Expert: Alan Kahn - 12/30/2003

Question
I am looking to purchase a speed bag.  I would like to know which one is the best.  Including the best swivel.  Thanks

Answer
Hi Mark

Congratulations on getting a speed bag. If you are new to it I think you will find in a great addition to your work out and will help you in any other sports that you play.

Identifying the "Best" speed bag would be difficult. There are many companies that make high quality speed bags, so the "best" might be better defined as the size that is right for you. I will explain a little and give you some useful links:

If you have NO experience with speed bags then there are a few things you might want to consider so you don't purchase the wrong bag. First, the come in about 5 sizes, from Extra Large (12x9 or 11x8), Large ( 10x7), medium ( 9x6 = fast), Small (8x5 = very fast) and  Xtra small ( 4x6 = lightning). The smaller bags are very difficult for a beginner to learn on, and you can easily get frustrated, so if you are NEW and trying it for the first time, I recommend the 11x8 size
(follow link)

http://store2.yimg.com/I/titleboxing_1773_845587

A comparable size can be found on these sites, but realize some companies Also vary their size and shapes slightly, so a title or everlast 11x8 might be an 11x7 or 10x8 by ringside or cletes.

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

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

If you are experienced and have some bag control already, go for the smaller sizes, 9x6 or 8x5. ( TIP:  letting a little air out of a smaller bag will make it a little mushy and slower, therefore easier to control if you're having trouble. )

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As for Swivels, again there are many brands. but each is a variation and has a slightly different action.  Here is MY personal favorite:

Standard Ball-Hook by Everlast.

http://shop.everlastboxing.com/everlast-semi-pro-s-swivel.html

or  http://www.boxingdepot.com/bx-ac-20.html

You can get this at several locations, such as title boxing or Balasz. (Ringside does not carry this one...) I personally feel this swivel gives the truest action, since there is nothing in the design or parts to influence the bag rebound on its own, like some of the others. but try to get one that is all metal. Everlast makes the best Ballhook, but they have started cheaping out and using a plastic base. Try and find one that is all metal, because the plastice threads may strip when you tighten the ball part in.

Whatever you do.... DO NOT GET THIS next ballhook:

http://www.ambersports.com/asw3110.html

This is a very bad swivel, way too long and the ball will eventually fall out of the housing.  You want the much higher quality 2-piece everlast model.

A Ballhook one is the loudest ( slightly) and some people don't want that much noise as they punch.   The next swivel, the "Chainlink" is also a very good one, an a little quieter.

http://shop.everlastboxing.com/top-professional-swivel.html  

http://www.boxingdepot.com/bx-ac-21.html (cheaper!)

Most boxing stores online and brick-mortar locations carry these. they are a pain to hook the bag on to but help keep bag theft down. I hit from ALL SIDES of the bag, not just the front, and I'm changing directions constantly. Therefore I think the chain link intersections can slightly influence or alter the bag rebound, but some people say it doesn't bother them.

there is one more type of swivel. That is often seen lately. Here it is.

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

These are fast and make changing bags easy, but I think the bag can "float" up or "slide" on the U-shaped bar when it is slightly miss hit. this "floating" changes the speed and alters the rebounds ( slightly..)

I have hit all of these many times, and I just prefer the Everlast Ballhook
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One last thing. The swivel has to attach to a board, and be sure you get the best on you can afford. Here is a pretty nice starter set for a reasonable price:

http://www.boxingdepot.com/bx-sb-21.html

A couple of tips on boards.  This type of wall unit usually has a 24 inch diameter board. With the swivel in the middle, the largest bag you can use on this is the 11x8. This will come right to the end of the board. You don't want the bag to come past the end of the board.

Also, you want the board to have some way to adjust in height so you can raise or lower it to adjust it for different size bags.

Also, notice in this picture ( enlarge it...) that the swivel has a plastic base. ( ugghh!) and Toss those bag gloves, they suck for a speed bag. And the shown 4214 bag is a 10x7, which is a good size for you to begin with.

Last tip:  you DO NOT want this wall unit.

http://www.ringside.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=SBPLAT%201&variation=&aitem=3&...

or any other Single Bar stabilizer type.  Always use a wall unit with two vertical attachments. It is MUCH more stable and will not sway like this one will.

There you go Mark. Good luck, and I hope I answered your questions for you.  Try this link to see how unique the speed bag can really be....

http://enabledonline.com/BackIssues/February2001/health2.html
 
and this link for a beginners article:

http://www.rossboxing.com/thegym/thegym20.htm

Take care and train safely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible.