This is a new installment in our series of best-buy guides: hand pads. We've categorized hand pads by price range. In this second installment of our best-buy guide for hand pads, we'll review the most popular price range: €100 to €200.
Breakdown by price range
Since the available budget is often a determining factor for the choice, we have divided the hand pads into 3 price ranges: hand pads up to 100 euros , up to 200 euros and the absolute top class above 200 euros .
We are now dealing with the second category (up to 200 euros) and will cover the other categories in other blogs from the best-buy guides.
Criteria for scoring hand pads*
When evaluating hand pads, we look at what we consider to be the most important features: ergonomics (comfort, weight distribution, and grip), level of impact absorption, and build quality. We will score the hand pads based on these criteria.
- Ergonomics: By fit, we mean comfort during use, but especially how well the hand pads fit the contours of your hands and arms. Another important point: everyone's hands are different, so personal preference, including the shape and size of your hands, also plays a role. We also consider weight distribution and ease of use.
- Impact absorption: Protection is the degree to which the hand pads perform as intended: absorbing impacts with limited feedback. Therefore, the level of impact is also linked to the fit and weight, as these properties influence each other.
- Build quality: The materials used, the finish, and the sturdiness of the hand pads. 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 Thai boxing. *We've selected the top 3 based on customer experiences and feedback, external product reviews, popularity, and our own expertise.
Best buy: Hand pads up to €200
- Rival RPM3 Air 2.0
- Booster BPM1
- Rival RPM1 Ultra
1. Rival RPM3 Air 2.0
The Rival RPM3 Air mitts are truly fantastic hand pads. Many trainers who have purchased them swear by them, especially when working with heavy men or people who throw serious punches.
Rival Boxing Gear is known for its revolutionary approach to boxing equipment, seeking practical improvements, and they've certainly achieved this with the "Air" hand pads.
The Rivals aren't unique in using an air system to dampen impacts (like a shock absorber), but they've applied the concept very well in these pads! One drawback to getting the system working properly is that these hand pads are a bit large for impact pads.
Ergonomics Rival RPM3 Air 2.0 (Score: 9/10)
The fit of the Rival RPM3 Air 2.0 is simply exceptional thanks to the use of the "Catcher's Mitt" system and the separate design for left and right hands. This special grip works incredibly well in practice, and combined with the hook-and-loop closure, it ensures a rock-solid grip and excellent control over the hand pads. Something you, as a coach, are naturally looking for.
Despite their somewhat larger size, the pads are also very lightweight, making them incredibly comfortable to use for extended periods. This also earns them high marks for ergonomics and ease of use.
Based on our experience and feedback from trainers and clients, we can say that these pads can compete with even the most expensive pads and might even be preferred. That's how good the RPM3 pads from Rival Boxing are.
Impact absorption Rival RPM3 Air 2.0 (Score: 10/10)
We've already raved about the comfort, grip, and fit of the RPM3 pads, but when it comes to impact absorption, they're truly unparalleled. The unique system minimizes impacts from even the hardest-hitting fighters. If you frequently work with heavyweights or pros, these are the hand pads to buy.
The idea is actually quite simple: use air pressure as a natural way to absorb forces. That's what these Air mitts do. The air between the layers acts as a "shock absorber" and ensures that you, as a trainer, experience minimal discomfort from even the hardest impacts.
They're great for training MMA fighters or those who use a lot of power/weight in their punches. Highly recommended, top quality!
Build quality Rival RPM3 Air 2.0 (Score: 7/10)
The build quality of the Rival hand pads is simply excellent. The air system makes them feel lighter than they look, and you might think they're a bit fragile. Don't be fooled, though. Rival Boxing is a master at using lightweight yet incredibly durable materials. The RS11V and RS100 boxing gloves are perfect examples of this. Proven quality.
Our experience with Rival as a brand has been very positive. They offer incredible value for money and do many things just a little bit better than the competition. This isn't just our opinion, by the way; it can be found on numerous community sites like Reddit and in video reviews from renowned boxers and reviewers on YouTube. The Rival RPM3 Air also has a 4.9 out of 5 star rating on Google Product Reviews.
Features Rival RPM3 Air 2.0:
| Material | Microfiber |
| Closure | Hook & Loop |
| Size | 24 x 23 x 5 cm |
| Weight | approx. 410 g (per pad) |
Pros:
+ Extremely good impact cushioning
+ Light and comfortable
Negatives:
- The mesh panel doesn't really work for cooling
- Fairly large size for hand pads
View in webshop:
External sources:
2. Booster BPM1
In second place is the Thai-made BPM1 from Booster Fight Gear. These hand pads from Booster's premium A-line share many similarities with the Twins Special PML10 hand pads . However, they are not exactly the same. The Booster pads are slightly thinner and lighter. They also have a mesh covering the fingertips, while the Twins are completely open.
The BPM1 are relatively simple-looking, compact hand pads, but undeniably of excellent quality. Like their bigger brother, the BPM2, the Booster BPM1 is made in Thailand from incredibly durable 100% cowhide leather. They have a simple slip-on glove for grip, yet feel incredibly sturdy. They are conveniently compact and ideal for quick punching on the pads.
Ergonomics Booster BPM1 (Score: 8/10)
The moment we put on Booster BPM hand pads, we know it: this is a solid, top-quality product. Your hand fits comfortably in the grip compartment, and the natural curve provides an immediate, secure grip.
What clearly improves ergonomics is the soft padding on the underside of the pads. The wrists rest on this padding, ensuring they are always supported and protected from heavy impact.
The hand pads aren't overly heavy, so you can use them for extended training sessions. They're quite heavy enough to give you the feeling of holding something truly solid. There's minimal rotation during training, which significantly reduces strain on the trainer's elbows and wrists.
