Browsing for a new punching bag can be a frustrating and sometimes daunting experience. There are hundreds of options, countless features and a vast array of price points.
This list of the 10 Best Free Standing Punching Bags will hopefully help guide you to find your perfect choice. Overall we do think that the Dripex Adult Free Standing Boxing Punch Bag is the best of the bunch.
The mix of functionality and flexibility that free standing bags offer means that they are an invaluable equipment addition to most any workout regime.
Whether you are just entering the market and want a user-friendly beginner bag that fits in your apartment, or are an experienced fighter that is looking at a bag to hone your craft when you aren’t at the gym; there will be a bag in this list that will suit not only your fitness needs but your back pocket too.
1. Dripex Adult Free Standing Boxing Punch Bag
The Dripex free standing punch bag is great value for money, the quality design and manufacturing combined with its low price makes it one of the best bags on the market.
With 12 powerful suction cups, the base can be used both inside and outside. Additionally, many people have found that they’re able to use water or sand with no issues whatsoever. This bag also features a unique shock-absorbing spring feature to help keep noise levels down!
With the large bag size, you can easily use the Dripex for punches and kicks without having to adjust the height. You have a full 360 degree angle of attack, and the high density foam inside the bag handles each strike well.
If you’re looking for a free-standing punching bag, the Dripex is definitely your best bet. It’s well designed and enjoyable to use, and it’s clear that it deserves its spot at number 1 on the top 10 list.
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2. Century Original Wavemaster Freestanding Punch Bag
Product Specifications
- Height: 172 cm
- Weight: 113 kg
- Bag Material: Synthetic leather
- Bag Filler: High density foam
- Base Filler: Water/Sand
The Century Original Wavemaster Freestanding Punch Bag is one of the most recognisable bags in the free standing bag category, and for good reason.
The bag weighs in at a very respectable 100kg when full, and has an impressive 7 different height settings, starting at 47inches (120cm) up to 68inches (173cm) in height. It is wrapped in a heavy vinyl wrap, ensuring a long life-span but make sure to use gloves as it can be unforgiving on the knuckles.
The bag itself is filled with high-grade, high-impact foam, helping to disperse impact and protect the user, and the base is durable, easy to fill and empty, and allows for easy storage.
The Original Wavemaster is still considered one of the best bags around because it is simply so accessible for the average user. It is easy to set-up and use, simple to train on, forgiving for long sessions and responsive in short sessions.
It has an incredibly competitive price point, is easily stored and moved and the adjustable heights allow for a multitude of different users and training sessions.
The Good
- Easy to store
- Heavy Duty
The Bad
- Few available colors
Perhaps the only thing that works against it is the fact that due to that incredible flexibility of use, it does struggle with heavy hitters, however, this is easily remedied with some of the other options from this list.
If you are looking for a bag that you can always rely on, and that will keep coming back for more for many years to come than you may just want to consider a Century Original Wavemaster. This bag also features at the top of recommendations from other sites, including the top 10 free standing punch bags on HGS
3. Century Versys VS1 Fight Simulator 100LB Free Standing Punch Bag
Product Specifications
- Height: 165 cm
- Weight: 50 kg
- Bag material: Synthetic leather
- Bag filler: High Density Foam
- Base filler: Sand
Number 3 on the list is a unique punching bag that changes the style of free standing bags entirely. The Century Versys VS1 Fight Simulator 100LB is a bag that is designed to be as flexible and functional as possible, emphasizing multi-discipline training over sheer ability to take a hit.
The bag stands at 66inches (168cm) and weighs in at a surprisingly trim 50kg. The Versys comes pre-filled and has a thick vinyl wrap that will unquestionably stand the test of time. This particular bag also comes with several handles, both top and bottom, which open up an entirely new world of training.
The pre-filled feature mixed with its rounded design provides an incredibly organic rebound to strikes, that other bags struggle to emulate.
The fact that it is considerably lighter also provides a unique experience when training, forcing the user to move more, work harder and be more in-tune with their body and their training.
The Good
- Quality top handles for clinching and knee strikes
- Huge surface area
- Good rebounding properties
The Bad
- Pre-filled
The handles are included to allow for cross-discipline training that other bags simply can’t offer.
