How to make a heavy bag last

December 20, 2009 1:39 PM

How does one avoid getting tears / rips in a heavy (punching) bag?

I work at a gym where we provide a heavy bag (usually leather) and they never seem to last very long. They always get torn open near the top 3rd of the bag. I don't know if it is the way it is being hung, the stuffing settling to the bottom, or how it is being hit (kicking with shoes?). Anyone know of any guides on how to take care of heavy bags and what to do and what not to do?

posted by GleepGlop to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (3 answers total)

fwiw this happened to my bag after a few years, and I've only ever used bag gloves with it, no bare hands and no feet. there was only one tear, and a little duct tape over it solved the problem and the bag is still fine. No clue if there's a way to prevent it from happening.
posted by devilsbrigade at 7:12 PM on December 20, 2009

I put duct tape on my canvass bag before I started to use it. never a problem!
posted by Country Dick Montana at 10:35 PM on December 20, 2009

Seems like the filling settles and there's less of it up top. So you get less backing on the most hit area for more strain on the material. I have a ratty old everlast and adding more material and covering it with duct tape. Also work those low kicks and bodyshots.
posted by anti social order at 8:04 AM on December 22, 2009