How to Choose the Right Pair of Boxing Gloves: A Complete Guide
Boxing gloves are not merely pieces of equipment; rather, they hold a central place in your protection, performance, and progress in the sport. Whether it is your very first time in the ring as a novice or a professional fighter looking to upgrade, choosing a proper pair of boxing gloves is very essential. Therefore, among other reasons, we have compiled this guide to help you be better placed to make a knowledgeable decision at VM Kickboxing.
1. Be Sure of the Various Kinds of Gloves Used in Boxing
Boxing gloves come in different forms. Each type has its purpose for which it is specifically manufactured. Here it goes :
Training Gloves: These are multipurpose gloves meant for general training. It includes bag work and sparring. These gloves are perfectly balanced in terms of padding and protection.
Bag Gloves: These gloves are specifically designed for heavy bag hitting. They have denser padding to achieve protection to hands during repeated impact. They are normally lighter in weight compared to sparring gloves. The weight could sometimes be with reduced wrist support.
Sparring Gloves: These types of gloves are majorly used for sparring activities between two people. They contain extra padding that helps shield both the user and his or her partner from harm when practicing.
Competition Gloves: Light and with less padding compared to training or sparring gloves, these gloves are used in actual boxing fights, focusing on speed and impact.
2. Select the Right Weight
Gloves used for boxing can be found from 8 oz to 20 oz in weight. However, how much you will use will depend upon the purpose of training and your personal preference, along with body weight. Here’s a simple guide:
8 oz to 10 oz: Competition and bag work. This will be ideal for training in speed or when one needs a light glove when they intend to get quick combinations.
12 oz to 14 oz: General training and sparring. The student looking to have the best of both worlds in speed and protection.
16 oz to 20 oz: Heavy gloves are mainly used for sparring, by beginners, and people seeking protection on their hands and wrists. They are also excellent at providing a person with an excellent workout by offering extra weight, thereby developing strength and endurance.
3. Consider the Fit
A proper glove fit is important for comfort and protection. When fitting for gloves, they should be snug around the hand but not overly tight. There should be room to fit any type of hand wrap. Many boxers wear hand wraps that aid in protecting the wrists and knuckles from impact.
Hand Size: The right size gloves are important to wear on your hand. Most manufacturers offer sizing charts that can guide you properly for your hand circumference.
Wrist Support: Should have a good wrist support, ensuring the safety of the wrists from injuries. Many training gloves make use of velcro straps for ease of adjustment, and lace-up gloves provide further support and are commonly preferred during competition.
4. Material Matters
Most boxing gloves these days are made from synthetic leather or genuine leather.
Synthetic Leather: Generally more affordable and easier to clean, synthetic gloves are a great option for beginners or those on a budget.
Genuine Leather: Leather gloves are more durable and seem to fit a lot better as they mold into your hands over time. They do come in a bit pricier, though the advantages are big enough that the investment will be worth it for serious boxers.
5. Brand Reputation and Reviews
Not all gloves are equal. Some brands are known for durability, comfort, and protection. Do some homework before you buy. Check out some reviews from other boxers or ask your coach. You can also get some advice from fellow fighters at VM Kickboxing. Normally, trusted brands have gained a certain reputation for some reason, and investing in such a pair is surely going to help change the way you train.
6. Price vs. Quality
Your boxing gloves will be the first line of defense when you enter the boxing ring. This might make it tempting to go for the cheapest pair, but remember that a better quality pair might save you from injuries or aches in the far run. Just set a budget and find the best one within your price range that fits your needs.
Conclusion
Having the right pair of boxing gloves is a personal choice that one must consider with great care and respect. The right gloves can help improve your performance, protect you from potential injury, and make your training much more enjoyable. At VM Kickboxing, we believe in educating our fighters with all the knowledge so they can make the best possible choice for their training. Whether you’re pounding the bag, sparring with a partner, or even stepping into the ring, the right pair of gloves on your hands is everything.
Ready to find your perfect pair? Check out VM Kickboxing’s expert advice and premium selection of boxing gloves designed just for the pros.