I got the Ringside Air Focus Mitts from MMAOpinion.com’s store (http://www.mmaopinion.com/rs-air-mitts.html) for $39.99. I needed something that was a little better suited to boxing drills than thai pads and these looked like they would fit the bill. I’ve previously used focus mitts form (N)everlast, Combat Sports, Ringside (normal style), Top contender, and Title.
Here’s what MMAOpinion’s Site has to say about them:
- 3″ thick air and foam combo padding
- Durable leather construction
- Slip-on hand style for ease and stability
- Leightweight (12 oz.) design
- Perfect for both trainer and striker
A phenomenal mix of air and padding. Sleek design helps you and your trainer stay safe and comfortable.
At 3″ thick, these mitts utilize both air and foam padding in order to disperse the energy of even high impact strikes. The hand slip-on design assures easy use and stability.
12 oz. per glove, reliable leather construction.
They arrived in 3-4 days time, which is under my standard “5 business day” seal of approval.
First Impressions
I really like the look of quality white leather gear so I was immediately impressed with the blending of white, red, and black. I could tell that they were thicker than other focus mitts I’d used in the past. The logo in the middle of the mitts was neatly sewn on, also serving as a target. The stitching was all well done and didn’t have any loose threads or missed stitches. The padding is held within the leather shell by a paracord type lacing, the ends of which are not exposed.
Fit
Unfortunately, they’re a little tough for guys with bigger hands to put on. During a few boxing sessions guys with bigger hands all had trouble getting through the wrist strap, which is not adjustable. It has stretched a bit over 4-5 sessions with them. Other than that, once you had (forced) them on they fit great even with big hands. I couldn’t get them on when I had wraps on. If you have big hands, keep that in mind before purchasing them.
In the gym
I used these in boxing practice and they worked great. Because of the air padding they don’t get quite as loud during hard strikes on them like normal focus mitts do. If you’re training at home and that concerns you it may be something to consider. The Ringside logo made for a great contrasting target on the face of the mitts. I’d have like a little “cobra” shape to them too as strikes were landing in my wrist every now and then, but that was more of an issue of accuracy on my drilling partner.
Conclusion
For the price they’re a good value. Instead of having a “wrist tunnel” I would have preferred an adjustable strap. They’ve currently found a home in my datsusara bag so that I can do drills wherever my bag happens to be (pretty much always in my car).
