Best Free-Standing Punching Bags For MMA Fighters

Best Free-Standing Punching Bags For MMA Fighters

As an MMA fighter, you have to always work on your skills, which would not be possible without one of the best free-standing punching bags.

If your trainer provides you with gym access, you do not need to worry so much about equipment. If not, you will need another alternative.

The best alternative, in this case, is an in-home gym. If this is the route you decide to take, you will need to start shopping for equipment for your new gym.

One piece of equipment that is always a necessity for MMA fighters, besides their trusty boxing gloves, is a punching bag, in specific, a free-standing one.

Punching bags offer an array of benefits, especially when you have one at your fingertips at all times in your home.

Okay, so a free-standing bag is going to be my best. But how do I go about choosing the best one?

Below, you will discover a list of things to look for in a free-standing punching bag and a list of the top five options on the market.

Best Free-Standing Punching Bags

There is a long list of top-rated free-standing punching bags on the market. However, not all of these top-rated options can be #1.

To ensure you make the right choice from the start, check out this list of the top five free-standing punching bags:

1. Ringside Elite Free-Standing Punching Bag

Ringside Elite Free-Standing Punching Bag

No company knows free-standing punching bags better than Ringside. In fact, the company has one of the best punching bags on the market.

This punching bag is specifically designed for MMA fighters, boxers, and kickboxers. And there are many things to like about this punching bag.

First and foremost is the height, which is slightly over six feet tall. This bag is tall enough to support just about any MMA fighter.

Durable Design

Unlike some brands, the Ringside Elite is constructed out of synthetic leather. This material is highly known for its durability.

The synthetic leather construction not only ensures durability but also longevity. Regardless of how often you utilize the Elite, it will stand up to the test of time.

You should get several years of service from the Elite Punching Bag even if you utilize it daily for your MMA training.

Great Stability

The major downside to most free-standing punching bags is the lack of stability. Well, this will never be an issue with the Ringside Elite.

The punching bag comes with a base pad to ensure the highest level of stability when throwing hard kicks at it. With that said, punching should never be an issue with the Ringside Elite.

And, thanks to the base pad, you will be able to kick the punching bag until you can’t punch anymore.

To add more stability, Ringside designed its Elite Punching Bag to hold up to 270 pounds of water or sand. This level of capacity will ensure more stability than many of Ringside’s competitors.

Pros

  • Base pad for added stability;
  • 270-Pound holding capacity;
  • Durable synthetic leather designed.

Cons

  • Filling with sand can be time-consuming.

Overall Assessment

The Ringside Elite Punching Bag is suitable for all statures, genders, and skill levels. The durable design and added base pad will ensure a long service life.

The only major downside to Elite is filling, which can be time-consuming and tedious, especially when utilizing sand as a filler.

2. Everlast OmniFlex Free-Standing Bag

Everlast Omniflex Punching Bag

Everlast is a popular brand among MMA fighters, boxers, and kickboxers. The brand is most known for its OmniFlex Free Standing Punching Bag.

The bag features all the necessities to ensure durability, stability, and longevity. The capacity of 130 pounds for water and 200 pounds for sand is enough to deliver superior stability when punching and kicking.

Height Adjustability

Another one of the downsides to most free-standing punching bags is lack of diversity. Well, this definitely cannot be said about OmniFlex.

The punching bag is designed to offer adjustable height options. You can adjust the height of the punching bag between 59 and 67 inches.

This design ensures the highest level of versatility, making it suitable for all statures and genders.

Heavy-Duty Base

The base is constructed out of thick plastic. This heavy-duty construction ensures not only durability but also stability.

Once you fill the base with sand or water, the OmniFlex is guaranteed to remain upright at all times.

Filled to capacity, you should be able to punch and kick at the maximum level without the base tilting or giving in.

Easy Assembly

The punching bag is delivered in several pieces. You will need to assemble it before using the first time.

Just follow the step-by-step instruction guide to complete the assembly process. If you do this, it shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes to complete the assembly.

Filling the base with sand or water will be the last step, which should not be done until the punching bag is moved into your gym.

3. Century BOB XL Free Standing Body Opponent

Century BOB XL Free Standing Body Opponent

The BOB XL Body Opponent Bag is designed to look like a human. This will make a big difference for a mixed martial artist.

With this bag, you’ll be able to strike your opponent in the face or stomach. You’ll know when you’ve landed in the sweet spot as well.

This can help you prepare to get into the octagon with another person.

Versatility

This bag is suitable for various strikes. With BOB, you can practice your punches, knees, and kicks.

However, you’ll want to avoid those low kicks since you’ll strike the base and hurt yourself.

Nevertheless, the BOB XL Bag is more versatile than most.

Heavy-Duty Base

The thick plastic construction ensures durability and stability. Once the base is filled to capacity with sand or water, the punching bag is guaranteed to stay upright when kicking and punching.

The 24-inch diameter base will endure the test of time. And, filling to capacity is quick and easy.

Pros

  • Looks real;
  • Suitable for most strikes;
  • Won’t slide too much.

Cons

  • Not good for low kicks.

Overall Assessment

The BOB XL Body Opponent Bag is a good choice for many mixed martial artists. Just remember that you’ll need to practice your low kicks elsewhere.

