What Equipment Do You Need to Start Boxing?

So, you’ve got dreams of learning to box. Perhaps you’ve already gone to a few boxing classes and are now ready to invest in high-quality gear. Or, maybe you’re a seasoned boxer looking to finally build your own training space at home. No matter your goals, we have the right training equipment for you.

There are a few tried-and-true essentials every fighter should add to their arsenal. Of course, you know that you’ll need a solid pair of gloves. But what about the other essentials? All you need to know about boxing training equipment is below.

4 Must-Haves: Boxing Gear & Training Equipment List

#1 Boxing Gloves

The first order of business is buying gloves that will protect your hands, from your wrists down to your fingertips. New boxers may not know that not all boxing gloves are made with the same quality or care. In fact, gloves differ significantly from one another in many regards, such as knuckle protection, wrist support, and overall fit, just to name a few.

Boxing gloves are measured by the ounce, which refers to the total weight of the glove. A higher-weight glove means that it has more padding.

Different weights are useful for different training purposes:

10 - 14 oz – If you are focusing on heavy bag and pad work, opt for 10, 12, or 14 oz gloves. Lighter gloves allow you to focus on delivering punches with speed and precision without sacrificing hand protection.
16-18 oz – If you plan on sparring, a higher-ounce glove is the right choice. The additional padding means your glove will absorb more force to soften the blow for both you and your partner.

There are also additional options to consider, like:

Closure – You can choose a single strap, which is great for fighters who like easy on, easy off; dual strap, which offers a secure and supportive fit; or lace-up, which gives you a custom fit (but you’ll need a partner to help you put them on).
Wrist Support – Proper wrist support is crucial when it comes to preventing injury. Luckily, Hayabusa boxing gloves offer built-in support with their unique splinted design that keeps your wrists aligned with every punch.

#2 Hand Wraps

Hand wraps are your first layer of protection before the boxing glove when you’re training. They’re essential for keeping your wrists and knuckles in fighting shape. You can choose from a few options, including:

Mexican Style Hand Wraps — Elastic hand wraps, like the Hayabusa Perfect Stretch Hand Wraps, will conform to your hand. At 180 inches, they secure your wrists and protect your hands with ease so that you can focus on your training.
Quick Hand Wraps — Sometimes also called “fast wraps,” these are a newer addition to the circuit. If you don’t want to spend the time to wrap your hands, you can slip these on much like a glove.
Gauze Style Hand Wraps – Get professional-level support and protection with a specialized blended fabric that perfectly bridges the gap between medical-grade gauze and traditional hand wraps.

#3 Punching Bags

If you’re building up a corner of your home for practicing your combinations and footwork, you’ll also want to purchase a bag. A punching bag can also serve as a substitute when you don’t have a partner for your training sessions.

There are several different options, including:

Heavy Bag – Training with a heavy bag can be a great way to improve your overall boxing technique. They are particularly good for improving your strength and power in your arms and shoulders and tend to be a boxer’s tried and true method for solo training.
Cobra Bag – Also known as “reflex bags,” these are superb for fighters working on their precision and timing. Its small footprint and ease of setup make the cobra bag a fantastic option for fighters looking to hone their reflexes.
Double End Bag – Training with a Double End Bag is all about consistency and rhythm. The rebounding ball sharpens your reflexes, teaching you to effectively initiate attacks, move defensively, and connect combos.

#4 Other Essentials

Aside from the boxing equipment training basics above, a few other essentials can help to ramp up your training regimen. They include:

Jump rope – Wondering how to build stamina? Jump ropes are an essential part of any fighter’s arsenal. Training with one can help with your footwork, cardio, and form.
Headgear - If you plan to spar with a training partner, you need to keep yourself fully protected. Headgear not only prevents direct impacts but also helps reduce the risk of scratches and bruising while you train.
Mouth Guard - In addition to headgear, a mouth guard provides comfortable impact protection to cushion your mouth, teeth, and gums.

Equip Yourself for Success With Hayabusa

Ready to build your arsenal of boxing gear? Or are you looking for martial arts gifts for the boxing or MMA fan in your life? Turn to Hayabusa for gold-standard boxing equipment, trusted by fighters and coaches everywhere.

Sources:

Box & Bag. What types of punching bags are there?

Fight Quality Reviews. The Different Types of Handwraps for Boxing, Muay Thai, and MMA.