Detailed Guide To Punching Bag Weights: Is Heavier Better?

Heavier punching bags are better if you want to experience more punch feedback – they will not swing around as easily and you can practise to be a heavy puncher. Heavier punching bags are suitable for heavier fighters in higher weight classes.

On the other hand, lighter punching bags are better for general cardio and lighter fighters. Lighter bags will swing better – giving you the satisfaction required when exercising. Lighter punching bags are suitable for lighter fighters and those who simply want to exercise.

Although there are different punching bags, some of the most popular types include Freestanding, Hanging, Speed Bag, Teardrop, and Double-End bags. These vastly vary from each other and have different weight categories and features.

I often get the question about which punching bag a boxer should choose. The answer isn’t the same for everyone; it mainly depends on their needs and weight requirements. When it comes to punching bags, there is a lot of confusion about the best weights. Is heavier better?

In this article, I aim to discuss five types of punching bags and their weights, as well as give you my recommendation for some of the best punching bags for each category.

Summary weights of different types of punching bags.

Punching Bag Type	Weight
Freestanding	50-200 lbs
Hanging	50-100 lbs
Speed bag	1-8 lbs
Teardrop	60-500 lbs
Double end	30-150 lbs

 

1. Freestanding Punching Bag

A freestanding punching bag weighs, from 50 to 200 pounds. It is a bag that is not attached to the ground. They can be used for punching, kicking, and slamming.

The freestanding bag can be installed indoors or outdoors. Put the holder on the floor and attach the pole to the surface of the holder with the screws that come with the freestanding holder. Simply fit your bang over the hole.

The Usage: Freestanding Punching Bag

A freestanding punching bag is a type of punching bag that is not attached to the ground. This allows for more movement and breathing room, making it more challenging. Freestanding punching bags are also typically heavier than punch bags attached to the base, making them more effective for training. 

The Weight: Freestanding Punching Bag

Freestanding punching bags are available in various weights, from around 50 to over 200 pounds. They can be used for multiple exercises, including punching, kicking, and slamming the bag.

The heavier the bag, the more force you will use when punching or kicking it, so it is essential to find one that is comfortable. A freestanding punching bag that is too heavy may cause strain on your joints or spine if you use it for an extended period.

If you are new to punching bags or are unsure about which weight is right for you, consult a trainer or physical therapist before purchasing a bag.

Installation: Freestanding Punching Bag

The freestanding bag can be installed indoors or outdoors. All you need is the freestanding holder. You can assemble this holder yourself. You will have to add the required weight to the holder’s bottom.

The heavier the bag, the more weight is needed. Put the holder on the floor and put weight on the surface. Then attach your pole to the surface of the holder with screws that come with the freestanding holder. Simply fit your bag over the pole. 

2. Hanging Punching Bag

Hanging punching bags weighs between 50 and 100 pounds. It’s typically hang from a ceiling or wall using chains or ropes.  You’ll need to hang your bag from a hook or chain in a comfortable location.

Hang a rope from the roof on a hook. Then attach the other end of the rope to the bag. Make sure the length of the rope is to your liking, and you can punch the bag easily.

The Usage: Hanging Punching Bag

Hanging punching bags are typically hung from a ceiling or wall using chains or ropes, making them easier to use. They are also portable, so they can be taken with you wherever you go. 

The Weight: Hanging Punching Bag

The punching bag’s weight is an essential factor when purchasing a punching bag. The heavier the bag, the harder it will be to move around, making it more challenging to work on your technique. A hanging punching bag weight range for hang-time training is between 50 and 100 pounds.

Installation: Hanging Punching Bag

Before you can start punching the bag, you’ll need to hang it from a hook or chain in a comfortable location. Hang a rope from the roof on a hook. Then attach the other end of the rope to the bag.

Make sure that the punching bag you are getting has a hook attached to its top. This will make your work easier as you only have to join the rope with the roof and your bag.

