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Hanging a punching bag is a chore.
You have to get that very heavy thing out somewhere first, and you haven't even started trying to get it level.
Maybe in the garage is the only option, and although you want to train at home, we understand that you don't really like that.
That is why a standing punching bag is a very good choice!
The best standing punching bags are great for developing strength, speed and footwork without all the hassle of hanging one up.
We've tested over 30 different models so you can easily pick the best one.
You will also find a handy buying guide here to make it even easier to find the right one for you.
The best we've come across is this Everlast Powercore bag. It's the best you can get for kicks while also being perfect for practicing punches, and one of the heavier models on the list.It's a bit more expensive and if you're boxing alone and don't want to practice kicks it might be a bit excessive and you'd better pick another one from the list below, but the quality is second to none.
Read on for a complete roundup of the best standing punching bags:
| Model boxing post | Images |
| Overall best heavy boxing post: Everlast Powercore Bag |
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| Best punch box: Century Original Wavemaster |
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| Best boxing post dummy doll: Century BOB XL |  (view more images) |
| Best grapple boxing post: Century Versys Fight Simulator |  (view more images) |
| Best standing punching bag on stand: CXD with reflex bar |
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| Best boxing pole for fitness: Century Air Strike |
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| Best adjustable boxing post: Reflex Ball Cobra Bag |  (view more images) |
| Best Cheap Standing Inflatable Boxing Box: Limited Boxing |
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| Best standing punching bag child: Wavemaster Little Dragon |  (view more images) |
| Most durable standing punching bag: Ringside |
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| Best for kicks: Century VS 2 Versys Three legged boxing post |
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What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
- 1 Different types of standing punching bags
- 2 Buying guide for standing punching bags
- 3 Top 11 Best Free Standing Boxing Posts Reviewed
- 3.1 Overall best heavy boxing box: Everlast Powercorebag
- 3.2 Best Punch Box: Century Original Wavemaster
- 3.3 Best Boxing Box Dummy Doll: Century BOB XL
- 3.4 Best grapple punching box: Century Versys Fight Simulator
- 3.5 Best standing punching bag on standard: CXD with reflex bar
- 3.6 Best Boxing Bar for Fitness: Century Air Strike
- 3.7 Best Adjustable Boxing Box: Reflex Ball Cobra Bag
- 3.8 “Best” Cheap Standing Inflatable Boxing Box: Limited Boxing
- 3.9 Best standing punching bag kid: Wavemaster Little Dragon
- 3.10 Most durable standing punching bag: Ringside
- 3.11 Best for Kicks: Century VS 2 Versys Three-Legged Boxing Pole
- 4 Best boxing gloves for your freestanding boxing post
- 5 Conclusion
Different types of standing punching bags
There are different types of freestanding punching bags that are divided into several categories:
- punch/ kick: A full length punching bag suitable for punches and kicks
- Punch / Grapple: A punching bag design that tilts and leads to groundwork
- Fitness: A punching bag designed for cardio fitness, not necessarily heavy hitting.
Let's take a look at the top punching bags of each type. We've highlighted three of the best bags for fitness use and three of the best for regular punch and kick training.
LegacyMMA also has a good comparison of some of these:
Buying guide for standing punching bags
Advantages of a freestanding boxing post
- No assembly required: This is perhaps the biggest reason to buy a freestanding punching bag, especially for your home. Brackets, reinforcements and large bolts are needed to securely mount a hanging heavy bag to the ceiling. A heavy boxing stand still requires you to assemble a large metal support system. A freestanding post only requires the base to be filled with ballast-like sand or even water for stability.
- Portability and convenience: With no assembly required, a freestanding punching bag can be moved almost anywhere you want on that day. You can roll it into a corner or a closet when you're done, or you can train with it outside in nice weather.
- Sand or water: Filling the base with water makes it easier to move and even lift up and down stairs. Sand is much heavier and harder to remove completely from the base. Keep this in mind when replenishing the base of your punching bag. Sand for stability or water for portability and convenience.
What is the best basic filling material for a standing boxing post?
People always wonder what the difference is between sand versus water versus rock filling.
When in doubt… fill it with water! Why? Water is a lot easier to replace with sand than the other way around. Removing sand is really a hassle. This really gives enough stability and it's easier to move around.
Also fill it with water if:
- This is your first punching bag
- You're not sure where you want to eventually give it a more permanent place
- If you have to move it a lot
This way you can get a bit of a feeling of stability and you can always switch to sand when you're ready.
Maybe eventually the punch box tends to move and shift a bit because you're too damn strong and hitting hard, then it's time to switch to sand.
Why? Simple: sand is heavier than water (so not useful if you often have to drag it).
Also read: what are the best boxing gloves right now?
Freestanding punching post vs hanging punching bag
When asked about their preference, freestanding versus heavy bag, almost any experienced athlete will tell you that the hanging bag is superior to even the best freestanding punching bag.
Heavy bags are simply bulkier and can absorb harder blows and punches without sliding across the floor. However, they are not always the right choice for everyone.
If space and the ability to properly hang a bag from a structurally sound wall or ceiling joist aren't options, which isn't possible for many people, then there's no reason why a good freestanding model can't work for you.
The simplicity, portability and versatility of a freestanding punching bag make it an easy choice.
Also read: perfect training with boxing pads
How quiet is a free-standing punching bag? Can he stay in my apartment?
Keep in mind that your training will not be completely silent if you use the freestanding punching bag in an apartment.
Your downstairs neighbors will probably hear it. A good alternative is to train on a carpeted floor, as the noise is eliminated. However, there is the disadvantage that the foot leaves grooves and indentations in the carpet.
It is best to also purchase an extra sound-damping mat.
This sound-absorbing mat is very easy to put down and put away again because of its puzzle pieces connections and you can make it as big or as small as you want.
Top 11 Best Free Standing Boxing Posts Reviewed
Here is the top 11 freestanding punching bags. There are a few different styles and sizes in this list, so take a moment to check out their differences.
Overall best heavy boxing box: Everlast Powercorebag
The original Everlast Powercorebag is a 170cm bag that can be filled with sand and stuff weight can be customized. It is affordable and has the performance you would expect from a boxing post.
It has a sturdy base to ensure you won't move it no matter how hard you kick or punch.
Check most current prices here
Best Punch Box: Century Original Wavemaster
As stable and well built as you can find for an upright punching bag. The Wavemaster is great fun to train on and is durable enough to withstand many training sessions, making it an option for martial arts and boxing studios.
Century is known for making quality martial arts equipment, as well as some of the best freestanding heavy bags around. Century has been their flagship model for many years and has been a mainstay in martial arts studios around the world.
The outer cover is made of sturdy vinyl and is available in black, red or blue or with dots on it for precision practice. Underneath the cover is a high-density foam padding, wrapped tightly around the plastic core.
The unit is shipped in two separate cartons, one for the base and one for the bag and core. To set it up, simply screw the core onto the base and fill the base with water or sand. Start with water as it's much easier to get out if you need to move the whole thing later.
The Wavemaster is a training bag intended for practicing all types of punches. It's great for working high dead-leg kicks, all punches, as well as knee and elbow punches.
Focusing too much on a specific area will cause premature wear on the freestanding punching bag. It is best if you use it for practicing different moves and striking combinations to hit different areas of the bag as well.
He is very stable but can slide a bit when kicked high. It will never tip over completely, except in the most extreme cases like a jumping kick. If this is a problem, just use sand instead of water for a higher basis weight.
Because it's so durable and so easy to move around a room, it's a very popular choice at martial arts studios and even training centers.
Its excellent stability allows you to hit it fast for cardio work without worrying about it moving.
If you only want to do fitness training, choose one of the models below specifically for fitness.
You can't do that on the traditional freestanding punching bags with an open base.
The internal foam is high quality but as the punches and kicks pile up you will start to experience some degradation.
Spread your training out on all sides of the punch bag and it will last you years to worry about.
Some people have found that water tends to leak from the cap when rolled off the floor for storage. An easy fix is to wrap some pipe tape around the cap threads for a tight seal.
If you don't fill the base with enough ballast material, the whole thing can handle if hit hard enough.
A handy tip is to fill it with some water with a little bleach to prevent algae growth. That combination is very compact and is the largest counterweight filling.
