A well-rounded fighter can balance speed and power while being fundamentally sound. One of the best ways to improve agility, footwork, and technique is with a reflex bag. Reflex bags won’t take up much space in your gym. Because they sway back and forth, they often simulate a fight while teaching fighters how to defend themselves.
Searching online or in your local sporting goods store makes it easy to become overwhelmed by speed bags, double-end bags, and heavy bags. If you’re unsure how to choose the correct product for your gym, you’re in luck. We have done the research for you, and this article covers what we feel are the five best reflex bags available on the market today.
5 Best Reflex Bags
No matter if you’re an amateur fighter looking to improve your hand speed or a veteran preparing for your next fight, it’s critical that you have the proper equipment in place. After extensive testing and scouring online reviews, we were able to come up with a list of the five best reflex bags.
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1. Ringside Fitness Reflex Bag
If you plan on having multiple people in your gym using a reflex bag, you’ll want to check out this option from Ringside. Users can quickly adjust the height from 49” to 69”.
Pros
- Height is adjustable from 49” to 69.”
- 240 pounds of sand helps keep this reflex bag stationery
Cons
- Some customers reported that the product was missing parts upon arrival
The Fitness Reflex Bag from Ringside is perfect for trainers who work with fighters of different heights. The bag features an adjustment mechanism allowing users to instantly change the bag height.
The plastic base can be filled with either 240 pounds of sand or 125 pounds of water, ensuring it won’t move during intense training sessions.
During testing, we found that the bag was realistic in how it mimicked the movements of an opponent. Ringside chose to use synthetic leather when creating this bag. While we initially found ourselves wishing that this were not the case, we quickly discovered that synthetic leather was much easier to clean.
One of the only downsides with this bag was evident in customer reviews. Several buyers noted that parts were missing from the product when it arrived, with screws the piece missing the most. Furthermore, Ringside says that the cost to return or exchange an item is the buyer’s responsibility.
2. Tech Tools Reflex Bag
The Tech Tools Reflex Bag is ideal for beginners. Not only is it affordable, but it also provides amateurs with the equipment they need to start fighting.
Pros
- Affordable
- Includes boxing gloves and a hand pump
Cons
- The bag is somewhat flimsy and can topple if you strike it too hard
While this bag is probably not strong enough for adults and veteran fighters, we included it on our list because it helps introduce kids and teenagers into the sport of martial arts. The product comes with a hand pump and boxing gloves, allowing users to start practicing with the bag immediately after its delivery.
The bag adjusts between 48” and 58”, which is not as high as some of the other options on our list. The lack of height further proves that adults likely cannot use this bag, although it’s excellent for children. Similarly, we found the product flimsy and would fall over if you struck it too hard. The base holds a mere 15 pounds of sand or water.
This price makes it the most affordable option on our list of the best reflex bags. So, if your child or teenager has expressed an interest in fighting or martial arts, this bag could be an excellent choice to help introduce them to the sport.
3. Everlast Hyperflex Free Standing Reflex Bag
Everlast is one of the most trusted names in the industry, so it’s no surprise to see them make our list of the best reflex bags. This bag features individual locking springs, providing fighters access to three different workout settings.
Pros
- Speed Flex, Straight Flex, and Hyperflex settings
- The density of the foam bag makes for a more intense training session
Cons
- The manufacturer’s warranty only lasts four months
If you’re a fighter looking to take your speed and agility training to the next level, you’ll want to consider the Hyperflex Free Standing Reflex Bag from Everlast. First and foremost, the bag features the company’s DUAL HYPERFLEX individual locking springs, which provide users with three workout settings.
The Speed Flex setting allows fighters to work on throwing quick punches and combinations. It also allows them to focus on their reflex. The Straight Flex setting enables fighters to focus on improving their punching techniques, timing, defense, footwork, and agility. The Hyperflex setting simulates a sparring session, providing fighters with the best that the Speed and Straight settings have to offer.
Everlast makes the bag of high-density foam which is less forgiving than air. The more massive bag helps emphasize proper striking techniques. The plastic base holds 70 pounds of water, strong enough to keep it in place. The bag is 63” high.
When browsing online, we find that it was cheapest when customers ordered from Everlast directly. Customers could also receive a 15 percent discount when registering for email alerts. Unfortunately, the manufacturer’s warranty on the product is only 120 days, far less than those offered by other companies.
4. Maxx MMA Speed Adjustable Reflex Bag
Maxx MMA recently redesigned its reflex bag, adding adjustable tension and a more stable base. We found that these significantly helped fighters focus on improving their hand-eye coordination.
Pros
- Patented tension adjustment for hand-eye coordination training
- The air pump comes included with the product
Cons
- May not be tall enough for fighters over 6.’
The Speed Adjustable Reflex Bag from Maxx MMA stood out to us because of its patented tension adjustment system. This system allows fighters to adjust the sensitivity of the bag and how much the spring moves when they strike it. The tension adjustment system is particularly useful for fighters looking to improve their hand-eye coordination.
Previous models from Maxx MMA displayed problems staying upright. The company redesigned this product, making it significantly more stable. Customers can fill the base with roughly 35 pounds of either sand or water. Fighters can adjust the height of the bag between 53” and 61”. While the ability to do so is nice, 61” may be far too low for fighters over 6’.
Maxx MMA also includes an air pump in the shipment so that customers can inflate the bag quickly. The company says that they test the spring on every reflex bag 120,000 times, ensuring each product’s durability.
