With a variety of weights, sizes, materials, and brands, buying a right boxing gloves can almost feel like Sophie’s choice. And no, quitting isn’t an option just because you’re only training. Training, sparring, or competing, gloves are essential, and there’s no way you should begin with the sport before shielding your hands.
So, in this boxing gloves buying guide, we will help you understand all the key factors you must consider to find the right match for your punch.
Related Article: Mastering Your Boxing Skills: The Importance of Using Boxing Gloves & Pads
Why the Right Gloves Matter?
For a beginner, finding the right boxing gloves must be the first step to take, and this step can be the difference between progress and instant failure. Here is why this investment is worth all your time and money:
1- Safety
Gloves are what you need to keep yourself protected from any potential injuries, bruises, and strains. What makes them capable of doing this is the padding. Adequately padded gloves distribute the force of the strikes and dissipate the impact in a way that doesn’t let it penetrate your hands or wrists.
This keeps you and your partner, both safe. Other than the padding, wrist support plays a vital role as well. This ensures that your wrists are guarded and don’t hyperextend, keeping sprains at good distance.
2- Performance
The technique is all you need to progress and win, which is achieved with the assistance of gloves. They aim to help you aim with clean and effective techniques so that you have the precision and the timing to land the punch right.
Loosely fitted gloves will always take you a step back, whereas tight gloves will hinder your striking power. If you want to gain better control over your punches and hit in a way that matters, you need gloves that fit right.
3- Comfort
Training sessions can squeeze all the energy from you with its prolonged and grueling sessions, causing you to suffer from blisters and discomfort. With dependable gloves, made from breathable materials and promising a snug fit, you can get all the comfort in the world to focus on your form and improve your stamina.
Types of Boxing Gloves
The most troublesome thing in your purchase can be the variety of gloves. Before you buy one, you have to know the kinds of gloves and what is the purpose of them. Here is a breakdown of the types of boxing gloves you will find.
1- Training Gloves
The most common are the boxing training gloves. They are the most versatile, perfect for beginners and seasoned boxers. These are designed for bag work and general training, so they are packed with ample padding to absorb the impacts of the force you take. If you want comfort and functionality balanced into one, these boxing gloves for training will make an excellent choice.
2- Sparring Gloves
Sparring gloves are made for you to practice with a partner. They feature additional padding to protect you and your mate from the risk of injury, plus their particular design offers more control so that your focus remains on the form and not the harm that may be caused.
3- Bag Gloves
As the name speaks, these bag gloves are specifically made for bag and pad work. With denser padding, these can stand strong in the face of repeated strikes, providing optimum durability. They do lack the extra cushioning required for a good spar work, but their sturdiness wins. So, no matter how intense the bag session gets, they will endure.
4- Competition Gloves
If you are prepping for official matches, then these are your go-to. These are smaller and lighter, which increases the impact of your hits and gives you the extra edge needed to secure a win. They should, however, meet the weight and size requirements of the governing bodies if you are participating in a competition. They have less padding than the rest, but that is less of a concern for athletes who are comfortable with advanced techniques.
5- Specialty Gloves
These are the ones for unique training needs. These are made to be tailored to specific styles or training regimens that do not fall under the radar of other glove categories. If you are looking for specialised features, you have to look for these.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Boxing Gloves
Now, when picking a pair, you have to analyze and go much deeper than just the looks. There are several factors to consider. Here is a list of the beginner boxing gloves guide.
1- Size and Weight
The boxing gloves come in a variety of sizes which are typically measured in ounces (oz). Before buying, check the boxing gloves weight guide to see which one suits you better. These range from 10 oz to 16 oz, and the size you choose from these depends on your body weight, purpose of use, and level of experience.
10 oz to 12 oz is perfect for light pad work and competition. 14 oz to 16 oz is ideally suitable for general training and sparring as it offers the padding needed for proper protection. On the other hand, any glove weighing above 18 oz is recommended for heavyweights or sparring sessions requiring additional padding.
Remember that the weight of the gloves directly effect the itensity of the session. In the beginner’s guide to boxing gloves sizing and weight, it is advised to go for gloves that weigh between 14 oz to 16 oz to get your hands safety and cushioning is perfect harmony.
