they are not tightened properly. Before using them, ensure that they are correctly fastened. You will also need to periodically secure the gloves while in use to avoid any form of incident.
The velcro on MMA gloves will become loose
6. MMA Gloves Are Not Durable Enough
The major complaint is that MMA gloves wear out faster and do not provide them with the level of protection they intended.
MMA gloves are not durable; the primary reason is that they are not made to withstand heavy use. Although the MMA gloves are made from the same materials as the boxing gloves, their design is the issue with the MMA gloves. The MMA gloves are designed to have thin padding compared to other boxing gloves, providing less protection and reducing their durability.
As a result of the lack of durability and protection provided by MMA gloves, fighters tend to choose much thicker gloves designed for Muay Thai or Boxing. The problem with this is that it is less flexible and much heavier.
However, fighters have opted for the lightweight Muay Thai or Boxing gloves, which provide them with more durability and flexibility and are also less heavy. The glove also gives more protection when compared with the MMA gloves.
7. MMA Gloves are Harder to Take Out After Workout
Unlike the Boxing glove, MMA gloves are more challenging to take out because of the hard surface of the glove and the damage it could do to the hand if not taken off carefully.
Fighters tend to leave the gloves on even after fighting until they are sure they won’t need them anymore as they are challenging to put on and not so comfortable. It’s hard surface helps protect the fist.
This surface can cause significant discomfort to the fist when the glove is taken out after training or fighting.
Boxing gloves provide better care for the hand when being taken out. Its design protects the wrists and knuckles adequately and allows for easier removal.
What Gloves Should You Use For Heavy Bag?
The best gloves for heavy bags are dedicated bag gloves that are designed especially for a heavy bag. These gloves are designed with the intention of heavy bag training.
Dedicated bag gloves require extra padding to protect your hand from the painful effect of punching a heavy bag. Reliable gloves will cushion every punch, unlike the MMA gloves with thin padding, which could harm your hands.
The glove will also give you perfect feedback for every punch you throw. It will allow you to feel the effect of your punch, letting you control the extent of force given into every strike.
Bag gloves also protect from blows to the hands by providing paddings that are hard at the surface and softer inside. Its soft inner cushion does not allow any part of the protected hand to get damaged.
In addition, the glove does not tear like the MMA gloves. The glove is designed for repeated use. It is also made of premium materials that keep the glove from wearing off quickly.
Another feature that makes the bag gloves perfect for use with a heavy bag is the comfort it gives users. The glove is designed to fit your hands perfectly, give it a good grip and provide that snugly feeling.
Finally, Bag gloves are much cheaper than getting boxing gloves. You can easily afford multiple pairs of these gloves and rotate them as you like. It will allow the gloves to last even longer. Rather than spending a lot on a boxing glove, you can buy multiple bag gloves, which are also durable.
Dedicated bag gloves for heavy bag workout.
Criteria When Buying Bag Gloves
Before going ahead to buy your bag gloves, you need to consider some things that will guide you to getting the best. Below are 7 criteria to pay attention to when getting bag gloves.
- Hard padding. You must ensure that the bag glove you are getting is hard enough to protect your hands from blows or the effect of the heavy bag. The glove must not be too hard, making it difficult to give effective punches.
- Durable. The glove must be made from a quality, durable material that will last longer. A good bag glove must withstand repeated use without tearing or wearing off for extended use.
- Fit snugly. The glove must fit perfectly and give your hand a snugly feeling. If it does not fit perfectly with your hand, then you should not buy it. An oversized glove can easily fall off.
- Comfortable to wear. A good bag glove must be comfortable and give your hands that snugly feeling even when used on heavy bags. The glove must be easy and comfortable to wear without causing any harm to the hands.
- Grippy Surface. Bag gloves must have a good grip surface when used on heavy bags. The grip prevents your arm from slipping away, which could twist your wrist. The grippy surface creates friction with the bag, allowing precise punches.
- Price. Bag gloves should not be expensive, allowing you to purchase multiple gloves. With multiple gloves, you can rotate them as much as you like.
