Many experts recommend the use of a heavy bag for staying in shape as it works all sorts of muscles and provides excellent cardio in a small space. Some people just want to get rid of some pent up frustration but whatever the intended use, the heavy bag still needs to be of high quality to ensure it is safe to use and lasts a long time.
Because of this, we have identified the best heavy bags available and put them into the following list. There is something for everyone and each product is easy to install and comes with tonnes of positive reviews. No ones promising that they’ll turn you into the next Mike Tyson, but they’ll certainly provide a fun way of getting a sweat on.
Quick Summary of Best Heavy Bags
Reviews
Editor’s Choice: Contender Fight Sports Leather Boxing Punching Heavy Bag (Filled)
It is available in both a 70 lb and 150 lb size and both are heavy enough to make it sturdy when hit so it doesn’t go flying around after a hit. The durability is what stands out here so it’ll last for tonnes of workouts and makes an excellent addition to a home gym or for anyone looking to hit the bag for fitness.
- Comes pre-filled
- Heavy-duty chain and swivel included
- Sturdy leather construction
- Available in 70 lb and 120 lb sizes
Best Value: Jayefo Trexter Heavy Punching Bag 6-5-4 FT 10
The nylon straps included are strong and sturdy, giving the user peace of mind when using the heavy bag. Also, the double G-hide leather construction makes it forgiving on impact. It comes unfilled and the company advises to use old ripped up clothes or other forms of shredded textiles to give it better shock absorption.
- Includes a 10-year warranty
- Hand-stitched seams
- Easy to fill
- Nylon straps included
- Some people like their heavy bag to be pre-filled
Best MMA: MaxxMMA Training & Fitness Water/Air Heavy Bag
We like that it can be filled with air or water making it more comfortable for use in MMA training such as some ground and pound. This also gives it a more authentic feel when punched as it resembles a human closer than a bag of sand. The weight is adjustable depending on how full it is and this ranges between 70 lbs to 120 lbs.
- Different MMA related uses
- Can be filled with water or air for an authentic feel
- The bladder has a 2-year warranty
- Synthetic leather shell is durable
- Some people prefer sand
Beest Freestanding: Ringside Tornado Free-Standing Workout Punching Heavy Bag
The authenticity is what attracts a lot of people to this product, recreating that sparring feel. Because it has a solid foam core, the whole unit stays in place well and offers excellent shock absorption. Above all else, it has a stable feel about it that allows for long sessions of hitting and moving.
- The base can be filled with water or sand
- Large striking surface
- Stands 68 inches tall
- Feels very stable
- Some people will want a full-size striking surface
Best For Kids: Forethought Outdoor Inflatable Punching Bag for Kid
The sandbag at the bottom is inflatable in 3 places and the whole unit is easy to inflate and assemble since there is an air pump included. The convenience of not having to hang it up or fill it all with sand means it can easily be kept out of the way when not in use.
- Easy to assemble
- Can be used to teach a multitude of martial arts
- Durable materials
- Fun to use
- Not as sturdy as adult options
Best Muay Thai: Aoneky Muay Thai Unfilled Heavy Bag – 6ft Punching Bag – Leather Boxing Bag
When unfilled, it folds down easily making it portable so it can be taken to a new residence or gym with ease. It can hold up to 165 lbs at a time meaning it won’t swing around wildly even when hit with a firm strike and can be used for MMA, boxing, and especially the likes of Muay Thai and Karate.
- Foldable and easily portable
- Can be filled with up to 165 lbs of filler
- Comes with nylon straps and a swivel
- A bit of a basic design
Heavy Bag Buyer’s Guide
Most of us can’t walk past a heavy bag without wanting to have a go. Before you lace up the gloves and get ready to practice your double jab, and right cross, be sure to educate yourself on what makes the better products worth buying. The best heavy bags can differ depending on someone’s needs and there are a variety of options available.
