Everyone knows you need the right equipment for the job! But what is the best boxing glove? Is there a difference between sparring, training, or heavy bag gloves? Different ounces, sizes, and features need to be considered when choosing the ideal glove.
What Ounce of Boxing Gloves Should You Choose?
Let's start with ounces. Boxing glove sizes generally come in 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 ounces, which allow you to progress from focus mitts to heavy bag workouts to sparring (generally 16 to 18 oz and above).
For hitting pads or a heavy bag, using 10 oz gloves, or 12 oz gloves are your best options. The lighter glove weight, typically referred to as "bag gloves," allows you to work on delivering your punches with speed without sacrificing hand protection. If you need a more comfortable glove while performing heavy punching bag workouts, consider moving up to a heavier ounce to get extra padding for your hands.
When it's time to spar with a partner, that's when you move up to the heavier gloves. These sparring gloves have a more substantial amount of padding, which will protect your partner when you land those heavy blows.
Depending on your size, 14 oz, 16 oz, and even larger gloves can be good for all-around usage. They can be used for hitting pads, heavy bag work, shadow boxing, general training, and with a sparring partner. In this case, when heavier gloves are used for pad or heavy bag work, those repetitive blows with bigger gloves and added weight develop your strength, which translates to power and faster hand speed!
When reviewing what boxing gloves to choose for sparring, training, or rounds on the heavy bag, it's key to consider your physical size. If you are in the 5-foot-7-inch, 140-pound range, it would be smart to grab yourself a light pair of gloves, between 10 and 12 oz, for pad or heavy bags workouts, and an additional pair of heavier gloves for partner drills and light technical sparring. On the flip side, if you weigh-in at 200 pounds and up, you'd better start out in a pair of 14 oz gloves.
Another thing to consider beyond your weight class is the size of your hands. If you have a large hand circumference, don't try to cram your hands into a pair of gloves that are too small for you. Size up to match the size of your hands. Keep in mind, the smaller the glove, the smaller the hand pocket.
