Boxing gloves are important equipment for boxers during training and competitions.
The weight of gloves is measured in ounces, and the number of ounces varies depending on the purpose for which the glove is used and the person it is suitable for.
In this article, we will explain everything about boxing gloves in detail, from how to choose the ounce of boxing gloves to their characteristics, and even how to properly maintain them.
From beginners to professional boxers, we support a safer and more effective boxing life by providing a complete guide to choosing the right gloves for you.
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Boxing glove basics: What is an ounce?
The “ounce” of boxing gloves is a unit of measurement for the weight of the glove.
This weight is closely related to the thickness of the glove’s padding, the cushioning that protects your hands.
The higher the ounce count, the heavier the glove is and the more padding it has.
This basic understanding is essential to choosing the right glove.
Meaning of ounce and its importance
The number of ounces indicates the level of protection the glove provides.
Heavier gloves generally provide better protection for the wrists and back of the hands and are recommended for beginners and boxers practicing heavy punches.
Gloves with more ounces can absorb impact more effectively when hitting, minimizing damage to your hands and your opponent.
For this reason, it is important to choose gloves with the appropriate ounce count to increase the safety of your training.
Gloves of different ounce counts and their uses
Boxing gloves come in a variety of ounces, typically from 8 ounces to 16 ounces.
8oz and 10oz gloves are commonly used for professional matches and allow for maximum hand movement with less padding.
The 12oz gloves are ideal for sparring, offering just the right amount of protection and maneuverability.
On the other hand, 14oz and 16oz gloves are suitable for training and daily practice and are especially recommended for beginners and boxers for fitness purposes.
These gloves have excellent shock absorption and are suitable for long periods of use.
Thus, understanding the ounce count of boxing gloves is essential not only to improve your boxing skills but also to enjoy the sport safely.
Selection of ounces to suit each boxer’s needs reduces the risk of injury and maximizes the effectiveness of training.
How to choose boxing gloves
How you choose boxing gloves depends on your training goals, experience level, and individual fit.
The selection of ounces in particular has a direct impact on safety and performance.
Here, we will focus on selecting ounces for beginners and experienced users.
Choosing ounces for beginners
Beginners are still learning the basics of boxing techniques, so it’s important to properly protect your hands and wrists.
Generally, 14oz or 16oz gloves are recommended for beginners.
Since these gloves are heavier, they provide more padding to absorb shock and reduce strain on the joints when punching.
Using these heavier gloves will also help improve your strength and endurance, allowing you to safely hone your technique over time.
Ounce selection for experienced users
Experienced boxers will need to choose more specific gloves to suit their style and match requirements.
For competition and sparring, 10oz or 12oz gloves are generally preferred.
These gloves are relatively light, allowing you to punch faster and more accurately, maximizing your performance in a match.
However, these gloves have less padding and require advanced technique and proper hitting form.
Therefore, it is important for experienced users to balance precision technique with self-protection when using these gloves.
In addition to these guidelines, it’s important to consider your hand size, glove fit, and your gym or coach’s recommendations when choosing boxing gloves.
Choosing the right gloves is essential to increasing the effectiveness of your training and minimizing the risk of injury.
Training gloves and competition gloves
In boxing, training and competition gloves are distinctly different, each with their own unique characteristics.
Choosing the right gloves has a direct impact on performance and safety.
Features of training gloves
Training gloves are designed primarily to be used for practice and sparring.
These gloves are generally heavier (14 ounces or more) and have thicker padding.
This thickness protects your hands from impact from prolonged use and reduces the risk of injury.
Training gloves are also made from durable materials to withstand the rigors of daily use.
This makes it perfect for repetitive practice during training sessions and for practicing powerful punches.
What’s more, special attention has been paid to the fit, which is designed to stay comfortable and fit even during long training sessions.
Characteristics of match gloves
Match gloves are manufactured to specific standards for use in official matches.
These gloves are lightweight (usually 10 or 12 ounces) and designed to maximize punching speed and accuracy.
Match gloves have thinner padding than training gloves, which improves the feel in your hands and allows for more accurate strikes.
These gloves also often have a more sophisticated design and are tailored to match the rules of the game.
For match gloves, it is important to have a balance between lightness and feel in order to maximize performance.
Training gloves and competition gloves are each optimized for a specific purpose depending on the demands of boxers.
Choosing the right gloves allows a boxer to hone his technique and perform at his best in a match.
kids boxing gloves oz
For children starting boxing, choosing the right gloves is critical to ensuring a safe and enjoyable training experience.
The number of ounces indicates the weight of the glove, and the number of ounces you should choose will depend on your child’s age, weight, and type of training.
How to choose ounces by age
Boxing gloves for children typically start at 4 ounces and increase in ounces as they age. Below are general guidelines:
- Ages 4-6 : 4-ounce gloves are best, helping them get used to the weight of the gloves while still providing plenty of protection for their hands and wrists.
- Ages 7-10 : 6oz to 8oz gloves recommended. This allows for more serious training and provides a reasonable amount of protection.
- Ages 11 and up : 8- to 10-ounce gloves are appropriate for their developmental stage and high-intensity training.
It’s important to adjust these recommendations depending on your child’s weight and training progress.
child glove safety
The safety of children’s boxing gloves largely depends on proper padding and accurate fit.
High-quality gloves feature thick padding that provides good wrist support and shock absorption.
Ventilation inside the glove is also important, and to maintain comfort even when used for long periods of time, it is a good idea to choose a glove with ventilation holes.
When making a selection, it is essential to choose gloves made of durable materials, with regular inspection and proper care.
This creates the best conditions for children to enjoy boxing safely.
When choosing boxing gloves for your child, use these guidelines to choose gloves that are appropriate for your child’s growth and development.
This will help them develop their boxing skills safely.
Glove selection for professional boxers
For professional boxers, glove selection is directly related to match performance.
Choosing the right glove will allow them to perform at their best in the game.
Here we will explain the ounce count and recommended brands of gloves chosen by professionals.
Ounces of gloves selected by professionals
The number of ounces of gloves a professional boxer chooses is determined primarily by the rules of the match and personal preference.
Generally, men use 10oz or 12oz gloves in professional matches.
These gloves are relatively lightweight and designed to keep your hands agile.
On the other hand, even lighter 8oz gloves are sometimes used in female boxers and lightweight categories.
This allows you to develop strategies that emphasize speed and accuracy.
Brands recommended by professional boxers
Glove brands recommended for professional boxers are selected for their quality, durability, and fit.
There are many boxing glove brands on the market, but the following brands are widely trusted among professionals:
- Cleto Reyes : This Mexican-made brand is known for its durability and design for maximum punch impact.
- Winning : Japanese-made winning gloves are the choice of many professional boxers for their superior protection and comfortable fit.
- Everlast : A long-established American brand with a wide range of models, offering high-quality gloves especially for professional boxers.
These brands provide gloves with the characteristics professional boxers need to perform at their best in their matches.
Choosing the right gloves maximizes hand protection and determines your performance in a match, so professional boxers carefully choose the brands and models that work best for them.
Glove ounces and training effects
The number of ounces of boxing gloves is an important factor that greatly affects training effectiveness.
Choosing the right glove is important to match your training goals, and the number of ounces will affect the quality of your training.
How ounces affect your training
The weight of a boxing glove is determined primarily by the amount of padding inside the glove.
Gloves with higher ounce counts are heavier, which increases the stress on the hands and arms.
This weight increases the power of your punches while also contributing to your stamina and strength.
Training with heavier gloves can improve wrist and arm stability and reduce the risk of injury.
Also, using heavier gloves will allow you to punch faster and more accurately than when using lighter gloves in real combat.
Choosing gloves for effective training
Choosing the right glove for your training purpose is the key to effective practice.
For example, if your training focuses on speed and reaction time, you might want to choose a lighter weight glove (say, 10 ounces or less).
This allows you to focus on learning the technique without hindering your hand movement.
On the other hand, heavier gloves of 14 ounces or more are recommended for power and endurance training.
This is to absorb more shock and protect your hands during long training sessions.
By choosing gloves according to the type of training, you can improve your boxing skills across the board.
It is also important to pay attention to the fit and quality of the gloves to help each boxer improve his technique while ensuring training safety.
Care and storage of boxing gloves
With proper care, you can greatly extend the lifespan of your boxing gloves.
Proper care and storage will keep your gloves in top condition and improve your performance in training and matches.
How to care for your gloves to extend their lifespan
It is most effective to clean your boxing gloves immediately after use.
Gloves are damp with sweat and dirt after use, so if left unattended, this can lead to bacterial growth and odor.
First, wipe the outside and inside of the glove with a soft cloth to remove sweat and dirt. Next, let it air dry in a well-ventilated area to ensure it is thoroughly dry, especially the inside.
After the gloves are completely dry, apply a thin layer of leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and prevent it from cracking and hardening.
By performing these steps regularly, your gloves will stay looking new for longer.
How to properly store gloves
How you store your gloves also greatly affects their lifespan. When storing your gloves, it is important to keep them out of direct sunlight and in a cool, well-ventilated place.
If stored in a humid place, the material of the glove will deteriorate easily, so a place with a dehumidifying effect is ideal.
Also, if you store gloves on top of each other, they may lose their shape, so be sure to store each glove separately.
If possible, we also recommend using a dedicated storage bag or box for your gloves to protect them from dust and dirt.
These care and storage instructions will ensure that your boxing gloves maintain their best performance and last for a long time.
Proper care is an essential process for maximizing the value of your glove investment and improving the quality of your training.
