Century has retained its exalted position in the world of martial arts, boxing, and self-defense equipment for decades, and there’s a good reason for that. Its industry-leading equipment is some of the best in the world, perfect for cardio, precision work, and developing pure power. The Torrent T1 and T2 Pro models are no exception, but the question is: are they right for you?
As they are from the same line, it won’t surprise you to learn that the T1 and T2 Pro target many of the same needs. They have slight differences in weight and height, but it’s safe to speak of them as variations on a theme.
Torrent Dimensions and Specs
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Torrent T1 and T2 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Two-Part Stem – The inner stem is separated into two pieces. This allows the bag to flex when you land a strike, making it less likely to tip over. It also reacts more like an opponent “doubling over” in response to punches and kicks. The rebound simulates someone coming at you, helping you practice fast-twitch responses.
- Hook-and-Loop Tension Lock – Keeps top secured to bottom: Unlike bases that screw on and off, the Torrent series’ handy tension lock keeps the base in place even if it falls over. No longer will you have to worry about picking your punching bag up carefully so it doesn’t fall into two pieces. Now it will hang on by itself!
- Tall, Thick Punching Surface – The sturdy, absorbent frame makes it possible for two people to work on kicking and punching at the same time, on the opposite sides of the bag.
- Great for All Skill Levels – Some punching bags require too much power for women, characteristically (though certainly not always) smaller and lighter. The Torrent series, however, is perfectly accessible to women and younger athletes as well as large men. If you’re looking for a punching bag that will work for a family or a group, this is it.
- Easy to Fill – While the base is not nearly as sturdy filled with water as when it is filled with sand (or pea gravel, as some recommend), this is the simplest approach. Just like with a Wavemaster, the water fill approach is fast and easy. It will fill in less than 15 minutes with a hose attached to a sink or outdoor spigot.
- Great for Intense Training – These bags are manufactured to meet specific needs or to work in tandem. If you’re a power puncher or kicker, get the T2 Pro. If you want more targeted practice at a better price, opt for the T1. If you own a gym and want to offer a range of options to your members, the combination is a safe bet.
- Narrow Base Profile – Unlike some bags with wider bases or bags that hang on stands, the T1 and T2 Pro enable you to get very close. This is great for practicing legwork and a variety of kicks.
Cons
- Requires Floor Space – Both the T1 and T2 Pro will take up a considerable area in your home gym, studio, or dojo. Because they are heavy, moreover, it’s not easy to drag them to an out-of-the-way place between practices. If you don’t have a dedicated training area, you might want to get something lighter. If, however, you already have a space where you could hang a bag, then a freestanding option won’t bother you.
- Difficult to Move – To get the bag to a new location, you have to tilt and roll it. This is not very effective but is possible with a lot of work or a partner. Every stand-up bag has this issue, however.
- Less Legroom – Although the narrow profile of the bag does enable you to get in closer, the fact that the Torrent series takes up floor space does prevent some access. Unlike a hanging bag, which you can stand essentially underneath, you do sacrifice a bit of legroom with floor bags.
- Tipping Can Occur – While the heavy Torrent series is less likely to tip over than some of its rivals, it is more likely to do so than a hanging bag. Plan to spend at least some of your time picking it back up.
Differences Between the T1 and T2 Pro
The essential difference between these two freestanding punching bags is whom they work well for. While everyone can use the T2 Pro for basic fitness workouts to complex martial arts practice, stronger punchers and kickers will want to opt for the T2.
The T1 suits anyone up to 70” tall. Which means most men and women can use it comfortably without worrying about where their kicks and punches land. However if you’re above 5’10”, you’ll want the T2. While only 5 lbs. heavier, it is significantly taller at 77”.
The T2 Pro also has a slightly larger radius on the top section of the bag, which means it is easier to use for group training. Two people can punch or kick from opposite sides with a 3-inch larger safety margin as compared to the T1. This may not be a difference-maker for those who have very targeted strikes, but for less precise groups, it can be.
Given the increased height, weight capacity, thickness, and sturdiness, the price difference between the two is not surprising. Except to pay considerably more for the T2 Pro.
How to Set Up the Torrent
Assembling the Torrent series is fairly straightforward. Before you begin, make sure you have a dedicated space to set up the bag, as moving 250 lbs. is no one’s favorite task. While you don’t need a lot of special equipment to assemble these bags, it does help to have a partner.
- Clear out your space. Make sure you have at least 4 feet on all sides. More is better.
- Put down a thick mat. Your mat will help you achieve several goals: it dampens the sound of the base lifting and falling back down; it will work with the base (which provides its own friction as well) to keep the bag in place, and it provides a comfortable surface for people to stand on.
- Get sand if you are filling the base with it. You can find this at most home improvement stores in 50-pound bags. If you have a free source, so much the better.
- Open your shipping box and remove all the parts. Lay them out and check them against the manual before you start assembly. If you are missing any pieces, call the company before proceeding.
- Once you’ve ascertained you have everything, follow assembly instructions to put the punching bag together.
- Fill the base with sand or water. Water is easier to use, but sand is heavier. If you want to simplify the job, water is the best way to go, but it will not provide as sturdy a base. If your main goal is to provide the most resistance to being knocked over, commit to filling it with sand.
- Screw the top of the bag onto the base, attaching the hook-and-loop tension lock securely to ensure you keep it in place during training.
How to Use the Torrent Series Punching Bags
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Whether you’re using this bag in a home gym or for group training classes, you’ll want to start slow to prevent injury and get to know the bag.
If you’re a trainer, use the bag yourself for several sessions while you get a feel for it. That will enable you to teach its use more effectively. Here’s how to ease in:
- Tape wrists and wear gloves if this is your first time boxing. Watch a few YouTube videos to help you understand the basic strikes. Knowing how to shape a punch, and where to punch from, will enable you to be more accurate, more powerful, and less prone to injury.
- Even if you’re a pro, you should start with a few basic moves, warming up as you go. Beware the rebound until you understand how the bag behaves. If you go in too hot, that’s a great way to jam fingers, wrists, knees, and so forth.
- Once you’re used to the bag, you can train more like you normally would. Until then, pull punches to half or three-quarter power.
- Add in a partner to the opposite side of the bag once you both know how it operates. While the bag is thick enough to accommodate two people training on it at once, you still need to know what you’re doing. Otherwise, you risk hurting one another when kicking or punching at the same time.
Are the Torrent Bags Worth It?
While the Torrent T1 and T2 are great punching bags, premium models some would argue, are not for everybody. In fact another model by Century, the Wavemaster XXL is a great option with many of the qualities of the Torrent lineup. And if that doesn’t strike your fancy, there are even more top standing heavy bags we can reccomend.
Product Links & Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Last updated 2024-12-05 at 15:10
