Boxing and martial arts are healthy sports for kids. Apart from keeping them fit and healthy, practicing as kids can give them a springboard to launch into a career in their preferred sport. A punching bag is also a great way of pulling kids away from spending too much time on video and
computer games so they can enjoy other activities. It’s easy to get a punching bag that’s suitable for home use for your kids. There are two types of kids’ punching bags and they’re both popular so you won’t have a hard time picking one up.
Hanging punching bag: this type is highly versatile and can come in different shapes and sizes. It’s designed to be hung from somewhere, and is more fun for kids because it swings and spins, thereby giving them a more realistic combat simulation. Using the hanging bag requires more footwork than its free standing counterpart, and this means that your child will get lots of health benefits from using this punching bag.
On the downside, the hanging bag cannot be moved easily. The hanging position restricts its movements, so you’ll need to detach it before you can move it; this process requires a lot of effort. Another con of the hanging bag is that it can’t be used in an apartment or a condo because it produces noise and vibrations when punched or kicked - and this noise will definitely disturb your neighbors. It can only be used conveniently in your own house.
If you intend to go for a hanging bag, bear in mind that you might have to purchase bag chains or ceiling mounts separately if the bag you’re getting doesn’t have them.
Free standing punching bag: this is the traditional punching bag, and it offers a lot of versatility to the user. As the name suggests, it stands on its own so you won’t need a wall bracket or stand to support it. Its base needs to be filled with something to weigh it down and make it stand. You can place it on a platform or on the floor for groundwork.
It’s not difficult to move around, so you can pack and store after use, especially if you have limited space. Generally, it’s a
good training gear and there are hardly any cons associated with it. Best of all, you don’t need to purchase additional hardware, save for boxing
gloves. This might save you some money.
To get a good punching bag for your kid, begin by identifying the correct weight and size of your child. To avoid or reduce the risk of injuries, the punching bag has to be half their weight or a little more. If the punching bag is lighter, it won’t give the best workout, and if it is heavier, your kid will most likely get hurt while using it. If the kid is 5’4” tall or a little less, a 60-pound punching bag is suitable. 5’5” to 5’8” heights can use an 80-pound punching bag. 5’9” and above can use a 100-pound punching bag.
Price
We know that the cost of the kids’ punching bag might be a big concern to you. You should have it at the back of your mind that many factors affect the price of this product. Notwithstanding, we advise that you go for the high-quality kids’ punching bags because they’ll last longer and will give you desired results.
Kids’ punching bags are very affordable, with an available price range between $10 and $70. Some bags come with accessories, and cost more than the others. We did come across lots of cheap kids’ punching bags, but we didn’t include them in this review because we want to present you with punching bags that will give you real value for your money.
Features
The features of a product are pointers to the tasks it can accomplish and how effectively. You’ll find a variety of punching bags for sale, but you should go for the one with the features your kids will love. Just so you won’t be confused, we’ve listed the basic features of a good punching bag. Studying them will help you make a great purchase.
The important features to look out for in a punching bag are:
- Adjustability
- Inflatable/Non-inflatable
- Outer bag material
- Bag filler
Construction and Design
The material of the punching bag is what determines its durability and lifespan. Punching bags are normally made of leather, synthetic material, or canvas. The best material so far is leather, and it lasts longest when it’s properly taken care of. Canvas material is highly prone to mold when placed in an environment with a high amount of moisture. It can last a long time, but that will depend on how well it’s cared for and the environmental conditions it’s kept in. Synthetic materials are easy to clean but are the least durable; they’re highly prone to wear and tear.
Punching bags are either inflated or filled with fillers. The filler is the content of the bag and the base for free standing punching bags, and the content of the bag for hanging punching bags. There are four major fillers for punching bags and they are foam, fiber, sand, and water. Some brands use a combination of two fillers.
A good bag filler is one that makes the punching bag sturdy and hard enough to resist punches and kicks, but not too hard so the user doesn’t sustain injuries. The fiber filler is arguably the best for kids because of its consistent fill throughout the bag. It offers a good amount of resistance, yet isn’t too high for kids.
Foam filler is good for kids, too. It also has a consistent feel and won’t shift to the bottom of the bag throughout the bag’s lifespan. Sand fillers are more suitable for seasoned boxers due to its high resistance, which means it’s not appropriate for kids. Water fillers have the right amount of resistance for kids, and its greatest advantage is its portability. The water can be emptied if you want to move the punching bag and you can refill it anywhere.
Performance and Ease of Use
It’s common knowledge that kids tend to grow fast. A punching bag with an adjustable height feature allows you to increase or reduce the height of the punching bag. This feature will save you the cost of buying new punching bags as your kid grows, and isn’t limited to any punching bag type; it can be found in both.
Inflatable punching bags are those that are filled with air. They’re fun, time-saving, and easy to use because they don’t require a lot of setting up. Inflatable punching bags come with foot and/or electric air pumps which make inflating the bag an easy task. Storing them is more convenient as well; depending on the design, you can simply deflate, fold, and store after use.
Choosing any product for kids requires utmost carefulness and attention to details. In this guide we’ve provided you with the vital information you need to choose the best kids’ punching bag for your child. Since you now know what to look out for in a kids’ punching bag, let’s study the features and prices of the ones we’ve chosen for you.
Thank you for staying with us till the end of this review. We trust that you now know what the best punching bag for your kid is, and are prepared to make that important purchase. If you didn’t find the punching bag of your choice among the ones listed here, feel free to check out the others from these brands.
