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My Alternative for a Heavy Bag Hanger From a Joist

 Husky Hang-Alls

Specifications as provided by manufacturer:
The Crown Bolt Husky 300 lb. 36 in. Zinc-Plated Steel Hang-All features quick-release hook and loop fastening and is ideal for organizing and hanging rope, chain, tubing, gardening tools and much more.

• Ideal for organizing and hanging rope, chain, tubing, gardening tools and much more
• Supports up to 300 lb.
• Steel construction
• 36 in. L
• Zinc-plated clasp and black material
• Heavy-duty strap
• Quick-release hook and loop fastening
• Hook can be easily removed

Price $7

Product Link

Review:
          I found this as a great alternative to the Everlast universal heavy bag hanger (Review Here). This product is easy to install and hang a bag from, I use it for a tear drop bag in the garage. The swivel head on this strap allows for the bag to turn without twisting the chains. The straps come in 100, 200, and 300 lbs capacities. The 300 lbs one is only $7 so I would just recommend getting that one.  This is great if you just want to hang a bag without putting any screws or bolts in your wood joists where you wish to hang it while still wanting a semi permanent hanger. Even though i'm not using this product as intended it still makes for a great hanger and has a large weight capacity which is nice. I rate this strap for its use as a Hanger 3.5 fists out of 5

www.FightGearReview.com

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Jillian Michaels 20 lbs Kettlebell / Weider Kettlebell Review

Jillian Michaels / Weider  20 lbs Kettlebell

Specifications as provided by manufacturer:

• 5 lb Handle
• 5 plates Adjust in 3 lb increments
• Instructional DVD included
• Adjustable 20-pound kettlebell with space-saving design
• Lets user increase intensity without buying new weights
• Comes with 30-minute instructional DVD and exercise chart
• Measures 7.75 x 9.5 x 6 inches (W x H x D);
• 90-day warranty
• Single 5-pound handle and five 3-pound weight plates

Price $100-200

Product Link

Review:

          This product is similar to the original Weider adjustable kettle bell I reviewed in that they operate in the same way how ever these kettle bells have a redesigned shape. The problem I had with the other Weider kettlebell was where it would impact your arm on the top corner of the kettlebell which hurt a lot and caused bruising and soreness. These rounded versions are now more in the shape of a traditional kettlebell which spreads the impact over more surface area. The Julian Michaels versions looks identical to the Weider kettlebell with the only difference being the color of the weight changing latch is blue. Like I said in my previous review I wouldn't recommend dropping this on the ground as I can see it damaging the mechanism or the weights themselves as I am unsure of what exactly they are made of. To see the review of the original Weider kettlebell click Here. Because they did improve the design of the kettle bell I give this version 3 fists out of 5

www.FightGearReview.com

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Ring To Cage GelTech Mini Punch Mitts Review

Ring To Cage GelTech Mini Punch Mitts

Specifications as provided by manufacturer:

• All leather construction.
• A full 2" of padding to absorb shock as well as a full size mitt. 6 1/2" wide, 7 1/2" height. 
• Multiple layer of padding with GelTech absorbs shock. 
• Curved design with grip ball for anatomically correct hand position. 
• Smaller surface area helps develop timing and speed. 
• This new style comes with velcro strap over the wrist area for perfect fit 
• Weighs: 8oz

Really hone your striking skills with these 8 oz. Mini Punch Mitts. The smaller striking surface sharpens your accuracy and timing during training sessions, so you can be strike with precision when you get into the ring. Made of 100% leather, the Mini Punch Mitts are well-stitched and durable.

