Using the right pair of boxing gloves can help you get that knockout you’ve been dreaming about while training. If you’re a boxer, you know that packing a punch starts with having the right gear in your bag. If a pair of shoes make the difference for a runner, a couple of quality boxing gloves can help/impede a boxer.
As boxing gloves’ main purpose is to protect your hands, it makes sense that sizing them well ensures their solid performance and efficiency. But it’s not only the size that matters. As there are various types of boxing styles, boxing gloves also come in different styles. That’s the main reason for which your general trainers should be different from the fight night.
It’s important to know a thing or two about boxing gloves when figuring out the style and type of boxing gloves you need. From the material to the nature and form of boxing, there are many things to consider when choosing your boxing gloves.
What’s the best material for boxing gloves?
Even if vinyl and leather are the most popular options, some other materials are also a common choice for boxing gloves.
- Vinyl
The most affordable type, the vinyl gloves are a solid choice for an entry level boxer. If you’re training regularly, the Vinyl gloves don’t perform as well as the leather models. Vinyl isn’t going to pass the durability test. Plus, it also gets hot and sweaty inside.
If you’re only looking for a casual pair of boxing gloves for your fitness lesson (without hitting anything), the vinyl gloves are a solid option.
- Genuine leather
The leather gloves are the highest quality choice for any boxer and come with prices from $60 and up to $400. Real leather gloves take the use for a long time, but durability isn’t their only quality. They mold to your hand shape in time, providing better fitting. You may need some time to break them in, but that’s a small price to pay considering their durability and reliability.
- Polyurethane leather
Polyurethane leather is manufactured leather and resembles leather. It’s a durable material and the gloves made of polyurethane take the use for a longer time than the vinyl ones. Polyurethane gloves are a dependable option for a beginner or for anyone who doesn’t want to break the bank just yet.
How to find the right size for your boxing gloves?
Your boxing gloves are useful when they fit snug on your hands. To find the right pair of gloves for your training/fight, you should check the ounces of the gloves. The gloves range from 6oz. Youth mitts up to 20oz. Heavyweight gloves.
Your weight, height and the circumference of your dominant hand are fundamental when identifying the size you need for your boxing gloves.
If measuring your height and weight is a breeze, measuring your hand circumference may be tricky. You should get some fabric tape measure for measuring your open dominant hand. Do it right below your knuckles. It’s essential that the tape meets in the center of the palm.
Should you not have a fabric tape measure, use a piece of string for wrapping around your hand and marking it. You measure the marked line against a stiff tape measure or a ruler afterward.
In all fairness, weight and height are rather guidelines in terms of identifying the size of your boxing gloves. It’s the hand circumference that counts the most. Once you have all the data, figuring out the size of your boxing gloves should be more comfortable.
What are the regular sizes?
Here are the sizes for the amateur gloves:
- 10oz. gloves- for fighters under the light welterweight class (141lb.)
- 120z gloves- for fighters in divisions welterweight (152lbs) through super heavyweight (over 201lb)
- 16oz gloves for Master Division fighters older than 41 years.
The pro-fighting gloves divide into another two categories:
- 8ounces gloves- for fighters welterweight (147lb)
- 10-ounce gloves-for fighters in divisions super welterweight(154lb)
No matter the size, you should always try to select from the best boxing gloves. For more inspiration, go at FightingReport where you can check the best boxing gloves reviewed. The store offers you products for all sorts of sports (boxing, MMA, wrestling, Fencing, Martial Arts, and more). You can also check the supplements categories. The chances are that you’re going to be able to find almost anything you need for your boxing.
What are the types of boxing gloves to select from?
Even if the boxing gloves look somewhat similar, they’re made to perform various tasks. There are three categories of training-related boxing gloves and two kinds of competitive mitts. Every design presents a unique quality that works for the intended use the best way.
- Training gloves
The training gloves are an all-around option for the entry-level boxers. They feature enough padding, and you may use them for both bag work and sparring. They’re not specialized for either of bag work or sparring though. You may use them in the beginning as they ensure proper support for both beginners and experienced boxers.
- Bag gloves
The bag gloves are designed for use in heavy bags, pad training or speed bag. They don’t come with much padding in the knuckles. Even if you may find it weird to get boxing gloves that don’t have enough padding, the bag gloves are made for allowing a boxer to feel the punches. Feeling the punches helps one get used to the impact. In the case of an awkward punch or a broken form, the boxer should be capable of feeling it in the bag gloves, adjusting it the right way.
- Sparring gloves
The sparring gloves are made only for sparring and come with extra padding. The padding is for protection and your sparring partner. They are sized the same as trainers but may feel a bit heavier on the cause of the extra padding.
- Competition boxing gloves
Competition-level gloves are made for the fight. They feature less padding in the knuckles and are made so that your opponent feels your strikers. There are amateur and professional competition boxing gloves. Each of the two types has sizes according to the weight. However, the amateur gloves are more regulated as the rules are stricter at the amateur level.
The red/blue color scheme addresses the amateur boxer. The gloves also feature a white knuckle overlay which helps the judges score easier.
One last tip
Finding the right pair of boxing gloves is easy as long as you know what you need them for. Do your homework and take your time when shopping. It’s going to worth it, for sure.
RESOURCES
https://made4fighters.com/blog/best-boxing-gloves-for-beginners/
https://www.bestfightinggear.com/how-to-choose-the-best-boxing-gloves/
http://muaythaipros.com/how-to-choose-the-best-boxing-gloves/
