One of the best ways to improve your hand and eye coordination is with a boxing speed bag. It is an extremely valuable tool for many when training.
Equally, speed bags are a great tool for encouraging you to keep your hands up while also helping you learn how to shift weight between your feet when you do punch.
Ideal for those who are starting out, occasionally working out, or requiring a regular training solution, boxing speed bags are a great way of encouraging better performance while keeping you in tip-top condition.
Here we review a fantastic selection of 9 of the very best speed bags currently retailing online.
These have all been chosen for their high-quality make-up and construction, ultimately encouraging the greatest all-round performance with every use.
Contents
Winner: Everlast Speed Bag 9×6
The best speed bag getting our top vote here comes from the wonderful makers at Everlast.
This is the 9 x 6 bag, which is medium in size, making it ideal for intermediate users. However, if you prefer a larger sized bag, there is also the 10 x 7 boxing speed bag to choose from, which is a good choice for those beginners.
Whatever size you prefer, these air-filled Everlast bags all boast the same fantastic specifications.
The material is a top grade leather with the reinforced seam where it’s needed the most. This ensures you of a longer-lasting bag and one that is the most durable of choices.
Superbly shaped and balanced, the primary aim here is concentrated on the most accurate of rebounds.
Working hard, it ensures it can stand up to even those toughest of punches on an ongoing basis.
As with all Everlast products, the emphasis here is on a boxing speed bag that works at greatly improving your overall training.
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 |
| Hanging or Freestanding? | Hanging |
Runner-Up: Pro Impact Speed Bag
Next up on our list is the Pro Impact speed punching bag. This is a most practical of models and is a hanging swivel punch ball type in its design.
Available in a selection of vibrant modern colors, the Pro Impact comes in sizes from extra small to medium.
With choices of a most durable PU or a leather type of material, this can hold up to multiple beatings and really go the distance.
The latex bladder is a heavy-duty design that further prevents any loss of air throughout the action. This, combined with the bag’s triple reinforced seams, ensure the direction of the bag isn’t affected throughout the striking process.
Boasting a pea-shape in design, the Pro Impact speed bag is specifically designed for rapid recoiling. Therefore, it builds on your reflexes, speed, and hand-eye coordination throughout regular use.
Its shape also ensures you can get more accurate punches as well as good rebounds without needing to disturb your rhythm.
Pros:
- Pear-shaped design for increased accuracy
- Heavy-duty latex bladder
- Durable material
Cons:
- Some air issues experienced
Product Specifications
| Size | X-Small 5×7 to Medium 7×10 |
| Materials | Durable PU or Leather |
| Hanging or Freestanding? | Hanging |
Cleto Reyes Speed Bag
Cleto Reyes offers a vibrant boxing speed bag in the form of their most authentic of model types.
This is a wonderful hand-crafted speed bag that has been made in Mexico under only the strictest of quality control procedures.
The durable head leather used throughout provides more longevity of the bag itself while the nylon lining works to give a tougher offense and defense solution.
While withstanding the fastest and hardest hitting of punches, the Cleto Reyes speed bag also improves your speed, strength, and cardio each time you work on it.
A most lightweight solution, the bag is available in three colors and three standard sizes.
Pros:
- Hand-crafted bag
- Durable leather
- Tough nylon lining
Cons:
- Some bladder issues noted
Product Specifications
| Size | X-Small, small and medium |
| Materials | Leather |
| Hanging or Freestanding? | Hanging |
Meister Speed Bag
For an increased lighter weight type of boxing speed bag, Meister has the solution in the form of their Speedkills model.
This is a genuine and full-grain cowhide leather type that is built to go the distance. This material choice also means the bag works harder to deal with everything that is thrown at it!
With this reduced weight applying to that of its inner latex bladder, the result is an all-round faster performance throughout every use.
Providing the most predictable and consistent of rebounds, the Speedkills model is balanced and centered.
Utilizing the most simple and premium of designs, the Meister speed bag is ideal for use in both gyms and homes.
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 |
| Hanging or Freestanding? | Hanging |
Hurbo Reflex Speed Bag
Hurbo’s boxing speed bag is a freestanding model that offers adjustments in its height. Therefore, this is ideal for both those adults and, indeed, teenagers to use regularly.
Utilizing a high-quality PU material, the bag is also comprised of an ultra-strong sponge as well as fixed steel rather than the more commonly used plastic in such products.
The result is a safer and more durable model that can be used over and over again without issue.
Coming complete with a strong, sturdy stand as well as a heavy-duty base, the Hurbo speed bag remains securely in place by filling the bottom section with either water or sand.
With a design that allows for ease of movement, targets cardio use, leg conditioning, and hand-eye co-ordination, the Hurbo model can be set up and ready to use within 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 |
| Hanging or Freestanding? | Freestanding |
Balazs Lazer Speed Bag
The boxing speed bag from Balazs is their Lazer speed bag type with some wonderfully descriptive sizes, including peanut, sonic, jet, and rocket to choose from!