Another trick is to use a square rug or black rubber sports floor tile that you find in the weight room. It's soft enough with just enough grip to keep the base from shifting and also helps absorb some of the blows.
You may notice that the punching bag feels like it pinches the outer foot when you punch. This is how the unit absorbs some of the shock-relieving stress on the plastic core. This is by design and completely normal.
Century vs Everlast standing punching bags
The first thing that strikes you is of course the price.
The Everlast ranks #1 because it really strikes the perfect balance between affordability and quality (it's nearly twice as cheap as the Century). Still, there are situations where Century is a better choice, and that's if you're serious about exercising. of your punches, but also for kicks it is perfect to use. The Wavemaster is 2 meters where the Century heavy bag is 2, this can help practice for bigger boxers, but even if you are a bit smaller and want to practice against larger opponents. The post is also a lot heavier with 1.70 kg instead of 19 kg. Another advantage is the already heavy base so as an amateur you probably won't need to refill it with sand (although as a pro you probably want to) while the Century always needs to be filled with sand.
Also read: everything about boxing from rules to the right shoes
Best Boxing Box Dummy Doll: Century BOB XL
The Century "Body Opponent Bag", aka BOB, is great for martial artists. The BOB XL is an ultra-realistic torso-shaped punching bag. That makes it great for training and learning to attack different parts of an opponent. For that reason, many martial arts schools practice with BOB and BOB XL punching bags.
Like the other two Century top bags, the base is big enough for 120kg of water and sand. The base is similar to the Wavemaster bags. The design is easy to push or slide the entire bag through the space for storage or for specific exercises in a corner of the gym.
The BOB takes blows like a champion. It will not swing, slide or yield to the effects of repeated attacks. The plastic body is sturdy, so it is important to have good gloves to wear while using it.
The normal BOB is a full upper body, while the BOB XL has an upper body and thighs for complete training options.
Check prices and availability here
Punching pole dummy doll vs free standing punching bag
In general, you choose a dummy doll when you want to practice very precise punches and kicks, so really for those who train for a fight (whether in the ring or for self-defense). The dummy shows you exactly where on the body or head you are aiming, while a punching bag cannot.
Century Versys vs Bob
A specific application of practicing with a boxing dummy is with this Century Versys vs Bob, developed with arms and (sort of) legs to better practice your techniques:
Best grapple punching box: Century Versys Fight Simulator
The Versys is the kind of punching bag designed to be knocked over. It is intended for performing punch and kick combos leading to groundwork.
This is the best punching bag for MMA.
Best standing punching bag on standard: CXD with reflex bar
Fitness punching bags are smaller, lighter versions of the large punching bags. They are geared towards casual boxing workouts, with an emphasis on cardio training and ultimate portability.
Benefits:
- The first choice for many martial arts gyms
- Amazing swing speed
- High base capacity
- Adjustable height (49" - 69")
- You can clean it with wipes
You can find this punch bag in martial arts gyms all over the world. I've seen this in over 7 gyms and boxing trainers are quite pleased with this particular product. So it deserved the top spot of this list as a punch bag. Perfect for quick punches and a cardio workout
It has a spring that makes this punch bag move and swing less than usual. This way it actually helps you to have more control over the ball because swinging is less ideal for reflex bags.
Because if it fluctuates a lot, it will come to you more slowly and you will have more time to react to it. So you may not be able to get all the benefits from your training. Thus, CXD has an ideal construction to improve hand-eye coordination and reflexes.
The base can be filled up to 55kg with water or if you prefer heavier you can fill it with sand and it will get to 110kg when you fill it completely. If you prefer sand the base becomes ultra stable but something of course more difficult to move.
The height can be adjusted between 49″ and 69″. So compared to the other reflex punching bags, the height variation is bigger so you can try out different heights and prefer the one you like the most.
When it also has many height selections, the bag is ideal for areas where many people come with different heights and therefore ideal for several people in your family.
Best Boxing Bar for Fitness: Century Air Strike
The Cardio (or Aerobic) Air Strike has all the features of the larger versions, but in a smaller package. The base is smaller, the bag is smaller and shorter. For that reason, it's a fitness bag, but it's still OK for mixed workouts with kickboxing and boxing moves, especially for beginners.
