Whether you are a professional boxer or a complete beginner getting into the sport, the platform a speed bag is attached to is key. Without a solid platform for the speed bag, you can end up with less effective form, improper training and poor boxing skills.
You need the platform to support and control the bag and keep it in place, moving as it should be. There are different platform types and plenty of brands out there, so it is important to understand the differences and get the right speed bag platform for your needs.
Everlast Elite Adjustable Speed Bag Platform
- Affordable adjustable speedbag platform for home use
- 24-inch diameter board can hold any size speedbag
- 1-inch thick strike board; adjustable for any height with spring pin lock
- Includes swivel, two brace boards, assembly hardware and full-end padding
- Punching bag and wall mount hardware not included
One of the most affordable platforms made of high-quality materials, the Everlast Elite Adjustable Speed Bag Platform is a fantastic option for both pros and beginners.
The one-inch thick drum and 24-inch diameter means it can handle any size speed bag. In addition, you can easily adjust it via the horizontal axis up to eight inches. Not only is it affordable, but it’s sturdy enough that you don’t have to worry about replacing it too soon. The Everlast Elite is perfect for both home and gym use, so you can now improve your skills at home if you don’t have the time to go to the gym.
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Comes with swivel
- Thick drum minimizes vibrations
- Easy the adjust
- Good rebound
- Sturdy when you properly mount it
- Affordable
- 24-inch diameter can hold any size speed bag
Cons
- Only eight inches of adjustability in one-inch increments
XMark Adjustable Speed Bag Platform XM-2811
- HARDWOOD PLATFORM: The 24” hardwood platform offers a robust and reliable training surface, engineered for optimal performance to ensure consistent rebounds during your speed bag workouts. Speed bag is not included.
- HEIGHT ADJUSTMENTS: XMARK’s Speed Bag Platform offers an impressive 15 inches of height adjustability, accommodating users of all sizes and a variety of training styles.
- PRO-LEVEL SWIVEL: The pro-level chain swivel is engineered for optimal performance, providing smooth and effortless rotation that enhances your speed bag workouts with precision and control.
- COMMERCIAL FRAME: Crafted from high-quality, durable materials, this frame is built to deliver unmatched strength and stability, ensuring reliable performance during rigorous workouts.
- EASY TO INSTALL: Designed for convenience, this product comes with all the necessary hardware for a quick and straightforward installation on standard 2” x 4” wall studs.
While it’s admittedly the most expensive of the three platforms, the XMark XM- 2811 is well worth the extra money. You’d love the versatility and features included. This is a very durable speed bag platform, partly because of the fact that it’s made of 11-gauge steel. You don’t have to worry about vibrations at all. This is because the XMark XM-2811 ensure that vibrations will be kept to a minimum.
This is an ideal speed bag for platform for athletes, but it’s equally great for beginners as well. Installing this XMark model is fairly easy, as there are easy-to-understand instructions. You will need to have another person to help you though, as it can be quite difficult to install on your own.
Pros
- 11-gauge steel
- Minimum vibration
- 24-inch drum
- 5-inch thickness
- Swivel included
- 15-inch adjustability
Cons
- No speed bag included
- Costs more than the others
XMark XM-4441 Adjustable Speed Bag Platform
- HARDWOOD PLATFORM: Engineered for optimal performance, the 24” hardwood platform provides a sturdy, dependable surface that ensures consistent rebounds during speed bag sessions. Speed bag is not included.
- HEIGHT ADJUSTMENTS: Offering an exceptional 15 inches of height adjustability, the XMARK Speed Bag Platform caters to users of various sizes and accommodates different training preferences.
- SHACKLE SWIVEL: The advanced ball-bearing swivel design enhances your workouts with less rotational play, allowing for precise and controlled movements for targeted training.
- COMMERCIAL FRAME: Constructed from high-quality materials, the robust frame guarantees superior strength and stability, making it ideal for intense training sessions in any setting.
- EASY TO INSTALL: This product is designed for user-friendly setup, complete with all necessary hardware for a quick and straightforward installation on standard 16” stud walls.
