Heavy bag question

[GeoGiant]

I already have a double-end bag that I use to practice sticking and moving... etc. I want to use the heavy bag to train for power so I don't want something that moves around too much.

I'm looking at a 150 lb leather heavy bag but the price is around $300 !OMG! Can anyone tell me if the bag is worth this or should I buy a 90lb cloth/canvas-type bag from my local sporting goods store?

[beagstkd]

I have a cheaper canvas hanging bag that's lasted 20+ years. It does get a lot of swinging which is a downside. However on the upside the swing does help with aiming and control. For example when doing turning kicks the swing makes you spot your target because the bag could swing a foot or more in every direction (acts more like an apponenet moving around) versus a wavemaster style where it will always be still.

Our school has several wavemasters and the only downside I see with that type of bag is the base has the potential for injury if kicked or when it wobbles it could land on your toes. The bag can also tip over with a strong kick.

[tonydee]

Some backs are PVC (vinyl) or similar... seems a good value-for-money option to me, and perhaps a bit easier to clean than canvas?

Cheers,

Tony

[GeoGiant]

I found a site that sells Thai heavy bags at a reasonable price... only thing is these bags are synthetic leather... I'm not sure what / how durable that material is. Here is the ad -

"Awesome tri-layered synthetic leather construction is super tough and strong. Massive 6' size is ideal for full body simulation and workouts. Comes complete with chain and swivel to hang and bottom D-ring to secure to floor. Bag is expertly packed with foam liner and firm resistance fiber filling to keep shape and resist sagging, bowing or settling."

Color: Black

Size: 14" x 72"

Weight: 100 lbs.

[mr_obvious]

For what it's worth..... I've been pretty happy with my Everlast HydroStrike.

http://www.martialartssupplies.com/hydrostrike.html

Available in varying weights up to 150lbs, and only $160

[GeoGiant]

Thanks for the tip. I always like to get someones opinion that actually uses the product as opposed to someone that has an opinion on a piece of equipment that basically sits in thier basement .

[tonydee]

I found a site that sells Thai heavy bags at a reasonable price... only thing is these bags are synthetic leather... I'm not sure what / how durable that material is. Here is the ad -

"Awesome tri-layered synthetic leather construction is super tough and strong. Massive 6' size is ideal for full body simulation and workouts. Comes complete with chain and swivel to hang and bottom D-ring to secure to floor. Bag is expertly packed with foam liner and firm resistance fiber filling to keep shape and resist sagging, bowing or settling."

Color: Black

Size: 14" x 72"

Weight: 100 lbs.

That's probably something the like PVC I mentioned. Exactly how good it is can vary - as can quality and thickness of leather - so as you say finding a brand you know and trust, or someone recommends, is very reassuring. In my experience, these "synthetic leather" fabrics typically last for a couple years of solid use. The bags at my kickboxing gym are the same (i.e. synthetic) - a torn one serves as a makeshift seat, but the others take a lot of abuse without issue. Other synthetic bags I've had at home have lasted well too.

Cheers,

Tony

[Nevinyrral]

I also have a question, what can I use to fill the heavy bag?