Make sure the length of the rope is to your liking, and you can punch the bag easily. You can install a punching bag indoors or outdoors, but ensure that the area is well-ventilated and free from obstructions. 

 

3. Speed Bag

The speed bags weigh between 1 and 8 pounds. Speed bags are air-filled bags that are anchored at the top to a rebound platform, which is parallel to the ground. It is a large, round bag attached by chains or ropes to the ceiling. 

The smaller the bag, the lighter it weighs. Simply attach the rope to a hook on the roof and connect the other end of the rope to the speed bag. Make sure you have enough space to move around the bag while punching and kicking.

The Usage: Speedbag

A speed bag is a piece of equipment that is often used in martial arts and boxing. Speed bags are air-filled bags smaller in size than regular punching bags. They are anchored at the top to a rebound platform parallel to the ground. It is a large, round bag suspended by chains or ropes from the ceiling or floor.

When the user punches the bag, it swings back and forth. This exercise helps to increase punching power and accuracy. The speed bag is made to provide an exceptional punching experience. It improves hand-eye coordination and stamina. 

The Weight: Speedbag

The speed bags weigh anywhere between 1 and 8 pounds. It depends on which size of a speed bag you are getting. The weight of the speed bag is determined by its size. The smaller the bag, the lighter it weighs.  

Installation: Speedbag

Installing a speed bag is easy. Attach the rope to a hook on the roof. Attach the other end of the rope to the speed bag. It is crucial to ensure the surface is smooth, free of any bumps or creases, and that the bag hangs from the hook at an adequate height.

You will also need to ensure enough room to move around the bag while punching it and that there are no sharp edges or corners near your body.

4. Teardrop Bag

A teardrop punching bag weigh anywhere between 60 to 500 pounds, depending on the material of the cloth and what the bag is being filled with.

A teardrop bag is an oval-shaped fabric bag filled with sand or weights and attached to the ceiling by ropes or chains.

Drill a few holes in your ceiling where the straps will attach. Then use a hook or a nail to attach the bag to the straps.

The Usage: Teardrop Bag

The teardrop bag, also known as a punching bag weight, is a weighted bag used for boxing and other martial arts training. It is a round or oval-shaped piece of fabric or heavy cloth filled with sand, gravel, or weights and suspended from the ceiling by ropes or chains. The user punches and kicks the bag, trying to knock it down.

The Weight: Teardrop Bag

A teardrop bag can weigh between 60 and 500 pounds. It depends on the bag’s size and the material used to fill the teardrop bag. The material of the cloth used to make the bag will also determine how much weight it can hold.

Installation: Teardrop Bag

The installation of a teardrop bag can be straightforward. A few holes should be drilled in your ceiling where the straps will attach. The bag should then be suspended from these straps by a hook or a nail. Make sure to place the bag so that it is at an angle so that your punches land in the middle of the bag, not on one end or the other.

 

5. Double-End Bag

Double end bags weigh around 30 to 150 pounds, depending on their size. The double-end bag has two ends, one attached to the ceiling and the other to the floor.

One end is slightly smaller than the other end. It is somewhat more challenging to install these bags as you need to drill hooks on the ceiling and the floor for both ends. The bag itself has two hooks. One on the top, the other on the bottom.

The Usage: Double-End Bag

The double-end bag is a specialized punching bag with two ends, each slightly smaller than the other. This allows for more precise and accurate strikes and increases the intensity of the workout.

The Weight: Double-End Bag

These bags weigh around 30 to 150 pounds. It depends on the size of the bag. If the double-end bag is smaller, it is lighter, and vice versa. 

Installation: Double-End Bag

The most common way to install this bag is by suspending it from the ceiling and roof using chains or cables. Double-end bags have two hooks attached on top and bottom. Drill hooks on the ceiling and floor.

Take one rope. Attach one end of the rope to the ceiling and the other to the top hook of the bag. When it is secured, take a second rope and attach one end to the floor and the other to the bottom hook of the bag. Adjust the height of the bag between the ceiling and the floor.

