One of the most important pieces of equipment for Muay Thai fighters is gloves, which provide protection for the hands and wrists while delivering powerful blows. In this article, we will discuss the different sizes of gloves that are suitable for Muay Thai fighters.
In this article we will be discussing:
- Glove Weights
- 16oz Gloves
- 14oz Gloves
- 12oz Gloves
- 10oz Gloves
- 8oz Gloves
- How Does Weight Affects Glove Size?
Our Recommended Gloves
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Fairtex FGV1 (Amazon)
- Ergonomically engineered with a unique contoured and tight-fit hand compartment designed to provide a secure and snug fit
- Constructed of premium leather with the Fairtex foam system for excellent hand and knuckle protection
- All-purpose boxing gloves
- Handmade in Thailand. Size: 8 – 16 oz
Yokkao Matrix (Amazon)
- Made of premium leather, providing excellent durability and protection
- Perfect balance of comfort and performance for all your training and sparring sessions
- Superior wrist support, with an extra-long cuff and secure Velcro closure that keeps your hands safe and stable during even the most intense workouts
- Trusted by professional fighters around the world for their superior performance and quality
- Designed and made in Thailand.
Venum Elite (Amazon)
- Triple density foam
- Strengthened seams for long lasting quality
- Reinforced palm for maximum impact absorption
- Mesh panel placed under the fist for great thermal regulation
Glove Weights
The size of gloves that a Muay Thai fighter should wear depends on several factors, including the fighter’s weight, the purpose of the gloves, and the regulations of the fight. The most common sizes of gloves for Muay Thai are 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, and 16 oz. Let’s take a look at each size and when they are appropriate to use.
16 oz Gloves
The 16 oz gloves are the heaviest gloves and most versatile glove size for a Muay Thai fighter. If you are a beginner, 16oz gloves are where you should begin. Before you get ahead of yourself with different gloves for padwork, bag work, and sparring, keep it simple and get a pair of 16oz gloves. Do not look any further yet. This size is the standard for almost all Muay Thai gyms. These gloves offer the most protection and are suitable for all types of training, including pad work, bag work, sparring, and even professional fights. As you advance, your sparring partners will thank you too. In summary, this is the universal glove size. Cannot go wrong with a pair of 16oz.
14 oz Gloves
The 14 oz gloves are decently heavy gloves that are still very versatile. These gloves offer more protection than the 12 oz gloves and are suitable for pad work, bag work, light sparring, and amateur fights. Although these gloves are usually accepted for sparring, it is important to check in with your sparring partners first. The lighter the gloves, the more damage you will be inflicting on your partners. These are generally used more for padwork and bag work because they give more feedback than the 16oz pairs.
12 oz Gloves
Unlike the 14oz gloves, we generally recommend 12oz and lower gloves to be reserved for padwork and bag work only. These gloves are a bit too light for sparring and unless you are an advanced fighter, these gloves are not recommended for sparring purposes. For padwork and bag work, the lighter weight of these gloves give you more feedback and force you to be more accurate with your strikes.
10 oz Gloves
Okay, now we are entering advanced territory. Any glove that is 10oz and below is only suitable for training pad work and bag work (unless you are a professional fighter). Unless you are training to fight with lightweight gloves (MMA), this size is not suitable for sparring. However, as stated above, when doing pad work and bag work, this glove size will give you even more feedback and require even more accurate strikes. At this weight and lower, your knuckles will begin to feel it.
8 oz Gloves
The 8 oz gloves are the lightest gloves and are typically used by fighters who weigh less than 120 pounds. Again, these gloves can work for pad work and bag work but are not recommended for sparring as they offer minimal protection. Muay Thai fighters generally do not use any size that is lower than this (unless you are a child).
How does a fighter’s weight affect their glove size?
As we mentioned above, 16oz gloves are the universal glove size and is our recommended size for those training at a gym. However, it is important to note that a fighter’s weight is another primary factor that determines the appropriate size of gloves they should wear in Muay Thai. This is because the size and weight of the gloves affect the amount of protection the fighter’s hands and wrists receive, and this is especially important for fighters with different body weights.
Generally, fighters who weigh less than 120 pounds can wear gloves that weigh 12-14 ounces for bag work and pad work, and 14-16 ounces for sparring. This is because lighter gloves allow the fighter to move faster and with more agility, which is important for fighters who are smaller and need to be quick on their feet.
Fighters who weigh between 120 and 180 pounds can wear gloves that weigh 14-16 ounces for bag work and pad work, and 16 ounces for sparring. These gloves provide more protection for the hands and wrists, which is important for fighters who are larger and have more power in their punches and kicks.
Fighters who weigh more than 180 pounds can wear gloves that weigh 16-18 ounces for bag work and pad work, and 18-20 ounces for sparring. These gloves offer the most protection for the hands and wrists, which is important for fighters who are heavier and have more power in their strikes.
Conclusion
In summary, the size of gloves that a Muay Thai fighter should wear depends on several factors, including the fighter’s weight, the purpose of the gloves, and the regulations of the fight. It’s important for fighters to choose the appropriate size of gloves to ensure their safety and the safety of their opponents. Fighters should always consult with their coach or trainer to determine the appropriate size of gloves for their needs. With the right gloves, Muay Thai fighters can train safely and effectively and achieve their full potential in the sport.
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