In this review article I share my product testing opinion on a few heavy bags, a nice punching bag stand, & some hanging heavy bag hardware.
I also provide tutorial videos on how to hang a heavy bag, and share the health & fitness benefits of heavy bag workouts at home.
This heavy bag review looks at punching bags made by Outslayer, Ringside, & Everlast, and here are the bags I picked from all of the ones I got to try out:
Outslayer Filled 100 Pound Punching Bag Boxing MMA<
Ringside 100-pound Muay Thai Punching Heavy Bag
Everlast 70-Pound MMA Poly Canvas Heavy Bag
And the winner by a knockout is…
Simply put, Outslayer’s heavy bags are easily among the highest quality available online.
Based in LA, CA they build professional-grade boxing products and back them 110% with an outstanding warranty & excellent customer service.
Science resources included
As is my custom here on heydayDo, I will provide links to all of the relevant sports science & medical resources, clinical studies, and nutritional data used in this article.
Quick Peek:
Best Heavy Bag
Outslayer Filled 100 lb. Punching Bag
“Craftsmanship is top notch. As others have said, it is definitely well built and will likely outlast me.” – LT
- ✅ Filled only with fabric, no sand fillers added, that means you won’t...
- Ships in a Heavy Duty Reusable Vinyl Cover, that You Can Use for Moving or...
- Ships filled in a reusable heavy duty vinyl cover
Last update on 2025-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Runner Up
Ringside 100 lb. Muay Thai Heavy Bag
“We use these at my boxing gym, and they handle non-stop pounding.” – BC
- Measures: 13-inch x 72-inch | Punching bag is filled to 100 pounds.
- This solid bag made of resilient powerhide construction will hold up to...
- This long full length heavy bag is top quality and highly rated for...
Last update on 2025-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Cheap Heavy Bag
Everlast 70 lb. Poly Canvas Heavy Bag
“Great quality and great price.” – DD
- Specially blended filler mix of sanitized synthetic and natural fibers...
- Premium synthetic polycanvas along with superior heavy bag construction...
- Heavy duty nylon straps provide security and safety, while the double end...
Last update on 2025-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Heavy Bag Benefits Guide
After the heavy bag reviews, I share a guide I wrote about the benefits of a heavy bag workout and included some resources for hanging a heavy bag properly.
There are many things that can be gained both physically and mentally from having a heavy bag training program, and I share some of those in the article.
Best Heavy Bag Reviews
Outslayer Filled 100 lb. Punching Bag Boxing MMA
What I like:
Top of the food chain – All of their bags are at the top of their class. Period.
Outstanding owner satisfaction rating of 99% – this represents over 1,500 owner reviews for all of their heavy punching bags.
10-year warranty – (that’s right, ten); no one else comes close.
Excellent build – Heavy-duty pro quality, made in the USA.
Multiple applications – Outslayer bags are ideal for boxing, martial arts, fitness.
Cloth filling – Superior filling is cloth not sand or granules, so none of that settling or hardening to deal with that sand & other packing material have.
Easy weight/hardness adjustment – Regarding the cloth, it’s easy to remove some if you want to soften the bag at all.
Shipping is cheap on Amazon
Specs:
- Bag length is 55″, add about a foot for the straps.
- Diameter of the bag is 13-14″.
Sum it up:
This Outslayer Punching Bag is very easy to recommend. It’s a top notch heavy bag from a top manufacturer of professional fight gear that takes their products and their customers seriously.
Ringside 100-pound Muay Thai Punching Heavy Bag
This Ringside model is made in Pakistan, and enjoys a very good owner satisfaction rating online.
Its design is made for Muay Thai workouts, but this heavy bag can work for boxing & MMA too, depending on your skill level.
What I like:
Classic Banana bag – This is a Muay Thai-style bag, so it’s longer & skinnier than traditional heavy bags. AKA “a banana bag” .
Dimensions – 13” wide by 72” long
Durability – has been praised by a few owners. One has had this Ringside model in a commercial gym for 2+ years, and it’s still in action
Softer than Outslayers – Not as hard & dense as Outslayer models, but not a soft bag either. It’s not packed tight when shipped
Shipping free on Amazon
What’s not so great:
Settling – A few users noted some settling within first few months of use. Note that this Ringside heavy bag is soft-filled when shipped, so over time with repeated use, striking in the same areas will cause settling to occur.
More filling would need to be added if you lose too much up top or in your most-used strike zones.
Short warranty – The warranty on this bag is 1 year. The warranty on the Outslayer bags is 10 years. (mic drop)
Sum it up:
The Ringside 100-pound Muay Thai Punching Heavy Bag is a good product, and it can be recommended for boxing & MMA too. Very good owner satisfaction rating of 94% (4&5-star reviews).
