Expert: Alan Kahn - 3/9/2006

Question
Alan,

My fiance and I have been discussing setting up a heavy-bag and a speed-bag in our home.  Her preference is for the speed-bag, as she finds it great for training and relaxing.  However, we are concerned about the general level of noise a speed-bag makes (we live in a townhouse with neighbors on one side).  Do you have any suggestions as to whether you can "quiet" a speed-bag down?

Answer
HI Dave & Fiance

Quieting down a speed bag is not easy. Only ways I have seen (and heard..) is to avoid a ballhook swivel. Use any of the swivels on the left of this: http://store.titleboxing.com/speed-bags-platforms-swivels.html

And to put a softened cover (thick flat carpet or rubber)over the rebound surface (glue). Of course this slows the bag down, but at least it is quieter.

third, use a smaller,lighter bag 9x6 or 8x5 sizes. I recommend these:  http://store.titleboxing.com/classic-speed-bags.html

You did not say if it will be wall mounted or free standing. If it is wall mounted, avoid inside walls connecting to other units. Outside weight bearing walls may be a better choice.

Good luck with your decision. And tell your fiance thanks for choosing the speed bag.

Sincerely,

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