Price $49

Product Link

Review:

          Ring to cage's Geltech Mini Punch Mitts are a great pair of mitts to throw in your gym bag, back pack or anywhere since they are small enough to fit while leaving enough room for the rest of your gear. The mitts feature full leather construction giving you great durability that will last. The grip ball inside the mitt makes all the difference when holding mitts providing better comfort and control. Because of the size of these mitts the person training has to focus and throw punches more precisely in order to land them accurately on these mitts. As a holder these mitts are great, I can move quickly re-positioning my hands for the next punch.
          If you want to employ some grappling techniques into your training while still striking these are great for that as well. I like to end a combination with the holder going in for a take down and the person striking has to sprawl out and these mitts are perfect for that they almost feel like your wearing gloves. These are also great for ground striking from guard or mount whether the striker is in guard, mount, pulling guard or mounting the holder there easy enough to maneuver around.
          After doing some searching on ring to cage's site  I could not find this model of mitts then I noticed they replace it with another but they enclosed the back which seems to be the only difference in the two. I don't know if this means they no longer sell the opened back ones or not but the enclosed versions look just as great as the open ones.
After using this product I give it 3.5 fists out of 5.

www.FightGearReview.com

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Weider Power Switch Kettle Bell 20 lbs Review

Weider Power Switch

Kettle Bell, 20 lbs

Specifications as provided by manufacturer:

Kettle bells are versatile enough for numerous workouts. The off-balance design creates a demanding exercise and allows a free range of motion for a comfortable, effective workout. As Seen On TV.

• 5 lb handle
• Six 2.5 lb plates
• SpaceSaver design
• Quickly adjusts from 5-20 lbs
• Workout DVD
• Guide to healthy eating
• Simply pull the lock, twist to remove and add weights
• Stated weight subject to +/- 5% variation
• 40-lb. set adjusts 10 - 40 lbs.
• 10-lb. handle and six 5-lb. weight plates

Price $100

Product Link

Review:

          While in a Walmart in Utah I saw this product (20 lb version ) and the 20 lb Julian Micheals Version on clearance (Review to come later) so I picked both up for 40$ and I was extremely excited about that as I've seen them retail for $100 to $200. This product is a great concept as its 6 kettle bells in one, which is great for saving space. The mechanism to unlock and lock in the plates is easy to operate and seems to function fine so changing from one weight to another is simple and fast. The construction of this items appears to be solid, however while working out with it do expect to here some "clacking" of the weight plates shaking and hitting each other. Also I wouldn't recommend against letting this kettle bell hit the ground by dropping it or throwing it as i'm going to speculated that may cause damage to the mechanism and or break the plates.
          While using this product I noticed that when doing some of the work outs the rounded corner of the top black edge will rest and or hit your forearm or back arm creating a single point of impact which is very uncomfortable and causes soreness and bruising. Unlike a normal kettle bell which is rounded and has more surface area that may rest against your arm this one is all at that one edge. The workout dvd that comes with this system will get you started but you can find plenty of kettle bell workouts online in places like youtube. While time will only tell how durable this kettle bell is and how it would withstand being man handled during intense training I rate this product 2.5 fist out of 5.

www.FightGearReview.com
youtube.com/fightgearreview

Combat Sports MMA Hybrid Sparring Gloves Review

Combat Sports MMA

Hybrid Sparring Gloves

Specifications as provided by manufacturer:

• Hybrid style MMA gloves are durable enough for training with the necessary support for competition.
• Thick segmented padding across the knuckles and back of the hand
• Open palm for full mobility and grip
• Wrap-around hook-and-loop wrist strap for better wrist stability and protection
• Synthetic leather construction for resiliency