When installing the punching bag, ensure that you adjust the height, weight, and swing speed to fit your needs. It is important to remember that the heavier the bag, the harder it will be to hit with consistent power.

A light bag will not provide as much resistance when hitting it hard. Finally, test your new punching bag before using it to ensure everything is working properly.

It’s up to you to decide which weight punching bag is better. Some believe heavier bags are better because they provide more resistance and are more challenging to punch. Others think that a lighter bag is more comfortable to use and that it’s easier to move around. 

Some people believe heavier punching bags are better because they provide more resistance and make it tougher to hit the target. Other people believe lighter punching bags are better because they offer more resistance and make it tougher to swing the arms hard enough to cause damage. Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for in a punching bag.

The weight of a punching bag is important because it affects how hard the bag swings when struck. The heavier the bag, the harder it will swing when hit, which is why professional boxers prefer heavy bags.

However, lighter bags can also be used by fighters just starting out. Double-end bags usually weigh around 50 pounds, enough to provide some resistance but not too much so that it becomes too difficult to strike the bag.

The weight of the punching bag will vary depending on your strength and conditioning level. If you are lightweight, you should use a lighter bag and vice versa. 

Also, if you are looking to exercise and sweat, then go for lighter punching bags that are lighter than 100lbs. If you are looking to build strong punches, then go for heavier punching bags that are heavier than 100lbs.

Finding the right punching bag can be very tricky, especially for beginners, as they do not have enough experience of what kind of bags they can easily work with. If you are a beginner, using a lighter punching bag will help you build strength and stamina. As you become stronger, you can move up to a heavier bag.

However, ensure that the weight is evenly distributed on the bag so that it is not too heavy or too light. Overloading the punch bag can cause injury. It can also damage the punching bags by making a tear in them due to the heavyweight inside.

If you want a heavy bag, ensure the material is strong and of good quality. This will help you avoid tears and damage to the bag. 

If the bag is too light, you will be unable to use it for a good training session as you will not be able to kick or punch it efficiently. 

1. Consider your goal. If you’re just looking to hit it a few times to relieve stress, a lightweight punching bag that is easy to carry around is fine. If you’re training for a boxing or martial arts tournament, you’ll need something heavier and more durable. You will need a punching bag that is of good quality and material. 
2. Consider your budget. A high-quality punching bag can be expensive, but it’ll last longer and be more durable. If you’re on a tight budget, consider choosing a less expensive punching bag that’s still high quality. Ensuring the punching bag’s exterior is of good quality is very important. This will help you train without causing any damage to the bag.
3. Consider your space. A large punching bag is great if you have plenty of space to store it, but a small punch bag may be more suitable if you only have limited storage space. A large punching bag will also need a large space for installation and training as it is not easy to move around the bag, kicking and punching in a small space. 
4. Consider your strength. If you’re a beginner, start with a lighter punching bag. As you become stronger, you can move up to a heavier bag.
5. Consider your experience. Some people find heavier bags easier to punch because they offer more resistance. Others find lighter bags easier to punch because they provide less resistance. It really depends on what you’re looking for in a punching bag!

1. Freestanding Punching Bag: Everlast Powercore Free Standing Punching Bag

Everlast powercore come with a workout kit, gloves, a speed rope, and an AB wheel. This comes at a price tag of $175.99. This is the best choice for beginners as well as professionals. 

These punching bags can be installed indoors as well as outdoors. It provides a realistic feeling because it has an air-form chamber. The rounded form of the bag also makes it simple to move around the target.

Flexible exercise equipment improves your cardio, leg conditioning, and hand-eye coordination. It also absorbs the impact, which prevents it from sliding. 