Leather pads are also nice. Leather is easier to keep fresh and clean than synthetic materials. We can imagine that with heavy sweating, they might become a bit more slippery than rough-lined or synthetic pads.
Impact Absorption Booster BPM1 (Score: 7/10)
The Booster pads have firm padding to absorb impacts. This is clearly a filling from Thai factories and therefore of solid quality. Nothing you'll find in children's or budget pads. You do get much more feedback on impact than Rival's Air mitts, both as a fighter and as a coach. This does mean, however, that you bear more of the brunt of the impact as a trainer.
However, we must emphasize that these are top-quality hand pads that absorb and distribute impact very well.
Build Quality Booster BPM1 (Score: 8/10)
You don't have to be a scientist to immediately see that the BPM1s are built to last. Everything about them clearly shows that this is a top-notch product. The leather looks like it will last for years. The stitching on the pads is expertly crafted.
Because the pads are made of multiple pieces of leather (front and back), they also allow for natural airflow. This is necessary to allow the force to escape directly. Otherwise, the pads would tear much more quickly. These pieces are connected in key areas with thick threads/laces.
Features Booster BPM1:
| Material | Leather |
| Closure | Insertion hand |
| Dimensions | 25 x 19 x 7 cm |
| Weight | approx. 330 g (per pad) |
Pros:
+ Feels solid
+ Nice weight and size
Negatives:
- Booster doesn't have that premium look like a Twins for example
View in webshop:
3. Rival RPM1 Ultra
The Rival RPM1 Ultra are classic hand pads in the so-called "cobra" style. This is because the pads have a slightly forward curve, resembling a cobra in attack mode.
Compared to many other gear from the brand, the RPM1 Ultra seem simple in design: no fancy gimmicks or materials. However, they are simply comfortable and lightweight pads.
Ergonomics Rival RPM1 Ultra (Score: 7/10)
The Rival RPM1 Ultra fits comfortably and securely around your wrists with the hook-and-loop closure. Your hands fit comfortably within the contoured curve of the pads, and there's a small overlap that extends over your wrists.
We are, however, a little disappointed with these pads. Not because they're bad. Quite the opposite. But we've seen so many Rival Boxing Gear materials that look ultramodern, feature numerous innovations, and so on, that these hand pads actually look and feel quite plain.
The Rival RPM1 Ultra do what they're designed for very well. They're simply very comfortable, light, and small hand pads that are truly suitable for everyone: from beginners to advanced players.
Impact absorption Rival RPM1 Ultra (Score: 7/10)
The Rival RPM1 Ultra initially feel hard. However, that's just the outside, as they have a very comfortable lining inside, just like we've come to expect from Rival Boxing Gear.
The inner padding ensures your hands sit comfortably in the Ultra handpads, ready to absorb heavy impacts. The Rival RPM1 Ultra more than delivers.
However, don't expect the same level of cushioning as the RPM3 Air or the higher-end models RPM100 Professional and RPM10 Intelli-Shock . These are therefore a step lower in the pecking order. For the price, these are truly excellent hand pads and deserve a place in any serious trainer's collection. They also score a respectable 4.8 out of 5 stars in Google's Product Reviews.
Love these! I'm very small and skinny so finding mitts that would be light enough to maneuver easily but also withstand hard punches to protect my wrists and elbows is a dream! They are so comfortable and can do all the above. They look so cool too 👌
Build quality Rival RPM1 Ultra (Score: 7/10)
The build quality of all Rival products is excellent. We know this from years of experience with this brand. These pads feel great, and the Velcro looks like it can handle quite a bit of wear and tear.
Still, as mentioned before, we've come to expect a little more from Rival. However, we also have to remember that this is Rival's mid-range line, not the absolute top-of-the-line for professionals. Considering the quality and finish, the RPM1 Ultra scores a solid 7 out of 10 with us in this regard.
Rival RPM1 Ultra Features:
| Material | Microfiber |
| Closure | Insert hand with hook & loop Velcro closure |
| Size | 21 x 17 x 5 cm |
| Weight | approx. 300 g (per pad) |
Pros:
+ Fine classic cobra shape
Negatives:
- Looks less sturdy
-How simple for Rival standards
View in webshop:
SCOREBOARD*
| Model | Ergonomics | Absorption | Build quality |
| RPM3 Air | 9/10 | 10/10 | 7/10 |
| BPM1 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| RPM1 Ultra | 7/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Model | OVERALL | ||
| RPM3 Air | 26/30 | ||
| BPM1 | 23/30 | ||
| RPM1 Ultra | 21/30 | ||
* The scores are based on customer experiences and feedback, popularity, external product reviews, reviews and our own expertise.
CONCLUSIONS
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Rival RPM3 Air |
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Score: 26/30 |
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| Price indication: | €180- €220 |
| Pros: | Extremely good impact cushioning |
| Negatives: | Quite large in size |
| Best choice for: | Trainers who work with heavyweights and hard hitters |
| Shop now | |
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Booster BPM1 |
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Score: 23/30 |
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| Price indication: | €180 - €220 |
| Pros: | Very solid, nice size |
| Negatives: | No premium look |
| Best choice for: | Trainers who prioritize reliability |
| Shop now | |
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Rival RPM1 Ultra |
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Score: 21/30 |
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| Price indication: | €130- €160 |
| Pros: | Great fit, classic cobra shape |
| Negatives: | Looks a bit simple and fragile |
| Best choice for: | Trainers who make the best choice between price and quality |
| Shop now | |
View all hand pads for personal training, combat sports and martial arts in our webshop: hand pads >> hand pads up to 200 euros
