This is a new part in our series of best-buy guides: punching mitts. We have divided the punching mitts into price ranges. In this second part of our best-buy guide for punching mitts, we will review the punching mitts in the most popular category: 100 to 200 euros.
Division by price range
Since the available budget is often a determining factor in the choice, we have divided the punching mitts into 3 price ranges: punching mitts up to 100 euros, up to 200 euros, and the absolute top class above 200 euros.
We are now covering the second category (up to 200 euros) and will address the other categories in other blogs from the best-buy guides.
Criteria for scoring punching mitts*
When evaluating the punching mitts, we look at what we consider the most important properties of punching mitts: ergonomics (comfort, weight distribution, and grip), level of impact absorption, and build quality. We will score the punching mitts based on these criteria.
- Ergonomics: By fit, we mean: comfort during use, but especially how well the punching mitts conform to the contours of your hands and arms. This also brings an important note: everyone’s hands are different, so personal preference or the shape and size of your hands also play a role. We also pay attention to weight distribution and ease of use.
- Impact absorption: The protection is the extent to which the punching mitts do what they are intended for: absorbing strikes 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, finish, and sturdiness of the punching mitts. We also look at details such as the hand compartments and closures.
At the time of writing, Fight2Win offers a selection of more than 30 different punching mitts for krav maga, martial arts, boxing, kickboxing, and thai boxing. *From these, we have selected the top 3 based on customer experiences and feedback, external product reviews, popularity, and our own expertise.
Best buy: Punching mitts 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 amazing punching mitts. Many trainers who have bought these swear by them, especially when working with heavy men or people who punch seriously hard.
Rival Boxing Gear is known for their revolutionary approach to boxing equipment, improving it in practical ways, and they have really succeeded with the "Air" punching mitts.
The Rival pads are not unique in using an air system to absorb punches (like a shock absorber), but they have applied the concept very well in these pads! One downside to making the system work well is that these punching mitts are on the bulky side for punch pads.
Ergonomics Rival RPM3 Air 2.0 (Score: 9/10)
The fit of the Rival RPM3 Air 2.0 is simply excellent thanks to the use of the "Catcher's Mitt" system and the separate design for left and right hands. This special grip works really well in practice and combined with the Velcro closure it provides a rock-solid grip and tremendous control over the punching mitts. Something every trainer is obviously looking for.
Despite their somewhat larger size, the pads are also very light, making them extremely comfortable for extended use. They also score well in terms of ergonomics and ease of use.
From our experiences and feedback from trainers/customers, we can say that these pads can compete even with 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 were already enthusiastic about the comfort, grip, and fit of the RPM3 pads, but in terms of impact absorption they are absolutely outstanding. The unique system minimizes the impact of punches from even the hardest-hitting fighters. If you work a lot with heavyweights or pros, these are truly the punching mitts to buy.
The idea is actually very simple: use air pressure as a natural way to absorb forces. That is what these Air mitts do. The air between the layers acts as a "shock absorber" and ensures that as a trainer you experience minimal impact even from the hardest hits.
They are top for training MMA fighters or people with a lot of power/weight in their punches. Definitely recommended, top quality!
Build quality Rival RPM3 Air 2.0 (Score: 7/10)
The build quality of the Rival punching mitts is simply good. Because of the air system, they feel lighter than they look, and you might think they are somewhat fragile. However, don’t be mistaken. Rival Boxing is a master at using light but extremely sturdy materials. The RS11V and RS100 boxing gloves are perfect examples of this. Proven quality.
Our experiences with Rival as a brand are very positive. They offer great value for money and do many things just a bit better than the competition. This is not only our opinion but is also reflected on many community sites like Reddit and video reviews from renowned boxers and reviewers on Youtube. On Google Product Reviews, the Rival RPM3 Air scores 4.9 out of 5 stars.
Features Rival RPM3 Air 2.0:
| Material | Microfiber |
| Closure | Velcro Hook & Loop |
| Dimensions | 24 x 23 x 5 cm |
| Weight | approx. 410 g (per pad) |
Pros:
+ Extremely good impact cushioning
+ Light and comfortable
Cons:
- The mesh panel doesn’t really work to cool down
- Quite large size for punching mitts
View in webshop:
External sources:
2. Booster BPM1
In second place, we find the BPM1 from Booster Fight Gear, made in Thailand. These punching mitts from Booster's premium A-line show many similarities to the Twins Special PML10 punching mitts. However, they are not exactly the same. For example, the Booster pads are a bit thinner and lighter. Additionally, these have a mesh over the fingertips, whereas the Twins are completely open.
The BPM1 are relatively simple-looking compact punching mitts, but unmistakably of very solid quality. The Booster BPM1, like their bigger brother the BPM2, are made in Thailand from extremely durable 100% cowhide leather. They have a simple slip-in glove for grip but feel very sturdy. They are pleasantly compact in size and very well suited for fast punching work on the pads.
