As a beginner in Muay Thai, it’s important to understand the difference between Muay Thai gloves and boxing gloves to ensure you purchase the right pair for the right sport. Although both types of gloves may appear similar, they’re ultimately designed for different purposes and therefore feature different designs.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Muay Thai and boxing gloves and examine the various types of Muay Thai gloves that are best suited for a range of training and competition needs.
Differences Between Muay Thai Gloves and Boxing Gloves
Muay Thai and boxing gloves may be similar in appearance, but they are quite different from each other. Muay Thai gloves offer more flexibility to allow for moves such as grabbing or catching kicks. Boxing gloves have more rigid padding that offers greater protection but restricts movement during sparring or training sessions.
The wrist support in each type of glove is also different. Boxing gloves have a longer and more rigid wrist support compared to Muay Thai gloves. Boxing gloves also fit higher on the forearm which offers the athlete greater wrist protection. On the other hand, Muay Thai gloves fit lower on the forearm, which offers less wrist protection but allows for greater flexibility and superior clinching ability.
Different Types of Muay Thai Gloves
When it comes to Muay Thai gloves, the overall design is the same, but the main differentiating factor is glove weight/size. Most athletes have multiple pairs of gloves for different applications.
Sparring
Sparring necessitates the use of heavier gloves such as 14 or 16oz for optimal protection for both yourself and your partner. It is important to expect frequent use of these gloves.
Heavy Bag and Pad Work
When it comes to bag work, medium-weight gloves – such as 12-ounce gloves – are preferred over heavier sparring gloves. The lower weight ensures faster punch speeds. However, even 14-ounce gloves are a suitable option for bag and pad work since they are safer for both you and your training partner in the event of any striking errors.
Competition
In order to maximize power and speed during Muay Thai fights, lighter gloves are preferred. Typically, fighters use gloves weighing between 8-10 oz for competition. However, heavier-weight fighters may opt for 12 oz gloves. Hand wraps offer an extra layer of protection, allowing both beginners and professionals to feel more confident and secure while competing.
As you can see, this means that when deciding on Muay Thai gloves, the activity for which they are intended must be taken into account as well. Quality materials and construction are also essential to ensure that your gloves last longer while providing maximum protection during intense training sessions or competitions.
Why You Should Own At Least Two Pairs Of Muay Thai Gloves
Owning multiple Muay Thai gloves is a must for those who take the sport seriously. You’ll use different gloves and different weights for each training and competitive scenario. Having multiple pairs also allows you to rotate them out, which will help extend their life and reduce wear and tear on any one pair.
Rotating your gloves helps avoid unnecessary damage from overuse. If you are using the same pair for both heavy bag work and sparring, they will eventually start to show signs of wear much sooner than if you had dedicated a specific set for each activity. By rotating your gloves, you can ensure that no single pair gets overused or damaged too quickly.
Finally, when selecting your Muay Thai gloves make sure they are made from quality materials such as double stitching, multi-layer padding, and quality leather. It’s worth investing in high-quality Muay Thai gloves since these tend to be better constructed with superior materials, which not only impacts your performance but your protection as well.
In Conclusion
When it comes to choosing Muay Thai gloves, quality is key. First and foremost, make sure you choose Muay Thai gloves over boxing gloves and also choose the right size/weight and material for your needs. And remember: when selecting Muay Thai gloves, always choose quality and do your best to select from the best Muay Thai brands possible.
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