2- Material
When thinking about what to look for when buying boxing gloves, don’t forget the material composition. The material directly influences the durability and the price of the pair. You can get synthetic leather or genuine leather, which are the two common terms you hear in the market. Synthetic is lightweight and affordable, so these are the right boxing gloves for beginners looking to get a good pair on a budget. But they wear out much faster.
Genuine leather, on the other hand, will last through rigorous sessions, guaranteeing superior quality and longevity. They will mold to the shape of your hand, ensuring comfort that will lead you to aimed goals. These are a higher investment, but they are worth it.
3- Padding and Protection
We have discussed the importance of padding before, so this cannot be skipped. The type and amount of padding your glove features will explain how safe you will play.
The most commonly used padding is foam padding, which absorbs shock, dissipates it, and heralds comfort. Conversely, there is gel padding, which offers revved-up protection and effectively dissipates energy.
Also, make sure to check the wrist support, as it will prevent injuries by verifying proper alignment. Look for wrist straps or wraps so that your hands are snugly and securely wrapped to stay budge-free, no matter what rigours stand in front of them.
4- Closure Type
A good closure system is one of the most important features of boxing gloves, both in terms of convenience and fit. It can either be Velcro or lace-up. Velcro is easy to put on and take off and is ideal for quick fastening and adjustment mid-fight. Lace-ups, on the other hand, are more secure and ensure a custom fit. While their fit makes them ideal for competitions, they need to be tied up, which may seem like a bit of a hassle for some.
5- Fit and Comfort
Finding the right fit and comfort is also equally important. Before you pay money, try on the gloves and see how they feel. They should be snug but not too tight. Similarly, they should have breathable linings so that your hands stay cool no matter how long the session gets. They should also accommodate hand wraps without cramping them up.
Budget
You ill find gloves in a range of prices. Some will be budget-friendly, others will be at premium prices. As a beginner, it is better to begin with mid-range gloves that offer both quality and cost. As you get better with training, you can invest in high-quality leather gloves for enhanced performance and lasting durability.
Related Article: Your Ultimate Boxing Gloves Guide – Move, Improve, and Evolve with RDX Sports
Tips for Maintaining Your Boxing Gloves
Once you have made the purchase, you also need to be aware of how to maintain them so that they can last longer. Here are some maintenance tips for boxing gloves that can help you.
1- Wipe Down After Every Use
To maintain hygiene and cleanliness, you should wipe the gloves, both exterior and interior, with a clean and dry cloth. This will remove the sweat, dirt, and bacteria accumulated during training. You can also use a mild disinfectant spray to get rid of any extra dirt.
2- Use Glove Deodorizers
When there is sweat, there will also be odour. So, use deodorizers to combat unpleasant smells and absorb any moisture. Made from moisture-absorbing materials like cedar or charcoal, they sustain freshness in the gloves in between uses.
3- Store in a Dry, Ventilated Area
When storing gloves, keep them in a cool and dry place where ventilation gets them. Make sure they are not trapped in a moist area, as it promotes bacteria growth. The best way to do that is to keep them in a mesh bag.
RDX Sports Recommendations
Among the brands available in the market, RDX Sports top the list with its quality, durability, functionality, and style.
Beginner-Friendly Options
For beginners, RDX has created some of the best beginner-friendly boxing gloves which combine comfort, protection, and budget-friendliness in one. Options like RDX F7 Ego Boxing Gloves feature multi-layered paddings with great wrist support and grip to safeguard your hands. They are lightweight and easy to take on and off.
Advanced Features for Professionals
If you have been boxing for a while and want right boxing gloves that offer exceptional performance, the T17 Aura Boxing Gloves should be your go-to. Made of Maya Hide Leather, they are equipped with multiple padding layers that effectively disperse the shock impacts. Offering easy wearability and adjustability, they are the perfect fit for you.
There is a wide range of gloves available at RDX Sports that you can explore to find your ideal match and equip yourself with the confidence and safety needed to win. Plus, you will get some of the best budget boxing gloves for new fighters here.
Conclusion
Choosing the right boxing gloves is the first step to becoming a pro at the sport. By gaining a better understanding of the types of gloves, their importance, and the key factors to consider, you can make the right purchase to cater to your needs. Just make sure to keep in mind the maintenance tips, and you will be on your journey to excellence!
