Expert: Alan Kahn - 9/5/2007

Question
Can you please tell me what the purpose of a heavy coil spring is for a heavy bag? I suspect its for reducing noise. I have a ceiling mounted 100 lb bag on a rather thick wooden joist and wanted to know what i can use to reduce noise as i hit the bag. i am concerned about creating too much noise for my upstairs neighbor. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Answer
Hi Adrian,

The spring seems to be an optional part of the setup, but I think you are correct in that it will reduce noise but more important will held redistribute the weight of the bag when hit upward and buckling the top chain. without the spring, the full weight of the bag will pull down on the chain and put the full force immediately on the ceiling mount. The chain will let the weight settle a bit more gradually on the top mount and perhaps reduce the chance of pulling it out as the bag and chain buckle up and down. I believe for your purpose the chain will also help reduce the noise of vibration on the ceiling (floor of your upstairs neighbors.)
in your set up, I would suggest adding the spring.

Good luck with your bag and training.  

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The speed bag bible