Price $29

Product Link

Review:
          Combat sports hybrid glove is marketed as a sparing glove as it has a thicker pad than most mma gloves do. The thicker pad can be beneficial as it provides more protection for your own firsts and your partner, however the thickest part of the padding is around 2 inches while this does provide more protection it also hinders your movement and submissions while grappling. With this in mind don't expect to be able to easily slip your hand in a tight spot and get a guillotine if the person your training with has a very tight defense. I followed the fitting chart and purchased the size it said to, I felt they ran big but that depends if you wrap or not and how long your wraps are. I usually use a pair of slip on wraps with gel protection as I don't have the patience to wrap each hand, also it takes a bit of practice to learn how to properly wrap your hands for better protection.
          Back to the Gloves the open palm and thumb help ventilate as well as give you more flexibility in grappling. While training with these gloves I did notice they want to stay flat and give you resistance when your closing your hand into a fist. Its almost like closing your fist with a spring attached to it that wants to pull it back open. This can exhaust your hands and make you spar/train with a more open hand than a fist. Not only on my pair but another pair a friend of mine has the stitching is coming out so theres bits of string hanging off of them. and so with my experience I give these gloves 2.5 fists out of 5

www.FightGearReview.com
youtube.com/fightgearreview

Bike Performance Cotton Boxer Cup Combo Review

Bike Performance Cotton

Boxer Cup Combo

Specifications as provided by manufacturer:
Boxer Design with a Cup Pouch
Cotton/Spandex body provides perfect fit
DRI-POWER® wicking cup pouch
Includes Proflex Max™ cup with flexible side edge for added comfort and mobility

Price $20

Product Link

Review:
          I purchased these as a pair at a sporting goods store back when I started in MMA for $20. After my first use I found out that the cup doesn't stay in place not only does it slide out of the pocket some it also lifts away and moves around. Had the pocket for the cup been made with a Velcro closure this system would have been a little better. So after the first use i started to wear another pair of compression shorts on top of these that seemed to help slightly with the shifting of the cup but still on occasion while doing Jiu Jitsu I have had my "Package" go outside of the cup or get smashed by the cup. This in itself could be a terrible injury with enough force to the groin area.
          Additionally the Boxers have become riddled with holes around the seams by my crotch and inner thigh, while it does not hinder the use it is still falling apart. The cup in this system does have a flexible edge to absorb some of the impact you may receive while training however don't expect it to not hurt.
         Overall the shorts are lacking in durability, I'm not sure how well they handle in other sports but for MMA I say pass on these and pick up a better set. Spend the extra $20 and pick up a nicer pair, after all this is your manly hood we are talking about protecting here!!! so in the end I give these shorts and cup 1.5 fists out of 5.

www.fightgearreview.comyoutube.com/fightgearreview.com

Contender Fight Sports MMA Grappling Shin Guards Review

Contender Fight Sports MMA Grappling Shin Guards

Specifications as provided by manufacturer:
The most secure fitting guards available. A neoprene wrap holds the guards firmly in place. Strategically placed shock absorbing foam covered with a synthetic leather striking surface. Designed specifically for the grappler.

Price $49

Product Link

Review:
       During training I observed people continuously reaching down to adjust their shin guards because they would turn or slip down. After observing this I decided I wanted to get a pair of shin guards I could rely on to stay in place. It just so happened at that time I found these rash guards on sale online for $19.99 which is a great deal since the suggested retail price of $49.99 seems out of line and expensive.
         These rash guards have a great design, the neoprene provides a nice fit that wont slip or turn. Another benefit of the neoprene is it will also warm up your calf area to help loosen you muscles. While training I usually end up with cramps in my calves during or after training but when I wear these thanks to the neoprene I no longer have that problem. There is also a Velcro strap on the tops of these shin guards to keep them up so whether its kicking a shield, Thai pads or checking a kick I know these shin guards will stay where I need them and protect my shins.
         Some negative aspects of these shin guards are due to the style it does take a little more effort to put on and take off as they are slip on and slip off. After 1 year of use these rash guards have a small rip along where the padding is sewn to the neoprene, I am still however using them during training. Based off my experience with these Contender Fight Sports Rashguards I give them 3.5 fists out of 5

www.FightGearReview.com
www.youtube.com/fightgearreview

Everlast Universal Heavy Bag Hanger Review

Everlast Universal

Heavy Bag Hanger

Specifications as provided by manufacturer:
Hang your heavy bag from any beam or pole that can support up to 200 lbs with this universal hanger from Everlast®. A rubberized interior surface prevents sleeve rotation, while embedded steel supports increase stability and strength. Heavy-duty nylon straps are ideal for security and safety.