The XMark XM-4441 is another fantastic speed bag platform option because it is designed to be a more cost-friendly version of the XMark XM-2811. The key difference between them is that the XM-4441 is made of lightweight gauge steel.
This doesn’t mean quality and effectiveness of the platform is sacrificed though. It just simply makes it more affordable to those who are on a budget. Another difference between the two models is that this one is less glossy than the XM-2811. Similarly, it is also easy to install and is very sturdy as well. It is a solid platform that ensures minimum vibrations, which is necessary when practicing your boxing skills.
Pros
- Affordable
- 15-inch height adjustment
- 24-inch drum
- 5-inch thickness
- Swivel included
- Minimum vibration
- Optimum rebound
Cons
- No speed bag included
Different Types of Speed Bag Platforms
There are two main types of speed bag platforms you can choose from. They are the adjustable speed bag platform and the fixed speed bag platform. It is important for you to weigh the pros and cons of each to figure out which is better for you.
Adjustable Speed Bag Platform
An adjustable speed bag platform is able to move on a horizontal axis to accommodate people of different heights. This makes it perfect for gyms because there is a large variety of users and the need to adjust it is a lot more necessary than for individual use at home.
It also allows you to use a larger variety of speed bag sizes on the platform. But with all of these accommodations, you will be spending more money than if you go with a fixed speed bag platform.
Fixed Speed Bag Platform
Fixed speed bag platforms are mounted on one spot on a fixed position on a wall. Because there is no horizontal movement, it is crucial that you measure carefully and double check before drilling the holes to mount it. This is so you guarantee it is at the right height for you.
Because it is fixed, this means that the only users will be those of that specific height. This makes them great for homes when you want to install a speed bag for your own personal use because. What’s more, it is much less expensive than the adjustable model.
>> Read also our guide to the best power racks for your home gym
How to Mount a Speed Bag Platform
While a speed bag may not seem very heavy, the platform you attach it too weighs much more than you might think. This is why it is important to always put safety first and have two people mount it to the wall.
Speed bag platforms typically weigh over 50 pounds, so you want to prevent dropping them at all costs. The last thing you’d want is to hurt yourself or damage your floor.
Once you have an assistant to help you, you need to make sure you have all the proper hardware and tools to install it before you start. This includes making sure you have the right fasteners for your walls.
If your walls are made of concrete, it will require different fasteners than wood or other softer materials. The screws and bolts you choose need to be able to penetrate the wall and be strong enough to keep your speed bag platform in place.
If you aren’t sure what to use, then ask a handyman or a local hardware store employee for help. When you have everything you need and are ready to mount your speed bag, it is time to measure and find the right spot for it.
The bottom of the speed bag itself should be level with your chin. If you are using an adjustable platform, measure it with the bag in the very middle position. This is so that you have the greatest range of motion while still being the ideal height for you.
Factors to Consider
In addition to whether the platform is adjustable, there are other additional factors you may want to consider when shopping around.
Solid and Sturdy Frame and Brackets
You never want to feel vibrations when using your speed bag. Vibrations are a sign that the brackets are either not sturdy enough to hold the platform, or not screwed in all the way.
Make sure everything is of good quality and will withstand your workouts without coming loose or falling apart.
Platform and Drum Thickness
The drum is the circular piece that your speed bag directly connects to and what connects to the rest of the platform. They need to be thick and solid enough to withstand the vibrations and shaking caused by the speed bag moving quickly back and forth.
Price
While no one wants to spend more money than they think they have to, there is definitely a bonus to spending a little more for higher-quality materials.
Cheaper materials like plastic may seem like a good way to save money at the time. However, they are far more easily broken, which will make you spend more money in the long run.
Swivel
Some platforms come with a built-in swivel already, but if not, look into buying one separately to use with your platform.
While it is typically cheaper to buy a platform with a swivel rather than buying them separately, it is all going to come down to your personal preference and what you want.
Final Verdict
We have listed three of the best speed bag platforms on the market today, as well as some tips on how to choose the best one for your needs. Use this guide to figure out what you want and take note of the pros and cons of each product.
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