Throws, grapples, and most any other technique can be employed on the Versys VS1 Fight Simulator and the clever design will almost always have it right back to centre, ready to be beaten again. This gives people wanting to train in MMA an incredibly vested interest in this bag as it simply offers training flexibility that no other bag can.
The Versys VS1 Fight Simulator has a clever design, a well-crafted finish, and a surprisingly affordable price point, and as such is truly deserving of the number 3 spot.
4. Century Wavemaster 2XL Pro Freestanding Punch Bag
Product Specifications
- Height: 175 cm
- Weight: 122 kg
- Bag material: Durable Vinyl
- Bag filler: Foam
- Base filler: Water, Sand
The Wavemaster 2XL Pro Freestanding Punch Bag follows in the vein of the Ringside Elite. Standing at 5’7ft (175cm) tall it is not quite as tall, but it provides just as imposing of a figure when assembled and ready for use.
The full-length bag is composed of high-density foam padding which allows for maximum absorption of impact and improves usability. The bag is designed to a commercial standard, with extra emphasis on the padding and wrapping meaning that as a company, Century bags are one of the industry leaders for bags that renowned for their ability to last.
The base also has a revolutionary tapered design which allows for maximum weight dispersion, minimal slipping, as well as a much larger actual striking area on the bag which greatly improves the utilization for a variety of workouts.
Filled with sand the Wavemaster 2XL Pro comes in at a hefty 120kg; this paired with the tapered base and energy-absorbing core means that even heavier and more experienced strikers will struggle to move it.
The Good
- Durable vinyl bag cover
- Useable on both inside and outdoors
- Perfect weight distribution
- Easy to fill due to the wide opening hole
The Bad
- Expensive
The Century Wavemaster 2XL Pro also comes with an improved and innovative new locking system to securely lock the bag to the base, a problem which was found with its younger brother, the Century XXL.
Overall, the Century Wavemaster 2XL Pro is a fantastic free standing bag that has been tried and tested by some of the hardest hitters out there. If you are looking for a bag that will take all the punishment you can dish plus more, then this is certainly a bag for you.
5. Everlast Powercore Freestanding Punch Bag
Product Specifications
- Height: 193 cm
- Weight: 113 kg
- Bag material: Synthetic leather
- Bag filler: C3 foam
- Base filler: Water/Sand
The first bag in the top 5 is the Everlast Powercore Freestanding Punch Bag. The second Everlast on this list, this bag punches well above its price tag and is an excellent option for the boxing rookie.
The free standing bag is wrapped in Nevatear and has a tri-disc foam structure internally, which helps provide maximum energy dispersion from powerful strikes.
The Everlast Powercore also has a PowerTransfer Ring collar, which offers superior impact absorption and recoil, as well as Powercore steel plate technology, which further helps strengthen and improve the bags performance under heavy duress.
As a bonus, the bag is adjustable; moving in height from 52” (132cm) to 65” (165cm) allowing for a variety of different workouts, strike styles, and techniques.
The Good
- Good weight distribution
- Considerable height
- Foam collar for added protection
- Easy to fill
The Bad
- Limited available colors
It is also a breeze to put together, with unpacking and setting up the free standing bag a process that only takes a couple of minutes (minus the perpetually messy job of sand or water filling), meaning you can go from unpacking the box to working in a matter of mere minutes.
Whilst some may argue that the base is too large to be used effectively for anything other than boxing strikes, this is easily balanced out by the other positive features on the Powercore. The best part of this bag though is undoubtedly its price point.
No other option in this list provides as much value for money as the Powercore, as it strikes the perfect balance between durability, usability, and affordability.
6. Ringside Elite Free-Standing Fitness Punching Bag
Update: this product now appears to be out of stock. Check out the Century Wavemaster 2XL Pro for a good replacement.
Product Specifications
- Height: 193 cm
- Weight: 120 kg
- Bag material: Synthetic leather
- Bag filler: Foam
- Base filler: Water/Sand
The first of the larger bags on the list, the Ringside Elite Free-Standing Fitness Punching Bag stands at an intimidating 6’4ft (193cm) tall and weighs in at around 120kg when filled to the brim.