Price $20

Product link

Review:
          I purchased this bag hanger because I wanted to hang my tear drop bag in my garage from the wood beams without having to drill or put a permanent hanger in. This product looked cool and seemed to be what I needed  so I purchased it online for under $20, a lot cheaper than suggested retail of $20-$29. After receiving this product I made an upsetting discovery, this product was made to fit exposed 2x6 wood joists, my garage had 2x4 wood joists. So after some thinking I decided to cut a scrap piece of 2x4 I had in half to make a 2x2 that I set on top of my 2x4 beam to essentially make it a 2x6.
          After strapping in this hanger and adjusting its length for my tear drop bag I noticed something about the hanger that made me weary of this product, the adjustable buckle is made of a very cheap plastic. So I went online to look for reviews low and behold every review I found said the plastic buckle had snapped causing the bag to fall down. Some also stated that the stitching on the strap had come undone also causing the bag to fall. After i finished reading the reviews I went to go and hang my bag up and hit it around for a bit, the buckle and the strap seemed to hold up, but i must point out my tear drop bag is lighter than the bags some of these people were putting on the hanger. I used the hanger for a day but felt uncomfortable leaving my bag hanging on it as a car is parked pretty close to where the bag hangs and I didn't want to risk the hanger breaking and sending the bag into the car. I also found a great alternative to this product which also helped me decide to not use it and use my new "hanger" instead, I'll write a blog about what  I found that works better than this later.
          So in the end i have decided to not use this product perhaps it may still find a use hanging a double end bag as those are light and wont cause as much stress on the buckle but due to its poor rating on most sites at just 1 star and the lack of trust i have in it to hold my bag I rate this product .5 fists out of 5

www.FightGearReview.com

www.youtube.com/fightgearreview

Contender Fight Sports Leather Punch Mitts Review

CONTENDER FIGHT SPORTS LEATHER PUNCH MITTS

Specifications as provided by manufacturer:

Two inches of closed cell foam padding reduces stress on joints and provides a light, easy-to-use mitt. Hook & loop hand compartment is easily adjustable. Constructed of synthetic leather with durable reinforced stitching.

Price $29

Product Link

Review:
          These were my first focus mitts I purchased and held for someone, they fit securely with the strap and your fingers are well protected inside the enclosed mitt, also you don't have to worry about poking the person your training's eye out. After holding for someone for a few rounds my hands would turn red from the red synthetic leather while not a big deal as it washes off its still annoying if you go to use other mitts and get red dye on them or anything else you touch. One thing to consider about these mitts are they are a flat mitt and in my opinion they are inferior to a curved focus mitt. Another thing i do not like about them is that they are synthetic leather, generally leather mitts are more durable. Also they do not feature a half ball palm which really makes the difference in a focus mitt. Additionally you may become more fatigued using these as appose to mitts with the half ball palm and curved structure as those absorb punches better. Be that as it may these focus mitts are a viable entry level mitt but don't expect to walk into a gym and see them use these.

          Originally I was happy with them but after using nicer pairs that featured a half ball palm and curved structure that were comparable in price I don't use these often, I might pull them out occasionally while training kids as their strikes have a weaker impact and I can wear these ones out as oppose to a nicer pair. I would rate these mitts 2.5 fist out of 5

www.FightGearReview.com

youtube.com/fightgearreview

Jaco Guardian Dual Tray Mouthguard Review

Jaco Guardian Dual Tray Mouth guard

Specifications as provided by manufacturer:

Used by top MMA athletes worldwide, the patented technology utilized by the Guardian Dual Tray Mouthguard significantly reduces the risk of concussion/brain trauma while protecting both upper and lower teeth.

