This is a new installment in our best-buy guide series: handheld devices. We have categorized the handheld devices by price range. In this part of our best-buy guide for handheld devices, we will review handheld devices in the recreational use category: up to 100 euros.
Subdivision by price range
Since the available budget is often a determining factor in the choice, we have divided the handpads into 3 price classes: handpads up to 100 euros, up to 200 euros and the absolute top class above 200 euros .
We are now covering the category for entry-level models (up to 100 euros) and will cover the other categories in other blogs from the best-buy guides.
Criteria for scoring handpads*
When evaluating the handpads, we look at what we consider to be the most important features of a handpad: ergonomics (comfort, weight distribution, and grip), impact absorption, and build quality. We will score the handpads based on these criteria.
- Ergonomics: By fit, we mean comfort during use, but especially how well the handpads fit the contours of your hands and arms. This brings us to an important point: everyone's hands are different, so personal preference and the shape and size of your hands also come into play. We also pay attention to weight distribution and ease of use.
- Impact absorption: The protection is the extent to which the handpads do what they are intended to do: absorb impacts with limited feedback transmission. Therefore, the degree of impact is also linked to the fit and weight, as these properties influence each other.
- Build quality: The materials used, finish, and sturdiness of the handpads. We also look at details such as the hand compartments and closures.
At the time of writing, Fight2Win offers a selection of over 30 different hand pads for Krav Maga, martial arts, boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. *From this selection, we choose the top 3 based on customer experiences and feedback, external product reviews, popularity, and our own expertise.
Best Buy: Handpads up to €100
- Rival RPM7 Fitness+
- Hayabusa PTS3
- King Pro Revo 2
1. Rival RPM7 Fitness+
The Rival RPM7 Fitness+ mitts are excellent pads for recreational users and beginners. They look flashy, are reasonably large, and are lightweight. It should be clear that these pads – like most pads in this price range – are not suitable for intensive use in a gym or commercial setting. For that, we strongly recommend purchasing a higher-priced model.
Nevertheless, the RPM7 are certainly not bad pads. They are suitable for use with people who punch and box recreationally or are absolute beginners. Rival also advertises this by adding the name Fitness+ to this model.
Ergonomics Rival RPM7 Fitness+ (Score: 7/10)
The fit of the Rival RPM7 Fitness+ is simply very good, especially for pads in this price range. The RPM7 clearly benefits from the know-how and knowledge of its bigger brothers. They have a natural curve and a nice teardrop shape.
The slip-on hand with mesh panels fits most people well, and a Velcro closure ensures that you can secure the pads a bit more firmly. Again, keep in mind that these are not pads for working with for hours on end.
Despite their slightly larger size, the pads are also very lightweight, making them extremely pleasant for recreational users to work with. This gives the pads high marks in terms of ergonomics and ease of use.
Impact absorption Rival RPM7 Fitness+ (Score: 6/10)
The Rival RPM7 Fitness+ offer sufficient impact absorption, but nothing more than that. They are therefore intended for fitness and precision exercises for recreational users, not for absorbing hard blows.
The surface of these pads is quite firm, so using bag gloves or boxing gloves is always recommended.
These feel great in the hand, even with wraps, and are super lightweight. They seem rather cheap and the foam is very firm on the striking surface, making bare knuckle training unrealistic; light striking with bag gloves and heavy striking with boxing gloves. The dense foam transmits shocks to your hand, so you'll want to limit the force to a fitness training level, as the hand pads are described for. Don't buy these if you want to throw hard punches; elbows work well, although the surface isn't abrasive or rubbery.
Rival RPM7 Fitness+ Build Quality (Score: 7/10)
The build quality of the Rival RPM7 handpads is adequate. They feel very light, and the padding doesn't seem to be of the highest quality. They will function well for recreational use, but we think the padding will break down with harder impact.
Our experiences with Rival have been very positive. This product is in Rival's budget segment, so we don't expect the highest scores on durability. However, on Google, the Rival RPM7 Fitness+ surprisingly receives higher ratings, with a 4.9 out of 5 stars. And this based on a reliable number of respondents, exceeding 100.
Features of Rival RPM7 Fitness+:
| Material | PU |
| Closing | Hook and Loop Fastener |
| Dimension | 24 x 18 x 5 cm |
| Weight | approx. 240 g (per pad) |
Pros:
+ Competitively priced
+ Light and comfortable
Disadvantages:
- Not suitable for hard impacts.
View in webshop:
2. Hayabusa PTS3
The Hayabusa PTS3 is available in two versions: standard and micro. This test will use the standard version, but both have the same properties and are made from the same materials.
Hayabusa's PTS3 pads look professional and appear to be a very decent pair of hand pads, easily worthy of a higher price point. Everything about these pads seems perfect, and they also bear the renowned Hayabusa logo – what more could you want?
By the way, Hayabusa also only has (for now) 1 model of handpads in its range, and that is the PTS3.
Ergonomics Hayabusa PTS3 (Score: 7/10)
Hayabusa, like the other Canadian brand Rival, is known for its innovative designs and materials. Extensive research and testing with fighters is almost always conducted before the materials actually go into production.