This bag has an enormous bag strike area which is attached to the base by a powerful spring-loaded mechanism, and also comes with a detachable collar that is capable of increasing or decreasing the amount of bag sway based on whether it is attached or not.
The bag itself is wrapped in a durable synthetic leather shell that will easily wear through the most brutal of workouts.
The Ringside Elite Free-Standing Fitness Punching Bag, whilst starting to push into the more expensive regions of free standing punching bags, is a monster of a bag that is capable of being beaten to within an inch of its life, then bounce back for more.
The sheer size of the bag, the weight of the base and the ability to limit its movement even more with the adjustable collar make this bag a must for heavy power hitters who are sick of bags sliding across the floor from the impact.
The Good
- Added base pad for protection when kicking
- Easy to fill
- Can take a hit without falling over
The Bad
- Minor loose screw issues
As a result of this, the bag can be quite frustrating to move and is definitely for the user who isn’t planning on any large adjustments anytime soon.
There has also been some talk of some minor loose screw issues however these are easily remedied with some Loctite and a few minutes of work.
7. Century BOB Freestanding Punch Bag
Product Specifications
- Height: 198 cm
- Weight: 122 kg
- Bag Material: Plasticol
- Bag Filler: Foam
- Base Filler: Water, Sand
When discussing free standing bags, nothing comes close to the impact that the Century BOB Freestanding Punch Bag has had.
BOB, or ‘Body Opponent Bag’ is a lifelike, free standing bag that has gone through many iterations through the years. Built off an incredibly strong plastisol base, BOB has a high-density urethane foam core and a thick vinyl finish.
When filled it sits at a hefty 120kg, however, it does come with adjustable height settings: starting at 60inches (152cm) and going up to 78inches (198cm) in height, the tallest bag on the list when fully extended.
What sets BOB apart is not only the unique nature of its design but also the fact that it is an incredibly well-crafted bag that is entirely capable of taking a brutal punishing from almost anyone willing to step in front of it. It is made of supremely high-quality materials, is forgiving to newcomers, and can provide solid resistance to more experienced hands.
BOB also has the unique advantage that he is (to a degree) anatomically correct. If you are practicing self-defence then BOB allows to you see how it would actually hit an attacker. If you are sparring then it is easy to coordinate your strikes with actual human-esque visual cues.
The Good
- Heavy Duty
- Perfect weight distribution
- Easy to fill due to the wide opening hole
The Bad
- Expensive
Sometimes, it simply feels good to come home from the office and release a bit of steam into a vaguely humanoid punching bag until you have let off some steam.
8. Everlast Everflex Free Standing Heavy Punch Bag with Resistance Bands
Product Specifications
- Height: 173 cm
- Weight: 120 kg
- Bag material: Nevatear
- Bag filler: Air foam
- Base filler: Water, Sand
Everlast is an easily recognizable name in the punching bag world, and the Everlast Everflex Free Standing Heavy Punch Bag is one of their best offerings available.
Weighing in at around 120kg when filled with sand, the Everflex also has 3 adjustable height settings: 50” (132cm), 60” (152cm) and 68” (173cm) which provide great flexibility to a multitude of users.
The Everflex has a solid base unit which is made from high-density LDPE. The base unit provides excellent durability and support for the specially designed flexible collar, which in turn protects their patented Everflex spring-loaded neck design.
This gives the bag the ability to take a significant beating and prevents a large amount of force from transferring into base movement. The bag is the only one on the list that is filled with air foam which provides a lifelike feel, and the bag is wrapped in Nevatear; a layered matrix of synthetic leather and webbed vinyl engineered to outlast the heaviest hitters.
The Good
- Comes with resistance bands and a wrap around sit up strap
- Flexible collar system
- Maximum flexibility with outstanding durability
The Bad
- Only good for light touch boxing
As a bonus, the Everflex Free Standing Heavy Punch Bag comes with a set of resistance bands and a wrap-around sit-up strap, making it a very useful option for the savvy workout enthusiast wanting to really get the most bang for your buck.
