I. Introduction
Boxing gloves are an essential piece of equipment for any boxer, whether you’re training in a gym or stepping into the ring. But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which weight gloves are right for you? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of weight gloves for boxing. We’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to choosing the right weight gloves for your training needs, review some of the top gloves on the market, give you advice on incorporating gloves into your routine, discuss the history of gloves in boxing, and share personal experiences in finding the right gloves. By the end of this article, you’ll be a weight glove expert well on your way to selecting the perfect pair for your training.
II. Feature article: Choosing the Right Weight Gloves for Boxing
Boxing gloves come in different sizes and weights. Generally, gloves range from 8oz to 18oz, with most training gloves weighing between 12oz and 16oz. The weight of gloves plays a significant role in your training and the type of boxing you’re doing. Here are the factors to consider when choosing the right weight gloves:
Fighters Weight
Your body weight is an essential factor when selecting weight gloves. Boxers who weigh 120 pounds or less should use gloves weighing 12oz or less. Athletes who weigh between 120 pounds and 150 pounds should go for gloves that weigh 14-16oz, while heavier boxers weighing over 150 pounds should use gloves weighing 16oz and up.
Type of Training
The second factor to consider when choosing weight gloves is the type of training you’re doing. If you’re hitting the heavy bag or engaging in sparring, you should go for gloves that weigh at least 14oz to provide maximum protection and support for your hands. On the other hand, if you’re practicing your speed by doing pad work, you’ll want to go for lighter gloves so that you don’t tire out quickly. 10oz or 12oz gloves will suffice in this case.
Hand Size
The third factor worth considering is your hand size. Most gloves are designed to accommodate different hand sizes, but some brands come in specific sizes to help provide a better fit. Gloves that are too tight will restrict movement and cause discomfort, while loose gloves can shift and cause injury.
Different Gloves for Different Training
The next factor that you should consider is the type of glove for different training options. Different types of gloves are better suited for particular training options. Here is an overview of the different types of gloves:
- Bag Gloves: These gloves are designed for heavy bag workouts. They are typically lighter than training gloves, with less padding at the front. This type of gloves is designed to help improve speed and accuracy during punch combos and should weigh between 12-14 oz.
- Training Gloves: As the name suggests, training gloves are designed to be used for general training sessions, sparring, and fighting. These gloves have more padding and weigh between 14-18oz, providing added protection for fighters.
- Competition Gloves: These gloves weigh between 8-10oz and are designed for professional fights. These gloves provide less padding and are designed to allow fighters to deliver heavy punches with ease.
Determining the weight gloves that best suit your training needs
With these factors in mind, determining the weight gloves that best suit your training needs should be relatively easy. If you are an experienced fighter with well-developed hand strength, lighter gloves are a great option. But for beginners or those with smaller hands, it is essential to start with the heavier gloves to protect your hands. The ideal solution is to have different gloves for different training sessions.
III. Product Review Article: Top Boxing Gloves on the Market
Now that you have a clear understanding of how to determine the right weight gloves, here are some of the top boxing gloves in the market, including their weight and effectiveness:
1. Winning Training Gloves (16oz)
These gloves offer excellent padding and come in a comfortable shape. They also come in universal sizes, so whether you have small or large hands, they’ll fit. The Winning Training gloves are a highly rated option for heavy training sessions and sparring.
2. Cleto Reyes Training Gloves (16oz)
These high-quality training gloves are known for their durability and hand protection, making them ideal for sparring sessions. They are affordable, come in different colors and offer excellent hand closure. However, the Cleto Reyes gloves are known to be some of the tightest gloves to put on.
3. Ringside Apex Flash Gloves (16oz)
These high-quality gloves are available in multiple colors and provide excellent protection during training and sparring sessions. The gloves are also affordable, and their Velcro straps offer additional wrist support.
4. Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves (16oz)
Everlast is one of the most popular brands in the boxing industry, and for good reason. These gloves are made of synthetic leather to provide added durability and come with incredible padding. The gloves are good for training and sparring and are ideal for beginner boxers.
5. Rival RS2V-PRO Sparring Gloves (16oz)
These uniquely designed gloves are made from synthetic leather and feature a sturdy Velcro closure system. They are well-padded and offer excellent wrist support. These gloves are an excellent option for sparring sessions and provide effective hand protection.
IV. Training Advice Article: Incorporating Weight Gloves in Your Routine
The weight of gloves impacts your training. Here are some tips on how to incorporate varying weights during your routine:
Different Gloves/Different Workouts
The first thing you should consider when incorporating gloves into your routine is to stick to gloves that are best suited to your workouts. Using bag gloves for sparring can cause injuries. So make sure that you use the right gloves for every exercise session.
Add Weights Gradually
As with any workout plan, it’s essential to take things slow when incorporating gloves into your routine. Start with gloves that are slightly heavier than the ones you’re used to and add on gradually to improve strength, accuracy, and speed.
Change it up
Varying the weight of your gloves while training can pose new challenges and help improve your boxing skills. For instance, use lighter gloves for speed drills and heavier gloves for strength training.
V. Historical Article: The Evolution of Boxing Gloves
Boxing gloves have come a long way since the inception of the sport. Here’s a brief history of weight gloves:
19th Century Boxing Gloves
Boxing gloves used in the 19th century were not padded and had thin leather. The gloves were designed to protect the fighter’s hands and knuckles from cuts and bruises but made punches more lethal.
20th Century Gloves
The 20th century marked significant advancements in glove technology. In 1920, the US National Boxing Association (NBA) introduced a weight requirement of 8 ounces for competition gloves. But in the 1940s, the weight requirement increased to 10 ounces to provide better hand protection.
Contemporary Gloves
The contemporary gloves used in modern boxing are designed to provide optimal protection for fighters. Technological advancements have allowed glove manufacturers to make gloves that are lighter, more durable, and more precise. The gloves are meticulously tested and standardized to provide effective protection for fighters.
VI. Personal Experience Article: Finding the Right Weight Gloves for You
Choosing the right weight gloves can take time, but when you find the right ones, they’ll undoubtedly make a massive difference to your training. During my time training in boxing, I have come across several weight gloves. My advice when selecting gloves is this: take your time, and try different styles and weights to find out what works best for you. As a beginner, start with heavier gloves to prevent injuries to your hands. Once you’ve gained experience and confidence in the sport, try lighter gloves to improve speed and punch combinations. Remember that the weight gloves you choose are a significant contributor to how you train and fight. So, ensure you make informed choices that benefit you in the long run.
Conclusion
Choosing the right weight gloves for boxing is essential in ensuring optimal performance, reducing the risk of injury and improving your overall workout experience. Understanding the different types of gloves, the factors that determine the right glove weight, and how to incorporate them gradually into your routine are all essential elements of boxing. By using the information outlined in this article, you can make informed decisions that will aid you in achieving your goals in boxing.