Part of boxing training is making sure you have the right equipment for the job, and that begins with boxing gloves. But what determines the best boxing gloves for your fight?
Are there ones that are better for heavy bag training versus sparring with a partner? And how do you know which size, weight, and features are most important when finding the ideal fit?
In this blog, we’ll take you through the differences in boxing glove weight, when the time is best to size up, and other factors to consider when on the search for your next pair.
What Oz. Gloves for Sparring vs. Heavy Bag Should I Choose?
Why Boxing Gloves Sizes and Weight Matters
Boxing gloves sizes matter to protect the hands, knuckles, and wrists while also preventing injury from overextension or strain when throwing punches. Too light and it can throw off your balance; too heavy and it can quickly cause injury.
The benefit of weighted boxing gloves on your hands means increasing the endurance of your punches. Not only will you be able to crank up your volume of punches, but the speed at which you deliver those punches will be much faster.
When it's time to spar with a partner, that's when you move up boxing glove sizes to the heavier gloves. These sparring gloves have a more substantial amount of padding, which will protect your partner when you land those intense blows.
Therefore, all boxing glove sizes and weights make a difference and are impactful. It’s how you intend to use them that matters most.
Benefits of Weighted Gloves at Different Training Stages
The heavier the boxing gloves, the more foam padding they contain. This helps to reduce strain and injury when training and competing by absorbing the impact of punches.
Depending on your boxing glove size, 10-oz. and 12-oz. gloves can be good for all-around usage. Lighter boxing gloves can be used for hitting pads, heavy bag work, shadow boxing, and general training with a sparring partner.
The lighter gloves can help you with quickness and precision while giving you enough padding to protect the hands. It’ll also help as you improve your form and technique.
On the other hand, when heavier gloves are used for pad or heavy bag work, repetitive blows with 14-oz. or 16-oz. gloves aid in developing your strength and endurance, which translates to increased power and faster hand speed.
What to Consider When Choosing Boxing Glove Weight
In addition to considering the purpose of how you’ll be using your gloves, it’s also key to consider your physical size when choosing boxing glove weight.
Typically speaking, the heavier you are, the heavier the glove. However, a beginner fighter may want to go lighter to begin with or an experienced fighter may want to go heavy even if they are at a lower weight class. However, it’s not uncommon for boxers to have multiple pairs on hand depending on the activity.
For example, for a person under 6-foot, and in the 140-pound range, it would be smart to grab a lighter pair of gloves, between 10 and 12 oz., for pad or heavy bag workouts. Then, if necessary, add a heavier pair of gloves for partner drills and light technical sparring.
On the flip side, for a person who weighs in at 200 pounds and up, it’s better to opt for a pair of 14- or 16-oz. gloves. Since there can be quite a difference in the sizes and weights in between, consider these standard boxing glove weight estimations:
- < 126 lbs. = 12-14-oz. gloves
- 127-160 lbs. = 14-16-oz. gloves
- 161-180 lbs. = 16-18-oz. gloves
- 181 lbs. and over = 18-oz. gloves
Another thing to consider beyond your weight class is the size of your hands. If you have a large hand circumference, make sure your boxing gloves fit snugly but aren’t too small.
Measure your hand at the knuckles to get accurate sizing and size up if you’re between sizes. You’ll want room to comfortably form a first. A hand circumference guideline to follow is:
- 6 to 7.5 inches for small gloves
- 7.5 to 8.5 inches for medium gloves
- 8.5 to 9.5 inches for large gloves
- 9.5 inches and above for extra-large gloves
So, when considering what oz. gloves do boxers use, the answer is all. The bottom line is finding the right boxing gloves is based on a number of factors. Though starting with the size and weight of boxing gloves gives you a good starting point before diving into factors like materials, quality, and features.
Hayabusa T3D Boxing Gloves
Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves
Hayabusa S4 Boxing Gloves
T3 Kanpeki Boxing Gloves
Hayabusa Delivers Best-In-Class Boxing Glove Features
Regardless of your chosen glove size, Hayabusa Boxing Gloves provide the same superior protection for every style in the collection.
The Dual-X™ Closure System provides an adjustable fit, keeping a boxer's hands and wrists properly aligned. Meanwhile, the Fusion Splinting™ technology keeps your wrists aligned to avoid injury.
We’ve also engineered a layered complex of technology foams called Deltra-EG™. This Hayabusa-exclusive complex incorporates several technologies to provide an unmatched level of protection with every punch.
If all Hayabusa Boxing Gloves are made with the same advanced craftsmanship, then how do you know which to choose? Sometimes it boils down to feeling.
Some consider 10-oz. and 12-oz. boxing gloves as the best boxing gloves for heavy bag workouts because they like how they help them hone their technique and the speed of their strikes.
Others like to train with 16-oz. or 18-oz. gloves because they like the additional weight as they prepare for competition or even as they level up to their next phase of boxing training. Everyone has their own preferences, and throughout a boxer’s journey, it’s normal to switch sizes as needed.
Don't know what you prefer? No problem! Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves all come with a 90-day "no questions asked" guarantee because we know you need the right size boxing gloves for the right job and we'll make sure you get them.
