Expert: Alan Kahn - 12/5/2007

Question
A little off topic, but...

I just bought a heavy bag stand and would like to use sandbags to stabilize it, but for the life of me, I can't find any!  I've found bags of sand, but only in either paper or thin plastic bags.  So I went searching for the burlap bags so that I can just put the sand in them, but I can't seem to find them either (I'd rather not have to order them).  Those of you that use sandbags for your heavy bag, where in the world did you find them? I am in the Las Vegas area.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Shireen,

Well, the easiest home made modification I have seen it to purchase the sandbags from a lumber shop or building supply company, (leave the sand in the bag..) put the sandbag inside several thick black plastic bags (heavy duty trash bags), then put those inside a larger canvas duffle bag.

Sand is key because it is pliable and molds around the floor bods or over a rebound board. It can "give" into the shape of what it is layed on. But the main problem is the sand "coming out" of whatever is holding it, so you need to be sure the sand can't get out of the holder. in my example above, there are several layers of material between you and the sand, so that should pretty much eliminate any sand escaping.  

For Las Vegas area, you might also call the Las Vegas Sand bag company http://www.lvsandbag.com/index.html
and see if they might have some bags or ideas you could use.

good luck and I hope you find a way to make this work.

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible