Before you start thinking of hiring a boxing coach, you need to have the best boxing equipment in your kit bag.
Spend wisely as there are a lot of different brands out there who are just out to get your money and sell you non-durable equipment. To avoid that, you need proper information to make smart purchases.
Boxing Equipment Essentials
It’s not like you can go to the nearest shop, buy a pair of gloves and start the game. It just doesn’t happen like that, you must know the right size in accordance with the size of your hand. The right size of the glove will allow you to have a firm grip and make your punch impactful and heavy. Remember, gloves come in different styles so the size may vary in each size.
There is also a difference between Training, Sparring and Fighting gloves.
Let us explain different aspects of boxing gloves so you can understand things in a better way. As gloves are main essentials of boxing equipment so we would start with the gloves.
Size
Boxing gloves sizes range from small to extra-large sizes.
- Small size has 6” to 7.5” circumference.
- Medium size has 7.5 to 8.5” circumference.
- Large size has 8.5” to 9.5” circumference.
- Extra-large size has 9.5” and above circumference.
Measure the circumference of your hand by placing a measuring tape around your hand with palm facing upwards. Take the correct measurement and pick gloves accordingly.
Weight
There are brands out there that do not classify gloves according to size, instead they classify them based on weight that range from 8 ounces to 20 ounces.
Heavily padded gloves weigh more. These gloves are ideal for practice as they offer more protection. You can feel the difference while punching the heavy punching bags. Heavily padded gloves provide extra support and cushion to you knuckles, which is why they’re preferred for amateurs.
If you are a beginner, the ideal gloves weight will be 16oz to provide you the right kind of protection for all types of training routines and sparring. When you become a pro and enter a ring to fight you would need a pair of gloves weighing between 10oz to 12 oz.
Closure
There are two types of boxing gloves closure systems; lace-ups and Velcro. Velcro is much easier to operate and is ideal for boxers who are just starting out in the sport. You can easily take the gloves off and on without any help.
Inner Wraps/Wear
Getting serious about boxing? Wrap your hands with the inner wear before putting on boxing gloves. As an important part of boxing training you cannot ignore adding a layer of cushion for the blows.
For a beginner, inner wear is more appropriate than wraps. They are easier to put on and take off. As part of the right boxing equipment, get a couple of them so you can rotate them in every training session.
Mouthpiece
An exact fitting mouthpiece protects your teeth from serious damage in a boxing ring. You will need a mouthpiece even though you don’t think you’re at the risk of getting a hit in the face. You can protect your whole mouth from impact with these innovative mouthpieces.
Head Guard
One thing that requires more protection than any other part of your body while boxing is your head. A good head guard will keep your head safe while sparring and training. Professionals wear head guards while fighting and amateurs should wear them while training.
Groin Protectors
While fighting and sparring, a groin protector will protect you from low blows. You can have different types of cups or female groin protectors in different shapes and design. This is essential boxing equipment so don’t leave it off for later.
Focus Mitts
Get yourself a target to hit in order to simulate a match-like situation with the help of focus mitts. You can dodge sweeping motions of mitts to practice for punches coming your way. Be mindful if your trainer has one then you might not need it. If you plan to train at home with a partner, then you should buy a pair of good focus mitts.
Jump Rope
Your trainer or coach will ask you to have a jump rope in your kit bag at all times. Most warm up drills include jump rope exercises. It helps with the footwork and stamina too.
Once you have all these essential boxing equipment in your gym bag, you are ready to go out and look for a boxing gym that is perfect for you.
