Okay, so I’ve been looking to upgrade my MMA gloves for a while now. My old ones were, well, old. And falling apart. Literally. So, I figured it was time to invest in a decent pair, and I kept seeing people talk about 16 oz gloves, even for MMA. I was curious, so I started digging.
My 16oz MMA Gloves Journey Begins
First, I hit up some forums and online groups. Lots of different opinions, naturally. Some people swore by the extra padding for sparring, saying it protected both me and my partner. Others were all about sticking with the lighter 4-6 oz gloves, claiming the heavier ones messed with their speed and technique. Totally understandable.
Researched, Compared, Repeat!
Then, I spent hours browsing different brands and models. Honestly, it was a bit overwhelming. There are SO many options out there! I narrowed it down based on reviews, looking for ones that mentioned good wrist support, durable materials, and, you know, actually fit well. I also considered the price, because, let’s be real, gear can get expensive.
- Some are too bulky.
- Some are poor quality.
- Some have to much padding.
The Big Test
Eventually, I pulled the trigger and ordered a pair. When they arrived, I immediately tried them on. The fit was snug, but not too tight, which was a good start. The padding felt substantial, definitely more than my old gloves. I did some shadow boxing, just to get a feel for the weight and how they moved. It took a little getting used to, but they felt pretty good.
Then came the real test: sparring. I headed to the gym and found a partner who was also cool with me trying out the new gloves. We started slow, just feeling each other out. I immediately noticed the difference in impact. The 16 oz gloves definitely absorbed more of the force, both when I was hitting and getting hit. My hands felt way more protected, and I wasn’t as worried about accidentally hurting my partner.
The Results Are In…
Over the next few weeks, I kept using the 16 oz gloves for sparring. I got more comfortable with the weight and adjusted my technique accordingly. I found that I could still throw punches with decent speed, and the added protection was a huge plus. I even noticed that my sparring partners seemed to appreciate it, too – nobody likes getting their bell rung unnecessarily.
So, in my personal, totally-not-a-pro-fighter opinion, the 16 oz MMA gloves have been a solid choice for sparring. They offer great protection, and with a little adjustment, they don’t mess with my technique too much. I’ll continue to use it. It’s been a good experience.
