As mentioned, Speed Bags come in many different Sizes and Shapes and over the years there has been variations of materials for the outer portion, where the fists make contact and the bladder that holds air inside. Variations by most popular makers are too numerous to mention for Size, Shapes, materials and, Bag attachment loops sizes can vary, almost from production lot to production lot. You get a bag you love this month and two months later that same model is just not the same. We at Speedbagcentral do not have an answer for that, but like most things with speed bag equipment….If you find one you like, buy as many as you can afford at the time, for there is no assurance it will be the same 6 months from now. Ahh! Our own insight is production changes are most likely driven by cost, and the “newer” version mostly like has cheaper production costs and higher profit margins. Rarely does a noticeable change result in a “better bag”, although occasionally it does happen. By in large we suggest that when you find a bag you love, do everything you can to make it last as long as possible. That means caring for the outer leather and having several replacement bladders.
Caring for the outer leather
Speed bags can come in various types of finished leathers. These can range from Cowhide to synthetic to older style Kangaroo. They all have one thing in common and that is they should occasionally be treated with some sort of leather conditioning cream or oil – and both are effective and it comes down to personal choice. The technique of application is basically the same for all leather and shown below
Repairing or Replacing the Bladder in Speed Bag
When a bag is leaking or keeps going soft, you can redeem it by changing the air bladder inside. This may also be a good fix for a bag that seems “dead” , or, it just doesn’t bounce well. The most important issue about changing the air bladder is have the correct size as well as air valve type, either internal or external.
There are number of great video’s online that demonstrate efficient ways change speed bag bladders. Here are few below:
Custom Speed Bags