9. Gallant 6ft Free Standing Boxing Punching Bag
Product Specifications
- Height: 183 cm
- Weight: 80 kg
- Bag material: Synthetic leather
- Bag filler: High density foam
- Base filler: Water/Sand
The Gallant 6ft Free Standing Boxing Punching Bag is another incredibly solid offering from a company known for function at affordable prices. As the name suggests, the bag stands at a sold 6ft (183cm) tall, is around 80kg when filled and comes pre-packaged in 3 separate packages that are relatively easy to assemble.
The bag is an excellent all-rounder for someone looking to invest in a new style of workout. The larger 183cm model comes with a bag that is 160cm when attached. This paired with a slightly lower profile base means that the bag can take a variety of punishments from a variety of angles.
The bag itself has a 5cm EPE foam ring, which holds in microfiber pieces as filling, and then is all wrapped in pliable PU grained faux leather. The bag itself is a little slim and has a pretty large degree of movement when getting hit with higher-powered strikes, however, that is true for most all free standing bags to some degree.
The Good
- Affordable
- Heavy duty
- Has a pretty large degree of movement when getting hit
The Bad
- Some experienced the stitching came loose after a using it a couple of times
As per its smaller brother, the Gallant 6ft Free Standing Boxing Punching Bag is a fantastic value bag that is a worthwhile investment for someone looking to begin their journey into the world of boxing or MMA and doesn’t quite have space for a larger, hanging bag.
10. Gallant 5.5ft Free Standing Boxing Punch Bag Stand
Product Specifications
- Height: 160 cm
- Weight: 80 kg
- Bag material: Synthetic leather
- Bag filler: High density foam
- Base filler: Water/Sand
The Gallant 5.5ft model is an excellent introduction into the world of free standing punching bags. As the name suggests, the bag stands at 5.5ft (160cm) tall, weighs in at approximately 80kg when filled with sand and sits on a strong but flexible HD polyethylene base.
The bag is lined with 5cm of soft EPE foam, then filled with microfiber pieces to ensure comfort and durability that is designed to withstand most workouts. To ensure its use long term, it is then wrapped shut with a thick layer of faux leather, which allows for an easy cleanup post-workout.
The Gallant 5.5ft also comes in a handful of different colours and designs; some of which outline the best contact points for different punches and styles, an incredibly useful feature for the budding boxer.
Whilst it may not be a bag for the hardcore trainer, the Gallant 5.5ft Free Standing Boxing Punch Bag Stand is a functional and rewarding step into the world of free standing punching bags that is still high quality but won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
The Good
- Affordable
- Durable
The Bad
- Limited available colors
Summary
Narrowing the list of the best free standing punching bags down to just 10 is no easy feat. Some bags were chosen for their superior durability and design. Some were chosen for their consistency and reliability. Others were chosen for being the highest of quality and packed with features.
At its core, however, each person will have different uses and expectations when it comes to purchasing a free standing bag. Ensure you are analysing what you are trying to get not only from your workouts but also from your punching bag.
Hopefully, the list above provided some clarity on not only the excellent quality bags available, but also gave an idea as to the key features you think you are going to be looking for in your new bag.
Free Standing vs Hanging Punching Bags
There are two types of bags to consider when looking at purchasing a punching bag: free standing or hanging. Hanging bags are the most easily recognizable, seen in boxing gyms and Hollywood films around the world.
As a result, they come in an incredibly vast array of shapes and sizes that make choosing a good bag quite daunting.
Additionally, they often require a large amount of space to hang and use, and a structurally safe and sturdy place to hang them. This is a factor which a lot of people, particularly those living in cities, may not have access to in any way.
In response to this, there has been a resurgence in the use of free standing punching bags. Free standing punching bags are an excellent alternative to hanging bags that allow a lot more freedom in the way they can be used.
Whilst they may not be quite as sturdy or long-lasting as the higher-end hanging bags, they more than make up for that with greater variability, a wider array of options and being far more affordable.
They allow the user to focus more on cardio, with greater flexibility in movement around the bag, as well as requiring less space and installation hassle. This combination makes free standing bags a must not only for the boxing or MMA enthusiast but also for anyone wanting to really up their cardio game.
Happy punching!
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