- Customer Review. It would be best if you got a bag glove with good review customers. It will give you a good insight into what to expect from the glove. Customer reviews will also show you if the glove is good or bad.
Recommended Bag Gloves
1. Everlast Mixed Martial Arts Heavy Bag Gloves
The Everlast heavy bag gloves are made for mixed martial arts training on heavy bags. It is designed to give better padding to the wrist and knuckles.
It has an opening for the thumb, allowing you to practice other fighting techniques. The opening also helps promote a tight fist grip.
The glove is made from quality fabric that allows for premium ventilation. The glove is perfect if you do not want to get overheated during training. It is also very affordable.
Pros
- Good grip
- Perfect ventilation for your hands
- It comes in different sizes that will have perfect fits
Cons
- It does not come with premium leather
Everlast heavy bag glove
2. Sanabul Essential Gel Kickboxing Gloves
The Sanabul glove is known for its slick and comfortable design. Its designs allow for easy removal without its hard surface harming your hands. It comes with a hook-and-loop closure which improves wrist support. The Sanabul glove has a gel-infused design that drastically reduces the pressure on your hand when throwing punches.
The glove has complete protection for all parts of your fist and wrist, providing better usage for both beginners and pros.
Pros
- Unique gel design that can absorb pressure
- It is durable
- Protects all parts of the fist
Cons
- Requires more research to find the right pair.
3. Jaye Glorious Boxing Gloves
The Jayefo glove is 100% handmade, which ensures perfection in every part of the glove. Its traditional design allows for a perfect natural grip. It has multiple layers with high-impact gel, reducing the effect level from every punch you throw.
The glove has a thumb lock that does not allow the glove to go beyond the knuckle. It will prevent injuries that could be caused by the unnecessary movement of your hand in the glove. It also has a Velcro closure with double straps.
It comes with a double padded wrist grip to give you that wrist support you need.
Pros
- Perfect grip
- Double padding
- Dual strapping
Conclusion
MMA gloves are unsuitable for heavy bags and will cause damage to your hands during intense training. Its thin padding does not protect all parts of your fist and wrist.
Although MMA gloves are built to allow mixed martial arts, if you will be training with a heavy bag, then you should get the bag glove.
The bag glove provides maximum protection for your hand while training with heavy bags and drastically reduces the effects of your punches.
You must do proper research before buying a bag glove and follow the criteria we have listed above.
F.A.Q
Q: Can I Use Sparring Gloves on a Heavy Bag?
A: You can use sparring gloves on heavy bags. They are thick and have enough padding – so your hands and wrists will be protected. However, sparring gloves can be too thick and soft for heavy bags. You will not feel enough feedback – causing you to over-strike and not feel as satisfied for each punch.
Q: What Gloves Do You Use for Heavy Bag?
A: You should use dedicated bag gloves for heavy bag. They are designed to be thinner but harder padding. This way, your knuckles are well protected and you can have great punch feedback for each punch – allowing you to feel your punch more.
Q: Can I Hit a Heavy Bag With Just Hand Wraps?
A: You should not hit heavy bag with just hand wraps! Hand wraps do not protect your wrists and knuckles well enough to be used for heavy bag. You risk injuring your knuckles and twisting your wrists. Your punches will also be weaker and the heavy bag won’t move much – not a satisfying experience.
Q: Are 8oz and 10oz gloves good for heavy bag?
A: 8oz – 10oz gloves are good for heavy bag – they are light enough and will provide you good feedback on each punch. If you are below 130 lbs, get the 8oz heavy bag gloves. If you are above 130lbs, get the 10oz heavy bag gloves. If you are above 175 lbs, you can even going for 12oz heavy bag gloves.
Q: Are 14oz gloves good for heavy bag?
A: 14oz gloves and above are not suitable for heavy bag. They are too heavy and have such thick padding that you will not feel your punches. It won’t be a satisfying experience and you will not get the punching feedbacks.
