Expert: Alan Kahn - 2/28/2006

Question
I have been through your website and really enjoyed the insight and depth of information you provide.

I would consider myself an intermediate speedbagger and I am ready to purchase a platform for my home.  I really like the sturdiness of my gym speedbag so I would like to get that same performance at home.  As a result, I am willing to pay a little more for it.  In my research, I have found two finalists that I would like your opinion on.  Thanks.

1. BalazsBoxing i-Box MS0433 (www.balazsboxing.com) - $199
2. Cleto Reyes G777 (www.cletoreyes) - I like the look of the platform but have not been able to find a reseller in the US (no idea how much it costs). Email links on the Cleto Reyes site reports an error.

Answer
Hi Dan

The I-Box series you reference http://www.balazsboxing.com/cgi-bin/catalog2.cgi?action=page&page=MS0433 looks to be a very nice unit. I have not personally hit one of these "V" bracket designs, but I imagine it is sturdy. If you have hit one similiar and find it sufficient, then I would go for it.
You don't specify if you want it adjustable or not, but I assume you do want some level of height adjustment.  

Other good wall units in that price range are;

http://www.ringside.com/DETAIL.ASPX?ID=24670

http://www.ringside.com/DETAIL.ASPX?ID=24916

I have never personally used, or even seen the Ceto Reys G777 platform. A detailed web search found this: (?)

http://www.midcoast.com.au/~raybox/catalogue7.html

I can't personally recommend for or against this unit, but I noticed from the wall attachment, there is only one thick horizontal bracket supporting the board. I have not personally had much luck with any speed bag unit having a single pole holding the board, and this unit also has a very small anchoring area on the wall. Not sure how steady or sturdy it would be.

I would stick with one similiar to what you like.

thanks for the compliments on my website. I hope people learn from the information posted.

take care and good luck with you home equipment choice.

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible
http://www.putfile.com/speedbag