One of the best ways to improve your hand-to-eye coordination is training with a boxing speed bag. It is also a valuable piece of kit for conditioning your shoulders, arms, and back.
Working out on a speed bag isn’t easy for beginners. That’s why we wouldn’t suggest for it to be your first punching bag if you are a beginner. If you have been boxing for a while, though, it’s an essential piece of equipment to progress.
Here are our top 3 picks of the best speed bags.
Our Top Picks
Here we review 10 of the very best speed bags currently retailing online.
They are all made with high-quality materials. Still, some are obviously better than others. Let’s get going!
Contents
- 0.1 Winner: Everlast Speed Bag 9×6
- 0.2 Runner-Up: Pro Impact Speed Bag
- 0.3 Title Boxing Gyro Balanced Speed Bag
- 0.4 Cleto Reyes Speed Bag
- 0.5 Meister Speed Bag
- 0.6 Hurbo Reflex Speed Bag
- 0.7 Balazs Lazer Speed Bag
- 0.8 Contender Speed Bag
- 0.9 Tech Tools Boutmaster Speed Bag
- 0.10 MaxxMMA Speed Bag
- 1 Speed Bags FAQ
- 2 Speed Bag Summary
Winner: Everlast Speed Bag 9×6
The best speed bag that gets the top vote comes from Everlast.
This is the 9×6 bag, which is medium in size, making it ideal for intermediate to pro boxers. If it’s your first time buying a speed bag, they also offer this slightly larger 10×7 model. The larger size is obviously better for beginners.
Both speed bag models are air-filled bags. Also, the material is top-grade leather with a reinforced seam across the bag. This ensures that the bag will last longer.
As you know, speed bags aren’t for punching with all your might. Everlast’s bag rebounds well due to the perfect shape and balance.
Working hard, it ensures it can stand up to even those toughest of punches on an ongoing basis.
Pros:
- Top grade leather material
- Two sizes available
- Encourages accurate rebounds
Cons:
- The bag requires regular filling with air
Product Specifications
| Size | 9×6 (medium) & 10×7 (large) |
| Materials | Leather |
Runner-Up: Pro Impact Speed Bag
Next up is the Pro Impact speed punching bag. This speed bag comes in five different colors/models, they are:
- Black
- Black/White
- Black genuine leather
- Black/White genuine leather
- Black/Red genuine leather
There are also three size options available, these are as follows:
- X-Small – 5″x7″
- Small – 6″x9″
- Medium – 7″x10″
As you’ve seen in the color options you can buy this speed bag either in genuine leather or PU leather. Generally speaking, genuine leather is the more durable of the two. But, you will pay a bit extra for the real leather models.
The inside latex bladder is a heavy-duty design that prevents air loss. This, combined with the bag’s triple reinforced seams, means you won’t have to pump up the bag so often. It also ensures that the direction of the bag isn’t affected during use.
Boasting a pea-shape design, the Pro Impact speed bag is designed for rapid recoiling. So, it builds on your reflexes, speed, and hand-eye coordination with regular use.
Pros:
- Pear-shaped design for increased accuracy
- Heavy-duty latex bladder
- Durable material
Cons:
- Some air issues experienced
Product Specifications
| Size | XS, S, or M |
| Materials | Durable PU or genuine Leather |
Title Boxing Gyro Balanced Speed Bag
Title Boxing has come up with an innovative speed bag that is gyro balanced. The bag comes only in one color, black. It has three size options, these are:
- Small – 5″ x 8″
- Medium – 6″ x 9″
- Large – 7″ x 10″
The fact that this bag is gyro balanced means that rebounds and recoiling are more true. This is what helps to improve your reflexes, speed, and hand-eye coordination.
Title’s speed bag uses top-grade leather on the whole bag, even the seams. This allows you to use boxing hand wraps whilst using the bag. The seams have also been triple stitched for increased durability.
On the inside you’ll find a butyl rubber bladder. This bladder has an internal balancing mechanism to improve your punches.
This bag is definitely one for the more experienced boxers out there.