Ranging from X-Small to large, this is a black smooth grained leather type bag that benefits from a most spectacular construction.
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.
With the option to merely buy the bag and install it by yourself or select an expert to assemble it for you, the Balazs speed bag offers a perfect balance ensuring 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 |
| Hanging or Freestanding? | Hanging |
Contender Speed Bag
Contender Fight Sports present their model in the form of their Boxing and training platform speed bag.
Available in two sizes of small and medium, this is a black and white model with red striping down its panels.
Utilizing the more durable of leather, the seaming here is reinforced to ensure the longevity of the bag.
With the most precision of balances for those truer of rebounds, the bladder is also included with the bag.
Extra thick swivel loops work hard to increase the overall construction of the Contender bag, making precision punching almost second nature.
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 |
| Hanging or Freestanding? | Hanging |
Tech Tools Boutmaster Speed Bag
Our second freestanding model on the list for review here comes from the makers at Tech Tools.
Also winning Amazon’s Choice Award for Best Reflex Punching bag, this is a height-adjustable speed bag that comes complete in a box set for instant use.
Available for both adults and those more professional of users, this is a solid EVA foam punching ball with a spring-loaded adjustable shaft.
The base of the ball is thoroughly durable and works together to complement a spring back into position every time action.
Easily filled with water or sand for ongoing stability, this can be set up anywhere you like and offer the most thorough workouts while improving speed, accuracy, timing, and hand-eye coordination in the process.
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 |
| Hanging or Freestanding? | Freestanding |
MaxxMMA Speed Bag
Our final choice of best boxing speed bag on our list is the MaxxMMA model.
This is also the bag that wins Amazon’s Choice Award for the Best Punching Speed Bag.
A type II model, this is available in the one large size, which is that of 10 x 7 inches.
Considered one of the best pieces of equipment for enhancing training efforts, the MaxxMMA speed bag works to improve speed, timing, and accuracy all-round.
Claiming a most perfect balance, this is the ideal choice for increased speed and power while offering those truer of rebounds each time.
Complete with a pump and needle, this is a fantastic premium synthetic leather choice of speed bag available at a great low price.
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 |
| Hanging or Freestanding? | Hanging |
Speed Bags FAQ
Which size and shape shall I get?
Speed bags will come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Their exact shape will be dependent on the manufacturer but usually range from traditional teardrop shapes to banana style and even the narrowest of bag types, the Mexican style.
The size that you choose should ideally be related to the type of work or training you want to carry out on the bag. Some speed bags are better for general speed work, while others excel more in offering more specialized training.
In general, a small speed bag is the faster mover, thus making them ideal for speed. Whereas, those larger speed bag types work on increasing both endurance and strength.
Each manufacturer of speed bags will usually offer sizes from X-Small to Large. However, it’s good advice to get the actual measurements of each bag to ensure it suits your needs.
- For beginners to speed bags, the larger models will be a better choice. These are easier targets and don’t swing as quickly
- For more advanced users, smaller speed bags are the lighter choice and quicker, demanding more precision hits.
Difference between hanging & freestanding
Hanging speed bags require mounting attachments and a specific area of the desired room to install them. This means allowing for the space required for the user to work on them in comfort and, of course, safety.
Freestanding speed bags are those that are placed on a pole and stand on a base of either water or sand. These can be placed anywhere you choose, as long as the surface is flat.
Your choice may depend on personal preference, but many people find that the hanging bags are the more sturdy and professional choices.
How to hang a speed bag?
Most speed bags come with just the outer bag and bladder. Therefore, if you intend to hang them, you’ll need to make an additional purchase of a swivel to attach the bag to the ceiling.
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 regularly. These include:
- Increased endurance: Punching requires a lot of energy, so the more you can keep this up on the bag, the better your endurance will be as a result. This will allow more effective punching for longer during rounds.
- Better hand-eye coordination: A huge benefit, speed bags encourage you to throw your punches faster each time, thus improving your aim with each session.
- Developed muscles: With all the training you do on a speed bag, your shoulder muscles will begin to build in strength.
- Good footwork: The use of a speed bag requires good footwork as well, so this means keeping your feet moving as well as in the correct position as you punch.
Speed Bag Summary
If you’re keen on keeping up with your training and building on your current skill set, then having a speed bag in the home environment will do wonders for your performance.
The speed bag from Everlast takes our top prize here, for its most desired of high specs alongside its ongoing durability.
However, we also believe that all the other models reviewed here offer some fantastic sessions which work to increase technique and endurance all around.
So, if you’re looking for a long-lasting and high-quality type of speed bag, any one of the punching speed bags reviewed above is up to the task.
You can also check out our other reviewed equipment.
