If your options are limited. There's no replacement for a high quality banana bag but if you have no place to hang one or fear knocking the beams down from the ceiling in the garage, this is a really great option.
The bag itself is relatively light & a bit softer than I'd like it to be, but when the base is filled, it definitely stands up to whatever punishment you can dish at it. There is a bit of play (maybe an inch or so) which tends to loosen the more you kick or punch. (Though a quick twist of the bag on the base will eliminate the additional movement) That being said, here is a warning for you... If you like throwing elbows, either have a partner support the bag, or get in closer than you would a typical hanging bag. Reason being, if you stand too far out when you strike, the bag will move an inch or so away from you leaving a nice streak of skin from your now friction burned elbow. Knees are somewhat similar as well but without the burn. At the standard distance, you may as well throw knees at a curtain hanging in your hallway. In order to feel the bag, you'll need to get much closer which is a big awkward standing practically flush to the base. This could be detrimental to your training so it would be wise to grab a partner & hit the Thai pads so you get a little variation.
All in all, it does everything I need it to do. It tends to move all around the mats in my garage, even when completely filled but I don't really mind. Forces me to work the bag from all angles & whack it where I want it to go. I can practice all of my standard Muay Thai drills without a partner considering the fairly large surface area. Low kicks which you'd typically do w/ a partner holding a Leg Kick Pad, punches, elbows, knees, etc... Most importantly, I cannot kick it down. If you can kick this thing down, you should try out for the UFC or potentially as a Placekicker for the NFL. Better yet, go to the Lumberjack World Championships in Hayward, Wisconsin & blow away the competition by kicking trees down w/ your bare shins.
Suggestions: If they could build a non-slip base, eliminate the play & stiffen up the bag to simulate a heavy-bag feel, this would definitely be a true banana bag replacement...Regardless, there aren't any freestanding bags like this on the market & Amazon has the most competitive price with free shipping. Awesome...
Product Description
Century's ultimate training bag, the Wavemaster XXL offers the largest kicking and punching surface on the market. The Wavemaster XXL stands 69 inches tall and measures a full 18 inches in diameter, giving you plenty of space to practice your martial arts technique. The striking surface is also high quality, with a durable vinyl cover sitting atop high-density foam. And thanks the low-profile base and ultra-stable weight distribution, this bag will hold up sturdily to your training routines. Built with an extra-large fill hole that accommodates either sand or water, the Wavemaster XXL weighs roughly 270 pounds when filled and assembles tool-free.
About Century
Century began producing martial arts products in 1976, and today is recognized as the largest supplier of martial arts gear in the world. Currently located in Midwest City, Oklahoma, has expanded its product lines over the past 30 years to encompass boxing, media, yoga, and fitness products. The company employs a diversified group of professionals--many of whom are martial artists themselves--with the goal of helping every customer learn how martial arts can profoundly change lives.
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