• Patented dual tray design provides superior jaw stability and reduces the force of impacts to the jaw joint and base of brain by 40%, lowering the risk of concussion and protecting upper and lower teeth
• Internal shock absorbers disperse impact to protect upper and lower teeth and further reduce the risk of concussion
• Active airways allow you to breathe and speak freely while your jaw is closed and protected
• Dual density thermoplastic construction provides a perfect personalized fit even with braces
• Includes anti-microbial carrying case
• 100% Elvax Resin

Price $29

Product Link

Review:

    I purchased this product as a recommendation by an employee at an MMA shop, who said "it was the best double mouth guard they had". Taking his advice I put down another mouth guard I was going to purchase and bought this one. The price point of this mouth guard is definitely on the higher end but it does come with a case. I would still recommend waiting to purchase it when it goes on sale if you are set on getting this mouth guard. After following the boil and bite procedure and initial fitting I was disappointed with this mouth guard, it almost felt exactly the same before and after doing the boil and bite, It doesn't have a custom fitted feel to it at all. I also noticed that this bad boy is a lot of mouth guard to handle meaning that it is huge object to have in your mouth but that's the price to pay to have an easy to breath double mouth guard. That's one of the positives of this mouth guard its easy to breath through your mouth, your airway is almost unobstructed.

So my final thoughts on this mouth guard are do not purchase this if you find that some mouth guards cause you to gag as this one may trigger your gag reflex due to its size, if you are willing to compromise on size and fit for the breath-ability of this mouth guard than purchase it.  This mouth guard is rated pretty highly on some retail sites from 4 to 4.5 stars however I rate this mouth guard  2.5 fists out of 5

www.FightGearReview.com
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Shock Doctor Gel Max Mouth Guard Review

Shock Doctor Gel Max Mouth Guard

Specifications as provided by manufacturer:
EXOSKELETAL SHOCK FRAME™
Heavy duty rubber frame provides impact protection.

GEL-FIT™ LINER
Custom molds to teeth for a tight, comfortable fit.

MULTI-LAYER CONSTRUCTION™Our Multi-Layer Construction with an internal shock-absorbing frame offers protection and fit that outperforms conventional mouth guards.

Price: $10

Product Link

Review:
This is a boil and bite mouth guard that comes in a variety of colors including Maroon, Yellow, Orange, Black, Pink, Blue Black(as pictured), Purple, Red, Green, Grey, and Blue. The instructions and process of fitting this mouth guard is typical among most boil and bites and an easy one to understand and perform. The initial fit of this mouth guard was perfect, was tight enough of a fit that you could talk and the mouth guard would stay in place how ever after several uses it loses its tight fit and will become loose if trying to talk. This mouth guard isn't recommended for braces, if you have braces get a mouth guard designed for use with braces. This Mouth guard generally has favorable reviews online getting an average 3 to 4 rating.

The Gel-Fit™ Liner was very comfortable and provided a nice soft yet firm feeling around my teeth and gums, it wasn't as hard of a material as appose to what other mouth guards use. It also helped with taking impacts and felt like it absorbed them slightly better.

The Exoskeletal Shock Frame™ is where I have concerns about this product, on the frame there is an edge along the top side where I highlighted in red on the picture. which can cause discomfort or inadvertently cut the inside of your lip if you are to get hit there during training, I have yet to have it cut my lip but i have been hit in the mouth in that area and it does cause addition pain.

Additional problems I have had is the octagon area on the back parts of my mouth guard have lifted off and separated from the frame but i was expecting it would eventually with continual use as it is multi-layer construction. Additionally I left my training bag (which had the mouth guard in it) in my car for a few days, the heat in the car caused the mouth guard to become deformed.

Overall I liked this mouth guard it is well priced for an entry level mouth guard at just 10$ but due to my concerns over the frame and the octagon area separating I would have to rate this 2 out of 5 fists.

www.FightgearReview.com
Youtube.com/fightgearreview