Heavy bags are a classic training tool for a variety of disciplines. Boxing, martial arts, self-defense, and simple cardio all kick up a notch when you add one to your home gym.
They’re the perfect training tool, and you can use them every day. However, they can get quite expensive!
One punching bag that has probably caught your eye is the Everlast Powershot. Not only does it look fantastic, but it’s an affordable 100lb option. Does it perform as well as it looks?
In this review, we’ll show you all the aspects of this heavy bag and how it stacks up against the competition.
Powershot Specs & Features
Heavy Bag:
Weight:
100 lbs
80 lbs
Pre-Filled:
Size:
48" x 14.5"
43" x 14.5"
Cover:
NevaTear Vinyl
NevaTear Vinyl
Filling:
Natural & Synthetic Fiber Blend
Natural & Synthetic Fiber Blend
Check Price at:
Heavy Bag:
Weight:
100 lbs
Pre-Filled:
Size:
48" x 14.5"
Cover:
NevaTear Vinyl
Filling:
Natural & Synthetic Fiber Blend
Check Price at:
Heavy Bag:
Weight:
80 lbs
Pre-Filled:
Size:
43" x 14.5"
Cover:
NevaTear Vinyl
Filling:
Natural & Synthetic Fiber Blend
Check Price at:
Product Links & Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Last updated 2024-10-09 at 00:40
Powershot Review: Pros & Cons
PROS
- Abundant Padding – The Powershot is made with cutting-edge materials that cushion and protect hands simultaneously. C3 Foam and EverGel targets protect your knuckles and wrists, while the blended fiber-filled cushion absorbs the impact from blows and keeps the target stationary.
- Stout Cover & Straps – The bag features a thick vinyl covering that should last years of use without busting, while heavy-duty nylon straps protect you from accidental chain strikes while withstanding your biggest punches. The double-end loops increase the overall functionality of the bag.
- Built-In Targets – These unique targets are strategically placed to enable you to practice accurate headshots and body shots. Handles positioned on the top of the bag also enable martial arts and self-defense work. Now you can do clinch work with knees and elbows, and the straps mean you can do so without worrying about hurting your hands.
- D-Ring Anchor – While the bag doesn’t move much, given its weight and size, there is a D ring you can use to anchor it if needed. This may increase functionality for those who pack more power behind their punch.
- Adjustable Chain – The height of the heavy bag is adjustable. You can either shorten the chain it comes with or order a chain of a specific height to meet your needs. Hang it from a joist in your home or buy a bag stand to hang it from.
- Useful for All Skill Levels – This bag also works for women and novices. While they tend to put a little less power behind their punches, the bag still offers great target and clinch practice. The whole family can use this bag, from middle schoolers to male and female adults.
- Affordable Addition to Home Gyms – Reviews of the bag state that it is ideal even for dedicated MMA fighters. Such users state it is just as good as bags at martial arts studios and gyms, so if you are further along on your fitness journey, this will still do the trick for less money.
- Pre-Filled & Ready to Rock – One annoying aspect of punching bags is filling them. Not a worry with the Powershot; the 80 and 100lb bags come pre-filled with a blend of synthetic and natural fiber. Assuming you already have a place to hang it, you are ready to rock and roll.
CONS
- Look Elsewhere for Kickboxing – If you’re going to purchase this for kickboxing workouts, look for a different option. This is very much a puncher’s bag. The rebound from the bag can be rough on shins, so those purely interested in kickboxing should look elsewhere.
- Enough Protection? – The EverGel padded targets may not protect your hands as much as it promises to. Some report needing to wear gloves and tape hands before using them. But honestly, you should be doing this anyway if you’re serious about training.
- Hanging Considerations – A solid structure is a must to hang this bag, especially the 100lber. If you don’t have a strong ceiling joist, you may need to buy a good stand instead. Punching bags can cause serious damage if you don’t set them up correctly.
- Wall Damage – Swinging bags can damage your walls. Again, if you don’t have the right space for the bag to hang, get a solid corner bag stand. While stands aren’t ideal – they limit foot space and can tip over, posing a different kind of hazard to humans and walls alike – they do provide protection for walls.
- Watch the Stitching – Some reviews question the stitching, saying the bag will fall apart in shorter than the stated time of several years. This is not a universal complaint, but be aware of it. If you see loosening threads within the warranty period, get in touch with Everlast customer service.
