Top Questions on Boxing Gloves You Didn’t Know Who to Ask
If you are buying gloves for boxing for the first time, it can be confusing and sometimes even frustrating because of the sheer number of options and considerations. Unfortunately, getting answers to all the questions you have been meaning to ask can be difficult without knowing who to ask. Some of the most frequently asked questions answered by the pros:
Which Gloves Are the Best for Boxing?
Understandably, people would want to buy the best fighting gloves, but unfortunately, there are no simple answers to this simple question. While there are several well-known and reputed glove brands, you will benefit by buying gloves that suit your specific needs. You will most likely get what you want if you decide the purpose of buying the gloves and how much you can afford to spend.
What Is the Concept of Glove Size?
You may be surprised to learn that gloves do not come in different sizes like shoes. Instead, the category is by weight, expressed in ounces. The weight of the gloves depends on the quantity and quality of the material used. The more material used in the padding, the heavier is the glove, and the better the protection for you and your opponent. Gloves used for boxing range from 4 oz. to 20 oz., but they may even go up to 30 oz. occasionally. The fit of gloves made by different manufacturers differs, but on the whole, heavier boxing gloves tend to be a little larger.
You should ensure that the glove fits you comfortably and pick a weight depending on whether you are sparring, training on a heavy bag, or participating in a match. Depending on your size and weight, you could be using 14 oz. to 18 oz. for sparring, 10 oz. to 12 oz. for amateur fights, and 8 oz. to 10 oz., if you are a pro fighter. However, your trainer is the best person to consult regarding your glove size. According to Boxing Reviewer, sparring gloves weigh more to keep the opponent safer.
What Material Should I Look At?
Synthetic leather is not as durable as real leather but is significantly cheaper. It is easy to maintain but is likely to crack or peel over time, and not everyone is a fan of its shiny plastic feel. Genuine leather is the most popular option because it is more affordable than full-grain leather but is more durable than synthetic leather. However, it requires more maintenance to keep it supple. Engineered leathers have high flexibility and higher resistance to cracking, tearing, and abrasion than leather. While they are easy to maintain and more durable, they are more expensive. Full-grain leather has a luxurious look and feel but is difficult to maintain. It is also the most expensive option.
Conclusion
Good quality gloves can be expensive because of the material, craftsmanship, and the cost of marketing and sales. Regardless of how much you spend buying a pair of gloves, you need to take good care of them to make them last longer. Cleaning and drying them after every use and not exposing them to high heat can help them last longer.