4. Century Versys VS 1 Fight Simulator Standing Bag

Century Versys VS 1 Fight Simulator Standing Bag

This is a unique bag that offers various features you won’t find with the others. For instance, it is made with vinyl meaning it is going to last a lifetime.

On top of that, you won’t have to worry about buying sand or water. This one is pre-filled so you can start using it as soon as it arrives at your gym.

Even better is the fact that this freestanding bag is suitable for high and low attacks. More about that can be found below.

All Attacks

As mentioned above, this bag is suitable for all strikes. Whether you’re practicing knees to the body, punches to the head, or low kicks, you know that this bag is going to work.

The design ensures that you’ll be able to use this bag for all strikes. That makes it well worth the price.

Throws Too

Finally, you should know that this bag can help with your throws too. It features top and bottom handles so you can sling the bag.

If you want to practice taking your opponent to the ground, this is the bag for you.

Pros

  • Great for punches, kicks, and throws;
  • Very tough;
  • Always pops back up.

Cons

  • It can slide around a bit.

Overall Assessment

The Versys VS.1 is a good freestanding bag but it will slide around a little. It is tough, fun to use, and versatile.

If you want to be a well-rounded martial artist, you need to practice with this bag.

5. Everlast PowerCore Free Standing Heavy Bag

Everlast PowerCore Free Standing Heavy Bag

The Everlast Power Core Bag is a good option for many since it provides an extensive workout. However, it may not be suitable for everyone.

First, you should understand that Everlast is one of the most reputable manufacturers of fitness equipment. This ensures that you’re going to be happy with the bag and that the company will help you with problems.

This bag is durably made so it is going to last. Even if you pound on it day and night, it’ll be there to take another beating. Below, you’ll learn more about its features.

Adjustable

Another good thing about this bag is the fact that it can be adjusted. This isn’t available with many bags so it is a good addition.

The bag’s height can be adjusted from 54 to 65 inches. This will make a big difference since you can adjust the height to suit your body size.

Whether you’re tall or short, you can guarantee that this bag will suit your needs.

Secure

Many freestanding bags slide around when they’re punched. This won’t be a problem with the Everlast Power Core Bag.

This one can hold a lot of water or sand. If you use water, it’ll be able to hold roughly 250 pounds. Or, you can use 370 pounds of sand.

This guarantees that it is going to stay firmly on the ground at all times. The only downside is that you’ll need to buy a lot of sand.

Pros

  • Won’t go anywhere;
  • It will last;
  • Delivers a full-body workout.

Cons

  • Not great for lower attacks.

Overall Assessment

The Everlast Free Standing Heavy Bag is great but not perfect. If you’re interested in perfecting your lower body attacks, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Otherwise, this bag is perfect.

How To Choose The Best Free-Standing Punching Bag

How To Choose The Best Free-Standing Punching Bag

Whether you’re looking for the best free-standing punching bag or the best heavy bag, it’s gonna be a difficult process. That’s because the options are plentiful and you’ll need the right one for your home.

Thankfully, you’ve narrowed your options by limiting them to a freestanding model.

Below, you will find tips for ensuring you spend your money wisely and get a bag that serves you well for many years to come.

1. Price

First and foremost, you should consider the price. Most people cannot spend thousands or even hundreds of dollars on exercise equipment.

However, professional MMA fighters will want to spend more since they’re getting paid to fight. With this in mind, you should set a budget for this purchase.

By doing that, you will know how much you can afford to spend and avoid getting yourself into financial turmoil.

2. Size

Next, you’ll want to look at the size of the punching bag.

  • How much space will it consume?
  • Do you have that amount of space in your home gym?
  • Will the punching bag fit inside without making it difficult to move around?

Spend some time ensuring that your punching bag will fit in your gym without any issues. Then, you’ll want to make sure that it won’t cause issues with other equipment.

3. What Are You Training?

Ultimately, there are numerous styles of punching bags. Therefore, you need to find out which one is going to work right for you.

Some bags are best for boxing while others are suitable for kickboxing. Some are great for all purposes.

So, you need to find out what techniques you’re going to be training. If you’re going to be punching only, you should stick with a traditional punching bag. If you’re going to be punching and kicking, you should consider buying something else.

Either way, it is pertinent to make sure that your punching bag suits your fighting style.

4. What Is Needed?

Since you’re buying a freestanding punching bag, you’ll need to secure it to the ground. To do that, you’ll need to fill the base with something.

So, what are you going to need? This is an important question and you’ll want to answer it right away.

In many cases, you can fill the base with sand or water. Are you okay with getting sand in your gym? It will likely happen at some point. If you’re going to use water, you need to be ready for that as well.

Find out what is needed to keep the bag upright and in place at all times. Then, make sure that you’re okay with this.

5. Warranty

Finally, you should choose a bag that is going to last. Checking its craftsmanship and materials can help. However, you need to look beyond this level.

You need to make sure that the bag is protected by an extensive warranty and that the manufacturer is good. You never know when your bag is going to fall apart or develop problems.

So, you need to make sure that the company is going to protect you. Get a bag with a good warranty and you’ll be glad that you did.

As you can see, getting one of the best free-standing punching bags on the market isn’t that easy, but it’s not hard either. Just follow the tips above and you’re good.

Make sure to check the price, size, purpose, and warranty if you want to train for the next years with the same punching bag.

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