Boxing is doubtlessly one of the biggest combat sports in the world. In combat sports, there's almost always some form of mitten involved. However, boxing gloves are used in a variety of martial arts and combat sports in addition to boxing. This has led tonumerous variations of gloves d epending on the sport. For example, Muay Thai uses a glove only slightly different to boxing gloves, while MMA gloves are smaller and less padded, with open fingers to allow much better use of the hands.
Boxing has also become the fashion world's favorite workout, with many models swearing by the fat-burning workout to hone the much desired lean and strong physiques. Boxing does not only increase muscular stature and physical strength; it also helps to balance the mind. It can also help you gain mental strength and combat a range of health issues, including depression and anxiety. Whether you are a beginner in this gratifying activity or a seasoned expert giving thought to switch up your gloves, this buying guide is sure to help you choose the best boxing glove for you.
Why you need Boxing Gloves
The fundamental reason boxing gloves are used in the sport of boxing is for protection from injuries. Hand injuries are common in combat sports, despite glove use. An easy way to emphasize just how much boxing gloves protect the hands is by watching an old-school bare-knuckle boxing match. Bare-knuckle boxing only allows fighters to wrap their thumb and wrist, but it leaves their knuckles exposed. As a result, many of them end up breaking their hands in almost every fight.
Boxing gloves help in preventing finger joint displacement, protecting your opponents, reducing blood bath and, gives wrist support since the padding in boxing gloves helps soften blows from punches. This makes it easier for you to land a punch without hurting your hand. The bones in your hands and wrists are fragile so, if you punch a heavy bag too hard without gloves, you can easily break one. However, the boxing glove covers more area and as well offers more protection to the wearer. So you are likely to throw their punches with more force and have fewer injuries while wearing gloves than if bare-fisted.
What should I consider buying Boxing Gloves?
Buying yourself a new pair of boxing gloves can feel a little bit daunting. The endless options from loads of brands can make finding the pair that suits you seem impossible. To help buy the best gloves for you, the first time around, in a much easier process, there are a few things you need to look out for and keep in mind. With these, you'll be much more likely to buy a pair that is best suited to your needs.
What purpose am I using the gloves for?
There are few variations between gloves for Muay Thai and standard boxing gloves. This isn’t to say you can't use both interchangeably however if you're solely training for one it might be better to taper your search.
You should also consider what the training sessions in which you're using the gloves entail. Many brands offer gloves that have been tailored for whatever type of session. This also determines the size of the gloves you buy because most gyms won’t let you spar in less than 16oz (or 14oz depending on your weight class).
What material do I want my gloves to be?
When buying your gloves, you’ve also got the choice between leather or various types of synthetic leather. The consensus is that leather offers superior durability. So it is a better choice for gloves since they have a longer shelf-life. However, synthetic leathers are often much less costly and a better alternative for you if you have an ethical problem with the use of animal products.
How much wrist support do you need?
Wrist support is a striker’s priority in choosing boxing gloves. It is very easy to injure your wrist while boxing and the support your glove gives could make all the difference. So this is where it gets a little tricky when shopping online because you can’t test the glove out to find out if it’s the fit for you. You might check reviews but if you can’t find anyone discussing the amount of wrist support offered then we would recommend looking out for a wide cuff that would extend down your wrist with broad velcro closure. This would ensure that you can strap them tightly and support your wrists well.
What type of padding does the glove have?
In padding, a few options give diverse benefits for your knuckles. Most gloves these days have some form of layered foam padding system that provides great protection for both you and the person you’re hitting. But some brands are producing gloves that are padded with gel-infused foam. It refines the force dispersion through the padding giving a rather different feel when you strike.
The gel-infused padding might feel a bit denser and it offers better feedback when you connect, making it feel like you can hammer in punches as hard as you like without hurting yourself. Finally, traveling back in time, you can still find gloves that are padded with horsehair often referred to as ‘punchers gloves’. It used to be the customary boxing glove padding before foam. Although they also transfer more force to your target with each punch, they are not durable.
Do I want fancy-looking gloves?
Although many people see this as the first and sometimes only thing to look out for when choosing gloves because you might have a pair of gloves that perform as you need but if they aren’t visually appealing you’d never use them. Nonetheless, appearance should always come last to get the most out of your gloves, and in turn, out of your training.
Frequently asked questions on boxing gloves.
Q: How do I know what size boxing gloves to buy?
A: The size of your boxing gloves is directly proportional to your weight. So, if you weigh less than 126 pounds, you should buy 12- or 14-ounce gloves but if you’re 127 to 160 pounds, use 14- to 16-ounce gloves. 16- to 18-ounce gloves are recommended for weight between 161 to 180 pounds and18-ounce gloves would still be appropriate if you weigh more than 180 pounds.
Q: Do heavier gloves hurt more?
A: A heavier glove does not hit harder or hurt the opponent more. Picking a heavier glove is more about ensuring the safety of you and your partner than it is about inflicting damage on your opponent.
Q: How long should boxing gloves last?
A: 1-3 years. Durability is dependent on how much you train but a new pair of boxing gloves should last between 1-3 years. Cheaper gloves don't last over a year for more advanced strikers or heavy hitters.