The relatively short warranty should be noted by people who train hard & often.
Everlast 70-Pound MMA Poly Canvas Heavy Bag
I wanted to include a very inexpensive heavy bag that was halfway decent, and this Everlast is the model I went with.
If you’re a soft-hitting beginner this bag could work for you for awhile when you’re first starting out.
Note: Don’t overpay for this. I see 3rd-party sellers on Amazon sometimes trying to sell this for 200 bucks to some unsuspecting soul. Don’t fall for it — this cheap poly canvas heavy bag should cost under $100 these days.
What I like:
*One of the better cheap heavy bags online. Users compliment it for its durability, though I don’t know how hard they hit or how often they train.
*Rough canvas exterior makes me wonder about the ‘MMA’ part in its name though. Users report exposed skin on elbows and legs getting shredded. Maybe you’ll want to stick to boxing with it.
*Comes with a chain that’s OK to get going with, but not great for the long haul. You may want to consider a hardware store upgrade.
*Shipping free on Amazon
What’s not so good:
*Very short 120-day warranty. That fact should clue any serious enthusiast to look for something of higher quality that can go the distance with your boxing/kickboxing workout routines.
*A few owners who train regularly reported the bag tearing after a few months of regular use.
Sum it up:
If you’re a beginner looking for a heavy bag but simply can’t afford one of the high quality models, this low-priced Everlast 70lb MMA Heavy Bag is worth considering.
Good owner satisfaction rating of 90% from over 2,500 buyers online (4&5-star reviews), but a few durability issues and a short warranty ought to keep this bag from being considered by serious trainees.
Heavy Bag Stand & Heavy Bag Hardware
Outslayer Heavy Duty Punching Bag Stand
Owner rating: 90% 4.5 stars
This is an outstanding stand with 350 lb. of weight capacity.
It comes with 4 unfilled sand bags you can use to weigh down & stabilize the stand.
The stand’s triangle design lets you set it up in a corner, which is a great feature if your workout space is tight.
It’s made to handle Muay Thai workouts, so it’s definitely suited for boxing drills too.
What I like:
15 year warranty – Outslayer strikes again. They obviously believe in this product’s durability.
Great triangular shape – Thoughtful design idea here. The triangle shape makes this perfect for a home setup because it allows you to place the stand deep in a corner.
High Capacity – The stand has a 350 lb. weight limit, and can handle up to a 6′ heavy bag.
Easy to assemble – Seven screws’ worth and you’re good to go.
Sand Bags: The 4 sand bags that come with it can hold around 60 lb. apiece.
Built in the US of A – Nuff said
Height: This Outslayer Muay Thai bag stand is 7′ 8″ tall.
Stand Weight: 140 lb.
Heavy Bag Hangers
Firstlaw Fitness Wood Beam Heavy Bag Hanger
Owner Rating – 95% 4.8 Stars
Last update on 2025-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Everlast Wood Beam Heavy Bag Hanger
Owner Rating: 89% 4.6 stars
Last update on 2025-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Heavy Bag Spring
(lessens the shock of heavy hits, preserves mounts, lessens vibration & joist noise as well)
Ringside Heavy Bag Spring (100 lb. capacity)
Owner Rating: 94% 4.7 stars
- Lessens shock so bag mounts last longer
- Extra strong all steel construction
- Size: 7 inches long
Last update on 2025-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How To Hang A Heavy Bag
I gathered a few tutorials to share here dealing with hanging a heavy bag. There are a couple of articles and a couple of videos, each with their own approach:
- Inexpensive way to hang a ceiling mount YouTube video
- How to hang a heavy bag from the ceiling rafters YouTube video
- How to hang a heavy bag article #1
- How to hang a heavy bag article #2
Benefits of a Heavy Bag
As I mentioned in my article on free-standing punching bags,
“For professional fighters and competition fighters in serious training, there is no substitute for a heavy bag routine.”
Even if we’re not as hardcore as those folks, we can still benefit from incorporating a heavy bag workout into our fitness schedule.
Build Your Power, Coordination & Strength
The sheer mass and density of a heavy bag offer significant resistance to your punches and kicks. This requires you to learn to generate power for your blows from the ground up.
Coordination< from your legs, core, then through to your arms & hands is developed.
Strength is gained in all major muscle groups thanks to the heavy resistance provided by the bag.
Build Your Footwork & Focus
The bag is a big moving target that’s recoiling following your strikes. This requires you to respond with agility and timing, techniques demanding your concentration.
Build Your Endurance & Stamina
High intensity workouts involving big numbers of punches will push your cardiovascular and oxygen uptake to the max. You will reach new levels of peak endurance and staying power.