The PTS3 feel light, but certainly not fragile. They fit comfortably and, thanks to the slight curve, they follow the anatomy of your hands quite well. The spherical shape allowed us to get a good grip on the pads, so we could deliver some powerful punches.
Even though the Hayabusa pads have a mesh panel in the hand compartment, they, like the gloves from this brand, become extremely warm inside during use. We get very sweaty hands and already know that these mitts will need a generous dose of FreshKO or Sukkiri spray.
For those who will encounter this issue, the Hayabusa PTS3 has a pleasant contact surface, especially in the standard version. Incidentally, we would always buy the standard version. If the need for micro-pads arises, we would definitely shop in a higher price range.
Impact absorption Hayabusa PTS3 (Score: 6/10)
The Hayabusa pads have sufficient padding to absorb impacts. They feel good and offer adequate cushioning, but, like other pads in this price range, they're not designed for extremely hard impacts.
As a trainer, you will definitely get feedback on the pads that spread the impact but still allow a lot of force to pass through.
Hayabusa PTS3 Build Quality (Score: 7/10)
The build quality of the Hayabusa PTS3 is good. The finish is decent and it all looks quite serious. No toy or children's pads here.
We would have preferred the strap used to secure the pads to be a bit wider and/or sturdier. However, we're not talking about top-of-the-line handpads here. So, a decent 7 on this aspect. On Google, the PTS3 also scores very well with 4.9/5 stars from over 50 product reviews at the time of writing.
Features of the Hayabusa PTS3:
| Material | PU |
| Closing | Hook and Loop Fastener |
| Dimensions | 25 x 19 x 5 cm |
| Weight | approx. 360 g (per pad) |
Pros:
+ Feels solid, neat finish
+ Nice weight and size
Disadvantages:
- Become really warm inside
View in webshop:
3. King Pro Revo 2
At first glance, the King Pro Revo 2 controllers offer a lot of controller for the money. They are even more affordable than those mentioned above and many other competitors.
They look like serious handpads and are definitely better than the "toy" versions of the really cheap handpads sold at sports chains.
Ergonomics King Pro Revo 2 (Score: 6/10)
The King Pro Revo 2 hand pads fit well around your hands and fasten with hook & loop Velcro. This is good, but the closure leaves some play between your wrist and the pads. They don't fit as snugly as hand pads in the higher segment.
The King Pro pads are shaped with a classic, slight curve, which allows for a reasonably good grip in these budget handpads. The hands fit into an open glove, so they're quite usable.
Impact absorption King Pro Revo 2 (Score: 6/10)
You can use the Revo 2 handpads to do some extra training, but due to the play in the wrist area and the mediocre padding, these pads are also not suitable for hitting really hard.
The pads offer a fairly comfortable grip, but expect to feel a significant recoil when absorbing impacts. There is no extra cushioning layer in the basic padding.
King Pro Revo 2 Build Quality (Score: 6/10)
You get what you pay for. The King Pro Revo 2 handpads look pretty good with the mesh and Velcro closure, but the workmanship is very cheap. The Velcro straps look very messy and the metal rings they go through don't seem very durable.
Nevertheless, the King pads still score a passing grade in this area, because we're talking about a price range for materials that you buy extra. Not for training your PT clients or top fighters day in and day out.
Features of King Pro Revo 2:
| Material | PU |
| Closing | Slip-on glove with hook & loop fastener |
| Dimension | 25 x 20 x 4.5 cm |
| Weight | approx. 240 g (per pad) |
Pros:
+ Fine, classic cobra shape
+ Very affordably priced.
Disadvantages:
- No refined finish
View in webshop:
SCOREBOARD*
| Model | Ergonomics | Absorption | Build quality |
| RPM7 | 7 out of 10 | 6 out of 10 | 7 out of 10 |
| PTS3 | 7 out of 10 | 6 out of 10 | 7 out of 10 |
| Revo 2 | 6 out of 10 | 6 out of 10 | 6 out of 10 |
| Model | OVERALL | ||
| RPM7 | 21 out of 30 | ||
| PTS3 | 21 out of 30 | ||
| Revo 2 | 18 out of 30 | ||
* The scores are based on customer experiences and feedback, popularity, external product reviews, reviews and our own expertise.
CONCLUSIONS
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Rival RPM7 Fitness+ |
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Score: 21 out of 30 |
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| Price indication: | €70 - €90 |
| Pros: | Light and comfortable |
| Disadvantages: | Not of heavy-duty construction quality. |
| Best choice for: | Boxing fitness classes with a modern look. |
| Shop now | |
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Hayabusa PTS3 |
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Score: 21 out of 30 |
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| Price indication: | €90 - €110 |
| Pros: | Clean finish, solid quality. |
| Disadvantages: | Become very warm inside. |
| Best choice for: | Personal trainers who use them interchangeably. |
| Shop now | |
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King Pro Revo 2 |
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Score: 18/30 |
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| Price indication: | €50 - €70 |
| Pros: | Extremely competitive price, serious appearance. |
| Disadvantages: | Cheap finish. |
| Best choice for: | Recreational users who occasionally do some paddling |
| Shop now | |
View all handpads for personal training, combat sports and martial arts in our webshop: handpads >> handpads up to 100 euros
