The 10 Best Speed Bag Platforms
Editor's Notes
August 03, 2020:
During this round of updates, while the Best Choice Trainer, Title Complete Set, Title Precision and Xmark XM-4441 were all removed due to availability issues, we added several new offerings to our rankings, including the Ringside Heavy Duty — a sturdy model with a two-inch platform and a 58-pound unit weight, the Everlast 2 Station — which can support a 100-pound heavy bag in addition to a speed bag, and the Title Boxing Classic Complete — an affordably priced option that comes with a speed bag and swivel.
A few things to think about for this category:
Installation: Although their considerable weight can make some heavy options challenging to install, for the most part, models in this category are quite simple to put up. That being said, it is worth keeping an eye out for models that include the appropriate mounting hardware, to save you the inconvenience of making a trip to the hardware store.
While some options – like the Ringside Heavy Duty – don’t come with any mounting hardware, others – like the Title Boxing Classic Complete and Ring to Cage Adjustable – include only masonry anchors that are suitable for concrete-wall installations. It should, however, be noted that these options are designed with their pilot holes spaced in such a way that they should line up nicely with studs set on 16-inch centers; so, they’re still an appropriate pick for this application, just missing the hardware.
The Valor Fitness CA-53 stands out as one of the few options out there that comes with both cement anchors, and lag bolts that are suitable for wood installation, making it possible to install it on most walls.
Two options we listed that dodge the necessity of permanent installation are the EZspeedbag Anywhere — a portable option that attaches to 27- to 42-inch doorways, and the Everlast 2 Station — a freestanding model that requires 75 inches of clearance.
Adjustability: If you’re a fully grown adult who’s investing in this platform strictly for your own personal training, then you might be able to get away with a fixed-height option like the Ringside Heavy Duty, and in some cases these can be very stable units. But, if you’re investing in this platform for a gym where multiple athletes will be training on this same installation, then you definitely stand to benefit from the flexibility offered by an adjustable-height option.
While some models – like the Title Boxing Classic Complete – have relatively small, seven-inch adjustment ranges, other models – like the Balazs i-Box and Valor Fitness CA-53 – feature adjustment ranges of 12 and 13 inches, which offers a huge difference in versatility, when compared to a fixed-height option.
Extras: While we’ve done our best to rank models that include serviceable swivels, not as many of our picks come with an actual speed bag, which is a nice touch that saves you from the cost and inconvenience of an additional purchase. Some options that include a speed bag are the Valor Fitness CA-53, Title Boxing Classic Complete and MaxxMMA Kit.
Beyond a bonus bag, extras are sparse in this category, although the MaxxMMA Kit also comes with a convenient hand pump, and the Everlast 2 Station gets points for doubling as heavy bag stand.
December 05, 2018:
Would have liked to include the Century Platform as a fold-away option for saving space, but reports indicate that it lacks stability and constantly rattles. The EZspeedbag Anywhere provides more versatility than most since it can be set up in doorways, and the Balazs i-Box was one of the only models I could find in multiple color schemes.