Pros:
- Hand-crafted bag
- Durable leather
- Tough nylon lining
Cons:
- Some bladder issues noted
Product Specifications
| Size | Small, Medium, or Large |
| Materials | Leather |
Cleto Reyes Speed Bag
Cleto Reyes offers an authentic boxing speed bag. This is a wonderful hand-crafted speed bag that is made in Mexico, where the brand originates.
The durable leather used provides increased longevity compared to fake leather options. Also, the nylon lining works to give a tougher offense and defense solution.
The aim of the Cleto Reyes speed bag is to improve your speed, strength, and cardio. This lightweight bag is available in three colors and three standard sizes. These are:
Colors:
- Black
- Red
- Mexican (white, green, red)
Sizes:
- X-Small
- Small
- Medium
This bag is more expensive than some of the others, but that’s because of the better quality. This is something to consider when making your decision.
Pros:
- Hand-crafted bag
- Durable leather
- Tough nylon lining
Cons:
- Some bladder issues noted
Product Specifications
| Size | X-Small, small and medium |
| Materials | Leather |
Meister Speed Bag
For a lighter weight speed bag, Meister has the solution in the form of their Speed Kills model.
This is a genuine and full-grain cowhide leather type that is built to go the distance. This material choice means the bag works harder to deal with everything that is thrown at it.
The fact that this bag is so light makes it even quicker to rebound. Utilizing a simple design, the Meister speed bag is ideal for use in both gyms and homes. As long as you have a speed bag platform to attach it to.
Pros:
- Genuine full-grain cowhide leather material
- Lightweight bag
- Balanced and centered
Cons:
- Some sizing issues experienced
Product Specifications
| Size | Small 7.5×5, medium 9.5×6, and large 10.5×7 |
| Materials | Genuine full-grain cowhide leather |
Hurbo Reflex Speed Bag
Hurbo’s speed bag isn’t your traditional hanging speed bag. Instead, it’s a free-standing punching bag with a speedball at the top.
It comes with the ability to adjust the height making it a perfect punch bag for teenagers.
Utilizing high-quality PU leather, the inner material is made from ultra-strong foam. The steel rod connects the plastic base to this foam speedball on the top.
The result is a safer and more durable model that can be used over and over again without issues.
The base needs to be filled with water or sand to make sure that it remains in place.
Hurbo’s reflex bag allows you to practice your footwork and hand-to-eye coordination. This bag can be set up within a matter of minutes.
Pros:
- Height adjustable
- High-quality PU material
- Heavy-duty stand and base
Cons:
- Some would prefer a bigger bag
Product Specifications
| Size | Ball size 7 x 9.8 inches |
| Materials | High-quality PU |
Balazs Lazer Speed Bag
Balazs Lazer speed bag comes with some wonderfully descriptive sizes. These include peanut, sonic, jet, and rocket.
Basically, the sizes range from x-small, small, medium to large. This is another real leather speed bag that has been built well.
With no welting and no laces, there is an air chamber included in the design that works against popping. There is also the addition of Kevlar triple stitching in its loop.
This speed bag offers a perfect balance as all its panels are designed exactly the same.
Pros:
- High quality smooth grained leather materials
- Perfect balance assured
- Can be installed by the professionals
Cons:
- High price tag
Product Specifications
| Size | X-Small – 5×8, Small – 6×9, Medium – 7×10, Large – 8×11 |
| Materials | Smooth grained leather |
Contender Speed Bag
Contender Fight Sports is the next brand on the list of the best speed bag.
Available in two sizes, small and medium, this is a black and white model with red striping down its panels.
Utilizing durable leather and a reinforced seam, this bag is made to last a while.
You’ll be satisfied with the way this speed bag rebounds as it’s well-balanced. Like with most speed bags, the bladder is also included.
With extra thick swivel loops your punching will feel precise.
Pros:
- Durable all-leather construction
- Precision balanced
- Extra thick swivel hoops
Cons:
- Some find the top loop/strap too narrow
Product Specifications
| Size | Small 5×8 and medium 6×9 |
| Materials | Leather |
Tech Tools Boutmaster Speed Bag
The second free-standing speed bag comes from the Tech Tools with the Boutmaster.
