How to choose a dummy for practicing strikes? TOP 5 best boxing trainers

Century BOB is a great dummy for practicing punches! Compare it with a punching bag.

Before writing the description, the question arose whether a punching bag (floor or hanging) could be compared to a rubber sparring partner.

The WWII dummy has many differences from classic boxing bags. It completely imitates the torso and head of a very stern giant. And all athletes and boxing fans have already fallen in love with this practically living opponent. Of course, he is the one who looks like an annoying boss, with whom you so want and pine to have a blast after a hard day at work.

Its close neighbor was the DFC TLS-M02B dummy. This “guy” is also designed for practicing various strikes, including those from the feet, but differs from the BOB in height, color and composition. This mannequin costs a little less, you can call it a budget option, or a mannequin for beginners, because professionals use more advanced versions.

The price of almost 30 thousand rubles seems almost unaffordable for the common population and novice athlete. The question arises, what to do now, forget about the dream? We decided to analyze whether it is worth such finances? Is it possible to find a high-quality alternative replacement for him? After our review-investigation, you will be able to determine for sure whether a bulky BOB is suitable for you or whether you should prefer an alternative replacement in the form of a shapeless classic bag or a suspended punching bag.

Comparison table of boxing machines

TOP bags you should buy

Among the popular and inexpensive models, the Wavemaster from the American company Century should be noted. In addition to high-quality materials, bags of this brand are characterized by ease of installation and adjustment, ideal for practicing punches and kicks. Suitable for both beginner boxers and professionals.

Century Wavemaster water-filled punching bag

To achieve maximum accuracy, the best choice is the Big Skin mannequin from Royal Fitness. The realistic humanoid projectile is coated with high-strength plastisol. You can adjust the density by changing the degree of filling with water.

Royal Fitness Water Filling Mannequin

The compact model from UFC is made of a special material that guarantees not only long-term retention of shape, but also the durability of the product in general. The bag takes up minimal space and provides maximum space for practicing strikes.

UFC water-filled punching bag

The most luxurious and sought-after bag is the Bob Box from Century. It is deservedly popular among professional boxers, as it is designed to hone the technique of lethal and most powerful blows. There is simply no analogue to this model. The projectile is made of high-strength plastisol, its hardness and shape completely corresponds to the human body.

Water-filled boxing bag Bob Box

For children, you can choose special lightweight models of low height. They will not take up much space and will allow the young boxer to train to his heart's content at home.

Why is the BOB practice dummy so popular?

“Body opponent bag” or simply BOB is the most popular model, a special dummy for boxing sparring (for training purposes). Some users purchase a punching bag, others prefer a training machine. Both are asking the eternal question of whether it is worth the money. Is it more convenient to develop your skills and abilities in the field of martial arts, while using a mannequin for practice? A rubber opponent costs a lot of money. Some recommend using funds to pay for classes with a professional coach who can coach you before competitions and help with practical advice.

Let's look again at what's so special about this simulator: The design imitates the human body, this allows even a non-professional athlete, using instructions from the Internet, to try to master the basics of throwing punches (the perfect jab or low kick). The key is the attempt itself. The simulator will not tell or show in practice how to strike.

There is an interesting XL version, where the torso has received an addition in the form of shorts. They allow you to switch not only to the upper torso, but also to try practicing kicks and knees. Of course, the changes also affected the cost of the simulator. On the Internet, avid users solved this problem and released practical tips recorded on video, that is, a life hack. You just need to wrap the mat around the base of an inexpensive Bob model, and you will get a similar model, but with a mat. Why do you need those shorts from the manufacturer, if you can already practice all the necessary blows, just by adding ingenuity.

This is where all the advantages and so-called coolness end. Further only the disadvantages will follow.

Despite its fierce look and power, it requires careful handling.

The outer covering of the simulator is made of plastic and rubber, it is quite durable, but in practice it can be easily damaged. If you think of non-large gyms with exercise equipment, you immediately imagine broken bulk bags covered with tape. This is not a universal punching bag and you cannot use nunchucks at full strength with it, and you should not forget about unexpected falls of the simulator. Regardless of all Bob's stated durability and strength, he is absolutely not suitable for power strikes. For practicing technique, accuracy and speed are definitely not there, but from powerful blows the doll begins to rattle and crawl on the floor. Any professional athlete will definitely refuse to do strength exercises with Bob. Why? Almost all buyers note that Bob's predisposition to falls is his main disadvantage. This actually does not particularly inspire the target audience of buyers.

BOB does not stand in space and does not fly through the air. In the literal meaning of the word. Even after pouring 100 kg of sand into the stand, you will be faced with constant rattling and sliding of the figure on the floor. And the heavier it becomes in terms of weight, the louder the noise this whole colossus will emit. By the way, there is not a single punching bag or boxing dummy on the market that does not move on the floor at all. Based on this alone, we can conclude that Bob is not suitable as a perfect partner for everyday drumming. And the advertising company significantly exaggerated all its advantages. To practice the technique of strikes, when the wrestler strikes with the least force, he must also be distracted by the movement of the figure.

For practicing what kind of blows, what exactly is a BOB suitable for, and is it possible to exchange it for a punching bag? Views and reviews from athletes and sports fans.

People who are far from various martial arts, and sports in general, when they see Bob’s outline, his figure, immediately say something like: “This is not something similar to a shapeless bag of sand, but on the contrary, a prototype of a living person with whom You can exercise." But an experienced person familiar with sports will be absolutely right in saying something else. “This is not a practical dummy; any punching bag, bag or human figure will never replace exercises under the guidance of a trainer.” As for the DFC TLS-M02B or Bob himself, without the support and recommendations of a coach, there is little that can suit a real super fighter.

The administrator of the forum, which is dedicated to martial arts and martial arts, told us the following facts. In terms of the practicality of the Bob and how it compares to classic punching bags, the Bob is really good for practicing palm, elbow, chop, heel strikes, etc. But regarding the blows that are delivered with the legs, it is not very convenient; it is better to take a heavy bag of human height. Many professional athletes hold similar opinions. Answering the question of what is ideal for complex training and power practice of striking, only a heavy punching bag was identified. It will be an excellent addition for all owners of a mannequin simulator.

Sometimes Bob is acquired for targeted training and practicing various methods of self-defense, which, based on the coaching presentation, is considered an art in itself. One of these is Sammy Franco, the creator of more than 10 hundred books on progressive self-defense. He is familiar with some of the most effective methods of self-defense and recommends only systematic exercises for practical experience. According to his texts, Bob is perfect for practicing the first blows, for hitting with a stick, for improving the methods of applying some new methods of fighting. A street battle expert notes the ineffectiveness of practicing strong blows on Bob.

Training program

Training programs can be different:

Full body

A program aimed at training all muscle groups at once in one session. It is very important to give the body time to recover, so at the initial level, daily training can only do harm. You can train using this program, focusing on certain muscle groups.

Top bottom

This classic division of muscle groups allows you to alternate workouts for more accentuated development of the upper shoulder girdle and legs. One day we train the upper body by performing various presses and deadlifts, the other day we perform various variations of lunges and squats.

CrossFit complexes

Here you can create a workout based on the basic principles of CrossFit. The main thing is the variety of exercises and muscle work mode in each workout. It’s possible to do just one exercise per workout, but it’s still a great way to load the target muscles. For example, choose a bag weight that allows you to do 15 heavy squats. The complex is simple at first glance: you need to do 15 squats at the beginning of every minute for 12 minutes, just try it.

Split system

Implies the distribution of workouts by day of the week. For example, one day we train the chest and shoulders, the other - the back and arms, on the third day - the legs separately. You can also divide your workouts into pulling and pushing muscle groups. This training option is suitable for more experienced athletes.

Next question: is it possible to change the BOB to a pear?

Based on all of the above, an absolutely logical conclusion emerges: yes, Bob can be easily replaced with any floor pear. With it you can always practice and try out any technique. In practicing power blows, Bob is inferior to a mounted bag, just like the floor prototype. If you intend to get involved in sports training and get down to business seriously, the presence of a heavy hanging bag is simply necessary, even if you have an extremely expensive Bob model.

Are you purchasing a figure for your own use and not to obtain a championship belt? If you don't mind the money, buy Bob and don't doubt your choice. It will bring significantly more positive emotions than an ordinary pear. Here's a phenomenon for you - you seem to be overpaying, but who else can you work out some super-exclusive suffocating technique on if not on a rubber dummy? But the range of these positive factors is so small that you don’t want to pay a lot of money, which is why analogues were studied.

Models

There are several models of bags that can withstand different maximum weights - from 20 to 80 kg. The choice of sandbag model depends on the goals and physical capabilities of the athlete:

1. Sandbag up to 20 kg – suitable for training girls and beginners;
2. Sandbag up to 40 kg – used as an alternative to barbells and dumbbells;
3. Sandbag up to 60 kg – used mainly for crossfit training of athletes and functional training of fighters;
4. Sandbag up to 100kg – perfect for extreme strength sports and for wrestlers, as an imitation of throws on the tatami.

Ease of use of boxing dummies

Both products: Users report increased noise levels when using these machines. Despite their heavy weight, these impact bags glide during training and vibrate as they deflect and return to their original position. In general, users believe that it is better to train with such a thing either in a large, free room (good if you live in your own home) or with quiet neighbors who will not be annoyed by the noise.

Pros of the Century Bob Box mannequin

The optimal size of this mannequin: “The upper part of this design really suits my height, and the parameters resemble an adult man. A complete sense of reality is guaranteed 100%.”

This is an excellent stress reliever. As one user says: “Have anger problems? Buy Bob. Worried about problems at work? Buy Bob. Is something really eating you up inside? Buy Bob.” Users also report sleeping better, feeling more confident, and being more composed at work and in everyday life.

Bob will be useful not only for boxers. Many people who are looking for a kickboxing machine or a karate machine often prefer this product.

Cons of Century Bob Body

Customers who tested the Bob mannequin noted that it must be handled with care and used only for its intended purpose. The large round nuts that connect the tripod to the base of the body can easily become loose if used incorrectly.

Thus, training with a ripped Bob becomes not the quietest activity.

Bag material

Many companies are trying to make their bags stronger than their competitors by investing money in development. For example, the American company Century uses a patented plastic - plastisol. The factory guarantees the strength of the bags and pears produced.

It is highly undesirable to save on the purchase of a water-filling bulb, because cheap models use fragile material during production, which leads to leakage and cracking. It is noteworthy that the bulb may not leak immediately, but after several workouts, so it is advisable to play it safe and buy a more expensive projectile.

Floor Bag Century Torrent T1

How to use Century Bob correctly?

1. Tip number 1 - fill the mannequin with sand, use only a specially designated funnel and protect it with thick paper or cardboard. In total you will need about 100 kg.
2. The second tip is that it is not recommended to use Century bob in rooms with a large daily flow of clients, as it will quickly wear out. Ideal for personal training.
3. To reduce or completely eliminate slipping, a hard mat is best.
4. You don’t have to limit yourself in training with Bob Body Oponent, feel free to take nunchucks or wooden sticks, swords and use everything for its intended purpose. We advise you not to use maximum force so as not to damage the outer shell. And under no circumstances use sharp bladed weapons. Well, welcome the boy.

Experience shows that for beginners who still have weak hands and bones, it is best to start working with boxing gloves or other protection. But, there are other adherents with a different opinion, they also say that you should train immediately with bare hands or with a thin bandage. If you are attacked on the street, neither you nor the robber will have boxing gloves on their hands. So think about this in advance.

DIY sandbag

To create a projectile, the user will need an unnecessary travel bag or a durable backpack; you can also sew a bag yourself from an old weighted vest. The bag can be filled with sand or another convenient alternative, placing the filler directly into the bag or separately into small bags. The user will calculate the final weight depending on his requirements.

This design has many disadvantages, in particular, it quickly breaks down. For long-term use and preparation for professional competitions, a sandbag made in a special production facility, taking into account all the nuances of intense loads, is suitable.

Advantages of DFC TLS-M02B

Working with such a mannequin brings a lot of pleasure and excellent practice. Recommended DFC TLS-M02 to anyone looking for an effective outlet for negativity and anger. In other words, to relieve stress. Plus, it's a lot of fun, even funny, and improves your physical and mental health.

The dummy copes very well with blows and takes everything on itself, but does not retaliate. This is great for simple training, but not for those preparing for serious sparring with a live person.

Cons of DFC TLS-M02B

The dummy does have its downsides, as mentioned earlier, it does make a noticeable noise. By the way, this is very annoying. He is slightly lower than the previous mannequin, and his starting height is 155 cm, unlike Century Bob, where the starting height is 152 cm, the difference is not great, but noticeable.

As in the case of Century Bob, to work with DFC TLS-M02B you will need boxing gloves, but this only applies to beginners, since the hands are not yet accustomed to such blows, and if you apply rather strong and fast blows, you can not only damage the bone on hand, but also the hand. That is, we can conclude that the mannequin is not so soft.

Characteristics and types of water-filling bags

The water-filling device is the same type of equipment that you are used to seeing in the gym, where boxers practice their combinations or learn new striking techniques. The main difference from a regular boxing bag is the filler. The water-filling model, as the name suggests, is filled with water, and a regular bag with high-quality rubber crumbs. Athletes often note that such a projectile behaves unpredictably after a strike, so it can create a situation of real sparring, especially since the strikes must be accurate, otherwise the hand will simply slip.

Hydrostrike bag

There are also water-filled floor and hanging bulbs. The most mobile type are floor-mounted ones, because they take up little space and do not require drilling into the ceiling to secure them.

Hanging bags cannot boast of their mobility, because the ceiling is drilled once, and the projectile is attached only once, which means that it cannot be moved quickly.

The bags can be adjusted to the height of the boxer using special fasteners, but they are usually made for a height of 180 cm.

Equipment when working with a water filling bag

The projectile completely imitates the human body if it is filled with water. A boxer can get injured in the same way as during sparring, so it is better to be safe and work on the apparatus with gloves, especially if preparing for a competition. You can damage your hand without even meeting the blow of the bag, because the bag is elastic, which means the blows with your bare hands will slip off. This can cause skin to be torn off, which will not be a nice bonus or trophy after training.

Water-filled boxing bag Bob Box