Speedwork: The Best Speed Bags for Boxing in 2022

If you want to train at home but don’t have much space, the Moulyan Speed Bag is worth a look. I mounted the bag on the wall via a jointed arm that allows for height adjustment. When not in use, I was able to store it in a closet or drawer, and the arm folded down to half its length and flat against the wall, all but disappearing when I didn’t need it.

Don’t expect the same performance as a larger speed bag setup, however. The bag is pear-shaped and hung from the top, but that’s where similarities end. Instead of the much larger platform, the bag springs back via, well…a spring. Makes sense. But this also makes it a spring bag much faster than a traditional bag, which can be frustrating for experienced users.

There are compromises to be made for the sake of saving space, and while the feel is definitely different, you can still get a solid workout and practice your hand speed and punching power with this minimalist bag. After adjusting to the bag’s differences from traditional speed bags, I did! Read the in-depth review here.

A smooth, predictable rebound and consistent response is a huge factor in a speed bag’s performance. However, irregularities and small imbalances are to be expected. My trainer told me that it was something that fighters had to work around. Apparently, TITLE Boxing didn’t get the memo because their Gyro Balance Speed Bag is gyro balanced for optimal precision. Also, the bladder is internally balanced. This eliminates errant bounces that may throw you off your rhythm and affect the performance of your workout. This balance keeps the rebound and speeds accurate and smooth so that you can spend more time on your hand speed and less time adjusting to your bag’s wonky mechanics.

The high-grade leather shell and triple reinforced seams add durability; the three available sizes accommodate everyone from beginners to advanced boxers. If you’re looking to maximize your hand speed and precision, you won’t find a more balanced speed bag. Take a look at our comprehensive guide to the top punching bags, as well, and pick your favorite.

Obviously, speed bags require both a platform (the platform that it rebounds off when you punch it) and a swivel attached. While there are many full setups available, many of them skimp when it comes to the most important feature – the bag. This is why most people buy the platform and swivel separately and search reputable websites with amazing writers (ahem) to help find the ideal boxing speed bag for their setup.

If you’re hoping to, TITLE Boxing Classic Complete Set Speed Bag stands out from other setups by including its excellent Classic Speed Bag in the kit. The stand is adjustable up to 7 inches, and the wood speed bag platform is extremely sturdy for a consistent bounce. This kit is ideal for anyone who wants to simplify their setup without compromising on the speed bag. I bought this for my Dad for Father’s Day, and he has loved it. He’s always whooped me when we spar, so I think I should have gotten him a less effective training tool.

Looking for a bag that’s likely to outlast you? Then check out the Pro Impact Speed Bag. Built using tough top-grade genuine leather, the bag’s exterior can take years of abuse without degrading. And the triple-reinforced seams mean you can swing as hard as you want without any risk of bursting the bag. The loop is also triple seamed as well, so there’s minimal chance of you knocking it across the room if you finish your workout with a nasty left hook. The air bladder is built with lightweight, heavy-duty latex that’s extremely resistant to leaks and pops.

The seams are also welted to minimize irregularities, so you’ll get a consistent feel and response with every punch. It comes in three sizes, from medium to extra small, so if you’re looking for a large bag for beginners, you’ll either have to look elsewhere or expect a steeper learning curve. In any case, it’s a cool addition to your collection of home gym equipment.

If you grew up in the boxing world, chances are you used a version of this speed bag from TITLE Boxing. The Classic Speed Bag sports the classic red leather shell with black lacing and the iconic TITLE logo patch on the front. The styling brings me back to the converted barn that I trained in when I was growing up, doing pullups on steel pipes bolted to the wall and losing my mind trying to skip rope for three minutes straight. The Classic doesn’t rest on nostalgia, however. The durable leather outer is constructed with a triple reinforced loop and seams.

The precision-balanced bag provides a fast response and consistent rebound, while the two sizes (medium and small) cater to more experienced boxers. Note: it’s recommended that you use speed bag gloves or wrist wraps when you do a speed bag workout. This is especially true for the Classic Bag, as the logo patch can chafe your hands.

If money is no object for you, the Balazs Laser Speed Bag is a great option. With over 20 years in the business, Balazs has constantly refined their speed bags, and the current iteration is a great example of the company’s legacy. The Lazer Speed bag’s cover is made of smooth-grained leather for extreme durability and is completely free of welted lacing for a uniform surface.

One of the weakest points in a speed bag is the attachment loop – I’ve had several go flying off the platform mid-workout when the loop finally gave out. That won’t be an issue with the Lazer. The bag’s loop is made of Kevlar, a material commonly used in bulletproof vests. The loop is also double layered and perfectly centered to give the Lazer optimal balance. It comes in four sizes, from large (the slowest) to pebble (the fastest speed bag), so there are appropriate sizes from beginner to pro. Here are some of the top-quality kickboxing gloves you may be interested in, too. Don’t miss them.

If money IS an object for you, the Meister SpeedKills Leather Speed Bag will deliver speed, durability, and consistency without breaking the bank. Made from special cowhide leather, it’s thick, tough, and double-stitched, meaning the outer shell can take everything you dish out and then some. If you manage to pop the interior bladder with a haymaker, Meister sells replacement bladders at ten bucks apiece, so you can swap it out and go back to work.

The sizing options mean they have a bag available for any skill level. It comes in three different sizes – large for beginners, medium for intermediate athletes, and small for pros. And at this price, you can afford to upgrade whenever you’re ready. For more quality boxing gear, check out our selection of the best boxing gloves on the market.

If you want to work on your hand speed but don’t want to drill holes in your wall, a reflex bag is a great option. This Ringside Fitness Reflex Bag goes right on your floor, so there’s no need to put holes in the wall. The synthetic leather bag is attached via chrome spring to a base tank that can hold 125 lbs. of water or 240 lbs. of sand (so make sure you’ve got it where you want it before you fill the thing).

You won’t get the same kind of speedy rebound as a traditional speed bag, but the spring allows the bag to move freely, requiring you to place your punches with precision. The bag also rebounds back towards you, so you’ll have to move more and anticipate the bag’s rebound to build up a rhythm.

The RDX Double End Speed Bag is great for more intense workouts. Instead of mounting at the top of the bag to a stationary platform, a double end bag is attached to the ceiling, and a weight or bag anchor on the floor via elastic bands. This allows much more bag movement and requires an enormous amount of precision and coordination to use. This is because instead of working on hand speed and timing in one direction like a top-hanging speed bag, a double-end speed bag will bounce and rebound in any direction on the horizontal plane, including right back at you.

This requires a lot of dedication and patience, but it does a great job teaching you to read and react to your opponents’ movements very quickly. If you’re trying to take your fight game to the next level, this is definitely a must-have, just like a reliable pair of boxing shoes from our list, for top performance.