Some More Tips on Choosing a Good Pair of Boxing Gloves…
Here are some more tips to look for before you purchase a pair of boxing gloves.
The Leather or Vinyl Casing
Boxing gloves are essentially some sort of padding that is encased in leather or vinyl. While leather has always been the best, these days, vinyl has become a viable option, particularly for those just starting out. Vinyl is cheaper, and makes a great starter boxing glove for those who don’t spar so much. However, for durability, lifespan, and quality, leather is your best bet.
In either case, make sure the casing is thick enough that it won’t wear through. A good tip is to pinch the casing of the boxing glove when deciding on what to buy.
They’re crap if…
it stretches and doesn’t return to its original condition
it’s thin enough to feel the other finger you’re pinching with and
if you dent the leather with your nail and it the indentation doesn’t go away after you rub it a few times
The Thumb Attachment
Many boxing gloves have some sort of thumb attachment at the top of the thumb area to the main part of the glove. It is to lock the thumb (which is why it is also called a “thumb lockâ€) into place and protect it from getting sprained. Make sure that this thumb attachment is not just some flimsy bit of material the manufacturer has stitched on to jack up the price. It doesn’t have to be the same material as the casing, but it should at least be durable enough to endure your matches. Usually, it is elasticised.
The Lining of the Boxing Gloves
Check inside the boxing glove. Is it nylon or cotton? This is a personal preference. Most boxing gloves on the market today are lined with nylon. In either case, make sure that the lining is stitched well, and won’t detach from the glove after wearing them a few times.
Which takes us to the last tip to look for, which is the stitching.
The Stitching
One of the first indications of the level of quality in craftsmanship of the boxing gloves is the stitching. Inspect the stitching at all the seams. Check for loose strings or ends, gaps in stitching, and the thickness of the string used. Any of these could lead to problems.
And finally, you’ve got to try them on. Different manufacturers will make different sizes of boxing gloves, so who’s to say that a particular size will fit your hand comfortably. Granted, most boxing gloves will fit the average hand, but it’s essential that your gloves don’t hinder you when you spar. They should fit comfortably and snugly, without being too tight. It may be a good idea to also put some handwraps on when you try on a boxing glove (if you wear handwraps).