The 10 Best Speed Bag Platforms
This wiki has been updated 22 times since it was first published in November of 2018. A speed bag is an effective tool boxers and martial artists use to improve timing, enhance hand positioning, build strength, and tone muscles, but it won’t do you much good unless it’s attached to a sturdy platform. These options are built with strong frames to keep the bag steady as it absorbs repeated punches, and many offer the ability to adjust the height to suit different users. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Valor Fitness CA-53
2. Ring to Cage Adjustable
3. XMark XM-2811
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.
4. Balazs i-Box
5. Title Boxing Classic Complete
6. Everlast 2 Station
7. Ringside Heavy Duty
8. Everlast Elite
9. MaxxMMA Kit
10. EZspeedbag Anywhere
After deciding that the pen was mightier than the pliers, Canadian electrical contractor William Rhoda abandoned his career and headed back to college, where he majored in marketing and advertising and won a scholarship along the way to earning a diploma in creative communications. His past career landed him a depth of knowledge in tools and hardware, while his current career schooled him in audio, video and camera equipment. During his leisure time, he’s learned lots about outdoor gear, and years of tiresome backyard maintenance have taught him all about pools and hot tubs. His recreational pursuits include rest, relaxation and revolutionary action, and his roommate’s a hairless cat.