Muay Thai is a highly demanding and exhilarating combat sport, and to excel in it, having the right gear is crucial. Amongst the essential equipment, your gloves are the most important gear you’ll be investing in. For beginners stepping into the world of Muay Thai and wanting to choose the right pair of gloves, this comprehensive guide will help you choose the best Muay Thai gloves tailored to your needs.
Consider Each Training Scenario
Most athletes in Muay Thai rotate between different gloves depending on the training scenario, such as heavy bag work, sparring, and competition. Depending on each scenario, different gloves are better suited to deliver the desired performance and protection. For beginners, your first pair of gloves should fall somewhere in the middle in order to support you across different uses.
The key difference between an athlete’s different pairs of gloves is the weight, while the overall design and structure remain the same.
For example, during training sessions, gloves are typically heavier than fight gloves in order to offer enhanced protection and support for your hand and protect your training partner as well.
Choosing Glove Weight
Since you’ll want your first pair of gloves to fit a variety of training scenarios (and give yourself plenty of protection while you’re still learning), beginners should opt for 12oz or 14oz gloves. Choosing between the two comes down to your body weight, where 150 pounds is typically the cut-off for opting for the lighter end of the spectrum.
As you advance in your training, you’ll then want to consider purchasing additional pairs of gloves to better suit different training scenarios.
Glove Weight by Performance Scenario
During sparring sessions in Muay Thai, you’ll eventually use heavier glove weights, typically ranging from 14oz to 16oz. The primary purpose of using heavier gloves is to prioritize the safety and protection of both yourself and your training partner. As sparring is a significant component of training, expect to utilize these gloves extensively in order to develop your skills.
When it comes to pad work or bag work, it is recommended to use medium-weight or lightweight gloves. Gloves weighing around 12 ounces are ideal as they offer less weight, allowing for faster punch speed. However, even 14-ounce gloves are suitable for bag and pad work, providing greater safety and protection.
During fights or matches, the emphasis is on delivering full power and speed. In such situations, lighter gloves are used. Muay Thai fights typically feature glove weights of 8-10 ounces. While 8oz gloves are the standard, it is not uncommon for heavier-weight fighters in competitions to use 10oz gloves. Remember, Muay Thai gloves are also sized by your body weight. Hand wraps are often used alongside gloves to provide additional protection for the hands and allow fighters to feel more confident and secure when using lighter gloves during matches. It’s important to note that there are some rules and competition regulations around hand wraps, which you can read here.
Investing in Quality and Durability
Investing in high-quality gloves is essential to ensure longevity and prevent frequent replacements. Look for trusted brands that manufacture gloves using quality materials such as full-grain leather, which offers better durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Some brands, such as CORBETTI, incorporate quality materials throughout the entire glove, such as full-grain leather, KEVLAR® thread, and sterling silver in the glove’s liner
Quality Padding and Protection
Muay Thai gloves typically feature a calculated and balanced multi-layered foam padding that serves to protect both the athlete and their training partners. Beginners should prioritize gloves with ample, quality padding, especially around the knuckles, to minimize the risk of potential injuries. Thumb reinforcement is also crucial to prevent thumb-related injuries during blocking or catching techniques.
Price vs. Value
While it may be tempting to go for budget-friendly and less-expensive options, compromising on quality is counterproductive, as it affects your performance and your protection, which is important for a beginner. Good quality gloves may come with a slightly higher price tag initially, but they will prove to be a worthwhile investment in the long run. Consider the balance between price and value, ensuring that you won’t have to spend more later to upgrade gloves too early on in your training career.
Research and Reviews
Before making a purchase, read unbiased reviews and seek recommendations from experienced practitioners or trainers. As with anything else in life, it’s important to make an informed decision.
In Conclusion
As a beginner in the world of Muay Thai, selecting the right gloves is one of the first important decisions you’ll make. Considering factors such as purpose, size, quality, comfort, padding, and price will guide you in finding the most suitable gloves for your needs. Remember, investing in high-quality gloves pays off by ensuring utmost hand protection, enhanced training experience, and overall progress in this electrifying combat sport. Get ready to unleash your potential with the help of your perfect pair of muay thai gloves!
