Practice makes your fighting skills better. But what if you don’t have a partner to practice with? A boxing dummy is a great way to master your punches without a live sparring partner. Whether you are practicing for boxing, kickboxing, taekwondo, or other similar sports, a punching dummy is a great way to train at home.
Why a boxing dummy?
Many people see their favorite heroes in movies training with heavy punching bags. They believe only using a heavy punching bag is their best option available.
It’s not your only option! A boxing dummy like B.O.B can help elevate your game to the next level by offering you a real human-like opponent to train against.
Furthermore, nothing beats training with a dummy with a real like looking face and body. The boxing dummies today are made of softer materials that can absorb the impact of your punches. The dummies like B.O.B also seem more real.
Some of the punching dummies you can utilize the hands, legs, and arms of the dummy, to practice defensive and blocking techniques.
How to choose the best boxing dummy
Boxing dummies and punching bags help individuals refine their combat moves and technique. When looking to purchase one, we believe you should take into consideration the following features.
Material
The material should be resilient enough to take the punches and kicks without wearing or leaking out.
If you are using a hanging dummy, pay close attention to the point at which the chain or rope attaches. You want to make sure they are well secured.
Materials like Canvas and Polyurethane Coated Canvas are thick and more durable. In contrast, the rubber may be the least durable material but still can last a long time.
I use a B.O.B at my house and it holds up well to the punching, kicking, knees, and elbows.
Stability
The stability of a dummy is essential for your safety. While training with a B.O.B or a Wavemaster you want to make sure the base is sturdy to prevent injuries.
It is vital to make sure that it has a firm base, is well-grounded, and will not fall over when you kick or punch it. Stability ensures superior training and peace of mind that you won’t knock it over.
The freestanding dummies need weights, water or sand put in the base to hold them in place.
Design
The design of the dummy plays a crucial role in training. There are three key aspects to consider in terms of design.
First, the height should be like a real live opponent you will be fighting against. I recommend going for an adjustable bag or boxing dummy so that you can adjust heights when needed.
The second thing to consider is weight. A dummy that is heavier or can be secured allows you to punch and kick harder.
Sand or water
A boxing dummy comes with a few base options. The boxing dummies can be sand filled, water-filled or weighed down with a weight. There are a few punching dummies that hang but most have a base that you need to fill or add weight.
I have nothing in my B.O.B because I just do light punching and kicks with it or I use it for demonstrations for our videos.
Adjustability
In real life, you will likely meet opponents of varying sizes and heights. Therefore, I advise purchasing one that is adjustable.
This is because a boxing dummy is a big purchase and will cost you some money. Giving yourself the option to train against a variety of heights and sizes will improve your skillset.
You can use the dummies to adjust the height to sharpen your skills against multiple sized opponents.
Additionally, some dummies come with adjustable arms as well. You can extend their length not only sideways but also up and down. This allows you the realism of fighting against arms in different fighting positions.
Let’s look at some of the best available boxing dummies and training bags.
1. Century B.O.B. Body Opponent Bag Freestanding Training Dummy
Bob takes a beating like a pro. This made in the USA boxing dummy comes with seven height adjustments from 60 to 78 inches. So, you can easily adjust the height as per your needs.
Its outer surface is made of high-strength plastisol while the insides are filled with urethane foam. As it feels just like a real-life opponent, you can target specific points to practice your strikes.
You can fill the base with water or sand. Once filled, it weighs approximately 270 pounds – heavy enough to remain stable during the training session.
The body is firm but moves a little when you strike.
Moreover, it comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Adjustable height 60 to 78 inches
- Durable material plastisol
- Head and body look like a real man for better aim and targeting
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Screws may come loose so you may have to tighten once in awhile
- Can’t unload like a heavy bag because it will fall over even when the base is full of water or sand
2. Dripex Freestanding Punching Bag
Are you fond of training in silence? This freestanding punching bag is as quiet as advertised. To start training, all you must do is to fill up the base with sand, screw the lugs in to connect it to the base and you are done.
It took me only a half an hour to assemble it entirely, and I don’t even consider myself a pro.
Moreover, it’s rounded base helps in smooth roll relocation anywhere in the house.
It has 12 strong suction cups used to stop the base movement. Considering its features, this is an overall very affordable punch bag.
Pros
- Very easy to assemble
- Stands approximately 69’’/175cm tall.
- Great adult or teens (47-73 inches tall) stress buster and strength builder
- Includes 12 strong suction cups to keep base from moving. Fill it with sand can improve stability
- Stainless steel tube stand is encased in multi-layer construction: 2mm thickened PU leather striking surface, high-density EPE foam, eco-friendly fabric buffer
- Very affordable price
Cons
- Has a fixed height
3. Century Original Wavemaster Freestanding Heavy punching bag
Another made in the USA product that comes with multiple height adjustments is Century’s bestseller, original Wavemaster. With it, you can look at different heights to train better.
The original Wavemaster is ideal for punching, kicking, and cardio. It has a durable vinyl cover and is filled with high-density foam.
You can fill the base with water or sand – whichever is more appropriate for you. It weighs almost 250 pounds once filled. The rounded base helps in relocation.
In addition, it comes in three different colors, black, red, and blue. So, you can select one which you like most.
That said, this punching bag is intended only for the beginners. It can move a bit more when punching and kicking. The Wavemaster does take up some space on the ground.
Pros
- MADE IN THE USA!
