Expert: Alan Kahn - 12/14/2005

Question
Alan,
Thanks for the info! That answers my question and gives solutions, what a big help! If you don't mind, one other question.....if I decide to buy a newer heavybag, how can I tell it is one that you describe with a fill system that keeps the inside of the bag evenly distributed? Do you have a link to one of these bag that I can check out? THANKS!

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Followup To
Question -
Hi Alan, I was hoping you can help me with a heavy bag question.....I bought an Everlast 50 lb "1941" Heavy Bag a few months ago and really enjoy using it. The bottom of the bag seems to be really hard while the middle & upper part of the bag is softer. Is there something in the bag to weight it down that is causing the bottom of the bag to be harder? Do you recommend that I add to filling inside the bag to get the middle & upper part of the bag to be firmer? If so, what type of filler should I use?
Thanks!

Answer -
HI Bob,

You are describing the classic heavybag problem, particularly those filled with "Sand". The weight and gravity takes it all to the bottom. Actually, I also have an old Everlast heavybag with a bottom third like concrete.

But knowing what it causing it is not the same as fixing it. That may depend on a few things. First, IF you don't mind the bottom being extremely hard you could fill the top with more material to make it firmer, but it could also drop down, and the added weight might be too much for the leather or canvas cover. Second, Let's say you fix it, and now the middle and top gets as firm as the bottom. Is that what you want?  Are you hands going to hold up smacking a bag that is rock hard all over?

Most training gloves I have seen will not protect your hands and wrists from hitting a rock hard bag. In that scenario, all the force of your punching is absorbed by your hands, wrists and arms. The more forgiving "softer" bags absorb some of the force better - which is one reason why many newer heavybags have a fill system that keeps the material in place evenly around the bag.

Now - what to fill it with. You could fill it with all kinds of soft material, such as rags, clothes or old blankets. Here is a link to Title boxings heavy bag page.  

http://store.titleboxing.com/canvasheavybag.html

go to this address and look at the bottom and there is a link to instructions about their unfilled bags and how to fill them.  You may also find similiar instructions at Amber sports http://www.ambersports.com/howdoifilmyh.html

Personally, I solved the problem by getting another bag. One that was softer and keeps the material evenly spaced. But one other solution to the hard bottom (for kicking) might be to place a neopreme sleeve, or Heavybag gel wrap protector
http://store.yahoo.com/titleboxing/title-heavybag-gel-wrap.html
around the bottom.  I have seen and used them and it is a great product. It buying a new bag is out of the question, this is a great alternative.

I'm not sure this directly answered your question, but I hope it helps you in some way. Thanks for asking and train safely.

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
Author, The Speed Bag Bible  

Answer
HI Bob

There are several to choose from, depending on the weight you want, bag length, etc. The bag information usually tells you if the inside of the heavybag (1) has a standard fill material (weighted foam or padding (2) only water filled bladder or (3) a center core of water surrounded by an outer foam covering

For number (3) water and foam, this is a great bag:

http://store.titleboxing.com/title-classic-foam-and-water-heavybag.html

OR you can choose water-foam or water only,

http://store.titleboxing.com/powair-pro-water-heavybags.html

or regular fill

http://store.titleboxing.com/hbl.html

OR some Ringside Boxing Choices

"soft filled" with foam covering inside
http://www.ringside.com/DETAIL.ASPX-ID-24793

Water-foam, 80 lb
http://www.ringside.com/DETAIL.ASPX?ID=24833

Ringside has a huge amount of choices, with three full pages of bags.  

http://www.ringside.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=2380

Both Title Boxing & Ringside are top notch companies that stick by their products. I also recommend Balazboxing products, all of high quality.
http://www.balazsboxing.com/cgi-bin/catalog2.cgi?action=page&page=gear|bags|heav

between these three fine companies, you should be able to find the bag of your choice with a reasonable budget. Personally, I would recommend getting a quality foam outer and water inner core, and your hands will thank you for it later. They are worth the extra cost - especially for those who do not have qualified trainers wrapping and gloving their hands.

hope this helps you find the bag your need.

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible