The best boxing wraps. How to choose bandages for boxing? How long are boxing tapes?

Boxing bandages are an effective means of protection that significantly reduces the risk of skin inflammation and injury to the athlete’s hands. This is especially true for beginner boxers.A rating of the best manufacturers of sports bandages and a review of brands will help you choose high-quality and reliable protection for your hands.

Bandages for boxers are guaranteed protection of the hand from dislocations, fractures and other injuries that can be received during a fight or during training.

Proper and strong fixation of the wrist and palm does not allow the joints to move to the side, protects the tendons, thereby preventing any injuries and preventing the formation of abrasions on the top layer of skin.

Some types of injuries can be fatal for a boxer and end his career. The most vulnerable place for athletes involved in martial arts is the metacarpophalangeal joints, clenched into a fist. This position of the hand without additional means of protection is very sensitive, so it is quite easy to get sprained tendons and bruises, fractures and rupture of the boxer’s knuckle joint capsule.

Professional boxers do not advise young athletes to neglect protection. Due to long-term training in practicing impacts, inflammatory processes form in the joints, which can lead to serious metacarpophalangeal diseases. Abrasions and abrasions on the skin also become inflamed, causing the boxer severe pain.

Concentrating all fingers in one line helps not only protect the hand from injury, but also increases the power of the strike. The bandage absorbs excess moisture and prevents it from penetrating inside the glove, which keeps the inside of the glove clean and increases its service life.

Boxing bandage options

Fabric strips for wrapping hands are divided into two types: amateur and professional. In sporting goods stores in 2020, three types of bandages from the best manufacturers of accessories for the protection of fighters are presented.

Mexican elastic bandages

Produced by combining cotton and synthetic threads. Depending on the technology used by different manufacturers, the percentages of cotton and elastic may have different values.

Advantages:

• They stretch well, perfectly follow the contour of the hand and firmly fix the palm and wrist. One edge of the bandage is equipped with a ring that tightly presses the thumb to the index finger, and on the other edge there is a fastening for the bandage.

Flaws:

• Low breathability and short shelf life.

Professional boxers who are fluent in the wrapping technique prefer elastic bandages.

Cotton bandages

These are dense strips of cotton fabric without synthetic impurities. There is a thumb ring. The bandage is secured using Velcro or a hook.

Advantages:

• Excellent air permeability and moisture absorption;
• The fabric material does not stretch, so it is almost impossible to get a circulatory disorder if it is wound correctly on the palm;
• Effectively protect the boxer's hands while working in the ring or training;
• Suitable model for long-term use under gloves.

Flaws:

• Without experience in wrapping a bandage, there is a danger of constriction of blood vessels and nerve endings of the fingers.

Gel sports bandages

A variant of protective equipment that is used by both beginners and experienced boxers for training. It can hardly be called a “bandage”. In fact, this is a lightweight version of a boxing glove. Fingerless, with additional gel pads on the “boxer’s knuckles” and tape for wrapping the wrist. They are worn under the main gloves, but can be used without them: when working with pears, bags and when practicing strikes on dummies.

Advantages:

• Gel bandages save time on wrapping. They fit securely on your hands. It doesn't take much skill to quickly equip yourself for training.
• Convenient use of this attribute of protection is determined by an additional bandage for more reliable fixation of the wrist.
• Rubber gel helps reduce vibration moments when striking.

Flaws:

• Gel pads quickly lose their protective properties and do not absorb sweat;
• Usually purchased by beginner boxers who do not have the skills to wrap their hands with traditional bandages.

Rating of high-quality models of boxing bandages

A 2020 review of popular types of boxing bandages is presented by the best brands of both foreign and Russian manufacturers of sports equipment.

Brand INDIGO

Elastic bandages

The fabric composition is pure cotton with a small addition of nylon threads. An individual means of protection against possible damage to the skin and wrist in the ring during a fight or working with training equipment.

Elastic bandages INDIGO

Brand Ray sport

Elastic bandages

An elastic sports bandage is designed to restore the working functions of tendons and prevent injury to the wrists and metacarpophalangeal joints of the hands. There is a thumb grip and a Velcro bandage attachment. A budget version of a popular model for optimal wrist fixation.

Elastic bandages Ray sport

Brand Clinch

Elastic bandages

Popular models of bandages from one of the best manufacturers provide reliable and inexpensive protection for the skin of the hands and all joints of the hand and wrist. Helps reduce the risk of injury. They stretch slightly, which provides a rigid fixation of the wrist. They have a loop on one edge of the tape and a hook or Velcro on the other edge.

Elastic Clinch Bandages

Brand Bad Boy

Elastic bandages

An exemplary bandage for protecting the arm joints from dislocations. In order to increase the elasticity and quality of the material, the developers added a little lycra to the natural fabric.

Bad Boy elastic bandages

Brand Venum Contact

Gel bandages

High-quality gel bandages are an optimally simple and effective way to protect a boxer’s hands. Gel Shock System technology reduces vibration from impacts, and the fastening system provides an excellent fit and rigid fixation of the wrist.

This model cannot be used when working with a bag.

Venum Kontact gel bandages

Elastic bandages

The boxing attribute of Venum brand wrist and hand protection is made of natural fabric with the addition of nylon threads, which does not interfere with air access to the skin of the hands. Absorbs sweat well. The strength of the fastening is ensured by the Velcro fastener. The Venum logo is displayed on the outside of the glove.

Elastic bandages Venum Kontact

Brands Rusco

Cotton bandage

Convenient fabric bandage for rigid fixation of the metacarpophalangeal joints. Does not stretch, has a dense fabric structure. Closure in the form of a textile hook and Velcro. Excellent value for money and quality.

Cotton bandage Rusco

Gel bandages

Official bandages from the Russian MMA Union, increased strength, a wonderful alternative to the traditional elastic bandage. These are cotton fingerless boxing gloves with gel pads in the area of ​​the metacarpophalangeal joints.

Gel bandages Rusco

Brand Green Hill

The main supplier of popular models of boxing bandages to Russia in 2020, offers three types of products:

Cotton bandages

The dense fabric does not stretch, but when wrapped correctly, it firmly holds the skeleton of the hand in an anatomically correct position and does not hinder the movement of the hands. Absorbs moisture well and allows air to pass through.

Green Hill cotton bandages

Elastic bandages

Composition: cotton and synthetic fibers. The bandage is equipped with a thumb ring, and after wrapping it around the hand, it is secured with a hook or Velcro. The purpose of the bandage is to individually protect the boxer’s hands from possible damage to the hand and skin of the hands. Increased glove life.

Everlast brand

Holds the palm in terms of demand for boxing equipment and protective attributes.

Cotton bandages

The quality of the material guarantees a strong hold on the brush. A convenient ring and Velcro fastener securely holds the thumb and secures the bandage.

Everlast Cotton Bandages

Adidas brand

Elastic bandages

Helps reduce the risk of injury to the athlete's hands. The ultimate Adidas stretch wrap features a high quality cotton and elastane blend with a thumb ring and convenient Velcro closure.

Adidas elastic bandages

Gel bandages

Thanks to the innovative Climcool technology, which is used in the production of Adidas gel bandages, the boxer's hands remain dry for the entire period of the fight or training.

Mesh inserts act as an air conditioner, providing constant air circulation inside the glove. Rubber pads filled with gel with a thickness of up to 10 mm provide complete safety to the phalanges of the fingers, and a good fit and an additional bandage are securely fixed with Velcro.

Adidas Gel Bandages

How to choose the right bandage for boxing

The first thing beginners begin boxing with is the understanding that this sport does not tolerate neglect of any little things. This applies equally to both the training process itself and the fighter’s equipment.
An important attribute of boxing equipment is the item hidden under the gloves - the bandage.

Parameters for optimal selection of bandages

The main criteria to consider when selecting a suitable model:

• method of winding a bandage on the hand;
• size and anatomical features of the palm;
• size and volume of free internal space of gloves;
• saturation of expected loads.

The right choice of protective accessory is the key to safe and fruitful training.

To size

Types of bandages differ only in color, fabric composition and length. Strip width 5 cm, standard for all types.

If the length of the purchased bandage is not enough for a particular type of winding, you should buy products with a larger size. And if you get extra length, you just need to make additional turns on the wrist.

How long should the bandage be?

The choice of bandage length depends only on the method of wrapping it around your hand. If for the classic version, 2-3 m is enough, then the cross type of winding needs a longer bandage: 4-5 m. The more turns of the fabric strip you need to make, the better the fixation of the wrists. It all depends on the technique of bandaging the joints of the hand. Long stripes imply a larger number of turns, and therefore a larger fist.

Boxing wrap techniques

There are three winding methods. In order to quickly acquire the skills of correct winding, you need to choose one of the methods. Both the selection of a bandage and the choice of technique are an individual decision for each boxer. Therefore, it is recommended to first try all versions of the winding to choose the most convenient one for yourself.

• "Straight"

A simple wrapping method for beginner boxers. The main thing is the exact sequence of actions: from the wrist, the strip is applied to the plane of the palm to the knuckles, then in the opposite direction, wraps the wrist and is secured with a clasp. The usual length of a bandage using this method is 2 – 3 meters.

• "Cruciform"

A more complex method of fixing the hand and wrist, providing reliable protection to the ligaments and increasing the power of the blow. The wrapping technique in this case involves winding the bandage crosswise around the phalanges of the fingers. The main thing is that folds should not appear and the edges of the bandage should not curl. To secure the hand in this way, you will need at least 4.5 meters of bandage, depending on the size of your hand.

• "American"

Complete wrapping of the palm, covering the interdigital areas. The fingers themselves remain free from the bandage. This method also requires a bandage of maximum length.

Regardless of the technology chosen, three unspoken rules should be followed:

1. The tension force of the bandage should have a “golden mean” - not too tight and not too weak;
2. Only wrapping the hand yourself will allow you to correctly determine the degree of pressure of the bandage;
3. Constant use of the bandage both during combat with a partner and during training on simulators.

It takes time to master the winding technique until the actions become automatic. Beginners, learning boxing skills, often interrupt training to loosen the winding or to strengthen it.

As you know, there are two main types of boxing wraps: the first ones, which stretch, and the second ones, which do not stretch. Both the first and second options can be used in martial arts, but what is the fundamental difference between them and which should you choose? Looking ahead, I will say that there is no definite answer to this question; only after trying different models and options of bandages, you can decide what is best for you. We will tell you about their fundamental differences.

Our catalog of boxing bandages includes both global brands Adidas, RDX, Green Hill, Venum, Title, Everlast, as well as domestic versions SportKo, Reyvel, etc. The abundance of models, as well as a large selection at price, will allow you to choose the best solution just for you.

And now about the differences. The only difference in bandages is the material from which they are made. Stretchable ones are made using polyester or spandex; bandages that do not stretch are made from 100% natural cotton. Depending on the material, you can use different hand bandaging techniques. If you don’t know how to wrap boxing bandages, we recommend reading our material.

We distinguish fundamentally three different groups of bandages:

• 100% cotton;
• 100% polyester or similar;
• cotton with polyester.

Cotton bandages

As mentioned above, only cotton is used in the production of such bandages. The structure of such models is usually herringbone. In the photo you can clearly see the structure of the cotton fabric. This is a durable natural material that can withstand heavy loads. It is easy to dye, so you can find bandages for almost every taste and color. The most popular options are white, black, blue, red and yellow.

Among the obvious differences from other bandages:

• high density;
• large material thickness;
• lack of elasticity;
• herringbone fabric or similar.

It should be noted that the natural cotton itself used in production may differ. Depending on the quality of the material, bandages can be hard or soft. The process of painting them is also important. If this is a budget option, the bandages can shed a lot, they must be washed before use, otherwise you risk staining your hands the color of the bandages.

The most popular are cotton bandages from the Green Hill brand. This model takes first place in our ranking of boxing bandages in terms of the number of customer orders.

Polyester bandages

Polyester models are distinguished by a thinner thickness of the fabric itself, as well as elasticity. Such bandages stretch easily and better secure both the wrist and the fist itself. The photo shows the structure of polyester bandages. The presence of synthetic additives, as well as the high-quality structure of the material, guarantee high strength, wear resistance and durability of such bandages.

Elasticity also has its drawbacks, for example, without proper preparation, you can easily tighten your arms and experience discomfort during training. To avoid this, try to bandage without force, so that after clenching your fist, the bandage is slightly stretched and provides a tight fit.

In most cases, polyester bandages are very soft and do not damage your hands even during the most intense workouts. Due to the elasticity of the bandage itself, they do not slip over the knuckles and do not scratch them. A similar situation applies to color. Polyester does not stain your hands, even if they sweat during exercise.

The characteristic differences of polyester are:

• thinner material;
• good elasticity (stretch);
• high strength;
• improved fixation of the hand and wrist.

Polyester has earned the trust and respect of a large number of athletes and coaches. We recommend that you pay attention to Adidas polyester boxing bandages, which were included in our customer favorites rating.

Combined models

These types of bandages are made using both natural cotton and synthetic elastic materials. The main difference from cotton bandages is elasticity, and from polyester bandages – in the thickness and density of the material. As you can see from the photo, the structure of such bandages is slightly different from both cotton and polyester.

From our rating you can see Everlast boxing bandages. A fairly dense material will allow you to bandage your hand well even with a limited length of the bandage itself. If your hand in a glove “dangles”, using these bandages, you can securely fix it, the glove will sit tightly on your hand.

The fabric in such bandages is also soft and does not damage your hands. You can choose any color that interests you, from blue, red to black. Combined bandages were highly appreciated among our managers. True, it took a little skill to bandage them comfortably.

Summing up

It should be noted that there are no models in boxing bandages that could be called “bad” or “good”. It all depends on your individual taste and preferences. Each material used in the production of bandages has its pros and cons.

However, if you are a beginner and have not formed specific preferences for yourself, we still recommend choosing soft cotton bandages; they will serve you well and help you understand which bandages will be most comfortable for you.

Any boxing, both amateur and professional, is impossible without the use of an important accessory - boxing bandages. Their main task is to support the boxer's wrist joints in a natural position. In addition, bandages protect the skin from damage. However, let's talk about this in more detail.

Why do boxers use hand wraps?

The hand of any person consists of many bones and joints. Alas, as practice shows, novice boxers regularly make mistakes that are simply impossible to avoid at the initial stage. The result can be various injuries:

• Sprains;
• Dislocations;
• Fractures.

Therefore, for beginning athletes, boxing bandages are a real lifesaver, an insurance that reliably fixes the athlete’s wrist and protects him from possible injuries.

However, bandages, which can be purchased inexpensively today, should be used not only by beginners, but also by experienced boxers. After all, even a perfect blow can land in the wrong place, for example, on the opponent’s elbow. If this suddenly happens, and the small bones of the wrist are not fixed, they may simply crack.

Let us note that boxing bandages (in Moscow and throughout Russia you can buy them without even leaving your home, for example here at WarriorMMA) perform not only protective, but also hygienic functions. Thus, they absorb sweat and prevent moisture from penetrating inside the boxing gloves.

Types of boxing bandages

Today there are several types of boxing bandages:

• Plain, made from cotton;
• Elastic bandages (another name is Mexican);
• Bandage gloves.

Let's talk about them in a little more detail. Thus, cotton bandages for boxing perfectly absorb moisture and allow air to pass through. They are fixed with Velcro. Features a thumb loop.

To make elastic bandages, synthetic and natural materials are combined. Such bandages are very practical; they secure the fist as firmly as possible. The disadvantages of Mexican bandages are the following: they quickly lose their shape and cannot boast the same good breathability as the aforementioned cotton ones.

Bandage gloves help to tap a boxer's hands as quickly as possible. In fact, they have nothing in common with the bandages that we talked about earlier. More like lightweight gloves with cut off fingers.

What should be the length of boxing wraps?

These bandages do not have standard sizes. As a rule, their length can vary from 2.5 to 5 meters. So, for regular fixation, a bandage 120 inches long is suitable, but for cross bandaging, tapes at least 180 inches long are suitable. As for the width of the bandages, it, in turn, can vary from 2 to 10 centimeters. The best option is ribbons 5 centimeters wide.

We consider it our duty to name the most famous manufacturers of boxing bandages (their price is slightly higher, but the quality is at the highest level). Thus, the following companies are on the list of leaders:

• Everlast;
• Adidas;
• BadBoy;
• RDX Venum.

Therefore, if you choose the above-mentioned manufacturers, you can rest assured: the products of these companies can safely be called high-quality and durable.

Designed to fix joints in their natural position and protect the skin from damage. How many meters should a boxing bandage be? Long and short products are available for sale. There are several winding methods, for which the size is selected from 2.5 to 5 meters. If the boxer wraps the wrists, hands and phalanges, the length should be 4.5 meters. Regular fixation can be performed with a 3 meter bandage.

Purpose by length

• Short ones (2.5 meters) are used for wrapping the hand without fixing the fingers. The product is held by a hand and a fist. These products are bought for children.
• Long ones (from 3 meters) are used to wrap and fix each finger. They protect the entire fist from injury.

What length should boxing bandages be for beginner athletes?

Don’t think that short ones will require significantly less time for bandaging. With just a little practice, wrapping 3m long boxing wraps will take a few minutes. At the same time, the products provide good protection.

Varieties

To understand which boxing bandages are best, you should familiarize yourself with the features of each type. Products are distinguished:

• cotton;
• elastic;
• in the form of gloves.

Cotton

They are a cotton ribbon with a thumb loop. Fixed with Velcro. The products allow air to pass through well. When winding, you do not need to use excessive force so as not to squeeze blood vessels and tissues or cause numbness. Bandaging quickly requires skill.

Elastic

A combination of synthetic and natural materials is used in production. These are practical products, they do not limit mobility and firmly fix the fist. Air permeability is lower than that of cotton counterparts. You don’t need to put a lot of effort into winding to avoid numbness in your limbs.

Bandage gloves

They are used to perform quick bandaging. These are gloves with cut off fingers. The products fit well on the hand. The convenience was appreciated by beginners and professional athletes.

Boxing bandages are necessary to protect your hands from injuries and damage.

A correctly selected bandage greatly facilitates training and protects the inner surface of the gloves from wear.

Regardless of the manufacturer, there are a number of characteristics based on which an athlete can choose a suitable product for himself.

What are boxing wraps used for?

Boxing bandages help solve several problems at once:

1. They protect against injury during competition or training. For example, in the event of an incorrectly delivered blow, the winding fixes the wrist joint, preventing a sprain. It is important to note that it protects the bones, namely the first metacarpal bone.
2. Absorbs sweat and increases the life of gloves.

During training, the same bandage can be used multiple times.

There is no single answer to the question “which boxing wraps are best.” Each athlete selects them for himself based on personal preferences, existing skills in sports and even the size of his hands.

Since your hands need to be bandaged under gloves, you should choose bandages right under them. If sports equipment is chosen for a child, then the clamps should wrap only around the hand, without the thumb. Usually 2.5 meters of canvas is enough for this procedure.

For adults, the preferred sizes are slightly different - about 4 meters.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the material that is used to make these clamps. It is better for children to purchase cotton fabric ones, since when bandaged correctly, they do not overtighten the arm during training.

How to determine the appropriate material?

Boxing bandages are made from natural and synthetic materials. The most popular were:

1. Cotton products have a number of advantages: they do not stretch and perfectly absorb sweat during training and sparring. It is also a “breathable” material that prevents diaper rash. However, due to the low elasticity of cotton bandages, they are quite difficult to wrap, especially for beginners. Often inexperienced athletes make either too tight turns or too loose.
2. or Mexican bandages are made of synthetic and semi-synthetic materials. Thanks to spandex, the stretchability of the fabric increases significantly. These products are practical, securely fix the fist, but are completely airtight. They are also more wear-resistant and even after numerous washes do not lose their properties.
3. more popular in training than in competition. In their name, the word “bandage” is quite nominal and reflects the purpose of the gloves rather than their appearance.

It is worth separately highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of elastic fabrics over cotton fabrics. The former are quite easy to use, but inexperienced athletes often over-tighten their hands and joints, putting excessive pressure on them. And during the first times of use, it is quite difficult to choose the correct degree of compression. Cotton ones are much more difficult to wind; this requires special skill and experience.

What length is suitable for athletes?

Sports hand wraps are available in various sizes. And if the width is approximately the same (from 50 to 100 mm), then you will have to work hard to find a convenient length. After all, this category also has its own characteristics.

1. The length of amateur fighting wraps ranges from 2 meters or more (the recommended length for a beginner is 2.5 m).
2. For professionals, it should not be shorter than 4 meters.

This significant difference is explained by the difference in loads. After all, a professional athlete’s fight lasts three and sometimes four times longer than a beginner’s. For women and children, a bandage of 2.5 to 3 meters is sufficient, while bandages of 3.8, 4 and 5 meters are suitable for adult men.

Which manufacturer should you prefer?

Bandages for hand-to-hand combat or boxing are a mandatory attribute of both training and competitions. Numerous sports equipment manufacturing companies offer a wide range of them.

Title bandages Everlast bandages Twins bandages Venum bandages Venum bandages Adidas K bandages

The Title company produces three-layer cotton bandages of various lengths and colors. The greatest demand is for products from Everlast, which has become a true tycoon in the market of sports equipment and auxiliary materials. They produce elastic fabrics, the first 103 cm of which are impregnated with a special gel shock absorber cushion. It improves and significantly increases the protective properties and makes the blow harder.

Twins specializes in equipment for professional boxers. There are completely different options for choosing the length, and they vary from the requirements of the athlete himself. All products are equipped with Velcro and a lock for the first finger of the hand.

Venum bandages are used primarily by mixed martial arts athletes. Their length (4 meters) is enough to securely fix the hand of a large man.

Winding a bandage or taping a hand requires certain skills and abilities.

Only after many attempts can an athlete choose the appropriate product size for himself and determine the advantages and disadvantages of various models and fabrics.