Summary: When it comes to boxing, gloves are one of the most essential pieces of equipment for any boxer. There are different types of boxing gloves available in the market, and each serves a specific purpose. Selecting the right type of glove can have a significant impact on training and fighting performance. In this article, we’ll discuss what type of boxing gloves you need based on various factors, including your experience level, training goals, and size.
1. Training Level
If you are a beginner or just starting out with boxing, then you should opt for training gloves. These gloves are perfect for practicing punching techniques, as they provide adequate protection and are usually lightweight. Training gloves come with padding that is evenly distributed throughout the glove to offer protection to both the knuckles and wrists. They are designed specifically for sparring and hitting mitts. Also, the gloves have a tighter fit compared to other types of boxing gloves, which allows for increased hand speed. Training gloves are typically made with lower quality materials, as they are mainly for beginners.
If you’re an intermediate level boxer, then you may need to step up to sparring gloves. Sparring is offered when preparing for fights and involves hitting with other boxers who are also wearing gloves. They are softer than training gloves, so both boxers can practice their moves safely. Sparring gloves require more padding than training gloves, especially around the fingers. Sparring gloves tend to be heavier than training gloves, ranging from 14-20 ounces and can be used to hit heavy bags and pads too.
If you’re an experienced boxer, then you will need to invest in competition gloves. These gloves are explicitly designed for competitions and professional fights and require approval by regulatory bodies. They are generally smaller and lighter than training or sparring gloves, making it easier to throw fast punches. The gloves’ padding is reduced to prevent the use of a less effective punch and can weigh as low as eight ounces, making them ideal for competitions.
2. Training Goals
The type of gloves you choose to wear depends on the results you want to achieve. For instance, if you’re trying to build endurance and muscle strength, then you can opt for heavier gloves like the 16-20 oz gloves. Such gloves offer heavier resistance, which helps develop strength in your punches and proper punching technique. On the other hand, if you want to increase speed and improve hand-eye coordination, then lighter gloves are a good option. For example, weightless than 14oz gloves; However, they may not provide the protection needed for harder hitting work.
If you’re training for a specific style of boxing (matador or slugger) or working on specific moves, such as bobbing and weaving, then you may need to consider using specialized gloves. Matador gloves are designed for evasive movements and have more padding used to protect the hands and arms when making contact with opponents. Slugger gloves typically have better wrist support, more cushioning, and denser padding to deliver harder blows.
When training to improve cardiovascular health through boxing, cardio gloves are the best option. These gloves are light, about eight ounces, with light padding to practice rapid punches. They do not offer adequate protection when hitting bags and pads, so it’s crucial to avoid using them in hard-hitting practices
3. Size and Weight
Size and weight are crucial aspects when choosing gloves. Boxing gloves come in various sizes ranging from small(size 6) to extra large(size 8), and the size you choose will determine the fit, impact, and the level of protection offered. Your hands’ circumference, including your thumb, can help determine the best size of gloves to fit your hand perfectly. The weight should be chosen depending on your level and purpose of boxing. Taking an example in starting, if you aim to hit heavy bags and pads, opt for gloves that weigh around ten ounces. On the other hand, You’ll find bigger gloves weighing from 14-16 ounces those provide more protection with the more heavyweight.
Big gloves, around 16oz or higher, are preferable during sparring, as they help avoid the risk of injury to you and your boxing partner during practice sessions. As far as the purpose of gloves is concerned, it is necessary to select the perfect size and weight to train, spar, or compete effectively.
Conclusion:
Boxing gloves play a crucial role in every boxer’s training, regardless of the level of experience. They offer protection to both the boxer and their opponents while allowing punches to be thrown safely and efficiently. Selecting the right type, size, and weight of gloves based on your training level, training goals, and preferences can have an enormous impact on your performance. We hope this guide will help you choose the right boxing gloves based on your needs.