Since the base is smaller, it can store up to 75kg of sand or water. If you choose sand, you will need patience to fill as you will have to shake the base and allow it to settle in all corners or in the container. Water will not have the firmness, but it will be lighter and spread easily over the base and this makes the Giant easier to move.
Like the regular Century, it doesn't swing much, so you might want this one if you like the resistance it offers over the Ringside.
Check prices and availability here
Best Adjustable Boxing Box: Reflex Ball Cobra Bag
Despite basic screws that sometimes want to come loose (repair retaining rings), this Cobra reflex ball is a solid lightweight punching bag.
Strong boxers should skip this one, but it's affordable and great for light fitness work. Adjusting it also makes it suitable for women and men, but also for children to practice with it lightly.
Check out the latest prices here
“Best” Cheap Standing Inflatable Boxing Box: Limited Boxing
Don't buy this one. Just don't do it. It may be cheap, but it has some serious quality issues. Too many people have broken the plastic core in half in just a few months of use. Maybe if you're a light puncher you could give it a try... But there are plenty of alternatives here on the list and it's not even the cheapest.
You can find here if you want to take a closer look.
Best standing punching bag kid: Wavemaster Little Dragon
If you're looking for your kid, then this Wavemaster Little Dragon is the standing punching bag for you.
It is an original high quality punching bag from Century for those children who are serious about martial arts.
A tough nylon shell over extremely impact-resistant foam and handy targets for your child to focus on during training.
Perfect for boxing, kickboxing and martial arts training.
The base can be filled with sand or water and when filled it weighs about 77kg.
Perfect for learning for kids and helps coordination when training punch and kick techniques. It has 4 height settings and is therefore adjustable in height from 100-137cm.
Most durable standing punching bag: Ringside
If you are an extremely hard kicker or puncher then you may want to opt for the super durable and well stitched Ringside.
It doesn't feel the best, but it will certainly last a long time, even with the hardest hits.
Best for Kicks: Century VS 2 Versys Three-Legged Boxing Pole
When you want to practice kick and knee technique in addition to the strength and speed of your arms, the Century VS 2 Versys three-legged boxing post is something to look at.
Maybe a bit over the top for those who only want to box or train some punches, but ideal for anyone who also wants to practice legwork and the three legs make it the most sturdy on our list.
Superior quality synthetic leather makes this freestanding punching bag strong enough to handle hard punches, kicks and combination attacks.
The synthetic leather, which is skin-friendly, also makes it a highly recommended option for extended training sessions.
Premium GG-99 synthetic leather is the best alternative to genuine leather by providing athletes with unparalleled durability and functionality.
The user-friendly construction makes it possible to train with or without hand wraps. Another advantage to choose this tripod is that it can be used by several people at the same time.
The legs also make the boxing post well balanced with an evenly distributed weight function.
This is much more effective every training sessions because you are not busy with your setup and straightening the punching bag, but can spend more time on exercises and training your muscles.
Besides being a badass but reliable training partner for boxers and martial artists, it can also be used in fitness training to get stronger muscles.
When you switch to sparring you can still wear shin pads when you do a lot of kicks but are your legs already trained a bit?
It is also very well put together with sturdy stitching techniques. This makes it long lasting by keeping the padding and components of this tri-leg punching bag in place. But that's okay for the price.
In addition, it has a padded groin area to practice your knee strikes without getting injured.
We can recommend this artificial leather Versys tripod punching bag for advanced boxing and martial arts training and is a bit too much for beginners.
Check the most current prices and availability here
Best boxing gloves for your freestanding boxing post
Now that you have probably been able to make your choice which boxing pole fits best for your training, you may also have questions about the right boxing gloves to train with.
Boxing gloves for your boxing pole are not the same as for sparring and the best I've found for an extended training session with a pole are these Venum Challengers:
Also read my whole article about the best boxing gloves for punching bags and boxing posts
Conclusion
A freestanding boxing post is a very good replacement for the heavy bag if you want to train at home or if you want to practice your jabs. As you've read, there are different types of categories, and hopefully you've found one that suits you!
