Expert: Alan Kahn - 4/18/2005

Question
Im 5'8" and 160 pounds what weight heavy bag should i use and why.Also what material is best.

Answer
Hi Ryan,

There is no rule about what weight bag you should use. That might be determined better by WHERE and HOW you are going to hang it and how much weight that area can hold.  A 70 or 80lb bag should be plenty heavy enough, and you could go heavier IF your area can support it. but lighter bags swing more, so that may be an issue of you also.

If you are going to set it in an are that can support a lot of weight than go with the one you can afford. I like the ones that are "soft filled" for they tend to be easier on the hands and don't get "bottom heavy". I also like the softer leather, not canvas covers, which tears you gloves up.

Ringside Boxing Has LOTs of bags to chose from, and price as well as hanging area must be considered. Here is a link to them.  
http://www.ringside.com/store/products_punchingbags.asp?dept=14&pagenumber=1
Titleboxing also has good heavybags. http://store.titleboxing.com/heavy-bags.html

If hanging a bag is a problem, You may also consider a "freestanding bag" like this one:
http://store.titleboxing.com/title-power-reflex-freestanding-heavybag.html   but be aware they tend to "creep" along the floor as you use them.

whatever size and type you get, be sure to get handwraps and good quality training gloves for your punching.  Here is link showing how to wrap your hands.
http://www.ringside.com/store/hw_howto.asp

Good luck and thanks for you question.  I hope this gives you the information you need.

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible