Expert: Alan Kahn - 2/25/2006

Question
Hi, I recently purchased your speed bag bible dvd and before then I have never seen a speed bag hit the way you demonstrated. I was amazed.

Here are my questions. I am thinking about purchasing this platform http://store.titleboxing.com/titleboxing-everlast-adjustable-pro-gym-sb-platform... I was wondering if I should go with something different or what you think is the best adjustable platform you can buy regardless of price. Also, you said in your dvd to drill holes to attach the swivel and on this platform it doesn't look like that will be possible so what is your recommendation.

Now as far as the swivel you recommended the everlast ballhook which is now plastic. I can't seem to find the two piece metal one anywhere. Do you know where I can find it or another swivel that has the same quality and function.

My last question is about speed bags. What are the highest quality fastest speed bags I can buy that meets your criteria as far as shape, etc. So basically with price not being an issue which speed bags would you recommend based on your personal preference in 8x5, 9x6, 10x7, and 11x8?

Oh and one last thing. I wanted to purchase your 4 video training tapes on dvd which I can't find. How can I go about getting this on dvd? Thank you in advance for your help.  

Answer
Hello MIke

Thanks for the kind words about my speed bag work on the speed bag bible DVD. I appreciate the compliment. For a few more speed bag demonstrations check out the video's on this link; http://www.putfile.com/speedbag
I also believe you will be doing many of the same combinations in a few months. It is not that hard once you understand how the speed bag works. You can do it! For a little more  Now to answer some of your questions.

(Question 1) I was wondering if I should go with something different or what you think is the best adjustable platform you can buy regardless of price.

Answer: That looks to be a very nice unit. I have not personally used the V-model wall units like this, but I imagine they are fine. You do not say what you need it for, meaning if it will be used mostly by one or two people, or will it be used in a high traffic multi-user club. I honestly believe the shown price ($799.00) for an adustable wall unit is a little high. There are many fine adjustable wall units for a lot less money. I have included a few links for you.

Ringside Deluxe wall unit
http://www.ringside.com/DETAIL.ASPX?ID=24887

Ringside professional Wall unit
http://www.ringside.com/DETAIL.ASPX?ID=24668

Balazsboxing I-Box V-mount wall unit
http://www.balazsboxing.com/cgi-bin/catalog2.cgi?action=page&page=MS0433

Primefighter Adjustable speed bag wall unit (* I personally have this unit in my home. I like the variable adjustment ability, meaning there are no pre-set drilled holes in the vertical adjustment poles.)
http://www.primefighter.com/cgi-bin/PowerShopper.cgi/Site/Item-3.html?X+Dispatch...

Any of these listed will be fine for you.

(Question 2) you said in your dvd to drill holes to attach the swivel and on this platform it doesn't look like that will be possible so what is your recommendation.

Answer: That is true, I like to bolt the swivel to the board. the small screws that come with most swivels just seem to work loose, particularly after a lot of punching. But some wall units (like the V-mount style of your link) and many freestanding frames do not allow for the swivel holes to drilled all the way through because of the metal framing in the center, over the wood that attaches to the board. If that is the case, then just use the screws and hope for the best. (Might be a good reason to get a Wall unit without metal brackets of the center of the board...)

(Question 3)..as far as the swivel you recommended the everlast ballhook which is now plastic. I can't seem to find the two piece metal one anywhere. Do you know where I can find it or another swivel that has the same quality and function.

Answer: I share you lament, and curse the day that they began messing with a perfectly good swivel. The old model 4440 ballhook was a great swivel for many many years. I noticed in the mid 1990's this swivel was being "worked on", and modified. different shank size, different hook design, etc. In my opinion, Each adaption made it worse. Now it has been scraped for a plastic ball hook. I don't know why this happened, But I suspect it is about money, such as reducing production cost and boosting profits. I don't think it was not about increasing quality. I do not know any sources for the old two piece ball hook. All of my contacts are out of it also.

So, I would suggest you stay with any swivel on the left of this page. http://store.titleboxing.com/speed-bags-platforms-swivels.html and avoid the ones on the right.
Each has it owns nuance, and if you use the model "pro-delux" http://store.titleboxing.com/dps-ez.html  I suggest you run some tape around the bag strap, and also try and tape it to the center of the bar. I like the swivel action but the bag tends to float off the bar, or slide down it. That is why I recommend the tape. I use one-half or one inch wide strips of Duct tape, similiar to what you see here: http://www.speedbagcentral.com/ssp/speed_bag_parts#B
I show tape on a ball hook to keep the bag from coming off, but the same idea works with the U-bar swivel.

Question 4) My next question is about speed bags. What are the highest quality fastest speed bags I can buy that meets your criteria as far as shape, etc

Answer:  I like the shape and action of these bags.
http://store.titleboxing.com/titlespeedbags1.html

Also like these bags (although the bag strap is a little too thick. not sure why...)
http://store.titleboxing.com/classic-speed-bags.html

The bag shown here http://www.speedbagcentral.com/ssp/skill_levels#B

is a RED everlast #4210 11x8.  I really like it for a beginner bag, but they are getting hard to find also.

(Question 5) How can I go about getting the Four DVD series.

Answer; The four tape series is available from Ringside Boxing in either VHS or DVD format.

http://www.ringside.com/DETAIL.ASPX?ID=24713

You can also get it directly from me. contact me directly by:

Punchfast(remove this)@yahoo.com

Good luck in your training and thanks for you questions

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