This guide compares the Hit N Move Compact 12 (£184.99), Rival RFX-Guerrero-V HDE-F (£189.99) and three bag mitt options, including the Rival RB5 (£44.99). Choose by training purpose, experience and fit. The models below are for bag or pad work; keep a separate suitable pair for sparring. Browse our full range and shop boxing gloves UK.
| Glove | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hit N Move Compact 12 | £184.99 | Compact 12oz bag glove |
| Rival RFX-Guerrero-V HDE-F | £189.99 | Layered foam with EVA lamination |
| Rival RB5 Bag Mitts | £44.99 | Traditional slim mitt, technique work |
| Noble Art Night Train | £95.00 | Bag and pad work |
| Pro Box Leather Bag Mitts | £27.99 | Lower-priced leather bag mitt |
Introduction
If you spend enough time in a boxing gym, you will see it. A fighter pulling out their £200 sparring gloves and immediately smashing them into a heavy bag. It is a costly mistake.
Choose gloves for the work you plan to do. A glove suitable for bag work is not automatically suitable for sparring, and padding that has deteriorated needs checking before further use.
This guide separates dedicated bag models from gloves intended for sparring. Check the manufacturer’s intended use and your coach’s guidance when choosing. If you are still deciding on your main training gloves, start with our complete boxing gloves collection, then explore our dedicated range of boxing bag gloves and mitts to find the right pair for heavy bag sessions.
Why You Need Dedicated Bag Gloves (vs Sparring Gloves)
Sparring gloves need suitable padding and the weight required by your coach or gym. Padding does not make head contact safe or guarantee protection from injury.
Repeated heavy-bag use can compress softer sparring padding. If the foam bottoms out, your knuckles feel more of the impact against the dense filling of the bag.
Over time, this ruins the padding. Once the foam is compacted, the gloves are no longer safe for sparring. They will feel like concrete to your partners. Using sparring gloves on the heavy bag is a fast track to replacing expensive gear.
Bag gloves and mitts vary in padding, wrist fastening and fit. Some use layered foam; thin bag mitts give a closer feel with less padding. Choose the construction for your experience, hand condition and intended session.
Key Features to Look For in Bag Mitts
When selecting bag gloves or mitts, check these features. The right combination will improve your punching and cut the risk of injury.
1. Wrist Support Systems
Your wrist can bend backward when you hit a heavy bag. Fatigue makes this worse in later rounds. Look for wide, rigid hook-and-loop straps or V-strap systems. They help hold the glove securely around the wrist.
Fit is not optional. A solid wrist support system stops the glove from shifting on impact. It makes sure the force of your punch travels cleanly through your forearm.
2. Padding Types and Density
Padding construction varies by model. Rival's HDE-F construction combines layered foam with high-density EVA lamination.
Traditional bag mitts use thinner EVA foam to give you direct feedback. You feel exactly where your knuckles land. Your choice depends on whether you want maximum shock absorption or real feedback on your technique.
3. Thumb Design
Full bag gloves have an attached thumb. It is stitched to the main body of the glove to stop the thumb catching on the bag. For a broader view, see our ranked picks for the best boxing gloves in the UK.
Traditional bag mitts often have an open or floating thumb. This gives less protection against accidental thumb collisions. But it allows a more natural fist closure. It is popular for speed work and working on knuckle alignment. Read our guide on how to choose the perfect pair of boxing gloves to understand how these features apply to different types of training.
The Best Boxing Bag Gloves & Mitts for 2026
Here are the top five options available at Fightgear.co.uk.
Premium High-Performance
Hit N Move Compact 12 Boxing Gloves (£184.99)
The Hit N Move Compact 12 is a 12oz glove with a compact profile for bag and pad work. It is not a sparring glove.
Its leather construction and hook-and-loop closure are listed on the product page. Check the current size options and fit guidance with your usual wraps before choosing. Explore the full Hit N Move boxing equipment range, or read our Hit N Move boxing gear guide.
Rival RFX-Guerrero-V Bag Gloves HDE-F (£189.99)
The Rival RFX-Guerrero-V HDE-F is a leather glove designed for bag and pad work. Keep it separate from your sparring gloves.
Its HDE-F construction combines layered foam with high-density EVA lamination and a hook-and-loop wrist closure. Check the current weights and fit guidance on the product page. Browse the complete Rival boxing equipment collection.
Traditional Bag Mitts
Rival RB5 Bag Mitts (£44.99)
The Rival RB5 is a thinly padded bag mitt for bag and pad work. Its close feel is an option for experienced adults whose preference and hand condition suit a bag mitt; it is not a sparring glove.
The RB5 has a leather outer and ultra-thin EVA padding. Check the model’s sizing information and fit with your usual hand wraps; do not convert its letter sizes into glove weights.
Night Train Bag Mitt by The Noble Art (£95.00)
The Night Train Bag Mitt by The Noble Art is designed for bag and pad work. Check the product’s specifications and current options when comparing it with the other bag mitts here.
The current product page lists leather construction, layered foam and a hook-and-loop closure. Check fit with your hand wraps; this is a bag and pad model, not a sparring glove.
Value/Entry-Level
Pro Box Leather Bag Mitts (£27.99)
The Pro Box Leather Bag Mitts are the lower-priced leather mitts in this comparison. Bag mitts are an option for intermediate or advanced adults depending on preference and hand condition; adult beginners should use the weight guidance below.
The product page lists a hook-and-loop closure and Small, Medium and Large sizes. Choose by the model’s fit information with your normal wraps, rather than treating those sizes as glove weights.
Common Boxing Bag Glove Mistakes
These are mistakes worth avoiding in the gym. Avoid them.
- Using sparring gloves on the heavy bag: Repeated bag use can wear down the padding you rely on for sparring.
- Skipping hand wraps: Bag mitts offer minimal padding. The support from a hand wrap helps support your hand and wrist inside the glove.
- Ignoring fit: A glove that shifts on impact is not protecting your wrist.
How to Size Your Bag Gloves
Choose the weight for your training purpose and experience, then check the model’s hand fit with your usual wraps. Hand circumference and letter sizes do not translate directly into ounces. Use the manufacturer’s model-specific size guide and ask your coach if you are unsure.
| Bag and pad training | Starting guidance | Fit and use qualifier |
|---|---|---|
| Adult beginner under 65kg | 14oz | Hand size and comfort still matter. Check fit with your usual wraps and ask your coach if unsure. |
| Adult beginner over 65kg | 14–16oz | Hand size and comfort still matter. Check fit with your usual wraps and ask your coach if unsure. |
| Intermediate or advanced adult | 10–12oz or bag mitts | The choice depends on preference and hand condition. Check the model’s intended use and fit. |
| Junior boxer | Ask the coach | Age, body weight, hand fit and the planned session matter; do not apply the adult recommendations automatically. |
Check each model’s sizing advice rather than automatically sizing up. With your usual wraps, you should be able to close your fist comfortably without numbness or excess movement. A bag glove or mitt is not automatically suitable for sparring.
The Verdict: Which Bag Gloves Should You Buy?
- Consider the Hit N Move Compact 12 for a compact 12oz bag and pad glove, provided the fit and weight suit your experience and hand condition.
- Consider the Rival RFX-Guerrero-V HDE-F for layered foam with high-density EVA lamination in a dedicated bag and pad glove. Check the available weight and fit before choosing.
- Consider the Rival RB5 Bag Mitts if you are an experienced adult who prefers a thin mitt and your hand condition suits that choice.
- Compare the Night Train Bag Mitt with the other bag and pad options, checking its fit, fastening and current specification.
- Compare the Pro Box Leather Bag Mitts if you want a lower-priced leather mitt and have the experience and hand condition for that choice. Adult beginners should follow the weight guidance above.
Boxing Bag Gloves FAQ
Can I use sparring gloves on a heavy bag?
Keep a separate suitable pair for sparring. Repeated heavy-bag work can compress softer sparring padding, so check the manufacturer’s intended use and the condition of the gloves. Worn or hardened padding is a reason to retire them from sparring.
What is the difference between a bag glove and a bag mitt?
The difference is padding thickness and thumb design. Full bag gloves usually have more padding and an attached thumb. Bag mitts are much slimmer, with minimal foam padding and an open or slip-on thumb design. Mitts give you direct feedback. Bag gloves focus on absorbing shock.
Do I need to wear hand wraps with bag mitts?
Yes. Hand wraps add support around your hand and wrist, and fill any extra space inside the mitt. Bag mitts have minimal padding. The support from a hand wrap is essential.
What size bag glove should I buy?
For bags and pads, adult beginners under 65kg should start with 14oz, and those over 65kg with 14–16oz; hand size and comfort still matter. Intermediate or advanced adults can consider 10–12oz or bag mitts according to preference and hand condition. Check the model’s fit with your usual wraps and ask your coach if unsure. Letter sizes do not translate directly into ounces.
How long do boxing bag gloves last?
A good pair of leather bag gloves can give long service, but lifespan depends on how often you train and the condition of the padding, stitching and closure. Let them air dry completely after every session. Never leave them damp in a sealed gym bag. Wipe down the leather to remove sweat and salt, which can cause cracking over time.