Ro makes things less confusing, we have created the following buyer’s guide. It details everything there is to know about these useful products for cardio and improving combat skills at home.
What To Look For In A Heavy Bag
Size
For a lot of people, this will be the most important consideration, as bags of around 4 ft and below are generally only good for punching. Anyone who wishes to practice their punches and kicks should opt for a product of around 6 ft tall, and this is not the hanging size, more so the size of the bag.
It is still possible to practice high kicks on a smaller heavy bag, and these are also easier to store although there are more uses for a full-size heavy bag.
Materials
This contributes to the durability of the heavy bag, but also how it feels upon impact. Most products use some form of leather to protect the bag as it is hard-wearing and will not ruin gloves. Synthetic leather is a more affordable option and although it will not such offer lasting protection as the real thing, it is still a good alternative.
Filling
One of the initial considerations most people have is whether to go for a pre-filled heavy bag or fill it at home. A lot of pre-filled products will use some form of foam to pad out the bag. This is pretty forgiving and can have a good weight to it but this does increase the price. Many people purchase unfilled heavy bags and use old clothes, cutting them into rags before filling the heavy bag.
Weight
Anyone wishing to increase their strength should go for a heavier bag as the resistance can make it harder to push around. This will also make for a more enjoyable time at the heavy bag as it will not be flying around, making it hard to follow up with the next punch. A heavy bag should be close to half the user’s body weight and it is fine to adjust the filling accordingly.
Easy Assembly
Most heavy bags come with straps and a swivel to make them easy to install. Some use chains which are the heavy-duty option, otherwise, nylon straps can be durable as well.
Different Types of Heavy Bag
Although they are similar, these are the main types of heavy bags available.
Traditional
Available in the regular 6 ft and smaller 4 ft sizes, these are as you expect a heavy bag to be. They can take quite a punch, last a long time, and are found in combat gyms around the world for a reason.
Freestanding
With sand or water-filled base, these do not require the same level of installation as a traditional heavy bag and are easier to keep out of the way when not in use. One of the main benefits is how they bounce back, so the user can practice defense. A sturdy base and a decent sized striking area are two of the most important traits.
Torso Design
Shaped like a human, these are not as common as the previous two but are available. They look the part but don’t always offer the same punch resistance and feel of a punching bag.
What Should I Fill My Heavy Bag With?
Not everyone has sand available, and even if it is an option, sand isn’t always ideal since it doesn’t make the bag feel. like the real thing. This is why most people use old rags, cutting up old clothes to fill their heavy bags. however, if this is the case, be sure to remove any buttons and zips or hard parts of a clothes item as this will make for a more comfortable striking experience and help to avoid injuries.
Pre Filled Vs Non-Filled
Although a non-pre-filled heavy bag isn’t for everyone, especially since it does increase the price, it does ensure the user is getting a reliable filling that has optimal shock absorption. This can be difficult to replicate with clothes but it is possible. A lot will come down to price as a pre-filled product will cost more in shipping.
Can A Heavy Bag Be Used Outdoors?
Some people choose to place theirs in the back yard but everything from the sun’s UV rays to the rain will negatively impact the bag. To ensure it lasts as long as possible, it is always best to hang it indoors, with a garage being one of the most popular places. Any metal parts such as the chain holding it in place are going to rust when outdoors and carrying them back and forth is not going to be easy.
How Much Does A Heavy Bag Cost?
This is one of the main areas where these products vary, but if a heavy bag price seems too good to be true, it may be best to avoid it. The better products tend to be around $80 – $300 with the higher end of the scale being where a pre-filled bag can be found.
What Is The Best Heavy Bag?
After considering numerous products, we found the best heavy bag to be the Contender Fight Sports Leather Boxing Punching Heavy Bag (Filled). Not only is it easy to use straight away because it is pre-filled with foam, but the sturdy leather construction and metal chains add to the quality.
Considering the high spec. of materials used, we found it to be reasonably priced and it has a nice weight to it, ensuring it stays in place well.