Powershot vs. Competing 100lb Bags
Heavy Bag:
Weight:
100 lbs
100 lbs
100 lbs
100 lbs
Pre-Filled:
Size:
48"x14.5"
42"x14"
48"x16"
55"x12"
Cover Material:
NevaTear Vinyl
Powerhide Vinyl
Vinyl
Vinyl
Check Price at:
Heavy Bag:
Model:
Weight:
100 lbs
Pre-Filled:
Size:
48"x14.5"
Cover Material:
NevaTear Vinyl
Check Price at:
Heavy Bag:
Model:
Weight:
100 lbs
Pre-Filled:
Size:
42"x14"
Cover Material:
Powerhide Vinyl
Check Price at:
Heavy Bag:
Model:
Weight:
100 lbs
Pre-Filled:
Size:
48"x16"
Cover Material:
Vinyl
Check Price at:
Heavy Bag:
Model:
Weight:
100 lbs
Pre-Filled:
Size:
55"x12"
Cover Material:
Vinyl
Check Price at:
Product Links & Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Last updated 2024-10-09 at 00:40
Using the Powershot Heavy Bag
Setup Tips
Hanging a punching bag is definitely more complicated than using a freestanding bag that you simply fill with sand or water and have at it.
You’ll need either some technical home improvement skills yourself, or you’ll want to hire someone who has them. Alternatively, you can get a stand. Let’s take a closer look.
- The chain assembly is included in the bag, but if you want a higher hanging height, you’ll need to adjust the chain or buy a shorter one before setup.
- Find a space in your home gym, garage, basement, etc., where the bag can swing freely without hitting walls.
- Identify a strong joist if you are hanging it from a ceiling. Note that the force from blows necessitates a higher weight requirement. A 100-lb. bag needs 200 lbs. of support to protect the ceiling.
- Find the center of a joist, drill in a hole slightly smaller than a large eyehook, and hang the bag by the S-hook that comes with it, adjusting the chain as necessary. Seek a handyperson’s help as needed.
- Use a wall or ceiling mount if you prefer that to a joist. This will necessitate buying more hardware but can make it easier if you don’t have an exposed joist.
- If you’ve gotten help from someone else, don’t forget to give the bag a short test workout before they leave. That way, you can ascertain the strength of the setup.
- If you’re buying a stand instead, do that. Note that stands can wobble and tip, so you will need to weigh them down with sandbags or another strong source of support. These are handy if you don’t have other options (or don’t own your house), but are not ideal.
- Once your bag is sturdily in place, hang the bag by its S-hook and adjust the chain to your ideal height.
- Given the larger size of the Everlast Powershot bag, you may need to adjust its height more over time as you get used to it.
Getting Started
Once your heavy bag is in place, here’s how to get started using it:
- Do some test workouts. If you find you need to tweak the height, do so, then do more test workouts. Continue doing this until it feels right. If more than one person in the house is using the bag, then everyone needs to be in on this stage.
- Tape up and put gloves on if that’s your normal routine or if you are just starting out. Once you’ve gotten a feel for the heavy bag as a training tool, you may choose to ditch these tools, but it’s safer to use them now.
- Shorten your workout if you’re a beginner or haven’t used a punching bag in a while. Start with 15 minutes and go up to 30. Pull your punches, keeping them at about 50 to 75 percent max power.
- Start with some light punches to find out how the bag moves. Until you get a feel for it, watch for rebounds. They can injure you if they catch you at the wrong time or angle.
- Use the targets placed around the bag. These are cushioned and will protect your hands and help you train for accuracy.
- Grab the nylon straps at the top to practice clinch work with elbows and knees.
- Start slowly with kicks, giving yourself time to learn how the bag responds. Again, it is not the ideal tool for this and some have reported pain or injury. Take your time getting to know the bag, and you will easily avoid this.
- Increase your time and power on the bag incrementally. This will also prevent you from going too hard too fast and injuring yourself or burning out.
Is the Powershot Worth It?
All things considered, the Everlast Powershot is a good buy. For the price, and being it a prefilled punching bag, it’s a solid option for setting up your home gym.
The only reason you might want to go with another model like a Century Oversized 100lb if you are a power user or an Outslayer if you want to mix in kickboxing combos.
Product Links & Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Last updated 2024-10-09 at 00:40