5. TEKXYZ Boxing Reflex Ball
If you don’t have the money to purchase a reflex bag or don’t have space for one in your gym, the Boxing Reflex Balls from TEKXYZ could serve as a useful alternative.
Pros
- Portable
- Ideal for fighters at all stages in their career
Cons
- May not be as useful as bags that come on a stand
The Boxing Reflex Ball from TEKXYZ is an exciting new product that could help boost your hand-eye coordination and agility while on the go. The product comes in a set of two. Customers can choose between balls that are red and black or red and yellow. One of the balls is for novices, while the other is for veterans.
Fighters attach the included strap to their head. An elastic string comes off the trap, with a ball hanging on the other end of the rope. The balls weigh about 25 grams, less than half the weight of a tennis ball. The product’s weight means you won’t have to worry about injuring yourself when using this product. It is the ideal product for all fighters. Those rehabbing from an injury could also find it useful.
This product is much more convenient than those that require a stand, as you must first fill the base with water or sand. The TEKXYZ product allows you to begin training instantly. However, while useful, this training method may not be as realistic as a conventional reflex bag.
Benefits of a Reflex Bag
- Develops hand-eye coordination
- Develops fist speed
- It provides an excellent core workout
- Improves timing and punching accessory
- Teaches fighters how to bob and weave
Selecting a Reflex Bag
If you’re shopping for a reflex bag, there are a few criteria that you can use to help narrow the available products. Keeping the following in mind will allow you to make an informed buying decision.
1. Understand What a Reflex Bag Is
First and foremost, it’s essential that you understand what a reflex bag is, especially when compared to similar products. Customers most often confuse a reflex bag with a speed bag and a double-end bag.
A reflex bag attaches to a long pole and a spring. Reflex bags mimic a fight because the bag sways any which way, providing 360 degrees of access. Reflex bags stress technique and defense mechanisms.
How is Reflex Bag Different?
Reflex bags help build agility and speed and often focus on training timing and precision. This is very similar to how speed bags are used. The difference is the reflex ball is mounted to a pole on a base that stands on the ground. Speed bags hang from an elevated platform and rebounds rapidly off the backboard thanks to a swivel. Check out our guide to buying a speed bag for more information.
Double-end bags are another useful tool for building speed and coordination. However, you must drill holes into the wall or ceiling to mount double-end bags. Reflex bags are free-standing and therefore much more portable. A good double-end bag is a nice change of pace from reflex balls and speed bag drills.
2. The Height of the Bag
One of the other significant things you’ll need to consider is the height of the bag. You want to ensure that the bag comes around your sternum or the top of your shoulders. Many manufacturers make reflex bags that are height adjustable, allowing fighters to practice different combinations.
3. Weight Capacity of the Stand
Fighters will also want to consider the weight capacity of the stand. Reflex bag stands have a base that trainers can fill with water or sand. The more water or sand they can add to the bottom, the less likely it is that the bag topples over. Stands that hold less than 50 pounds are more likely to fall.
4. The Material of the Bag
The last primary criteria you’ll want to consider is the material of the bag. Most reflex bags have an air bladder, which is more forgiving during training and allows fighters to build speed. However, more experienced fighters may want to consider using a bag filled with foam, as it could help strengthen their wrist and emphasize proper technique.
Selecting the Proper Reflex Bag
Reflex bags should be part of a fighter’s well-rounded training regimen, as they allow them to hone in on their technique and improve their hand-eye coordination. We feel that the five best reflex bags we’ve provided have different perks. We’re confident that you’ll be satisfied no matter which option you choose.
However, if we had to pick one product, we would choose the Fitness Reflex Bag from Ringside. Two features stood out to us the most. First, it features a significant height range that users can adjust quickly. Fighters of all heights, including taller fighters, could use the bag without a problem.
The second was the fact that the base of the stand holds up to 240 pounds of sand. One of the problems with reflex bags is that they are often unstable, toppling over if you deliver a lethal combination. No other stand on our list came close to holding so much weight in its base. You can trust that this bag will remain upright during the most rigorous of training.
More Fight Gear & Resources
Gloves
- Boxing Gloves for Women (Beginners, Cardio, Gel)
- MMA Gloves (Training, Sparring, Fighting)
- Muay Thai Gloves (Bag Work, Sparring, Competition)
Punching Bags
- Free Standing Punching Bags (Century, Ringside & More)
- Muay Thai Heavy Bags (Kickboxing, Banana, Teadrop)
- Heavy Bag Stands for Home (Combos & Corner Stands)
- Speed Bags (TITLE, Cleto & More)
- Speed Bag Platforms & Swivels (Wall & Corner Mount)
- Reflex Bags (Ringside, Everlast & More)
- Reflex Bars (Sparbar & Boxing Bar)
- Double End Bags (Pea, Double Ball, Mexican Style)
Training Gear
Protection
- Headgear for Boxing, MMA, Muay Thai
- Cups & Groin Protection (MMA, BJJ, Muay Thai)
- Mouthguards (Custom Fit, Boil & Bite)
- Shin Guards for Muay Thai & Kickboxing
Shoes & Apparel
- Boxing Shoes (Boots, Mids, Hi-Tops, & Wrestling)
- MMA Shorts (Board, Vale Tudo, Hybrid Styles)
- Muay Thai Shorts (Traditional, Modern, & Hybrid)
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