[G&E FAQ]

What's a good punching bag?
Leather is generally preferred over vinyl and synthetic materials, although some companies are saying that modern vinyl is more durable than leather, the jury is still out as far as that's concerned. If you're just training your hands, a traditional heavy bag will be just fine. Want to add kicks to the mix? Try out a Thai bag. If you're focusing on clinch and knee work, try out a tear drop bag.

How should I hang my bag?
Very carefully. Some people hang their bags from pull-up bars... Most sites that sell bags also sell the equipment for mounting them. You're probably going to want a product that typically gets called a “beam hanger” or “beam mount” and a “chain and swivel.” You can come up with your own homebrew concoctions, but these normally sell for a relatively small amount and are definitely worth investing in.

I can't hang my bag, what about free-standing bags?
Free standing bags suck. If you can't hang out bag from the ceiling, check out a weighted bag stand. They are kinda pricey, they are a lot cheaper and safer than blowing money on a useless free standing bag or ripping out your ceiling.

What's the difference between a boxing bag and a Thai bag?
Boxing bags are short and fat, Thai bags are tall and skinny.

Are speed bags good?
Speed bags are great for building timing, accuracy, and endurance. Again, leather is preferable to vinyl. Beginners should start out with bigger bags and then get smaller ones as skill level increases. It's also helpful for beginners to not inflate the bag all the way, as the more air it has in it the faster it moves.

How do I mount my speed bag?
The easiest way to do it is to get a “speed bag platform” or “speed bag drum.” They might seem pricey, but they include all the hardware you need (the mounting apparatus and the swivel) and are worth the investment.

Are double end bags good?
Like speed bags, double end bags are a great way to build timing and accuracy. Again, leather is better than vinyl.

How do you mount a double end bag?
Traditionally, an eyebolt in the ceiling and one in the floor. A cheaper way to attach it to the floor is to hook it to a dumbell.

How do I fill my heavy bag/Thai bag/tear drop bag?
Most pre-filled bags are rag filled with a fancy hydraulic machine. You will never be able to fill a bag by hand like the machine does it. Most people that buy unfilled bags use rags (old sheets, shirts, etc) and sand. Keep in mind that all bags eventually go soft in places and that bags that aren't professionally filled tend to go soft faster.

Are water filled bags any good?
Yes, if you want a couple dozen gallons of water all over your floor.

What are the best focus mitts?
Leather > vinyl and synthetic. There are a lot of different products out there. The smaller the mitt the more accurate the punches need to be, but the downside is that there is less shock absorption and if the punches miss... well, that might not feel so good. Some mitts over a good portion of the arm, if you're going to be holding them for a puncher that isn't very accurate, that might be a good choice. Some mitts have open finger holes in the back, others have them entire covered. The products that have them cover claim this decreases injury. Some mitts are flat, some are curved. The curved mitts are supposed to be more comfortable to wear and absorb punches better. Some mitts have a strap that goes across the wrist, some don't.

What are a good pair of Thai pads?
Once again, leather trumps vinyl and synthetic material. Most people prefer Thai pads that have a “hook and loop” closure although some come with normal velcro closures and some with a buckle. Thai pads come in a variety of lengths, thicknesses, and weights. Take your arm length into consideration (particularly if your elbow is going to be covered), how hard the people who will be kicking these pads can kick, and how long you'll be able to hold them up for if they are heavy.

What's a good coaching pad/belly pad/chest pad/trainer's vest?
Leather is more durable than vinyl, once more, but there are less options to go with in this market. Most of the ones that are out there made by brands you've heard of are pretty good. Just determine how much you want covered.

What is a banana bag?
It should be a nickname for a jock strap... but it's a nickname for a thai bag.

Where can I get cheap mats?
Used wrestling mats are probably the cheapest mats you can get, but they aren't easy to find... they also likely have all sorts of lovely bonus gifts like ring worm and herpes! A lot of people find the .75” puzzle mats that are sold at Walmart and try using those, which might be OK for stand-up training but it definitely not recommended for grappling. Zebra Mats, Dollamur, Swain, and Greatmats are a couple good companies to look into. Good mats aren't cheap.

What are the best mats?
Depends on what you want. Zebra Mats are thought of to be the cream of the crop. If you have a permanent space for them and some money, they are definitely a good option. If you don't have a permanent space for them, check out Dollamur's rollable mats and Greatmats puzzle mats.

What kind of running shoes/wrestling shoes should I get?
Like ALL shoes try before you buy! All the fancy specs in the world don't matter if they don't feel good.

Are kettlebells good?
Most people that use kettlebells on a regular basis love them. Detractors of kettlebells note their high cost increased risk of injury (kettlebells put the weight further away from your hand, which puts you off balance, the intent of this is to work your stabilizer muscles, but injuries do occur in people who try to lift too much before mastering the various kettlebell motions), and claim that you can do all kettlebell exercises with dumbbells.

Where can I get kettlebells?
Google will give you a ton of different places to buy them. Unfortunately, there aren't many brick and mortar stores or gyms that have them, so it's hard to find a place to try them out. Adjustable kettlebells are also a good, cheap alternative. Kettlestack gets good reviews as well as, the more expensive, Ironhorse from Piedmont Design Associates.

Best jump rope?
Depends on what you're looking for. If you're just using it to warm up, most any jump rope should be fine, vinyl, beaded, leather, or coated wire. If you want to get a workout, check out a plastic tubing Thai rope or one of the various weighted ropes (weighted handles or a jump rope where the rope itself is weighted). If you're looking for speed, a coated wire rope is what you want.

What length should my jump rope be?
If you're just starting out a longer rope is what you're looking for. Measure the rope by standing on the middle of it and pulling the handles up by your sides, the handles should land somewhere between the middle of your rib cage and your armpits. As you get better and more coordinated you should shorten your rope to make the revolutions smaller and faster, forcing you to be more accurate with your timing. World champion speed jumpers have their rope just above their hips.