Focus mits

[ShoriKid]

Just looking for an opinion here too. In focus mitts, what does everyone prefer? The flat, straight faced mit? Or the curved faced mit? And a bit of why on each one.

[cocomonk22]

I prefer the flat, rectangular focus pads to the circular focus mitts, as the mitts are like gloves that will require more frequent cleaning due to sweat of the pad holder. The focus pads are attached with straps, and don't have spots that keep moisture inside, so tend to be less smelly most of the time, though they have the disadvantage of not being as easy to hold for the holder and feeling like a cushion rather than a padded target on contact.

[IcemanSK]

As an instructor, I prefer the curved focus mitts. Ringside has nice ones. It's a bit more natural hand position as you "catch" punches.

If you get the opportunity, try each style before you buy them. Personal preference does often factor in.

[DWx]

I guess it depends what you are going to be using them for. (By focus mitts you are talking about the ones that go on your hands rather than the large pads?) . For me, the curved are better for punching and the flat for a greater variety of strikes.

[ShoriKid]

I'll be using them to drill with partners when not using them to help drill/instruct class. We've got a kick shield, and I got a good thick kick pad for Christmas(love my wife ).

I'm leaning toward the curved myself, I just want to hear both sides and see if I'm after what I need. I'm looking to drill to increase clean combination speed with the guys at the dojo. That and putting a bit more power in the hands work and I think I can use them for round kicks at least. Traditional style and methods with newer gear. At least that's the plan.

[bushido_man96]

The gloved ones may be better configured to receive hand technqiues. The square pads are nice, but they tend to slide and move a bit when punched or kicked. However, the square ones may allow more options, like knifehands, palms, ridgehands, etc.