This article written by Jacob William
Stepping into the boxing ring requires proper equipment toprotect your body and enhance performance. From hand protection to head guard, having the right boxing gear is important.
The high risk of injuries in boxing underscores the need towear appropriate equipment. Research repeatedly demonstrates that boxers who routinely utilize boxing gear for fights get much fewer hand fractures, tooth injuries, and head traumas than those who do not.
Explore the dominant role of boxing gear infighting and discover how to select the appropriate equipment for your boxing journey.
4 Essential Boxing Gears for Fighting!
Having the appropriate equipment is absolutelyessential for boxing since it enhances performance and provides protection. What you will need is as follows:
Hand-wraps/Bandages
Please take note of this golden rule: Neverhit a punch bag without appropriate hand protection. The damage thatyou can do to your hands if they're not well-wrapped and protected with gloves is serious. We're not talking about minor cuts and scrapes here; we're talking about disintegrated knuckles and shattered metacarpals, where the damage is so severe that the hand is permanently disfigured and will never function properly again.
When it comes to hand protection, there areseveral affordable options available, so there's no reason to ignore potential pain and problems. After a big fight, boxers often remove their gloves to reveal tightly wrapped, pristine bandages. However, in the gym, both professional and amateur boxers choose for more practical hand protection,
including crepe bandages, hand wraps, and gel-filled under gloves.
Types of Boxing Handwraps
Crepe bandages
Crepe bandages were the standard for many years. They are available at most pharmacies and drug stores and are very durable. You can choose any color, as long as it's white. Avoid purchasing the basic cotton version, as these have no elasticity and can become quite uncomfortable on the hand.
Hand wraps
Hand wraps are a more modern version of the crepe bandage. They are made of tightly woven fabric and designed specifically for combat sports. These wraps have a loop or "partial glove" at one end to provide an anchor point for wrapping the hands, and a Velcro fastener at the other end for quick application.
Gel-filled under-gloves.
The latest innovation in hand protection: the modern gel-filled under-gloves! This type of hand protection has gained popularity in boxing, expanding from its origins in combat sports like Muay Thai. Despite their increasing use, hand wraps and crepe bandages remain popular choices in modern boxing, ensuring a variety of options to meet every
athlete's needs.
Boxing Gloves
You don't have to follow any rules when workingout at home, and boxers frequently switch up their glove selection based on how they're feeling. There are three main types of gloves used in boxing: bag mitts, sparring gloves, and competition gloves.
Types of Boxing Gloves
Professional competition gloves
Professional competition gloves come in 8oz or 10oz. These gloves have a more evenly distributed weight and padding, with a longer wrist section. This results in a thinner glove at the knuckle section.
Sparring gloves
Sparring gloves are always heavier than competition gloves, offering more padding and protection. Boxers spar often because they believe that the more they practice, the better they become.
Bag mitts
Bag mitts typically range from 10oz to 12oz in weight and come in a variety of colors to suit any preference. Over the years, bag mitt options have evolved, now including hybrid gloves that incorporate design elements from competition gloves while retaining the characteristics of traditional bag mitts.
Head Guards
The first headguard was made in 1917 when boxerJackDempsey got a nearby sports goods shop to make a helmet for him to wearduring training. These padded headgear have now become an integral part of boxing gear, appearing in gym bags all around the world. Fighters of various skill levels, from seasoned pros and world champions to amateurs and newbies, utilize them.
Types of Head Guards
Open-face head guard
An open-face head guard provides padding for the top, sides, and back of your head, but leaves your face fully exposed. Despite offering the least amount of face protection among headguards, it still provides important benefits and is an essential piece of protective equipment for boxing.
Cheek protector head guards
Cheek protector headguards are among the most popular styles of headgear, and for a good reason. These headguards offer significant padding that covers both cheeks, providing ample protection for fighters.
Full-face head guards
Full-face head guards are closely related to cheek protector head guards. Visually, they look almost identical. The main difference between them is that full-face head guards also provide protection for the chin.
Did You Know: The 2022 study evaluated threeboxing headguards to determine the reduced impact accelerations. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was incorporated into one of the headguards. Researchers found that TPU significantly minimized both linear and rotational accelerations compared to the other headguards. This study shows a promising path to enhance athlete safety.
Mouthguards
A mouthguard is the most important piece ofprotective boxing equipment when it comes to fighting gear. A boxer must wear this piece of equipment in competitive battles as the head and face are frequently targeted in boxing contests. Wearing a custom mouthguard designed foryour specific needs makes it a perfect fit to avoid injuries, including lip
contusions, mouth contusions, and tooth chipping.
Dental injuries can be expensive to treat andhave an impact on a person's look. Nowadays, a dental implant can cost as much as$40,000. Spending $10to $15 on this protective gear is, therefore, considerably smarter. Youmay be confident that this will be the finest financial decision you ever make for your health.
Types of Mouthguards
Stock Guards:
These guards are readily available at most sporting goods stores. They are called "stock" because they come in standard sizes. However, they may not fit well since not all mouths are the same size. Due to this, they may not be comfortable and may not provide adequate protection.
Boil & Bite Guards
Boil and bite guards are an improvement over stock guards as they offer better protection. To use them, you simply need to boil the guard for 30-60 seconds, then place it in cold water for a few seconds, and finally place it in your mouth.
Custom guards
Custom guards are made specifically for your mouth by a local dentist. Although they are more expensive, they are also more durable and provide a better fit.
Concluding Thoughts
Don't forget to invest in the quality custom boxing gear. Each piece of equipment plays a significant role in safeguarding your body. They allow us to focus on the strategy and technique. Proper boxing gear is not only limited to injury prevention but also enhances the overall experience of boxing.