Here are some of its pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
Comes in three different colors	Can be a bit expensive
Easy to assemble
Durable build

 

2. Hanging Punching Bag: PROLAST Punching Bag

PROLAST Punching bag is a hand-made bag made from faux leather. It is a 4-foot long bag, and it weighs 80 pounds. This bag comes with a price tag of $139.99. 

These are tough and heavy punching bags that are ideal for everyone. It helps you get in shape with effective workout sessions. These bags have a very durable triple-back stitched exterior. It is weatherproof and can be used at home or in gyms for years.

These punching bags are good for kicking and punching. They are about 80-85 pounds, 48 by 14 inches in size, and also have Chrome D rings. They are filled with 100% shredded cotton fabric. 

Here are some of its pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
Quality build	Doesn’t use leather.
Waterproof
Ships with heavy-duty canvas sleeve

 

3. Speed Bag: HUNTER Speed Ball Boxing Bag

HUNTER speed bag is 9.5 x 7 inches in size. These speed bags are made of genuine cowhide leather. The bag’s inside is lined with four layers of polycotton. These speed bags come with a price tag of $29.99.

Every speed bag is balanced and shaped for accuracy and toughness. These light-speed bags guarantee quality and lightning-fast rebound. They have a latex bladder, which is soft and bouncy and needs to be inflated regularly.

Here are some of its pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
Leather build	The swivel can be a bit unsafe
Tough construction
Inexpensive compared to other options

4. Teardrop Bag: Contender Fight Sports Teardrop Bag

These contender teardrop bags are made with a synthetic leather construction. Its size is 14 by 35 inches. They are made of faux leather and weigh around 2 pounds.

They cost 149.99 on Amazon.

Here are some of its pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
Superb padding	A bit pricey
Great stitching quality
Synthetic leather

 

5. Double End Bag: Everlast Double End Striking Bag

The Everlast Double End Striking Bag are made of faux leather and have a price tag of $28.95.

This double-end punching bag helps you with an outdoor lifestyle. They weigh about 1.3 pounds, and their dimensions are 10.5″W x 4″H. These bags are excellent for training.

Here are some of its pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
Affordable price	The seams can break
Made with faux leather

Conclusion

Punching bags are among some vital equipment a boxer should have. Whether you are an expert or just starting out, having the punching bag that fits your needs is crucial in having a proper workout. In general, heavier bags are better, but you decide based on some factors I discussed in the article.

Q: What size heavy bag do pro boxers use?
A: Pro boxers in different weight classes will use heavy bags in different weights. Generally, Lighter boxers practise with 70-100lbs heavy bag. Whereas heavier boxers will practise with heavy bag weighing more than 100lbs.

 

Q: What size heavy bag should beginners use?
A: Beginners should practise with lighter bags  ranging from 50lbs – 80lbs. It needs to be light enough – so you don’t hurt yourself but heavy enough to give good punching feedbacks. Beginners should start with freestanding or hanging punching bags.

 

Q: Are heavier punching bags better?
A: Heavier punching bags are better if you are heavier, have correct punching techniques and want to develop strength in your punches. Heavy punching bags are not suitable for beginners or lighter fighters.

 

Q: Is a 70 pound punching bag good?
A: 70 pound freestanding or hanging punching bag is great for beginners and pro boxers alike. It’s not too light and not too heavy.

 

Q: How heavy should your punching bag be?
A: The weight of your punching bag depends on your goals and your own body weight. If you want to exercise for cardio and you have lighter weights, then go for lighter punching bags below 100 or even below 80 lbs. If you are heavy or you want to build stronger punches, then go for punching bags above 100 lbs.

 

Q: Can a heavy bag be too heavy?
A: Heavy bag can get too heavy and risk injury for your wrists and knuckles. If the bag doesn’t move when you punch and you feel uncomfortable, then the bag is likely too heavy.

 

Q: What happens if your heavy bag is too heavy?
A: If a punching bag is too heavy, then you likely won’t get a good workout in. The heavy bag will not move as much, you won’t feel satisfied and can even risk injuring your hands while punching.