- Fill Base with Sand or Water
- Round Base for Easy Roll Away
- 7 Height Adjustments from 47″ to 68″ in 3″ Increments
- Weighs approximately 250 lbs. when filled
- Provides Optimal Resistance and Rapid Rebound
Cons
- Intended for beginners but can be used by more experienced fighters
- Takes up more space
4. Century Wavemaster XXL Training Bag
This extra-large boxing bag has a quality striking surface that can take the strikes without breaking. As it is extra-large, it offers one of the largest punching and kicking surfaces you will find in the market.
The vinyl covering is durable, and the inside foam is sturdy enough for professionals yet forgiving for beginners. Moreover, it has a low-profile base and has an ultra-stable weight distribution that makes it one of the most stable options on my list.
Once properly filled – with water or sand – it weighs roughly 270 pounds.
Its only limitation is that when placed on a hard surface, it makes noise. Here’s a pro tip to overcome this limitation. Buy yourself a small rug or use a small towel. Place it under the base and enjoy a soothingly silent training session.
Pros
- Extra-large martial arts training bag with high-quality striking surface
- Durable vinyl cover and high-density foam fill is tough yet forgiving
- Low-profile base and ultra-stable weight distribution
- Fills with either sand or water; weighs roughly 270 pounds when filled
- Stands 69 inches tall and measures a full 18 inches in diameter
Cons
- Makes noise on harder surfaces
- Fixed height
5. Bobby Bully
The bobby bully is a life-like kid-size mannequin intended to give your children a real-life fighting experience. The realistic punching body stands up to the most aggressive workout your child can come up with.
Quite durable, this product is very gentle on your hands, unlike other punching dummies or bags.
It is perfect for improving different sparring techniques, defensive moves, and target training. The two height adjustments (50 to 55 inches) mean you can easily adjust it as your child grows up.
Furthermore, due to its rounder base is easy to roll around and relocate. The fillable hole allows water as well as sand and weighs almost 170 pounds once full.
Because it looks authentic, just make sure it doesn’t scare the crap out of you at night.
Lastly, with a one-year limited warranty, consider yourself covered if bobby gives out.
Pros
- Lifelike dummy to improve sparring techniques
- One-year limited warranty
- Super sturdy
- 2 height adjustments
Cons
- Lacks arms and legs
6. AllStrike 2 | Striking Target
Improvise on the fly! In case you want to simulate actual strikes to the head, then practice with this Allstrike mask.
Using Allstrike 2, you get a chance to feel where exactly your punches, uppercuts, knees, and elbows are landing. This will allow you to have more realistic head strikes.
The training will allow you to maintain the focus as your training partner moves the head side to side or up and down.
I know the manufacturers advertise it as an alternative to focus mitts, but I believe it can be a great addition to your training gear.
The striking target is very lightweight, which makes it easy to maneuver and move around. It is soft, yet very durable. You don’t even need to wear gloves while practicing.
Pros
- Great ergonomic design
- Improves accuracy of strikes as you can feel where your blows land
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Proven- Coaches and fighters worldwide use this tool to achieve more realistic training reps
- Realistic- Practice striking on a lifelike, 3D surface that gives you instant feedback
- Soft yet durable
Cons
- Costs much more than focus mitts
- Comes without a carrying bag
7. BAS UFC Body Action System
Not all boxing bags and dummies are suitable for everyone. If you are looking to take your training regimen to the next level, then you need a body action system.
The BAS UFC system provides just that. It has an adjustable width, height, and angles that make it suitable for any body size or shape. Additionally, it is a free-hanging system. That means you don’t need bucket loads of water or find a suitable hanging beam.
You simply attach it to the wall, and you are ready to start training. Its focus pads and side T bars allow side to side strikes.
This allows you to focus more on your advanced core training to get better. With up to 30 more muscle activation, this body action system is the fastest way to get leaner, more powerful and faster.
Pros
- Suitable for everyone in the house
- MASTER UPPERCUTS, HOOKS, LIVER SHOTS & KICKS!
- Available in two different styles
- Offers excellent value for the money
- Adjustable Width, Angles & Height from 4’ to 6 ½’
- The closest thing to a real sparring partner!
Cons
- Adjusting it can be tricky
8. Century BOB XL with Base Unit
This is an extra-large version of the century bob I reviewed earlier. The only main difference here is that the larger surface allows more area to connect while training.
It creates more surface for body or headshot training. Strike with your mightiest headshots, crosses, body kicks, jabs, and hooks – Bob XL eats them all like candy and is always ready for a second round.
Moreover, it is also taller. While the regular version has height adjustments up to 78 inches, the extra-large Bob extends up to a whopping 82 inches.
The only problem I had to face while training on it was that the larger base gets in the way sometimes.
Pros
- Adjustable height up to 82 inches
- High-strength plastisol body filled with urethane foam
- Polyethylene base holds up to 270 pounds of water or sand
- Provides a large surface area for practice
- Freestanding heavy bag with a life-like upper torso
Cons
- Has a larger base
- Can be hard to move around
Conclusion
All things considered, Century B.O.B. Body Opponent dummy remains my favorite of all the above-mentioned products. The reason is simple. It has adequate adjustable height – enough for a normal athlete like me.
It is a life-like mannequin mimicking a real-life opponent. The material is durable and lasts a long time. And last but not least, it comes with a one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty that keeps you covered in case of unforeseen damages.
Nevertheless, if you keep the pros and cons of each product in mind, I don’t think any of the items mentioned above will ever disappoint. We hope you got to learn a thing or two from this article. Till next time!