Ergonomics Booster BPM1 (Score: 8/10)
The moment we put on the Booster BPM punching mitts, we already feel it: this is a solid A-quality product. Your hand fits nicely in the hand compartment, and the natural curve immediately gives a good grip.
What clearly benefits the ergonomics a lot is the soft thickening at the bottom of the pads. Wrists rest here and are therefore always supported and protected against heavy impact.
The punching mitts don’t weigh too much. You can easily complete long and multiple sessions as a trainer with them. They really have enough weight to give you the feeling of holding something solid. During training, there is little twisting, which significantly relieves the trainer’s elbows and wrists.
It’s also nice that the pads are made of Leather. Leather is easier to keep fresh and clean than synthetic materials. We can imagine that with heavy sweating, they might become a bit slipperier than rough-lined or synthetic pads.
Impact absorption Booster BPM1 (Score: 7/10)
The Booster pads have firm padding to absorb punches. This is clearly filling from Thai factories and therefore of solid quality. Not the kind of stuff you find in kids’ or budget pads. You get much more feedback on impact than with Rival’s Air mitts, both as a fighter and as a coach. This means trainers will feel more of the punches.
However, let’s emphasize that these are top-quality punching mitts that absorb and distribute impact very well.
Build quality Booster BPM1 (Score: 8/10)
You don’t have to be an expert to immediately see that the BPM1 is built to last. Everything clearly shows that this is a top-class product. The Leather looks like it will last for years. The stitching on the pads is expertly done.
Because the pads are made from multiple pieces of Leather (front and back), a natural way of air ventilation is created. This is necessary to let the force released go directly outside. Otherwise, the pads would tear much faster. These pieces are connected at essential points with thick threads/laces.
Features Booster BPM1:
| Material | Leather |
| Closure | Slip-in pocket |
| Dimensions | 25 x 19 x 7 cm |
| Weight | approx. 330 g (per pad) |
Pros:
+ Feels solid
+ Nice weight and size
Cons:
- Booster does not have that premium look like, for example, a Twins
View in webshop:
External sources:
3. Rival RPM1 Ultra
The Rival RPM1 Ultra are classic punching mitts in the so-called "cobra" style. This is called so because the mitts have a slight forward-curved curve, resembling a cobra in attack mode.
Compared to many other gear from the brand, the RPM1 Ultra seem simple in design: no special tricks or materials. However, they are simply handy and light punching mitts.
Ergonomics Rival RPM1 Ultra (Score: 7/10)
The fit of the Rival RPM1 Ultra is comfortable and they can be securely fastened around your wrists with the hook & loop Velcro closure. Your hands fit nicely into the preformed curve of the mitts and there is a small overlap that goes over your wrists.
We are a little disappointed in these pads. Not because they are not good. On the contrary. But we have seen so many materials from Rival Boxing Gear that look hypermodern, have many innovations, and so on, that these punching mitts actually just look and feel simple.
The Rival RPM1 Ultra do very well what they are intended for. They are simply very pleasant, light, and small punching mitts that are really suitable for everyone: from beginners to advanced.
Impact absorption Rival RPM1 Ultra (Score: 7/10)
The Rival RPM1 Ultra initially feel hard. However, that is the outside, because inside they have a very pleasant lining, as we are used to from Rival Boxing Gear.
The inner lining ensures that your hands sit very comfortably in the Ultra punching mitts and are therefore ready to absorb heavy blows. The Rival RPM1 Ultra does this more than adequately.
However, do not expect the cushioning like that of the RPM3 Air or the higher top models RPM100 Professional and RPM10 Intelli-Shock. These are therefore a step lower in the hierarchy. For the price, these are really very well-performing punching mitts and they deserve a place with every serious trainer. On Google, they also score a neat 4.8 out of 5 stars in the Product Reviews.
Love these! I'm very small and skinny so finding mitts that would be light enough to manoeuvre 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 very good. We know this from years of experience with this brand. These mitts feel great and the hook & loop looks like it can last a long time before showing wear.
Still, as mentioned earlier, we are used to a bit more from Rival. But we must not forget that this is Rival’s mid-range line and not the absolute top line for professionals. Considering the quality and finish, the RPM1 Ultra scores a solid 7 from us for this aspect.
Features Rival RPM1 Ultra:
| Material | Microfiber |
| Closure | Slip-in pocket with hook & loop fastener |
| Dimensions | 21 x 17 x 5 cm |
| Weight | approx. 300 g (per mitt) |
Pros:
+ Nice classic cobra shape
Cons:
- Looks less sturdy
- Quite simple for Rival standards
View in webshop:
External sources:
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, ratings, 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 absorption |
| Cons: | 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 sturdy, nice size |
| Cons: | No premium look |
| Best choice for: | Trainers who prioritize durability |
| 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: | Nice fit, classic cobra shape |
| Cons: | Looks a bit simple and fragile |
| Best choice for: | Trainers who make the best balance between price and quality |
| Shop now | |
View all punching mitts for personal training, combat sports, and martial arts in our webshop: punching mitts >> punching mitts up to 200 euros