A Heavy Bag Can Take Your Best
Speaking of staying power, a high-quality hanging heavy bag will outlast other punching and kicking bags. It can handle any fighter’s punishment for years.
Health Benefits of a Heavy Bag Workout
Here are a whole bunch of reasons why getting a heavy bag is a real good idea…
Calories torched
Sports science has good things to say about the benefits you get by adding a high intensity training activity like a heavy bag workout to your lifestyle. So I thought I’d share a few of those “bene’s” with you here.
For instance, did you know… a 180 lb. person burns 490 calories per hour with a punching bag workout?Source: ACSM
Heavy bag workouts boost your brain
A heavy bag workout program will provide you with a couple of nice benefits for your brain too.
The workout buzz
Anybody who’s ever worked out regularly for any length of time knows the uplifted feeling during and after working out.
There’s a calm centeredness to things, stress is chilled out for awhile, and your mood is pretty good. Everybody loves endorphins…
…plus punching a heavy bag is a great way to channel any negativity that’s dragging you down.
Feeling good about yourself
Also as you continue to work out, your self-esteem gets a boost because you’re stronger and healthier. Looking better and feeling better inside & out.
Boxing workouts = more self-confidence
Working out utilizing self-defense skills adds even another type of self-esteem boost: the one that gives you the confidence to take care of yourself should trouble come your way.
Fear recedes as fighting proficiency improves.
Boxing workout drills sharpens your mind
Proper technique whether in boxing or martial arts requires a focused mind.
It also demands that you are able to quickly access your knowledge base of correct techniques, move & countermove sequences, and so on.
Here’s a solid boxing workout you can try
If you want to give a high-intensity boost to your cardio, adding HIIT to your heavy bag routine will do that for you, and then some.
It’s Sure More Fun Than a Treadmill
Getting to punch something a whole bunch without it ever punching back can be an enjoyable experience.
Plus you got a sweat going, you’re blowing off steam, and getting stronger at the same time.
Doesn’t Take a Lot of Time
With the right intensity level and routine plan, your heavy bag workout won’t take up a lot of time but will still kick your butt.
A Heavy Bag Workout Program Doesn’t Cost Much
All you need is a heavy bag, gloves, and decent workout shoes unless you already have a pair.
FAQ
Here are answers to a few of the commonly asked questions regarding heavy bags, free-standing bags, & more.
Which type of punching bag is best?
Choosing the best punching bag depends on your training style. If you're focusing on boxing, a heavy bag is ideal.
For martial arts, you might prefer a freestanding bag, though there are specific hanging heavy bags made for Muay Thai & MMA training too.
What are the different types of heavy punching bags available?
There's a variety of heavy punching bags. Traditional heavy bags are perfect for full-body workouts.
Angled bags are useful for uppercut practice, while body-shaped bags help with striking accuracy.
How do I pick the right size heavy punching bag?
To pick the right size, consider your weight, your punching power, & your experience.
If you're just getting started with boxing, a general rule floating around is that the heavy bag should be about half your body weight.
This gives you resistance but also allows for movement.
When should I use a free-standing punching bag?
A free-standing punching bag is ideal when you can't install a hanging bag.
Perhaps you're in a rented space or lack the structural support required for a hanging bag; a freestanding bag is good to go in those situations.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of free-standing bags?
Free-standing bags are portable and easy to move. However, they might not offer as much resistance as hanging bags, and their movement might not feel as natural.
When should I use a speed bag?
A speed bag should be used when your goal is to improve hand-eye coordination and speed, rather than power and strength.
What should I consider when using a hanging bag?
For a hanging bag, you should consider the installation process and whether your space can accommodate it. Make sure there's ample room for movement around the bag.
How can I determine the quality of a punching bag?
To determine the quality of a punching bag, check the bag's material and filling.
High-quality bags are usually made of durable leather and filled with materials that offer balanced resistance, and don't 'settle' too much after several workouts.
How do I know which punching bag to buy based on my training needs and budget?
Choosing a punching bag based on your training needs and budget requires careful consideration.
Assess your training goals, space constraints, and how much you're willing to invest in a punching bag. This will guide you to the perfect fit.
What is the price range for a punching bag?
The price range for a punching bag varies widely. Simple bags can cost as little as $50, while high-quality, professional-level bags might cost several hundred dollars.
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Wrap up – final round of my heavy bag review
OK, there’s the bell.
I hope my product recon & research on heavy bags, heavy bag stands, & heavy bag hardware were helpful to you, and that the guides on heavy bag benefits & home boxing workouts were useful too.
I wish you well on your fitness journey.
– greg
