Expert: Alan Kahn - 11/18/2004

Question
Alan, I am interested in starting to train with a speed bag but I haven't had much luck with any equipment.  I recently purchased a 3 piece speed bag set from Everlast featuring a 3/4 inch platform, swivel, and vinyl speed bag.  I have already had to return the item once because the vinyl bag has ripped where it hangs by the hook.  Also, the hook broke where it hangs from the swivel.  I have had my new set up for one day and already the vinyl bag has ripped.  

I realize I need to get a nice leather bag but I was wondering if you could make a suggestion for a quality speed bag, swivel, as well as a platform.  The platform that came with the set seems to vibrate every time I strike a bag and I can't seem to get a good rhythm.

Are their particular brands you trust?  I have been very unimpressed with Everlast, although I realize I probably got what I paid for.  

Thank you for your help.


Answer
Hi Matt,

Welcome to the world of cheap speed bag equipment.  Sorry to hear about your lousy first entry into speed bag training.  You are not the first to contact me with negative remarks about the everlast vinyl bags.  And the recent cheapo swivels they include with the "economy" set.

Here are a few equipment links for you.

Here is a pretty good NON-adjustable board
http://www.ringside.com/store/prodinfo_punchingbags.asp?number=RSAP&variation=&a...

and another "Economy" adjustable board
http://store.titleboxing.com/title-classic-speed-bag-platform.html

This is what I have in my own house ( Two of them, actually ) which I bought years ago in a dept store.
http://store.titleboxing.com/titleboxing-everlast-semi-pro-home-sb-platform.html

they ( Everlast) have apparently cheaped out on the bags lately, but the bag shown, red everlast 4210  11x8 size is a good bag.

and I like ringsides adjustable board here:
http://www.ringside.com/store/prodinfo_punchingbags.asp?number=MRSAP&variation=&...

Stay AWAY from single vertical mount poles like this

http://www.ringside.com/store/prodinfo_punchingbags.asp?number=SBPLAT%201&variat...

they vibrate and twist without the double vertical wall frame.



Speed Bags

Title
http://store.titleboxing.com/titlespeedbags1.html

I have used all of these and highly recommend them. If you have a problem with a bag they will take it bag and send another. I recommend at the red 9x6 or 10x7 or 11x8.  The 11x8 is the largest bag you can use on a 24in board, and may go slightly past the edge on a rebound.

Also, here
http://store.titleboxing.com/title-tuf-wear-speed-bags.html

Tuf Wear used to make great bags, but I haven't hit one in a while.  the title brand is less expensive.


Ringside
http://www.ringside.com/store/prodinfo_punchingbags.asp?number=IRPSB&variation=&...


Swivels.

http://store.titleboxing.com/speed-bags-platforms-swivels.html

I only use the ones ( Everlast ) at the bottom.  I prefer the ball hook, but the other is OK.  Just heard to get bag on the chainlink without these Retaining Ring Pliers.
http://www.mytoolstore.com/sk/sk03190.html

This one is OK also, but I tape the bag to the bar when I use it so it won't slide.

http://store.titleboxing.com/dps-ez.html

Here is a link to my own Website ( Speedbagcentral) and perhaps there is some information there that can help also.

http://www.speedbagcentral.com/Equipment_SpeedBagParts.html

and some video demonstration clips

http://www.speedbagcentral.com/Demos.html

Good luck with your training and if I can be of further help, just ask.

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible