Choosing the right pair and correct size of Muay Thai gloves is an important part of training. The size and weight of the gloves will depend on several factors, such as your body weight, skill level, and application (training, bag working, fights, etc). In order to make sure you get the best gloves for your needs, it’s important to understand what kind of glove weight
What Glove Weight Should I Get?
Muay Thai gloves are primarily sized by body weight. The larger your body weight, the heavier your gloves should be. For most people, the following weight categories usually apply:
– 10 oz – up to 120 lbs bodyweight
– 12 oz – from 121 lbs to 150 lbs
– 14 oz – from 151-180 lbs
– 16 oz – above 180 lbs
Gloves Weights Are Also Chosen by Application
You’ll also use lighter gloves for fights (for optimum speed and performance) and heavier gloves for training (for maximum protection).
As you progress, you’ll discover that you may need 2-4 pairs of gloves to accommodate different training scenarios.
Glove Weight for Sparring
During sparring, it’s recommended to use a heavier glove weight, such as a 14 or 16-oz glove, for both your and your training partner’s protection. Sparring is a major component of Muay Thai training, so you can count on using these gloves frequently.
Glove Weight for Bag Work and Pad Work
When it comes to bag work, medium-weight Muay Thai gloves are ideal. 12-ounce gloves provide a lower weight than sparring gloves, resulting in faster punch speed. Nonetheless, 14-ounce gloves are a solid choice for both pad work and bag work, as they offer padding and protection for both you and others in the event of any striking mistakes.
Glove Weight for Fights
In Muay Thai fights, lighter gloves are utilized for full power and speed. Glove weights between 8-10 oz are typically used, with 8oz or 10oz gloves being the typical weight. Hand wraps offer additional protection, allowing both beginners and professionals to feel more confident and safer with lighter gloves.
What is the Best Glove Weight for Beginners?
For beginners, a pair of 12 or 14-oz gloves are ideal, depending on your body weight. If you’re lighter than 150 lbs, go for 12oz, and if you’re heavier than 150 lbs, 14oz gloves will fit the bill. Consult the size chart at the beginning of this post as needed.
For beginners who are starting with just one pair of gloves, a 12-14 oz size is the typical choice for most Muay Thai training applications.
Prioritize Quality Materials
Aside from finding the right glove weight, you’ll want to prioritize quality materials to maximize your performance as well. Consider brands known for high-quality materials (like full-grain leather and KEVLAR®) such as CORBETTI Muay Thai gloves.
Don’t Forget to Rotate Your Gloves
When it comes to Muay Thai training, using different glove weights for different purposes is important. However, owning multiple gloves also enables you to switch between glove weights and increase their longevity through even wear as well. It’s especially important to keep glove rotation in mind when using high-quality products that are meant to last a lifetime.
In Conclusion
With the right pair of Muay Thai gloves, you’ll not only receive ample protection but will be able to better hone your technique. Know which glove weight(s) to purchase for your specific application—bag work or sparring— and rotate them not only for the specific scenario but for even wear and tear as well.