We’ll state again that this isn’t a typical speed bag, but it can be used for similar training. It is the best reflex punching bag at its current price. Like with the Hurbo model, this is a height-adjustable punch bag that can be set up in minutes.
This model is aimed at adults and teenagers that have boxed before. The speedball uses EVA foam with a spring-loaded adjustable shaft for faster rebounds.
The base is made from durable plastic and needs to be filled with water or sand for stability. This bag can be set up anywhere you like, even if you’re in an apartment. It can even be an outdoor punching bag.
Pros:
- Solid EVA foam punching ball
- Height adjustable
- A more flexible solution
Cons:
- Some find it can’t withstand those harder of punches
Product Specifications
| Size | Adult or Pro adjustable from 48 to 58 inches |
| Materials | EVA foam |
MaxxMMA Speed Bag
Our final choice of speed bag is the MaxxMMA model. A type II model is available in only one size, which is the larger 10×7 inches.
The MaxxMMA speed bag works to improve speed, timing, and accuracy all-round.
The overall balance of the bag makes it ideal for increased speed training.
Included with the bag is a pump and needle. So, you don’t have to buy your own, if you don’t have one already.
This is a premium synthetic leather speed bag which is why it has a lower price compared to the real leather bags.
Pros:
- Larger sized speed bag
- Perfect balance
- Hand pump and needle included
Cons:
- Some would prefer this made of leather
Product Specifications
| Size | Large 10 x 7 inches |
| Materials | Premium synthetic leather |
Speed Bags FAQ
Which size and shape shall I get?
Speed bags come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Their exact shape will be dependent on the manufacturer. But, expect to find traditional teardrop, banana, and narrow Mexican style speed bags.
The size to choose should be related to the type of training you want to carry out on the bag. Some are good for general speed work, while others offer specialized training.
In general, a small speed bag is the faster mover, thus making them ideal for speed training. Whereas, larger speed bags work more on increasing endurance and strength.
As we said, sizes vary depending on the brand. You’ll usually find x-small, small, medium, and large options. Though, standard sizes of speed bags are as follows:
- X-Small – 5″x7″
- Small – 6″x9″
- Medium – 7″x10″
It’s good to get the actual measurements of each bag to ensure it suits your needs.
For beginners using speed bags, the larger models will be a better choice. These are easier targets and don’t rebound as fast.
For advanced users, smaller speed bags are lighter and quicker. This demands more precision hits.
Difference between hanging & freestanding
Hanging speed bags need to be attached to a speed bag platform via a speed bag swivel. This means having the space to fit them and workout in comfort.
Free-standing speed bags are reflex bags. These are placed on a pole and stand on a plastic base. The speed of the rebounds can be adjusted either faster or slower. The beauty of them is that they can be placed anywhere. As long as the surface is flat.
Your choice may depend on personal preference and available space. At the end of the day, hanging speed bags are the traditional choice, and are more sturdy.
How to hang a speed bag?
Most of the speed bags reviewed above come only with the outer bag and a bladder. So, to hang them, you’ll need to buy a speed bag platform and a swivel to attach the bag.
Once the swivel is mounted, you can place the bag on and take it off as and when required.
Benefits of using a speed bag
There are several good reasons to own and use a speed bag. These include:
- Increased endurance: Boxing requires lots of energy, so the longer you can last on a speed bag, the better. This will allow more effective punching for longer during rounds.
- Better hand-eye coordination: Speed bags aim to improve your control of the speed bag. This is what improves your aim, making your hand-eye coordination better.
- Developed muscles: Training on speed bags heavily increases your conditioning. You’ll see your arms, back and shoulders become more muscular and more conditioned.
- Good footwork: The use of a speed bag requires good footwork as well. This means keeping your feet moving once you get better on the bag.
Speed Bag Summary
If you want to keep improving, then having a speed bag in your home or local gym will do wonders for your performance.
The speed bag from Everlast takes our top prize here. It has two size options and a leather build for ongoing durability.
Still, there are cheaper and more expensive options if you want to find an alternative.
If you’re looking for the best speed bag, any one of them can fit your requirements. As everyone has different requirements.
You can also check out our other reviewed equipment.
